Aerosol generating device having housing parts connected by snap fit connection and adhesive

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (3) comprises a housing (17) that at least partially defines an exterior surface of the aerosol generating device (3). The housing (17) comprises a first housing portion (19) that defines a first portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device (3) and a second housing portion (21) that defines a second portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device (3). The first housing portion (19) comprises a first mechanical engagement mechanism (53). The second housing portion (21) comprises a second mechanical engagement mechanism (51). The first mechanical engagement mechanism (53) and the second mechanical engagement mechanism (51) interlock to hold the first housing portion (19) and the second housing portion (21) in a predetermined position relative to each other. The first housing portion (19) and the second housing portion (21) are connected to each other by an adhesive.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, particularly to aerosol generating devices configured for use in combination with an aerosol generating article as an aerosol generating system for generating aerosols for ingestion. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems generally include an aerosol generating device that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol generating device is inserted into or disposed around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aerosol generating article may include a capsule that contains an aerosol-forming substrate, such as loose tobacco. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It would be desirable to provide such devices with improved or alternative waterproofing capabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing at least partially defining an outer surface of the aerosol generating device. The housing may comprise a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion defines a first portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device. The second housing portion defines a second portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device. The first housing portion comprises a first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second housing portion comprises a second mechanical engagement mechanism. The first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism interlock to hold the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a predetermined position relative to each other. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are further connected to each other by an adhesive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generation system having an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an end cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a cross-section indicated by II in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the second housing part of the aerosol generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a first housing part of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective partial view of the aerosol generating device with the second housing part removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device having a cross section indicated by II-II in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the distal end of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the view of FIG. 8 with the first cosmetic cover plate removed. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 shows the view of FIG. 9 with the second cosmetic cover plate removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross section of the diagram of FIG. 10 (cross section indicated by III-III in FIG. 10), with various components not shown for the sake of clarity. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the view of FIG. 10 with the first housing part removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the view of FIG. 12 with the spacers removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] The adhesive can prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent or resist separation of the first and second housing portions. The adhesive can strengthen the connection between the first and second housing portions.

[0007] The first and second mechanical engagement features can provide a fast and reliable method of connecting the first and second housing parts. The first and second mechanical engagement features can ensure that the first and second housing parts are properly positioned relative to one another. Once the first and second housing parts are connected, the first and second mechanical engagement features can ensure that the first and second housing parts remain properly positioned relative to one another until the adhesive cures.

[0008] The first and second mechanical engagement features can provide feedback to confirm that the connection between the first and second housing portions has been properly established. The feedback can include, for example, at least one of audible feedback, visual feedback, and feelable feedback upon establishing the connection between the first and second housing portions.

[0009] The adhesive may include or be a glue. The adhesive may be curable by one or more of exposure to air, temperature, radiation, and light. The adhesive may be cured within a cure time after application. The cure time may be greater than 30 seconds, or greater than 3 minutes, or greater than 10 minutes. The cure time may be less than 30 minutes, or less than 10 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 1 minute, or less than 30 seconds. The adhesive may be waterproof, at least after curing.

[0010] The adhesive can seal between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The adhesive can seal the interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The adhesive can make the interface between the first housing portion and the second housing portion waterproof.

[0011] The first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature together can form a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection may include a mating connection between the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. At least one of the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature may be elastically deformable.

[0012] One of the first and second mechanical engagement features may be formed as or include a protruding structure. The other of the first and second mechanical engagement features may be formed as or include a concave structure. The concave structure may receive the protruding structure. There may be a mating connection between the protruding structure and the concave structure.

[0013] The protrusion structure may be elastically deformable. Due to the elastic deformability of the protrusion structure, the protrusion structure can be inserted into the concave structure when the first housing part and the second housing part are assembled. The protrusion structure can be configured to elastically deform and fit into the concave structure when the first housing part and the second housing part are assembled. The concave structure may have a higher rigidity than the protrusion structure. The concave structure can fix the protrusion structure.

[0014] The protruding structure may be hook-shaped and may reach into the recessed structure and may be configured to engage with the recessed structure to counteract a force applied in a direction separating the first and second housing parts.

[0015] The adhesive may at least partially or completely cover at least one of the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. The adhesive may be in contact with at least one of the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. The adhesive may strengthen a connection between the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. The adhesive may seal at the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. The adhesive may at least partially cover the protruding structure. The adhesive may at least partially cover the recessed structure. The adhesive may be provided between the protruding structure and the recessed structure.

[0016] The first housing portion can include an insert portion. The second housing portion can include a receiver portion. The receiver portion can at least partially surround the insert portion. An overlap between the receiver portion and the insert portion can facilitate sealing between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0017] The adhesive may be provided between the insert and the receiver. The adhesive may form a sealing layer between the insert and the receiver. Preferably, the adhesive is provided between the insert and the receiver around the entire periphery of the aerosol generating device. The adhesive may be provided between the insert and the receiver around the entire periphery of the housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The adhesive may be in contact with the insert portion.The adhesive may be in contact with the receiver portion.The adhesive may be in contact with the insert portion and the receiver portion.

[0019] The first mechanical engagement feature may be provided on the insert portion. The second mechanical engagement feature may be provided on the receiver portion. The first mechanical engagement feature may be formed on the insert portion of the first housing portion. The second mechanical engagement feature may be formed on the receiver portion of the second housing portion. The protruding structure may extend from one of the insert portion and the receiver toward the other of the insert portion and the receiver.

[0020] A snap-fit ​​connection may be provided between the insert and the receiver. The snap-fit ​​connection may be at least partially invisible from outside the assembled housing. The snap-fit ​​connection may be protected between the insert and the receiver.

[0021] The concave structure may comprise a recess in the insertion portion of the first housing part or a recess in the receiving portion of the second housing part. The concave structure may comprise an opening in the insertion portion of the first housing part or an opening in the receiving portion of the second housing part.

[0022] At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may extend circumferentially around the axial direction. At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may extend completely around the axial direction along the circumferential direction. One or both of the insert portion and the receiver portion may extend completely around the axial direction along the circumferential direction.

