Aerosol generating device with a button arrangement having a membrane

Abstract

The aerosol generating device comprises a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface, The aerosol generating device further comprises a button at least partially disposed within the through hole and a membrane secured to the housing and extending across the through hole.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device that includes a button. [Background technology]

[0002] The buttons on an aerosol generating device typically provide a potential path for liquid ingress into the device that can cause damage to internal components (e.g., water damage to the device's electronics). Thus, a need exists to help prevent liquid ingress into an aerosol generating device, especially around the buttons on the device.

[0003] Arrangements for emitting light through an aperture in an aerosol generating device button are subject to design limitations due to the requirement to maintain the ability to actuate the button. Hence, a need exists for improved illumination of aerosol generating devices, and in particular, the buttons of aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing, a button, and a membrane. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is disposed at least partially within, in correspondence with, or at the through hole. The membrane is secured to the housing and extends across the through hole.

[0005] The membrane may provide at least partial separation between the inside of the aerosol generating device and the outside of the aerosol generating device, and may reduce the possibility of foreign matter, such as liquid or dust, entering the inside of the aerosol generating device through the through-holes.

[0006] The membrane may be provided downstream (or below) the button relative to the direction of button depression.

[0007] The membrane may be waterproof. The membrane may reduce liquid migration from outside the aerosol generating device into the aerosol generating device. The membrane may reduce the risk of damage to internal components of the aerosol generating device, especially electronic components, due to liquid entering the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The membrane may be transparent or translucent. The membrane may allow light to pass through it from inside the housing. Light from inside the housing may pass through the membrane to be visible from outside the housing. Light from inside the housing may pass through the membrane to the button.

[0009] A light source may be provided inside the housing. The light source may include one or more LEDs. The light source may be provided downstream (or below) the membrane with respect to the pressing direction of the button. The membrane may be provided between the light source and the button.

[0010] The membrane may be fixed to an inner surface of the housing, where the connection between the membrane and the housing may be protected from damage. By fixing the membrane to the inner surface of the housing, interference of the membrane with the operation of the button may be reduced.

[0011] The membrane may be invisible or barely visible from the outside of the aerosol generating device, thus avoiding marring the appearance of the aerosol generating device and reducing the possibility of the membrane being damaged. The membrane may be visible from the outside of the aerosol generating device only through the gap between the button and the wall portion of the housing that defines the through-hole.

[0012] The recessed area may be provided on an inner surface of the housing. The wall thickness of the housing may be reduced in the recessed area compared to the portion of the housing surrounding the recessed area. The membrane may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing in the recessed area. The membrane may be fully received in the recessed area. The membrane may be protected in the recessed area. The recessed area may facilitate positioning the membrane during assembly of the aerosol generating device. The shape of the recessed area may correspond to the shape of the membrane. The recessed area may have, for example, a rectangular shape, or a circular shape, or a polygonal shape.

[0013] The through hole may be provided within the recessed area.The through hole may be provided centrally in the recessed area.

[0014] The membrane may close the through-hole. The membrane may prevent foreign objects from entering the inside of the aerosol generating device through the through-hole. The membrane may make the through-hole of the aerosol generating device waterproof.

[0015] The membrane may be completely sealed to the housing around the through hole. In particular, the membrane may be completely sealed to the inner surface of the housing around the through hole. If the membrane is completely sealed to the housing around the through hole, the likelihood of the connection between the membrane and the housing being pulled apart may be reduced. The seal between the membrane and the housing may be waterproof. The membrane may be hermetically sealed to the housing, in particular to the inner surface of the housing.

[0016] The membrane may be sealed to the housing by at least one of adhesive, vibration welding, laser welding, the frame of the aerosol generating device, and / or the membrane being two-shot molded to the housing. Any one or more of the listed methods of sealing the membrane to the housing may be implemented. In some embodiments, the membrane may be sealed to the housing by adhesive only. In other embodiments, the membrane may be sealed to the housing by adhesive and additionally the frame of the aerosol generating device may press the membrane against the housing.

[0017] The membrane may be sealed to the housing by an adhesive, including an adhesive layer between the membrane and the housing, particularly between the membrane and the inner surface of the housing. The adhesive layer may include or be formed as a double-sided adhesive tape. The adhesive layer may include or be formed of glue. The adhesive layer may be waterproof. The adhesive layer may have a thickness of 0.1 millimeter to 1 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeter to 0.3 millimeter.

[0018] The membrane may be an adhesive membrane. The connection between the adhesive membrane and the housing may be established by the adhesive properties of the adhesive membrane.

[0019] The surface of the membrane that the buttons overlap may be free of adhesive.The entire surface of the membrane that the buttons overlap may be free of adhesive.

[0020] The button and membrane may be provided without a fixed connection between each other.

[0021] The membrane may have an outer surface facing towards the outside of the aerosol generating device. The membrane may have an inner surface facing towards the inside of the aerosol generating device. The button may face the outer surface of the membrane. The outer surface of the membrane and the inner surface of the membrane may be opposing surfaces of the membrane. The inner surface of the membrane may be downstream (or below) of the outer surface of the membrane with respect to the pressing direction of the button. The outer surface of the membrane may be fixed to the housing, in particular to the inner surface of the housing.

[0022] The membrane may include an elastic material. The membrane may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may be, for example, silicone rubber.

[0023] The membrane may be configured to elastically deform when the button is pressed. By elastically deforming, the membrane may enable the button to act on one or more components within the device, in particular one or more switches provided on an opposite side of the membrane to the button. By elastically deforming, the membrane may provide a seal between the inside of the aerosol generation device and the outside of the aerosol generation device, regardless of the operative position of the button.

[0024] The membrane may be configured to act on the button to support the return movement of the button from its actuated position to its rest position. The return movement may be in a direction anti-parallel (or opposite) to the button pressing direction. For example, when the button is moved from the rest position to the actuated position by pressing the button from the outside of the aerosol generating device along the button pressing direction, the membrane may be elastically deformed by the button. When the button is released, the potential energy stored by the membrane due to the elastic deformation of the membrane may support the return movement of the button to the rest position. According to an embodiment, most or all of the force returning the button from the actuated position to the rest position may be applied by the membrane, in particular by the potential energy stored in the membrane due to the elastic deformation of the membrane. There may be further forces acting on the button to support the return movement of the button from the actuated position to the rest position. The other forces may be smaller or larger than the force generated by the membrane, or approximately the same magnitude.

[0025] A form fit may be provided between the housing and the button, which may include that certain movements of the button relative to the housing may be limited or prevented by physical engagement between the housing and the button.

[0026] The form fit may be configured to hold the button within the through-hole along at least one direction. The form fit may be configured to limit movement of the button relative to a direction of depression of the button. The form fit may include or be a feature of the housing that physically engages the button to prevent it from falling out of the through-hole.

[0027] The form fit can hold the button in the through hole against the button falling out of the through hole towards the outside of the aerosol generating device, particularly in the direction opposite (or opposite) to the direction of depression of the button. The form fit can hold the button from falling out of the through hole towards the inside of the aerosol generating device, particularly along the direction of depression.

[0028] The form-fit may include one or more retention protrusions on the housing. The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may extend into the through hole. The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may extend into the through hole along a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a direction of depression of the button. The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may extend from a wall of the housing over the through hole, the wall of the housing defining the through hole.

[0029] The one or more retention protrusions of the housing may extend into the through hole from different sides of the through hole. The one or more retention protrusions of the housing may include a circumferential protrusion that extends completely around a circumference of the through hole and into the through hole.

[0030] The form-fit may include one or more retention protrusions on the button. The one or more retention protrusions on the button may be configured to engage with one or more retention protrusions on the housing. The one or more retention protrusions on the button may include a circumferential protrusion protruding from the button around an entire circumference of the button.

[0031] Engagement of one or more retaining protrusions of the button with one or more retaining protrusions of the housing can prevent the button from falling out of the through-hole, particularly from falling out of the through-hole in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the button.

[0032] The one or more retention protrusions of the button may be provided downstream or below the one or more retention protrusions of the housing relative to the pressing direction of the button.

[0033] The membrane may support the button. The button may be on the membrane. The button may be confined within a space between the membrane and the housing, in particular a space between the membrane and one or more retaining projections of the housing. The membrane may prevent the button from falling out of the through hole towards the inside of the aerosol generating device, in particular along the pressing direction of the button.

[0034] The button may be detachable relative to the housing. The button may be detachable relative to the membrane. The button may be detachable relative to the housing and the membrane. The button and membrane may be provided without a fixed connection between one another. The button and housing may be provided without a fixed connection between one another. There may be no fixed connection between the button and one or both of the housing and the membrane. The button may be configured to move relative to one or both of the housing and the membrane.

[0035] The membrane may be formed as a sheet.The membrane may be formed as a flat sheet.A surface of the button may press against the flat surface of the membrane when the button is pressed.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a switch. Pressing the button may operate the switch. The button and the switch may be provided on opposite sides of the membrane. The membrane may separate the button from the switch. The button may be configured to act on the switch at least indirectly via the membrane. The switch may be connected to or part of an electronic circuit of the aerosol generating device. The switch may be provided on or connected to a printed circuit board of the aerosol generating device. The membrane may be configured to prevent foreign objects entering the through hole of the housing from reaching the electronic circuit or the printed circuit board.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for activating a switch of an aerosol generating device, the button being moved from a rest position towards the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activated position, in particular along a pressing direction of the button, the membrane of the aerosol generating device being deformed by the movement of the button, the switch being activated by the movement of the button, the switch being provided on the membrane opposite the button.

[0038] Because the switch is provided on the membrane opposite the button, the membrane can protect the switch and surrounding electronic circuitry from foreign objects entering the aerosol generating device at the location of the button. Because the membrane deforms with movement of the button, the membrane can be provided in the path of button movement between the button and the switch without impairing the ability to activate the switch by moving the button.

[0039] The step of deforming the membrane may include elastically deforming the membrane.

[0040] The membrane may be configured to act on the button to support return movement of the button from an activated position to a rest position, in particular due to potential energy stored in the membrane due to elastic deformation of the membrane.

[0041] The membrane may be formed as a flat sheet. During the step of moving the button from a rest position towards the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activated position, a surface of the button may be pressed against a flat surface of the membrane. The step of deforming the membrane may include deforming the flat surface of the membrane.

[0042] The membrane may be transparent or translucent. Light generated on a first side of the membrane may pass through the membrane and be visible on a second, opposing side of the membrane. Light may be generated inside the aerosol generating device on a first side of the membrane opposite the button and pass through the membrane towards the button.

[0043] The button may be detached relative to the membrane. The button may move laterally on the membrane. The membrane may not hold the button against movement of the button towards the outside of the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The button may be provided at least partially within a through hole in the housing of the aerosol generating device. The membrane may seal the through hole.

[0045] The membrane may be secured to the housing, particularly to an inner surface of the housing. The membrane may be secured to the housing by one or more of an adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or to the frame of the aerosol generating device, or by two-shot molding the membrane to the housing.

[0046] The step of moving the button may include moving the button in a direction perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the membrane.

[0047] The aerosol generating device used in the present method may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a membrane for sealing a through hole in a housing of an aerosol generating device, a button of the aerosol generating device being movable within the through hole, the membrane may further be used to support the button in its position within the through hole.

[0049] The button may be configured to move relative to the membrane. The button may be detachable relative to the membrane.

[0050] The aerosol generating device in which the membrane is used may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects. The use of the membrane may comprise a method step according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular a method step according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth or eleventh aspects.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a button and at least one light source. The button has an outer side facing towards the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The button has an inner side facing towards the interior of the aerosol generating device. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. The at least one light source is provided within the aerosol generating device. The button comprises a button body and a button light guide embedded in the button body. The button light guide comprises at least one light entrance surface on an inner side of the button. The button light guide comprises a light emission surface on an outer side of the button. The at least one light entrance surface may be configured to receive light from the at least one light source. The light emission surface may be configured to emit light from the at least one light source. The button light guide may be adapted to guide light from the at least one light entrance surface on the inner side of the button to the light emission surface on the outer side of the button.

[0052] The button light guide is embedded within the button body so that light can be emitted through the button. Providing a button light guide embedded within the button body may be preferable compared to providing a light guide separate from the button. Providing a light guide separate from the button may lead to the need to provide additional openings in the housing of the aerosol generating device through which the light guide can be seen. Such additional openings in the housing may provide entry points through which foreign objects, particularly liquids, may enter the aerosol generating device.

[0053] The at least one light source may include at least one light emitting diode (LED), or one or more LEDs.The at least one light source may be at least one light emitting diode (LED), or one or more LEDs.

[0054] The light emitting surface may be flush with a surface of the button body on the exterior of the button. The light emitting surface may be recessed relative to a surface of the button body surrounding the light emitting surface. The light emitting surface may protrude from a surface of the button body surrounding the light emitting surface.

[0055] The light emitting surface may form part of a surface of the button on an exterior of the button. The surface of the button on an exterior of the button may be accessible to be touched by a user to press the button in a pressing direction. The light emitting surface may be accessible from the exterior such that it can be touched by a user by pressing the button.

[0056] The button light guide and the button body may be integrally formed. When the button light guide and the button body are integrally formed, foreign matter may be prevented from entering between the button body and the button light guide. For example, the button body may be formed around the button light guide in a molding process such as an injection molding process. For example, the button light guide may be formed within the light guide body in a molding process such as an injection molding process.

[0057] At least one light entrance surface and light exit surface may be arranged on the button as desired, thus facilitating obtaining a desired lighting pattern on the exterior of the button and allowing increased freedom in positioning the at least one light source within the device.

[0058] At least one of the light entrance surfaces may be offset from the light exit surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

[0059] The at least one light source may be offset from the light emitting surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction, and therefore the at least one light source does not have to be provided immediately downstream (or below) the light emitting surface in the pressing direction.