[0023] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be formed of the same material. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be formed of different materials. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may have different hardnesses. The first housing portion may be integrally formed. The second housing portion may be integrally formed. The housing portion (first housing portion or second housing portion) having the protruding structure may be formed of a material having a higher elasticity than the material of the housing portion (first housing portion or second housing portion) having the concave structure. The housing portion (first housing portion or second housing portion) having the concave structure may be formed of a material having a higher hardness than the material of the housing portion (first housing portion or second housing portion) having the protruding structure.

[0024] One of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be formed from a plastic material. One of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum. For example, one housing portion may be formed from a plastic material and the other housing portion may be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum material.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol generating device. The method includes the steps of sliding an insert of a first housing part into a receptacle of a second housing part to combine the first and second housing parts to form a housing of the aerosol generating device. During the sliding step, the first and second housing parts engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​connection. One of the insert of the first housing part and the receptacle of the second housing part is at least partially covered with adhesive. During the sliding step, the adhesive engages with the other of the insert of the first housing part and the receptacle of the second housing part, thereby establishing an adhesive connection between the first and second housing parts.

[0026] The adhesive may be applied to one of the insert portion of the first housing part and the receiver portion of the second housing part prior to the sliding step, the adhesive may not yet be at least partially cured during the sliding step.

[0027] The adhesive may be applied to only one of the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiver portion of the second housing portion prior to the sliding step, or the adhesive may be applied to both the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiver portion of the second housing portion prior to the sliding step.

[0028] A first component of the adhesive may be applied to one of the insert of the first housing part and the receiver of the second housing part prior to the sliding step. A second component of the adhesive may be applied to the other of the insert of the first housing part and the receiver of the second housing part prior to the sliding step. The first and second components of the adhesive may be in contact during the sliding step. The adhesive may harden when the first and second components are mixed.

[0029] The sliding step may include axially sliding the insert portion of the first housing portion into the receiving portion of the second housing portion.

[0030] The first housing portion can include a first mechanical engagement feature. The second housing portion can include a second mechanical engagement feature. The first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature can together form a snap-fit ​​connection. The first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature can interlock to hold the first housing portion and the second housing portion in position relative to each other. The first mechanical engagement feature can be provided on an insert portion of the first housing portion. The second mechanical engagement feature can be provided on a receiver portion of the second housing portion.

[0031] A protruding structure may be provided on one of the insert of the first housing part and the receiving part of the second housing part. A concave structure may be provided on the other of the insert of the first housing part and the receiving part of the second housing part. The snap-fit ​​connection may be established by the protruding structure resiliently fitting into the concave structure. The first mechanical engagement feature may comprise one of the protruding structure and the concave structure. The second mechanical engagement feature may comprise the other of the protruding structure and the concave structure.

[0032] The snap movement of the protruding structure may have a major component at least essentially perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, an adhesive is used to waterproof the snap-fit ​​connection between the first and second housing parts of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises an interior portion. The interior portion has a first surface. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing portion. The housing portion at least partially defines an outer shape of the aerosol generating device. The housing portion has an opposing second surface towards the first surface. The housing portion has an opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises an adhesive tape adhered to both the first surface and the second surface around the entire periphery of the housing portion surrounding the opening.

[0035] The adhesive tape can form a seal between the first and second surfaces. The seal can at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent a substance, such as a fluid or liquid, entering through the opening in the housing part from entering the interior space of the aerosol generating device by migrating between the first and second surfaces. When the adhesive tape adheres to the first surface and to the second surface, the adhesive tape remains in place. The seal provided by the adhesive tape is therefore particularly reliable and durable.

[0036] The relative position of the inner part to the housing part may be fixed by an adhesive tape, which may facilitate assembly of the aerosol generating device, for example by allowing the inner part to be attached to the housing part first with the adhesive tape, and then attaching the resulting assembly of the housing part and inner part to one or more other parts of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] The first surface may face outward. The first surface may face toward the housing portion. The second surface may face inward.

[0038] The first surface and the second surface may be parallel to each other. An adhesive tape may be provided between the first surface and the second surface. The adhesive tape may be provided between the first surface and the second surface over an entire periphery surrounding the opening of the housing portion.

[0039] The inner portion may be a plastic part. The inner portion may be a foam part. The inner portion may be substantially rigid. The inner portion may be substantially compressible. The inner portion may be elastically deformable.

[0040] The inner portion may be impermeable to water and, together with an adhesive tape adhered thereto, may prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent liquid entering through the opening in the housing portion from entering into a particular region within the aerosol generating device.

[0041] The inner part may have an opening corresponding to the opening of the housing part. The opening of the inner part and the opening of the housing part may be aligned to form a continuation of the opening of the housing part towards the inside of the aerosol generation device. The opening of the housing part and the opening of the inner part may together provide access to the inside of the aerosol generation device, or together provide a window to the inside of the aerosol generation device, or together provide space for an element extending towards the inside of the aerosol generation device.

[0042] The adhesive tape may include an opening corresponding to the opening in the housing portion. The opening in the adhesive tape may correspond to the opening in the inner portion. The opening in the housing portion, the opening in the adhesive tape, and the opening in the inner portion may be aligned front to back to provide a coextensive opening.

[0043] The inner portion may be provided between the body and the housing portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The inner portion may be in sealing engagement with the body. The inner portion may fill the gap between the adhesive tape and the body of the aerosol generating device. The inner portion may be compressed between the body and the adhesive tape or the housing portion.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a push button accessible through an opening in the housing part, including but not limited to situations where one must enter the opening in the housing part to reach the push button. The statement that the push button is accessible through an opening in the housing part may also include situations where the push button protrudes outwardly through the opening in the housing part, in which case the push button may be pressed without reaching into the opening in the housing part.

[0046] The adhesive tape can prevent fluid that gets between the push button and the housing part from entering the space between the housing part and the inner part.

[0047] The push button can extend through an opening in the medial portion.The push button can extend through an opening in the adhesive tape.

[0048] The push button can be configured to be pressed by a user to control the aerosol generating device. The push button can be configured to be pressed by a user to activate or deactivate one or more functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0049] The aerosol generation device may comprise a light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly may be configured to emit light through an opening in the housing part. The light emitting assembly may comprise a light source, e.g. an LED. The light emitting assembly may comprise a light guide. The light emitting assembly may be configured to emit light through the opening according to an operational state of the aerosol generation device. The light emitting assembly may be configured to indicate a charge state of a battery of the aerosol generation device. The light emitting assembly may be configured to emit different colours of light depending on the operational state of the aerosol generation device.