[0060] The at least one light source may include a plurality of light sources. The at least one light inlet surface may include a plurality of light inlet surfaces. Each of the plurality of light inlet surfaces may be configured to receive light from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources. Providing a plurality of light sources and a corresponding plurality of light inlet surfaces may enable different light schemes of the light emitting surface to be implemented by controlling the light sources accordingly. The plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light of the same wavelength or same wavelength range, or may be configured to emit light of different wavelengths or different wavelength ranges. One or more of the plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light of a different color than one or more other of the plurality of light sources.

[0061] The button light guide may include a plurality of light transmitting portions. Each of the plurality of light transmitting portions may connect a corresponding one of the plurality of light entrance faces to the light emitting face. Each of the plurality of light sources may emit light that is emitted through the light emitting face. Different light transmitting portions may be connected to different sections of the light emitting face. Thus, light from different light sources may be emitted through different sections of the light emitting face.

[0062] At least one of the light transmitting portions may be inclined with respect to the pressing direction. The one or more inclined light transmitting portions may facilitate free positioning of the light entrance and light exit surfaces on the button.

[0063] The spatial light intensity distribution across the light emitting surface may differ depending on which one or more of the multiple light sources are activated. Different spatial light intensity distributions may indicate different operational states of the aerosol generating device. Different spatial light intensity distributions may indicate different information to a user.

[0064] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more of the at least one light source. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more of the at least one light source individually and in groups. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more of the at least one light source depending on an operating parameter of the aerosol generating device. The operating parameter of the aerosol generating device may be a state of charge of a battery of the aerosol generating device or a state of progress of a use session of the aerosol generating device. For example, a large number of activated light sources may indicate a high battery charge and a small number of activated light sources may indicate a low battery charge. In another embodiment, a large number of activated light sources may indicate a low or high amount of progress through a use session and a small number of activated light sources may indicate a high or low amount of progress through a use session, respectively. The controller may be configured to control the number of activated light sources such that the number of activated light sources is proportional to the state of charge of a battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0065] The light emitting surface may have an elongated shape, in particular a linear shape. The light emitting surface may be a single coherent surface. The sections of the light emitting surface connected to different light transmitting portions may be arranged one behind the other along the main extension direction of the light emitting surface. By increasing the number of activated light sources, the length over which the light emitting surface is illuminated may be increased.

[0066] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a switch. The switch may be operated by pressing the button in a pressing direction. The button may be configured to move to operate the switch. The at least one light entrance surface may be positioned on an inner side of the button, offset in a transverse direction relative to the switch.

[0067] The switch may be provided downstream of the light emitting surface in the pressing direction. The switch may be provided below the light emitting surface in the pressing direction. The switch may be provided centrally below the light emitting surface in the pressing direction. The switch may be provided downstream of the button in the pressing direction. The switch may be provided below the button in the pressing direction.

[0068] The switch may be provided transversely offset from the protrusion of the light emitting surface along the pressing direction. The switch may be provided outside the protrusion of the light emitting surface along the pressing direction. A distance between the switch and the protrusion of the light emitting surface along the pressing direction, perpendicular to the pressing direction, may be greater than a distance between the light source and the protrusion of the light emitting surface along the pressing direction, perpendicular to the pressing direction. The switch may be located radially outside the light source, the pressing direction of the switch at a central position of the switch being considered as an axial direction. The switch may be provided transversely offset from the protrusion of the center of the button along the pressing direction.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an actuation unit. Pressing the button in a pressing direction may operate the switch via the actuation unit. The actuation unit may be configured to move to actuate the button. The button may directly or indirectly engage with the actuation unit to operate the actuation unit and thereby actuate the switch. The actuation unit may be provided downstream (or below) the button in the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be provided between the switch and the button.

[0070] An activation unit may be provided between the at least one light source and the button.

[0071] The actuation unit may have at least one light passage. The at least one light passage may be configured to pass light from the at least one light source through the at least one light passage to the button. The at least one light passage may be formed as a through hole in the actuation unit. The at least one light passage may be formed as a transparent or translucent section of the actuation unit.

[0072] The at least one light passage may include a plurality of light passages, each configured to pass light from a corresponding light source of the at least one light source through the actuation unit, and a separate light passage may be formed within the actuation unit for each light source.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a source light guide. The source light guide may be provided below the button in the pressing direction. The source light guide may be provided downstream of the button in the pressing direction. The source light guide may be configured to guide light from the at least one light source towards the at least one light entrance surface of the button light guide. The source light guide may compensate for an offset between the position of the at least one light source and the position of the at least one light entrance surface. The source light guide may increase the possible positions for mounting the at least one light source within the aerosol generating device. In particular, the at least one light source may be positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the button in the pressing direction.

[0074] The button may be configured to move relative to the source light guide. The button may be provided to be removable relative to the source light guide.

[0075] The source light guide may include a plurality of light channels, each of which may be configured to guide light from a corresponding one of the at least one light source to a corresponding one of the at least one light input surface.

[0076] The aerosol generating device may include a switch assembly having a switch and an actuation unit. Pressing the button in a pressing direction may operate the switch via the actuation unit through an opening in the source light guide. Due to the opening in the source light guide and due to the actuation unit, the button may operate the switch even when the source light guide is provided under the button.

[0077] The opening in the source light guide may be provided at a position below a central position of the button relative to the pressing direction.

[0078] The aerosol generating device may comprise a membrane. The membrane may be provided between the button and the source light guide. The membrane may extend between the button and the actuation unit. The membrane may be provided between the button and the actuation unit. The membrane may seal a through-hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device, the button being provided at least partially within the through-hole. The membrane may be sealed to an inner surface of the housing to prevent foreign objects, in particular liquids, from entering the inside of the aerosol generating device through the through-hole. The membrane may be elastically deformable.

[0079] At least two button light guides may be embedded in the button body such that at least two separate light emitting surfaces are disposed on the exterior of the button.

[0080] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol generating device, where light is guided from at least one light source within the aerosol generating device through a source light guide towards a button on the aerosol generating device, the button moving along a depression direction from a rest position towards the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activated position, thereby actuating a switch within the aerosol generating device, the switch being actuated through an opening in the source light guide.

[0081] Actuating the switch through an opening in the source light guide can allow for compact and responsive placement of the switch: for example, the switch may be positioned in the center of the button for efficient actuation of the switch, while the source light guide can still facilitate guiding light to the desired location on the button.

[0082] The source light guide may be provided below the button relative to the pressing direction.The source light guide may be provided below the button relative to the pressing direction.The source light guide may be provided downstream of the button relative to the pressing direction.

[0083] The switch may be provided on the source light guide opposite the button.

[0084] The step of moving the button can include moving the button relative to at least one of the source light guide and the switch.

[0085] The switch may be actuated by the button via an actuation unit. The actuation unit may protrude through an opening in the source light guide. The actuation unit may protrude from a side of the switch through an opening in the source light guide. The actuation unit may be configured to be moved or deformed by the button to actuate the switch. The actuation unit may be provided between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may at least partially or completely cover the switch when viewed from the direction of the button.