[0050] The housing portion may include a first opening and a second opening. The adhesive tape may be adhered to both the first and second sides around an entire perimeter surrounding the first opening of the housing portion. The adhesive tape may be adhered to both the first and second sides around an entire perimeter surrounding the second opening of the housing portion. The push button may be accessible through the first opening of the housing portion. The light emitting assembly may be configured to emit light through the second opening of the housing portion.

[0051] The shape of the adhesive tape can correspond to the shape of the first surface. The first surface may be completely covered by the adhesive tape to provide high holding force between the first surface and the second surface.

[0052] The adhesive tape may be a double-sided adhesive tape. A first adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape may be adhered to the first surface. A second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape may be adhered to the second surface. The first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape may face in opposite directions. The first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape may extend parallel to each other.

[0053] The thickness of the adhesive tape can be 0.05 mm to 1 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol generating device. The method includes providing an inner portion of the aerosol generating device and providing an outer portion of the aerosol generating device. The outer portion has an opening. The method includes attaching a first adhesive surface of a double-sided adhesive tape to the inner portion. The method further includes attaching a second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer portion around at least a portion of a periphery surrounding the opening of the outer portion.

[0055] The outer portion may be a housing portion of the aerosol generating article. The housing portion may at least partially define the outer shape of the aerosol generating device.

[0056] The step of attaching the first adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the inner side may be performed before, after, or at least partially simultaneously with the step of attaching the second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer side.

[0057] A second adhesive side of the double sided adhesive tape may be attached to the outer portion around the entire periphery surrounding the opening in the outer portion.

[0058] The method may further comprise attaching the outer portion to a body of the aerosol generation device, the inner portion being capable of sealingly contacting the body when the outer portion is attached to the body of the aerosol generation device.

[0059] The step of attaching the outer part to the body of the aerosol generating device may be performed after the step of attaching the first adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the inner part and after the step of attaching the second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer part. Thus, the inner part may be fixed to the outer part by the double-sided adhesive tape and attached to the body of the aerosol generating device together with the outer part.

[0060] The method may further comprise attaching a push button to the aerosol generating device. The push button may be attached so as to be accessible through the opening in the exterior portion. In particular, the push button may be attached to the body of the aerosol generating device.

[0061] The method may further comprise attaching a light emitting assembly to the aerosol generation device. The light emitting assembly may be attached to the aerosol generation device such that the light emitting assembly is configured to emit artificial light through the opening in the outer portion.

[0062] The inner part may be attached to the outer part by double sided adhesive tape.

[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, a double-sided adhesive tape is used to circumferentially seal a space between an outer portion of the aerosol generating device and a surface of the inner portion of the aerosol generating device around an opening in the outer portion.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a body, an elastomeric seal, and a housing portion having an attachment opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises at least one fastening element extending through the attachment opening of the housing portion. The at least one fastening element fastens the housing portion to the body. The at least one fastening element generates a force that compresses the elastomeric seal.

[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol generating device, the method including disposing a housing portion on a body of the aerosol generating device, the method further including fastening the housing portion to the body with at least one fastening element extending through a mounting opening in the housing portion, thereby compressing the elastomeric seal.

[0066] The at least one fastening element functions to attach the housing part to the body. The same at least one fastening element functions to compress the elastomeric seal. This dual function of the at least one fastening element allows for a fast and efficient assembly of the aerosol generating device. The compression of the elastomeric seal may enable or enhance the sealing function of the elastomeric seal. The compression of the elastomeric seal absorbs excess force applied when fastening the housing part to the body with the at least one fastening element, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the housing part or the body of the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The elastomeric seal may be compressed against at least one of the housing portion and the body.

[0068] The elastomeric seal may be compressed between the housing portion and the body. The elastomeric seal may be in contact with one or both of the housing portion and the body. The elastomeric seal is provided between the housing portion and the body with or without contacting one or both of the housing portion and the body. There may be one or more intermediate elements between the housing portion and the elastomeric seal. There may be one or more intermediate elements between the elastomeric seal and the body. The one or more intermediate elements may facilitate distributing forces arising from the at least one fixing element to the elastomeric seal.

[0069] The elastomeric seal may be compressed on a surface of the housing portion facing the body.The elastomeric seal may be compressed on a surface of the housing portion opposite the body.

[0070] The force compressing the elastomeric seal can act (at least primarily or substantially) on the elastomeric seal in a direction parallel to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the attachment opening. The force can be a force applied by the at least one fastening element. Compression of the elastomeric seal can reduce a thickness of the elastomeric seal in a direction parallel to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the attachment opening. If the direction of the force acting on the elastomeric seal is at least primarily parallel to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the attachment opening, the force can be applied to the elastomeric seal in a particularly efficient manner.

[0071] The force compressing the elastomeric seal can have at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the mounting opening. The force may be applied by the at least one fastening element. The force compressing the elastomeric seal can have a major component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the mounting opening. Compression of the elastomeric seal upon fastening the housing portion to the body with the at least one fastening element can reduce a thickness of the elastomeric seal in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the mounting opening.

[0072] The at least one fastening element may be a screw, which allows for an efficient application of force to compress the elastomeric seal.

[0073] The elastomeric seal may comprise an O-ring. The expression "O-ring" includes, by way of example and without limitation, an O-ring having a strictly annular shape. The term "O-ring" also includes shapes that correspond to rectangular or elliptical frames, or frames of different shapes, or frames of irregular shapes.

[0074] The elastomeric seal may comprise an elastomeric layer.

[0075] The at least one fastening element may pass through an opening in the elastomeric seal. The opening may be, for example, a central opening in an O-ring or a hole in an elastomeric layer. If the at least one fastening element passes through an opening in the elastomeric seal, the fastening element may compress the elastomeric seal in a particularly efficient manner.

[0076] The opening in the elastomeric seal may be present before the elastomeric seal penetrates the at least one fixation element, or alternatively, the opening in the elastomeric seal can be formed by the at least one fixation element when the at least one fixation element penetrates the elastomeric seal.