[0086] The step of moving the button may include deforming a membrane provided between the button and the light source. The membrane may be elastically deformable. The membrane may seal a through hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device. The button may be provided within the through hole.

[0087] The aerosol generating device operating according to the method may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0088] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a light guide to guide light from a light source to a button whilst actuating a switch through an opening in the light guide.

[0089] The light guide may be a source light guide.

[0090] The light guide, the button and the light source may be part of an aerosol generation device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generation device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0091] Use of the light guide may include method steps according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular method steps according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth or eleventh aspects.

[0092] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing and a button. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is at least partially disposed within the through hole. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. A centering portion is provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. The centering portion is configured to center the button within the through hole.

[0093] The centering portion may improve the tactile experience when pressing the button. The centering portion may reduce the tendency of the button to move in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The centering portion may center the button within the through-hole in a plane of motion perpendicular to the pressing direction. The outward appearance of the button within the through-hole may be improved due to being centered by the centering portion. The centering portion may reduce or prevent jamming of the button within the through-hole.

[0094] The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may connect the outer surface of the housing to the inner surface of the housing. Alone or in combination with one or more additional wall portions of the housing, the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may connect the outer surface of the housing to the inner surface of the housing. The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may bound the through hole in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may extend parallel to the pressing direction. The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may extend circumferentially around the through hole. The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may extend completely around the through hole. The wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may be a wall portion that bounds the entire through hole or a wall portion that bounds only a portion of the through hole.

[0095] The lateral surface of the button may extend parallel to the pressing direction. The lateral surface of the button may connect an outer side of the button facing towards the outside of the aerosol generating device with an inner side of the button facing towards the inside of the aerosol generating device. The lateral surface of the button may face a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. The lateral surface of the button may be parallel to the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole.

[0096] A gap may be provided between a wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole and a lateral surface of the button.

[0097] The button may be detachable from the housing. The button may be configured to move within the through-hole. The button may be provided within the through-hole without a fixed connection between the button and the housing. The housing and the button may be separate pieces.

[0098] The centering portion may be formed as a centering protrusion. The centering protrusion may be formed on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that defines the through-hole. The centering portion may be formed as a centering protrusion of the housing. The centering portion may be formed as a centering protrusion of the button.

[0099] The centering portion may be an integral part of the housing or an integral part of the button. The centering portion may be fixedly attached to the button or fixedly attached to the housing. The centering portion may be integrally formed with the housing or the button via two-shot molding.

[0100] The centering portion may be detached from the other of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole. The centering portion may be configured to move relative to the other of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole.

[0101] The centering portion may extend toward the other of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that defines the through hole. The centering portion may extend toward the other of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the pressing direction.

[0102] The centering portion may be configured to engage with the other of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole. The engagement between the centering portion and the other of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole may provide a minimum distance between the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole at the position of the centering portion.

[0103] The other of the lateral surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may be shaped as a plane curved about an axis parallel to the pressing direction. The other of the lateral surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole may be devoid of any local shape features.

[0104] The lateral surface of the button and the other of the wall portions of the housing bounding the through-hole may include a centering recess. The centering portion may be configured to be at least partially received in the centering recess. The centering portion may be configured to protrude into the centering recess. Movement of the button within the through-hole may be limited by one or more centering portions received in one or more corresponding centering recesses. A centering recess may be provided for each centering portion. Each centering portion may be paired with a corresponding centering recess. The centering portions and centering recesses of the pair may face each other.

[0105] The centering portion may be configured to limit the contact area between a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole, or to prevent contact between the lateral surfaces of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole.

[0106] The centering portion may be configured to stabilize the position of the button within the through-hole. The centering portion may limit movement of the button in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

[0107] The centering portion may be configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole. The centering portion may be configured to limit rotation of the button about an axis parallel to the pressing direction. The centering portion may be configured to at least substantially maintain the orientation of the button within the through-hole. The centering portion may include an elastomeric material. The centering portion may be formed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material of the centering portion may dampen shocks generated by contact between the centering portion and the lateral surface of the button and the other of the wall portions of the housing that bound the through-hole. The elastomeric material may reduce the risk of the centering portion being damaged, in particular by mechanical engagement with other components.

[0108] The lateral surface of the button and the other of the wall portions of the housing that bound the through hole may comprise or be completely or partially formed of an elastomeric material, for example, the lateral surface of the button and the other of the wall portions of the housing that bound the through hole may be coated with an elastomeric material.

[0109] The centering portion may include a plurality of centering portions, for example, the centering portion may comprise at least two centering portions, or at least four centering portions, or at least six centering portions, or at least seven centering portions, or at least eight centering portions, or at least ten centering portions.

[0110] The plurality of centering portions may be distributed around the circumference of the through-hole or around the circumference of the button. The centering portions may be distributed symmetrically around the circumference of the through-hole or around the circumference of the button. The centering portions may be distributed asymmetrically around the circumference of the through-hole or around the circumference of the button. The spacing between adjacent centering portions may be the same for all centering portions. The spacing between adjacent centering portions may be different for at least some of the centering portions. A gap between the housing and the button may be provided between adjacent centering portions.

[0111] The centering portion may include one or more pairs of centering portions. The centering portions of the pair of centering portions may be positioned opposite one another. The centering portions of the pair of centering portions may be positioned on opposite sides of the button. The centering portions of the pair of centering portions may limit movement of the button between each other.

[0112] The centering portions may extend, in total, over 50 percent or less, or 30 percent or less, or 20 percent or less, or 10 percent or less, or 5 percent or less of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole. In the remaining percentage of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through-hole, gaps may be provided between adjacent centering portions. The centering portions may reduce the contact area between the housing and the button, which may reduce friction between the button and the housing.

[0113] The centering portion may extend, in total, over at least 1 percent, or at least 3 percent, or at least 5 percent, or at least 10 percent, or at least 15 percent, or at least 20 percent of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole.

[0114] The centering portion may extend, in total, over 1 percent or less, or 3 percent or less, or 5 percent or less, or 10 percent or less of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole. The centering portion may extend, in total, over at least 0.1 percent, or at least 0.5 percent, or at least 1 percent, or at least 3 percent, or at least 5 percent, or at least 10 percent of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole.

[0115] The centering portion may extend from one of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole by 1 to 20 millimeters, or by 1 to 15 millimeters, or by 3 to 15 millimeters, or by 5 to 15 millimeters, or by 5 to 10 millimeters. The indicated ranges may describe the extension toward the other of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. The indicated ranges may refer to the extension in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

[0116] A form fit may be provided between the housing and the button, the form fit may be configured to hold the button within the through hole against the button dropping out of the through hole towards the outside of the aerosol generating device.

[0117] The form-fit may include one or more retention protrusions on the housing. The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may extend into the through hole. The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may extend further into the through hole than the centering portion. The centering portion may be provided downstream (or below) the one or more retention protrusions on the housing in the pushing direction. The centering portion may be provided on a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole downstream (or below) the one or more retention protrusions on the housing in the pushing direction.

[0118] One or more retention protrusions on the housing may cover the centring portion such that the centring portion is not visible from outside the aerosol generating device.