[0077] The elastomeric seal can be spaced from the at least one fastening element. The at least one fastening element can extend outside the opening of the elastomeric seal.

[0078] The at least one fixation element may comprise two or more fixation elements, and the elastomeric seal may be disposed between the two or more fixation elements, in particular at least essentially centrally between the two or more fixation elements.

[0079] The housing portion may surround the elastomeric seal. The housing portion may surround the elastomeric seal along a periphery of the elastomeric seal. A line of contact between the elastomeric seal and the housing portion may form a path contained in a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the mounting opening. A sealing surface of the housing portion in contact with the elastomeric seal may be parallel to a direction in which the at least one fastening element extends through the mounting opening.

[0080] Compressing the elastomeric seal may include compressing the elastomeric seal against a sealing surface of the housing part. The sealing surface of the housing part may be a surface of the housing part that surrounds the connector opening of the housing part.

[0081] The elastomeric seal may be overmolded onto a connection port configured to connect to an external connector. The connection port may be, for example, one or more of a USB port, a data port, and a charging port. The connection port may be at least partially disposed in the connector opening of the housing portion or may be available through the connector opening of the housing portion.

[0082] The elastomeric seal may comprise a first elastomeric seal and a second elastomeric seal. The first elastomeric seal may be compressed between the housing portion and the body. The second elastomeric seal may be compressed against a sealing surface of the housing portion that defines an opening through the housing portion, specifically the connector opening. The first elastomeric seal may be penetrated by the fastening element. The second elastomeric seal may not be penetrated by the fastening element. The second elastomeric seal may be overmolded onto the connection port.

[0083] The housing part can be removably fixed to the main body by means of at least one fastening element. Removing the housing part allows access to an internal compartment of the aerosol generating device. In particular, removing the housing part may allow access to the electronic components. The at least one fastening element can be configured to be removed or loosened so that the housing part can be separated from the main body after the housing part is fastened to the main body with the at least one fastening element. In particular, the at least one fastening element can be removed or loosened manually. After the housing part is fastened to the main body with the at least one fastening element, by removing or loosening the at least one fastening element, the housing part can be separated from the main body without damaging the aerosol generating device, in particular without damaging one or more of the housing part, the main body and the at least one fastening element. If the at least one fastening element removably fastens the housing part to the main body, the sustainability of the aerosol generating device can be improved. The housing part may be separated from the main body to facilitate maintenance or repair of the aerosol generating device.

[0084] After the at least one fastening element has been removed or loosened to allow the housing part to be separated from the main body, the housing part can be fastened to the main body again by the at least one fastening element, in particular the at least one fastening element can be manually refastened or retightened.

[0085] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing portion and a body at least partially covered by the housing portion. The aerosol generating device further comprises a connection port. The connection port is configured to connect to an external connector and transfer data or power, or both, between the connection port and the external connector. The connection port comprises an overmolded sealing member. The overmolded sealing member is in sealing contact with the housing portion.

[0086] When the sealing member is overmolded onto the connection port, it can ensure that the sealing member is accurately positioned relative to the connection port. Furthermore, overmolding the sealing member onto the connection port can prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent or resist loss of the sealing member prior to final assembly of the aerosol generating device. Overmolding the sealing member onto the connection port can ensure that the sealing member remains in place at the connection port. Overmolding the sealing member onto the connection port can ensure that the sealing member is in sealing contact with the connection port.

[0087] The housing part may, but need not, at least partially define the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, for example the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more additional parts provided on the outside of the housing part, such as one or more cosmetic covers.

[0088] The housing portion may circumferentially surround the overmolded sealing member.

[0089] The housing portion may be attached to the body by at least one fastening element extending through at least one mounting opening in the housing portion.

[0090] The aerosol generating device may further comprise at least one elastomeric seal through which the at least one fastening element extends and which is compressed by the fastening element.

[0091] The at least one fixation element may include a screw.

[0092] The overmolded sealing member can be compressed against the housing portion, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the external connector is connected to the connection port.

[0093] According to another aspect of the invention, a screw can be used to secure the housing part to the body of the aerosol generating device and at the same time compress the elastomeric seal. The force exerted by the screw along its length not only holds the housing part in place relative to the body, but can also compress the elastomeric seal to improve its sealing properties.

[0094] The aerosol generating device may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device along an axial direction.

[0095] The aerosol-generating article may be at least essentially rod-shaped. The aerosol-generating article may extend parallel to the axial direction when at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0096] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating portion. The aerosol-generating portion may comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to emit an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a herbaceous material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a tobacco material.

[0097] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter portion, which may protrude at least partially from the aerosol-generating device so as to be available to a user's mouth when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0098] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured to at least partially receive a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. The heating chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0099] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater. The heater may be configured to generate the aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article in a heating chamber. The heater may be configured to generate the aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating article. The heater may be configured to generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material.

[0100] The aerosol generating device may comprise electronic components. The electronic components may be provided within a housing of the aerosol generating device. The electronic components may comprise a controller.

[0101] The aerosol-generating device may extend along an axial direction. A dimension of the aerosol-generating device in any radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be smaller than a dimension of the aerosol-generating device along the axial direction.

[0102] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be disposed one behind the other along an axial direction. The first housing portion may be configured to slide partially parallel to the axial direction into the second housing portion. The insert portion of the first housing portion may be configured to slide parallel to the axial direction into the receiving portion of the second housing portion. The snap-fit ​​connection may be configured to create a retention force against separation of the first housing portion and the second housing portion by moving the first housing portion and the second housing portion axially away from each other.

[0103] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects or examples described herein. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate which may be an aerosol-generating material. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate which, when heated, releases a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0104] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. 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, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0105] When 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 a sheet. 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 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems, and alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco intrinsic binders), or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco extrinsic binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglomerating the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry including particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the supporting surface.

[0106] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

[0107] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located 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 in length, but may have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0108] The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 mm.The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0109] The tobacco plug may have a diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters.

[0111] The present disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and instructions disclosed with respect to any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with or transferred to any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The methods of assembling the aerosol generating devices described herein are suitable for, adapted to, and can be configured to assemble the aerosol generating devices described herein.

[0112] As used herein, the expression "rod-like" includes, but is not limited to, rods having a circular cross section. As used herein, "rod-like" can also include rods having other cross sections, for example, rectangular cross sections, or elliptical cross sections, or triangular cross sections, or irregular cross sections, or any other cross sections. The expression "rod-like" can also include cylindrical shapes, in which case the bottom surface of the cylinder can be a circular surface, or a surface of any other shape, for example a rectangular surface, or an elliptical surface, or a triangular surface, or an irregular surface, or any other surface. EXAMPLES

[0113] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0114] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing defining at least in part an outer surface of the aerosol generating device; the housing comprises a first housing portion defining a first portion of an outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and a second housing portion defining a second portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device; the first housing portion includes a first mechanical engagement feature; the second housing portion includes a second mechanical engagement feature; the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism cooperate to hold the first housing portion and the second housing portion in position relative to one another; The aerosol generating device, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are connected to each other by an adhesive. Example 2: 2. The aerosol generation device of example 1, wherein the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature form a snap-fit ​​connection with each other. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1 or 2, wherein one of the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is a protrusion structure, and the other of the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is a concave structure that receives the protrusion structure. Example 4: 4. The aerosol generating device according to embodiment 3, wherein the protrusion structure is elastically deformable. Example 5: 5. The aerosol generating device according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the protruding structure is hook-shaped. Example 6: 6. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the adhesive at least partially covers at least one of the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature. Example 7: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the first housing part comprises an insert part and the second housing part comprises a receiving part, the receiving part at least partially surrounding the insert part. Example 8: 8. The aerosol generating device of example 7, wherein an adhesive is provided between the insert portion and the receiving portion. Example 9: 9. The aerosol generating device of example 7 or 8, wherein the adhesive contacts the insert and the receiver. Example 10: 11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 to 10, wherein the first mechanical engagement mechanism is provided in the insertion portion, and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is provided in the receiving portion. Example 11: 11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein an adhesive provides a seal between the first housing part and the second housing part. Example 12: Further comprising a heating chamber and a heater; An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the heating chamber is configured to at least partially receive a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, and the heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article in the heating chamber to generate an aerosol. Example 13: 1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising: sliding the insert portion of the first housing part into the receiving portion of the second housing part to combine the first housing part with the second housing part to form a housing of the aerosol generating device; During the sliding process, the first housing part and the second housing part engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​connection; one of the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiver portion of the second housing portion is at least partially covered with an adhesive; During the sliding step, the adhesive engages the other of the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiver portion of the second housing portion, thereby establishing an adhesive connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example 14: The method of Example 13, wherein the sliding step includes sliding the insert of the first housing part along an axial direction into the receiving part of the second housing part, and the snap-fit ​​connection is established by a protruding structure of one of the insert and the receiving part elastically fitting into a concave structure of the other of the insert and the receiving part. Example 15: 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the telescoping motion of the protruding structures has a major component perpendicular to the axial direction. Example 16: The use of an adhesive to make the snap-fit ​​connection between the first and second housing parts of the aerosol generating device waterproof. Example 17: An aerosol generating device, comprising: an inner portion having a first surface; a housing portion at least partially defining an outer shape of the aerosol generating device, the housing portion having a second surface opposing the first surface, the housing portion having an opening; and an adhesive tape attached to both the first surface and the second surface over the entire periphery surrounding the opening of the housing portion. Example 18: 18. The aerosol generating device of Example 17, wherein the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other. Example 19: 19. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 17 or 18, wherein the inner part is a plastic part. Example 20: 20. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the inner part is impermeable to water. Example 21: 21. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein the inner part has an opening corresponding to the opening of the housing part. Example 22: 22. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 21, wherein the inner part is provided between the main body of the aerosol generating device and the housing part. Example 23: 23. The aerosol generating device of example 22, wherein the inner portion is in sealing engagement with the body. Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 23, further comprising a push button accessible through the opening in the housing portion. Example 25: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 17 to 24, further comprising a light-emitting assembly configured to emit light through the opening of the housing portion. Example 26: 26. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 25, wherein the shape of the adhesive tape corresponds to the shape of the first surface. Example 27: 27. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 26, wherein the adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape. Example 28: 28. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 17 to 27, wherein the thickness of the adhesive tape is 0.05 mm to 1 mm, or 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. Example 29: An aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of Examples 17 to 28, further comprising a heating chamber configured to receive an at least partially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, and further comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article within the heating chamber to generate an aerosol. Example 30: 1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising: providing an interior portion of an aerosol generating device; providing an exterior portion of an aerosol generating device, the exterior portion having an opening; attaching a first adhesive surface of a double-sided adhesive tape to the inner portion; and attaching a second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer portion around at least a portion of a periphery surrounding the opening in the outer portion. Example 31: 31. The method of example 30, further comprising attaching the outer portion to a body of the aerosol generation device, the inner portion being in sealing contact with the body. Example 32: 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, further comprising attaching a push button to the aerosol generating device so as to be accessible through the opening in the exterior portion. Example 33: The method of any one of Examples 30 to 32, further comprising attaching a light-emitting assembly to the aerosol generation device, the light-emitting assembly being configured to emit artificial light through the opening in the outer portion. Example 34: The method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 33, wherein the inner part is attached to the outer part by double-sided adhesive tape. Example 35: Use of double-sided adhesive tape to circumferentially seal a space between an outer portion of an aerosol generating device and a surface of an inner portion of the aerosol generating device around an opening in the outer portion. Example 36: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing portion having a mounting opening; The main body, An elastomer seal; at least one fastening element extending through a mounting opening in the housing portion; At least one fastening element fastens the housing portion to the body; An aerosol generating device, wherein at least one fastening element generates a force that compresses an elastomeric seal. Example 37: 1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising: placing the housing portion on a body of the aerosol generating device; and fastening the housing portion to the body with at least one fastening element extending through a mounting opening in the housing portion, whereby the elastomeric seal is compressed. Example 38: The aerosol generating device of Example 36 or the method of Example 37, wherein the elastomeric seal is compressed against at least one of the housing portion and the body. Example 39: An aerosol generating device or method according to any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein the elastomeric seal is compressed at a surface of the housing portion facing the body. Example 40: An aerosol generating device or method described in any one of Examples 36 to 39, wherein the force compressing the elastomeric seal acts at least primarily in a direction parallel to the direction in which the at least one fixing element extends through the mounting opening. Example 41: An aerosol generating device or method described in any one of Examples 36 to 40, wherein the force compressing the elastomeric seal has at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the at least one fixing element extends through the mounting opening. Example 42: An aerosol generating device or method according to any one of Examples 36 to 41, wherein at least one fixing element is a screw. Example 43: An aerosol generating device or method according to any one of Examples 36 to 42, wherein the elastomeric seal comprises an O-ring or an elastomeric layer. Example 44: An aerosol generating device or method described in any one of Examples 36 to 43, wherein at least one fixing element penetrates an opening in the elastomeric seal. Example 45: The aerosol generating device or method of any one of Examples 36 to 44, wherein the housing portion surrounds an elastomeric seal. Example 46: An aerosol generating device or method described in any one of Examples 36 to 45, wherein the elastomeric seal is overmolded onto a connection port configured to connect to an external connector. Example 47: An aerosol generating device or method according to any one of Examples 36 to 46, wherein the housing portion is removably fixed to the main body by at least one fixing element. Example 48: An aerosol generating device, comprising: A housing part; a main body at least partially covered by a housing portion; a connection port configured to connect to an external connector to transfer data or power, or both, between the connection port and the external connector; An aerosol generating device, wherein the connection port comprises an overmolded sealing member in sealing contact with the housing portion. Example 49: 49. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48, wherein the housing portion circumferentially surrounds the overmolded sealing member. Example 50: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48 or 49, wherein the housing portion is attached to the main body by at least one fastening element extending through at least one mounting opening of the housing portion. Example 51: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 50, further comprising at least one elastomeric seal through which at least one fixing element extends and which is compressed by the fixing element. Example 52: 52. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 50 or 51, wherein at least one fixing element comprises a screw. Example 53: 53. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 48 to 52, wherein the overmolded sealing member is compressed against the housing portion. Example 54: An aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of Examples 48 to 53, further comprising a heating chamber configured to receive an at least partially rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, and further comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article within the heating chamber to generate an aerosol. Example 55: The use of screws to secure the housing section to the body of the aerosol generating device and simultaneously compress the elastomeric seal. Example 56: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0115] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0116] 1 shows a system 1 for generating an aerosol. The system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 3 and an aerosol-generating article 5.