[0119] The one or more retention protrusions on the housing may include a single retention protrusion on the housing.

[0120] The one or more retention protrusions of the housing may include a circumferential protrusion that may extend completely around a circumference of the through hole and into the through hole.

[0121] The form-fit may include one or more retention protrusions on the button, which may be configured to engage with one or more retention protrusions on the housing.

[0122] The one or more retention protrusions on a button may include a single retention protrusion on the button. The single retention protrusion on the button may extend around the entire circumference of the button.

[0123] The one or more retention protrusions of the button facing towards the pressing direction may be configured to engage with a surface of the one or more retention protrusions of the housing facing along the pressing direction. The engagement of a surface of the at least one retention protrusion of the button with the at least one retention protrusion of the housing may be parallel to one another. The engagement of a surface of the at least one retention protrusion of the button with the at least one retention protrusion of the housing may extend perpendicular to the pressing direction. The lateral surface of the button may be part of the at least one retention protrusion of the button.

[0124] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a membrane. The membrane may be fixed to the housing. The membrane may extend across the through hole. The membrane may be fixed to an inner surface of the housing. The membrane may seal the through hole.

[0125] The membrane may be provided downstream of the button in the pressing direction.The membrane may be provided downstream of the centering portion in the pressing direction.

[0126] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a button of an aerosol generating device, wherein a button provided at least partially within a through hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device is pressed to move the button from a rest position towards the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activated position, the button being centred within the through hole by a centreing portion provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole.

[0127] In the activation position, the button may activate a switch of the aerosol generating device. In the rest position, the button may not activate a switch. The button may be moved from the rest position to the activation position by pressing the button in a pressing direction.

[0128] The centering portion may stabilize the position of the button within the through-hole.

[0129] The centering portion may be configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole.

[0130] The membrane of the aerosol generating device may be deformed by movement of the button, in particular by movement of the button from a rest position to an activated position.

[0131] The aerosol generating device used in the present method may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0132] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a centreing portion for centreing a button in a through hole provided in a housing of an aerosol generating device, the centreing portion being provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole.

[0133] The centering portion may be used to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole.The centering portion may be used to limit rotation of the button about an axis parallel to the direction of depression of the button.

[0134] The aerosol generating device in which the centering portion is used may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described in this specification, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0135] The use may comprise method steps according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular method steps according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth or eleventh aspects.

[0136] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing, a button, a switch, and an actuation unit. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is at least partially disposed within the through hole. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. Pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

[0137] The actuation unit may act as an intermediary between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may transmit a force from the button to the switch. When the button is pressed, at least a portion of the pressing force may be transmitted to the switch via the actuation unit. When the button is pressed, at least a portion of the pressing force may be directed or redirected by the actuation unit towards the switch.

[0138] The actuation unit may be detached from the button. The actuation unit and the button may be separate parts. The actuation unit and the button may be configured for relative movement between one another.

[0139] The actuation unit may be detachable from the switch. The actuation unit and the switch may be separate components. The actuation unit and the switch may be configured for relative movement between one another.

[0140] An actuation unit may be provided between the switch and the button. The actuation unit may bridge at least a portion of the distance between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may allow the switch and the button to be disposed at a distance from each other.

[0141] The actuation unit may be formed as a plate or as a platform. A plate-shaped or platform-shaped actuation unit may be resistant to damage. A main extension plane of the actuation unit may be at least approximately perpendicular to the pressing direction. A main extension plane of the actuation unit may be at least approximately perpendicular to the pressing direction, at least in the rest position of the switch.

[0142] The actuation unit may be configured to perform a tilting movement when the button is pressed in a pressing direction. The button may be configured to cause a tilting movement of the actuation unit when pressed. When the button is pressed, the button may move in a direction towards the actuation unit. When pressed, the button may directly or indirectly engage with the actuation unit.

[0143] The tilting movement of the actuation unit may be a tilting movement about an axis perpendicular to the pressing direction. The tilting movement may include one side of the actuation unit moving toward the inside of the aerosol generation device more than another part of the actuation unit. The part of the actuation unit moving toward the inside of the aerosol generation device may activate a switch.

[0144] The actuation unit may directly or indirectly engage the switch to operate the switch.

[0145] The aerosol generating device may further comprise at least one guide pin. The at least one guide pin may extend into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuation unit. The at least one guide hole may extend through the actuation unit at least generally parallel to a pressing direction of the button. The at least one guide pin may be fixedly provided in the aerosol generating device. The at least one guide pin may be provided on a printed circuit board of the aerosol generating device. The at least one guide pin may extend through a printed circuit board of the aerosol generating device. An engagement between the at least one guide pin and the corresponding at least one guide hole may limit a transverse movement of the actuation unit in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be fixed in position by the at least one guide pin extending into the corresponding at least one guide hole. The at least one guide pin may be received in the corresponding at least one guide hole to allow the actuation unit to move and operate the switch when the button is pressed. The at least one guide hole may extend completely or partially through the actuation unit. At least one guide hole may extend through the actuation unit in a direction at least generally parallel to the pushing direction.

[0146] At least one guide hole may include a circular cross-section.At least one guide hole may include an elliptical cross-section.

[0147] At least one guide pin may have an elliptical cross-section.At least one guide pin may have a circular cross-section.

[0148] At least one guide pin may have an elliptical cross-section and the corresponding at least one guide hole may have a circular or elliptical cross-section.At least one guide pin may have a circular cross-section and the corresponding at least one guide hole may have a circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0149] The at least one guide pin may be transversely offset from a central protrusion of the button along a pressing direction.The at least one guide pin may be transversely offset from a centre of the actuation unit.

[0150] When the button is pressed, a portion of the actuation unit distal to the location of the at least one guide hole may move further toward the inside of the aerosol generating device than a region of the actuation unit adjacent to the at least one guide hole.

[0151] At least one guide pin and a switch may be provided on opposing halves of the actuation unit.

[0152] The switch may be transversely offset from a central protrusion of the button along the depression direction.The switch may be transversely offset from a central protrusion of the actuation unit along the depression direction.

[0153] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a damper. The damper may be configured to act against the movement of the actuation unit towards the switch. The damper may cause a resistance of the button that a user feels by pressing the button. The damper may at least in part define the force that must be applied to the button to activate the switch.

[0154] The damper may be configured to provide at least a portion of the restoring force that returns the button toward the depressed direction when the button is released.

[0155] The actuation unit may be provided between the damper and the button. The actuation unit may be in contact with the damper.

[0156] The damper may be provided on the same side of the actuation unit as the switch. The damper may be transversely offset from the switch.

[0157] The damper may be provided centrally below the actuation unit. The damper may be provided centrally below the button. One or both of the actuation unit and the button may be centrally supported by the damper. The damper may be provided transversely offset from a central protrusion of the actuation unit along the pressing direction. The damper may be provided transversely offset from a central protrusion of the button along the pressing direction.

[0158] The damper may support one or both of the actuation unit and the button when the button is pressed.