[0117] The aerosol-generating article 5 is a rod-shaped article comprising a number of parts arranged one behind the other along the extension direction of the article 5. The aerosol-generating article 5 comprises an aerosol-generating section 7 comprising a material configured to emit an aerosol when heated. The material may, for example, comprise herbaceous material, in particular tobacco material. The aerosol-generating article 5 further comprises a filter section 9 comprising a filter. The aerosol-generating article 5 further comprises a spacer section 11 provided between the aerosol-generating section 7 and the filter section 9. The spacer section 11 allows the aerosol passing through the spacer section 11 to be cooled before reaching the filter section 9. The sections 7, 9, 11 of the aerosol-generating article 5 may be combined by wrapping them in a wrapper, for example a paper wrapper.

[0118] The aerosol generating device 3 is a handheld device extending along an axial direction 20 between a distal end 13 and a proximal end 15. The aerosol generating device 3 may be generally rod-like in shape. The aerosol generating device 3 comprises a housing 17 having a first housing part 19 and a second housing part 21. The first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are arranged one behind the other along the axial direction 20. There may be an overlap between the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 along the axial direction 20. The first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 may each at least partially define the outer shape of the aerosol generating device 3. The first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 may cover one or more internal components of the aerosol generating device 3. The outer surface of the first housing part 19 or the outer surface of the second housing part 21 (or both) may be at least partially covered by one or more optional cosmetic covers. The first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 circumferentially surround the internal components of the aerosol generation device 3 with respect to an axial direction 20 .

[0119] At the proximal end 15 of the aerosol generation device 3, the second housing part 21 has an opening facing the axial direction 20. The proximal end cap 23 is inserted into the opening of the second housing part 21 to close the aerosol generation device 3 at the proximal end 15. The proximal end cap 23 is illustrated individually in FIG.

[0120] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 3 at its proximal end 15. The cross-section is indicated at II in FIG. 1. The aerosol generating device 3 comprises a heating chamber 25 configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-generating article 5. In particular, the heating chamber 25 is configured to receive the aerosol-generating portion 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5. The heating chamber 25 extends in the axial direction 20. The aerosol generating device 3 comprises a heater 27 configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 5, in particular its aerosol-generating portion 7, in the heating chamber 25. The heater 27 can for example comprise one or more induction coils surrounding the heating chamber 25 and configured to heat the aerosol-generating portion 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5 by induction heating. Alternatively, the heater 27 can be an electrical resistance heater or a gas-based heater. The aerosol generating device 3 can operate according to the concept of heating without combustion. Heater 27 may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating portion 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5 to emit an aerosol without combusting the aerosol-generating material.

[0121] The aerosol generating device 3 has an insertion opening 29 provided at the proximal end 15 and allowing an aerosol-generating article 5 to be inserted into the heating chamber 25 parallel to the axial direction 20. The proximal end cap 23 includes a slider 31 configured to slide between a closed position and an open position. Figures 1, 2, and 3 illustrate the closed position of the slider 31. In the closed position, the slider 31 covers the insertion opening 29 of the aerosol generating device 3. When a user wishes to insert an aerosol-generating article 5, the slider 31 can be moved to the open position (by sliding it to the right in Figure 3) to expose the insertion opening 29.

[0122] The proximal end cap 23 includes a seal in the form of an end cap O-ring 33 that circumferentially surrounds the proximal end cap 23. As shown in FIGURE 3, the end cap O-ring 33 is in sealing contact with the inner surface of the second housing part 21 around the outer periphery of the proximal end cap 23 and seals at the interface between the proximal end cap 23 and the second housing part 21. The end cap O-ring 33 may be overmolded onto the proximal end cap 23. The seal provided by the end cap O-ring 33 may be waterproof.