[0159] The damper may include an elastic material. The damper may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may be a foam material. The elastic material may include a rubber material. The elastic material may be a rubber material.

[0160] The damper may be compressed when the button is pressed. Compression of the damper may facilitate movement of the actuation unit towards the switch. After being compressed, the damper may expand again, particularly due to its elasticity. Expanding again, the damper may support return movement of one or both of the actuation unit and the button.

[0161] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a printed circuit board. The actuation unit may be provided between the printed circuit board and the button. The switch may be provided on the printed circuit board. A main extension direction of the printed circuit board may be at least generally perpendicular to the pressing direction. The damper may be provided on the printed circuit board. The damper may be provided on the printed circuit board transversely offset with respect to the switch. The printed circuit board may support the damper. The damper may be fixed to the printed circuit board. The damper may be attached to the printed circuit board, in particular by adhesive or glue.

[0162] A membrane may be provided between the actuation unit and the button. The membrane may seal the through hole. The button may be configured to indirectly engage the actuation unit via the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may be omitted and the button may optionally directly contact the actuation unit.

[0163] The actuation unit may have at least one light channel. The at least one light channel may be configured to pass light from the at least one light source through the actuation unit to the button. The at least one light channel may extend completely through the actuation unit. The at least one light channel may be formed as a through hole in the actuation unit. The at least one light channel may extend at least generally parallel to the pressing direction. The at least one light channel may extend at least generally parallel to the pressing direction when the button is in a rest position.

[0164] The at least one light source may be provided downstream of the actuation unit with respect to the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be provided between the at least one light source and the button. The at least one light source may be provided on a printed circuit board. The at least one light source may be transversely offset from a central protrusion of the button along the pressing direction. The at least one light source may be provided centrally below the button.

[0165] The switch may be transversely offset further from the central protrusion of the button along the direction of depression than the at least one light source. The at least one light source may be provided between the switch and the damper.

[0166] The at least one light channel may include a plurality of light channels. The at least one light source may include a plurality of light sources. One or more light sources may be provided beneath a corresponding one of the light channels.

[0167] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for activating a switch of an aerosol generating device, wherein an actuation unit is provided in the aerosol generating device, and moving a button from a rest position towards the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activation position causes a tilting movement of the actuation unit, thereby actuating a switch provided in the aerosol generating device via the actuation unit.

[0168] Moving the button from the rest position to the activated position may include moving the button in a pressing direction.

[0169] The tilting movement may be a tilting movement about an axis that is at least generally perpendicular to the pushing direction.

[0170] A membrane of the aerosol generating device may be deformed by movement of the button. The membrane may seal a through hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device. The button may be provided at least partially within the through hole.

[0171] The membrane may be positioned between the actuation unit and the button. The button may indirectly engage the actuation unit via the membrane. The membrane may separate the actuation unit from the button.

[0172] During the tilting movement of the actuation unit, the actuation unit may be guided by at least one guide pin extending into at least one corresponding guide hole in the actuation unit, the actuation unit may be guided on the at least one guide pin with sufficient play to allow the tilting movement.

[0173] A portion of the actuation unit opposite the guide hole may contact the switch to actuate the switch.

[0174] The button may be returned to the rest position by a damper, and an actuation unit may be provided between the damper and the button.

[0175] The aerosol generating device may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0176] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an actuation unit provided below a button and performing a tilting movement to actuate a switch provided in the aerosol generating device.

[0177] The aerosol generating device in which the operating unit is used may be an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular an aerosol generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects.

[0178] The use may comprise method steps according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular method steps according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth or eleventh aspects.

[0179] The aerosol generating device of any one of the aspects described herein may be a handheld electronic device for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may comprise an insertion opening for an aerosol generating article, in particular a rod-shaped aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be at least partially inserted into the insertion opening to allow generation of an aerosol for consumption by a user.

[0180] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating mechanism for heating the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating article. The heating mechanism may be an electric heating mechanism. The heating mechanism may be powered by a battery of the aerosol generating device, in particular by a rechargeable battery of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may function according to a heating non-combustion principle. The aerosol generating device may be configured to generate an aerosol from an e-liquid.

[0181] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular any one of the first, fourth, seventh or tenth aspects. The aerosol generating device may be configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article to release the aerosol. The aerosol generating article may be configured to be at least partially received within the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating material configured to release an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a tobacco material.

[0182] Features described with respect to one of the embodiments described herein may be combined or transferred to any one of the other embodiments. As used herein, a statement that an article or a connection between articles is "waterproof" may include that the requirements of at least IPX7 are met by the article or by the connection between the articles.

[0183] As used herein, the expression "a plurality" may be interpreted to mean "at least two" or "two or more."

[0184] The transverse direction referred to in this specification means a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction of the button. If the first article is offset from the second article in the transverse direction, there is no overlap between the first and second articles in a line of sight direction that is parallel to the pressing direction of the button. However, the displacement between the first and second articles is not necessarily limited to a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction (although it may be). The displacement between the first and second articles may also have a component parallel to the pressing direction.

[0185] As used herein, the expression "detached" an article with respect to another article does not exclude the two articles from being in contact with each other, however, detachment of an article with respect to another article excludes the two articles from being fixedly connected to each other.

[0186] The statement that an article is "configured to move" relative to another article as used herein does not exclude the articles moving together or in unison. In particular, in normal operation, the two articles may move together. However, an article "configured to move" relative to another article may have the ability to move relative to the other article and may not be fixed relative to the other article. The movement of one article relative to the other article may not require actual movement of the article (but may nevertheless include actual movement), but also encompasses a situation where an article remains stationary and the other article moves (total relative movement between the articles). For example, if a button is configured to move relative to a membrane in any of the claims, examples, or aspects described herein, the button and membrane may still move in unison during operation of the device. However, the button has the ability to move relative to the membrane. However, this ability may be limited by the fact that both the button and the membrane are restricted in their movements relative to the device. This restriction also indirectly restricts the movement of the button and the membrane relative to each other. EXAMPLES