[0123] 3, a heating chamber O-ring 35 is provided at the interface between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and other components of the aerosol generation device 3. Specifically, the heating chamber O-ring 35 may be provided at the interface between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and the surface of the proximal end cap 23. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating chamber O-ring 35 may be provided at the interface between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and the wall of an expansion chamber 37 provided above the heating chamber 25. The heating chamber O-ring 35 may prevent liquid entering the insertion opening 29, or aerosol generated within the heating chamber 25, from entering certain internal compartments of the aerosol generation device 3.

[0124] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the second housing part 21. FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first housing part 19. When the aerosol generating device 3 is assembled, the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are combined to form the housing 17. The first housing part 19 comprises an insert part 39 configured to slide into a receiving part 41 of the second housing part 21. The insert part 39 is provided at an end of the first housing part 19 facing the second housing part 21 after assembly. The receiving part 41 is provided at an end of the second housing part 21 facing the first housing part 19 after assembly. Alternatively, the insert part 39 can be provided in the second housing part 21 and the receiving part 41 can be provided in the first housing part 19.

[0125] The first housing part 19 includes a stepped portion 43. The insert portion 39 extends from the stepped portion 43 along the axial direction 20. The stepped portion 43 may form a stop configured to engage with the second housing part 21 when the first housing part 19 is inserted into the second housing part 21. The second housing part 21 may include a rim portion 45 on an inner surface thereof. The receiving portion 41 may extend from the rim portion 45 in the opposite axial direction 20. The rim portion 45 may form a stop engaged by the insert portion 39 when the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are assembled.

[0126] When the insert 39 is inserted into the receiver 41, the outer surface 47 of the insert 39 may face the inner surface 49 of the receiver 41. One or both of the insert 39, specifically the outer surface 47 of the insert 39, and the receiver 41, specifically the inner surface 49 of the receiver 41, may be partially or completely covered with adhesive before the first housing 19 and the second housing part 21 are assembled. The adhesive may attach the first housing part 19 to the second housing part 21. The adhesive may form a layer between the insert 39, specifically the outer surface 47 of the insert 39, and the receiver 41, specifically the inner surface 49 of the receiver 41. The adhesive may seal the space between the insert 39 and the receiver 41. Specifically, the adhesive may provide a waterproof seal.

[0127] The protruding structure 51 is provided on the inner surface 49 of the receiving part 41. The concave structure 53 is provided on the insert part 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the concave structure 53 is an opening in the insert part 39. Alternatively, the concave structure 53 may be formed, for example, as a depression in the outer surface 47 of the insert part 39. When the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are assembled, the protruding structure 51 can be fitted into the concave structure 51, so that a snap-fit ​​connection can be established between the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21. The protruding structure 51 may be elastically deformable. The protruding structure may have a hook shape.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the protruding structure 51 can be provided on the outer surface 47 of the insert 39 and the recessed structure 53 can be provided on the receiving part 41 , in particular on the inner surface 49 of the receiving part 41 .

[0129] As illustrated in Figure 4, the second housing part 21 includes a button opening 55 and a light opening 57. Figure 1 shows a button 59 of the aerosol generation device 3 accessible through the button opening 55. In addition, Figure 1 shows a light emitting assembly 61 visible through the light opening 57. The second housing part 21 extends around the button opening 55 and around the light opening 57. The button opening 55 and the light opening 57 each extend through the second housing part 21 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction 20.

[0130] Figure 6 shows a portion of the aerosol generation device 3 with the proximal end 15 with the second housing part 21 removed. Figure 6 shows an inner part 63 provided between the body 65 of the aerosol generation device 3 and the second housing part 21. The inner part 63 circumferentially surrounds the button 59 and the light emitting assembly 61.

[0131] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view indicated by II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 shows that the inner part 63 is in contact with the outer surface of the body 65 around the button 59 and the light emitting assembly 61. The inner part 63 may be in sealing contact with the outer surface of the body 65. The inner part 63 may be a plastic part. The inner part 63 may be impermeable to water. The inner part 63 comprises a surface 67 (first surface) facing outwardly towards the second housing part 21 and away from the body 65. The outer surface 67 (first surface) of the inner part 63 may be parallel to an inner surface 69 (second surface) of the second housing part 21. The outer surface 67 (first surface) of the inner part 63 is substantially parallel to the inner surface 69 (second surface) of the second housing part 21. A double-sided adhesive tape 71 is provided between the inner part 63 and the second housing part 21. A first adhesive surface 73 of the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is adhered to the outer surface 67 (first side) of the inner portion 63. An opposite second adhesive surface 75 of the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is adhered to the inner surface 69 (second side) of the second housing portion 21. Thus, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is adhered or bonded to both the inner portion 63 and the second housing portion 21.

[0132] The double-sided adhesive tape 71 extends circumferentially around the button opening 55 and around the light opening 57. The double-sided adhesive tape 71 forms a seal between the inner part 63 and the second housing part 21. The double-sided adhesive tape 71 can prevent fluid entering through the button opening 55 or through the light opening 57 from entering the interior compartment of the aerosol generation device 3.

[0133] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the light emitting assembly 61 comprises a light guide 77 and a light source 79. The light guide 77 can be configured to guide light generated by the light source 79. The light source 79 may comprise, for example, one or more LEDs. In the illustrated embodiment, both the light guide 77 and the light source 79 are visible externally through the light opening 57. Alternatively, the light emitting assembly 61 may not be directly visible through the light opening 57, but may be configured to emit artificial light through the light opening 57.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the adhesive tape 71 corresponds to the shape of the outer surface 67 of the inner part 63. This can improve the adhesive strength between the inner part 63 and the second housing part 21. However, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 may have another shape. For example, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 may comprise a first ring-shaped portion surrounding the button opening 55 and a second ring-shaped portion surrounding the light opening 57. The first ring-shaped portion and the second ring-shaped portion may be integral or separate parts.

[0135] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the distal end 13 of the aerosol generating device 3. The distal end 13 is provided with a connection port 81. The connection port 81 is configured to be connected to an external connector and to transfer data or power, or both, between the connection port 81 and the external connector. For example, a battery of the aerosol generating device 3 may be charged via the connection port 81. The connection port 81 may be a USB connection port. As shown in FIG. 8, the connection port 81 is accessible through an opening in a first cosmetic cover plate 83. The first cosmetic cover plate 83 is an optional part and can be attached to the first housing part 19 by adhesive or the like.

[0136] Figure 9 shows a view of Figure 8 with the first cosmetic cover plate 83 removed. Under the first cosmetic cover plate 83 is a second optional cosmetic cover plate 85. The second cosmetic cover plate 85 may be attached to the first housing part 19 with an adhesive or the like.

[0137] Figure 10 shows a view from Figure 9 with the second cosmetic cover plate 85 removed. Under the second cosmetic cover plate 85, an end face 87 of the first housing part 19 becomes visible.

[0138] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the section indicated by III-III in Figure 10. For ease of illustration, only the first housing part 19, the connection port 81 and the two fixing elements 89 are shown in Figure 11, and other parts are not illustrated. In particular, various internal parts of the aerosol generating device 3 are not shown in Figure 11.

[0139] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, two fastening elements 89 in the form of screws extend through respective mounting openings 91 in the first housing part 19. Specifically, the mounting openings 91 are provided in an end face 87 of the first housing part 19. The fastening elements 89 fasten the first housing part 19 to the body 65 of the aerosol generation device 3. The body 65 is not illustrated in Figure 11 but is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The body 65 includes threaded openings with female threads for receiving the fastening elements 89.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, there are two fastening elements 89, one on each side of the connection port 81. The connection port 81 is accessible through a connector opening 93 in the end face 87 of the first housing part 19. As best seen in FIG. 11, the connection port 81 extends into the connector opening 93 of the first housing part 19. The connection port 81 may extend through the first connector opening 93 of the first housing part 19. An elastomeric seal in the form of a sealing member 95 overmolded onto the connection port 81 is in contact with a sealing surface 97 of the first housing part 19. The sealing surface 97 defines and surrounds the connector opening 93. The sealing member 95 is overmolded onto the connection port 81 around the entire periphery of the portion of the connection port 81 that extends into the connector opening 93 of the first housing part 19. The sealing member 95 is in contact with the sealing surface 97 of the first housing part 19 around the entire periphery of the connector opening 93. The sealing member 95 provides a seal to prevent liquid ingress between the connection port 81 and the first housing part 19. The sealing member 95 is compressed between the first housing part 19 and the connection port 81. The sealing member 95 is compressed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 20 between the first housing part 19 and a sealing surface 97 of the connection port 81.

[0141] Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 10 with the first housing part 19 removed. A spacer 99 is provided between the main body 65 of the aerosol generating device 3 and the first housing part 19. Specifically, the spacer 99 is provided between the main body 65 and the end surface 87 of the first housing part 19. The two fixing elements 89 extend through the openings of the spacer 99. The openings of the spacer 99 are coaxial with the mounting opening 91 of the first housing part 19.

[0142] FIG. 13 corresponds to FIG. 12 with the spacer 99 removed. Between the body 65 of the aerosol generating device 3 and the spacer 99 is an elastomeric sealing layer 101. The fixing element 89 extends through an opening in the elastomeric sealing member 101. The opening in the elastomeric sealing member 101 is coaxial with the opening in the spacer 99 and with the mounting opening 91 of the first housing part 19. When the fixing element 89 is tightened, the first housing part 19 is pressed against the outer surface of the spacer 99. As a result, the spacer 99 presses the elastomeric sealing layer 101 against the body 65, thereby compressing the elastomeric sealing layer 101 between the body 65 and the first housing part 19. The elastomeric sealing layer 101 can form a seal between the body 65 and the spacer 99. The seal can prevent liquid entering through the mounting opening 91 from flowing into the interior compartment of the aerosol generating device 3.

[0143] The spacer 99 may be formed of an elastomeric material. When the fastening element 89 is tightened, the spacer 99 may be pressed against the first housing portion 19, thereby establishing a seal between the first housing portion 19 and the spacer 99, at least around the periphery of the fastening element 89.

[0144] The spacer 99 and the elastomeric sealing member 101 may be integrally formed. For example, one of the spacer 99 and the elastomeric sealing member 101 may be omitted and the other of the spacer 99 and the elastomeric sealing member 101 may be compressed directly between the body 65 and the first housing portion 19.

[0145] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±{10%}. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing at least partially defining an outer surface of the aerosol generating device; the housing comprises a first housing portion defining a first portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device, and a second housing portion defining a second portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device; the first housing portion includes a first mechanical engagement feature; the second housing portion includes a second mechanical engagement feature; the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism cooperate to hold the first housing portion and the second housing portion in a predetermined position relative to one another; the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature form a snap-fit ​​connection with each other; The aerosol generating device, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are connected to each other by an adhesive.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein one of the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is a protruding structure, and the other of the first mechanical engagement mechanism and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is a concave structure that receives the protruding structure.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the protruding structure is elastically deformable.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protruding structure is hook-shaped.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive at least partially covers at least one of the first mechanical engagement feature and the second mechanical engagement feature.

6. 6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first housing portion comprises an insert portion and the second housing portion comprises a receiving portion, the receiving portion at least partially surrounding the insert portion.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the adhesive is provided between the insert portion and the receiving portion.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the adhesive contacts the insert portion and the receiver portion.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first mechanical engagement mechanism is provided on the insertion portion and the second mechanical engagement mechanism is provided on the receiving portion.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive provides a seal between the first housing part and the second housing part.

11. 1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising: sliding an insert portion of a first housing portion into a receiving portion of a second housing portion to combine the first housing portion with the second housing portion to form a housing of the aerosol generating device; During the sliding step, the first housing part and the second housing part engage with each other by a snap-fit ​​connection; one of the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion is at least partially covered with an adhesive; During the sliding step, the adhesive engages with the other of the insert portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion, thereby establishing an adhesive connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sliding step includes sliding the insert of the first housing part axially into the receiving part of the second housing part, and the snap-fit ​​connection is established by a protruding structure of one of the insert and the receiving part elastically fitting into a concave structure of the other of the insert and the receiving part.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the telescoping movement of the protruding structures has a major component perpendicular to the axial direction.

14. A method of using an adhesive to waterproof a snap-fit ​​connection between a first housing part and a second housing part of an aerosol generating device.

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