[0187] 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 any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0188] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; a button disposed at least partially within the through hole; and a membrane fixed to the housing and extending across the through hole. Example 2: 2. An aerosol generating device according to Example 1, wherein the membrane is waterproof. Example 3: 3. An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the membrane is transparent or translucent. Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the membrane is fixed to the inner surface of the housing. Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein a recessed area is provided in the inner surface of the housing, and a membrane is fixed to the inner surface of the housing within the recessed area. Example 6: An aerosol generating device according to example 5, wherein the through hole is provided in the recessed area, particularly centrally within the recessed area. Example 7: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the membrane closes the through-hole. Example 8: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the membrane is completely sealed to the housing around the through-hole. Example 9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing by at least one of adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or the membrane is two-shot molded to the housing. Example 10: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing by the aerosol generator frame. Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the surface of the membrane where the buttons overlap is free of adhesive. Example 12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the membrane has an outer surface facing towards the outside of the aerosol generating device and an inner surface facing towards the inside of the aerosol generating device, and the button faces the outer surface of the membrane. Example 13: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the membrane is made of or comprises an elastic material, in particular silicone rubber. Example 14: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the membrane is configured to elastically deform when the button is pressed. Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the membrane is configured to act on the button to support return movement of the button from its activated position to its rest position. Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein a form fit is provided between the housing and the button. Example 17: An aerosol generating device according to example 16, wherein the form fit is configured to hold the button within the through hole against the button dropping out of the through hole towards the outside of the aerosol generating device. Example 18: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the form fit includes one or more retention protrusions on the housing, the one or more retention protrusions on the housing extending into the through hole. Example 19: An aerosol generating device according to example 18, wherein the one or more retention protrusions on the housing include a circumferential protrusion that extends completely around the circumference of the through hole and into the through hole. Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the form-fitting includes one or more retaining protrusions on the button, preferably configured such that the one or more retaining protrusions on the button engage with one or more retaining protrusions on the housing. Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the button is detachable relative to the membrane. Example 22: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the button is detachable relative to the housing. Example 23: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the membrane is formed as a flat sheet. Example 24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, further comprising a switch, wherein a button and a switch are provided on opposite sides of the membrane, and wherein pressing the button operates the switch. Example 25: 1. A method for activating a switch on an aerosol generating device, comprising: moving the button from a rest position toward the interior of the aerosol generating device to an activated position; Deforming a membrane of the aerosol generating device by moving the button; and activating a switch by movement of a button, the switch being provided on an opposite side of the membrane to the button. Example 26: 26. The method according to example 25, wherein the step of deforming the membrane comprises elastically deforming the membrane. Example 27: 27. The method according to example 25 or 26, wherein the membrane is configured to act on the button to support return movement of the button from the activated position to the rest position. Example 28: The method according to any one of examples 25 to 27, wherein the membrane is formed as a flat sheet. Example 29: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the membrane is transparent or translucent. Example 30: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the button is detached relative to the membrane. Example 31: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 30, wherein the button is provided at least partially within a through hole in the housing of the aerosol generating device, and the membrane seals the through hole. Example 32: The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 31, wherein the membrane is fixed to the housing by at least one of adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or a frame of the aerosol generating device, or the membrane is two-shot molded to the housing. Example 33: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 32, wherein the step of moving the button comprises moving the button in a direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the membrane. Example 34: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 33, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 35: 13. Use of a membrane for sealing a through hole in a housing of an aerosol generating device, wherein a button of the aerosol generating device is movable within the through hole. Example 36: Use according to example 35, wherein a membrane is further used to support the button in its position within the through hole. Example 37: Use according to example 35 or 36, wherein the button is configured to move relative to the membrane. Example 38: Use according to any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 39: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a button having an outer side facing toward an exterior of the aerosol generating device and an inner side facing toward an interior of the aerosol generating device, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; At least one light source provided within the aerosol generating device; The button includes a button body and a button light guide embedded in the button body; An aerosol generating device, wherein the button light guide includes at least one light entrance surface on an inside of the button and a light exit surface on an outside of the button. Example 40: and at least one light source provided within the aerosol generating device; The button has an outer side facing toward the outside of the aerosol generating device and an inner side facing toward the inside of the aerosol generating device, and the button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; The button includes a button body and a button light guide embedded in the button body; An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the button light guide comprises at least one light entrance surface on the inside of the button and a light exit surface on the outside of the button. Example 41: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 39 or 40, wherein at least one light input surface is configured to receive light from at least one light source and the light output surface is configured to emit light from the at least one light source. Example 42: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the light emitting surface forms part of a surface of the button on the outer side of the button, and the surface of the button on the outer side of the button is accessible to be touched by a user to press the button in a pressing direction. Example 43: 43. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 42, wherein at least one light entrance surface is offset from the light exit surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. Example 44: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein at least one light source is offset from the light emitting surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. Example 45: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources, and at least one light entrance surface includes a plurality of light entrance surfaces, each of the plurality of light entrance surfaces being configured to receive light from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources. Example 46: An aerosol generating device according to Example 45, wherein the button light guide includes a plurality of light transmitting portions, each of the plurality of light transmitting portions connecting a corresponding one of the plurality of light entrance surfaces and the light emission surface. Example 47: An aerosol generating device according to Example 46, wherein at least one of the light transmitting portions is inclined with respect to the pressing direction. Example 48: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 45 to 47, wherein the spatial light intensity distribution across the light emitting surface differs depending on which one or more of the multiple light sources are activated. Example 49: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 48, further comprising a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the at least one light source depending on operational parameters of the aerosol generating device. Example 50: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 49, wherein the light emitting surface has an elongated shape, in particular a linear shape. Example 51: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 50, further comprising a switch, the switch being operated by pressing the button in the pressing direction. Example 52: An aerosol generating device according to Example 51, wherein the switch is provided below the light emitting surface relative to the pressing direction. Example 53: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 51 or 52, wherein the switch is provided transversely offset from the protrusion of the light emitting surface along the pressing direction. Example 54: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein the switch is provided transversely offset from the central protrusion of the button along the pressing direction. Example 55: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 51 to 54, further comprising an actuation unit, and the switch is operated via the actuation unit by pressing the button in the pressing direction. Example 56: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 55, wherein an actuation unit is provided between the at least one light source and the button. Example 57: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 55 or 56, wherein the actuation unit has at least one light passage configured to pass light from at least one light source through at least one light passage to the button. Example 58: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 57, further comprising a source light guide provided below the button in the pressing direction and configured to guide light from at least one light source toward at least one light entrance surface of the button light guide. Example 59: An aerosol generating device according to example 58, wherein the button is configured to move relative to the source light guide. Example 60: An aerosol generating device according to example 58 or 59, wherein the source light guide includes a plurality of light channels, each light channel configured to guide light from a corresponding one of the at least one light source to a corresponding one of the at least one light entrance surface. Example 61: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 58 to 60, further comprising a switch assembly having a switch and an actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit through the opening of the source light guide. Example 62: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 58 to 61, wherein a membrane is provided between the button and the source light guide. Example 63: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 97 to 62, wherein at least two button light guides are embedded in the button body so that at least two separate light emitting surfaces are disposed on the outside of the button. Example 64: 1. A method for operating an aerosol generating device, comprising: guiding light from at least one light source within the aerosol generation device through a source light guide toward a button on the aerosol generation device; moving the button along a pressing direction from a rest position toward the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activation position, thereby activating a switch within the aerosol generating device; The method wherein the switch is actuated through an opening in the source light guide. Example 65: A method according to example 64, wherein the source light guide is provided below the button relative to the pressing direction. Example 66: A method according to example 64 or 65, wherein the switch is provided on the side of the source light guide opposite the button. Example 67: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 66, wherein the step of moving the button includes moving the button relative to at least one of the source light guide and the switch. Example 68: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 67, wherein the switch is actuated by a button via an actuation unit, the actuation unit protruding through an opening in the source light guide. Example 69: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 68, wherein the step of moving the button includes deforming a membrane provided between the button and the source light guide. Example 70: The method according to any one of Examples 64 to 69, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 71: The use of a light guide to guide light from a light source to a button while actuating a switch through an opening in the light guide. Example 72: Use according to Example 71, wherein the light guide, the button and the light source are part of an aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device is any one of the aerosol generating devices of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 73: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; a button disposed at least partially within the through hole, the button being configured to be depressed in a depression direction; An aerosol generating device, wherein a centering portion is provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole, the centering portion being configured to center the button within the through hole. Example 74: The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction, An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein a centering portion is provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole, the centering portion being configured to center the button within the through hole. Example 75: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; A button is disposed at least partially within the through hole; An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 63, wherein a centering portion is provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole, the centering portion being configured to center the button within the through hole. Example 76: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 75, wherein the wall portion of the housing that defines the through hole connects the outer surface of the housing to the inner surface of the housing. Example 77: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 76, wherein the button is detached from the housing. Example 78: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 77, wherein the centering portion is formed as a centering protrusion on one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. Example 79: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 78, wherein the centering portion is detached from the other one of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. Example 80: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 79, wherein the centering portion extends toward the other of the lateral surfaces of the button and the wall portions of the housing that bound the through hole. Example 81: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 80, wherein the centering portion is configured to engage with one of the lateral surfaces of the button and the other of the rear wall portions of the housing that bound the through hole. Example 82: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 81, wherein the centering portion is configured to stabilize the position of the button within the through-hole. Example 83: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 82, wherein the centering portion is configured to limit rotation of the button within the through hole. Example 84: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 83, wherein the centering portion includes or is formed of an elastomeric material. Example 85: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 84, wherein the centering portion includes a plurality of centering portions distributed around the periphery of the through hole or around the periphery of the button. Example 86: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 85, wherein the centering portion includes one or more pairs of centering portions, and the centering portions of the pairs of centering portions are positioned opposite each other. Example 87: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 86, wherein the centering portion extends, in total, over less than 50 percent, or less than 30 percent, or less than 20 percent, or less than 10 percent, or less than 5 percent of the circumference of one of the side surfaces of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole. Example 88: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 89, wherein the centering portion extends from one of the side surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing that bounds the through hole by 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, or by 1 millimeter to 15 millimeters, or by 3 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or by 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or by 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters. Example 89: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 88, wherein a form fit is provided between the housing and the button, the form fit being configured to hold the button within the through hole against the button falling out of the through hole toward the outside of the aerosol generating device. Example 90: An aerosol generating device according to example 89, wherein the form fit includes one or more retaining protrusions on the housing, the one or more retaining protrusions on the housing extending into the through hole. Example 91: 91. An aerosol generating device according to example 90, wherein the one or more retention protrusions on the housing include a circumferential protrusion that extends completely around the circumference of the through hole and into the through hole. Example 92: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 89 to 91, wherein the form-fitting includes one or more retaining protrusions on the button, preferably configured such that the one or more retaining protrusions on the button engage with one or more retaining protrusions on the housing. Example 93: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 92, further comprising a membrane fixed to the housing and extending across the through hole. Example 94: An aerosol generating device according to example 93, wherein the membrane is provided downstream of the button relative to the pressing direction. Example 95: 1. A method for actuating a button on an aerosol generating device, comprising: depressing a button disposed at least partially within a through hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device to move the button from a rest position toward an interior of the aerosol generating device to an activated position; and centering the button within the through hole by a centering portion provided on one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing bounding the through hole. Example 96: The method according to example 95, wherein the centering portion stabilizes the position of the button within the through hole. Example 97: The method according to example 95 or 96, wherein the centering portion is configured to limit rotation of the button within the through hole. Example 98: The method according to any one of Examples 95 to 97, further comprising deforming a membrane of the aerosol generating device by moving the button. Example 99: The method according to any one of Examples 95 to 98, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is the aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 100: Use of a centering portion for centering a button within a through hole provided in a housing of an aerosol generating device, the centering portion being provided on one of a side surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing that defines the through hole. Example 101: Use according to Example 100, wherein the aerosol generating device is any one of the aerosol generating devices of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 102: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; a button disposed at least partially within the through hole, the button being configured to be depressed in a depression direction; Switch, An aerosol generating device comprising: an actuation unit, wherein a switch is operated via the actuation unit by pressing a button in a pressing direction. Example 103: Switch, and an actuation unit, The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction, An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, in which a switch is operated via an actuation unit by pressing the button in the pressing direction. Example 104: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface, the button being at least partially disposed within the through hole; Switch, An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 39 to 63, further comprising an actuation unit, in which the switch is operated via the actuation unit by pressing the button in the pressing direction. Example 105: Switch, An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 73 to 94, further comprising an actuation unit, the actuation unit being configured to operate a switch via the actuation unit by pressing the button in a pressing direction. Example 106: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 105, wherein the actuation unit is detached from the button. Example 107: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 106, wherein the actuation unit is detached from the switch. Example 108: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 107, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the switch and the button. Example 109: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 108, wherein the actuation unit is formed as a plate or as a platform. Example 110: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 109, wherein the actuation unit is configured to perform a tilting movement when the button is pressed against the pressing direction. Example 111: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 110, further comprising at least one guide pin extending into at least one corresponding guide hole in the actuation unit. Example 112: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 111, wherein at least one guide pin has an elliptical cross section. Example 113: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 111, wherein at least one guide pin has a circular cross section. Example 114: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 111 to 113, wherein at least one guide pin is transversely offset from the central protrusion of the button along the pressing direction. Example 115: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 111 to 114, wherein at least one guide pin and a switch are provided in opposing halves of the actuation unit. Example 116: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 115, wherein the switch is transversely offset from the central protrusion of the button along the pressing direction. Example 117: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 116, further comprising a damper configured to act against movement of the actuation unit towards the switch. Example 118: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 117, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the damper and the button. Example 119: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 117 or 118, wherein the damper is provided on the same side as the switch of the actuation unit. Example 120: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 117 to 119, wherein the damper is provided centrally below the actuation unit. Example 121: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 117 to 120, wherein the damper is provided centrally below the button. Example 122: An aerosol generating device according to one of embodiments 117 to 121, wherein the damper is made of an elastic material, in particular a foam material. Example 123: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 122, further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the printed circuit board and the button, and the switch is provided on the printed circuit board. Example 124: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 123, wherein a membrane is provided between the actuation unit and the button. Example 125: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 102 to 124, wherein the actuation unit has at least one light channel configured to pass light from at least one light source through the actuation unit to the button. Example 126: 1. A method for activating a switch on an aerosol generating device, comprising: The method includes a step of moving a button from a rest position toward the inside of the aerosol generating device to an actuation position, thereby activating a switch provided in the aerosol generating device via the actuation unit, thereby causing a tilting movement of an actuation unit provided in the aerosol generating device. Example 127: The method according to example 126, further comprising deforming a membrane of the aerosol generating device by moving the button. Example 128: The method according to example 127, wherein the membrane is positioned between the actuation unit and the button. Example 129: The method according to any one of embodiments 126-128, wherein during the tilting movement, the actuating unit is guided within the actuating unit by at least one guide pin extending into the corresponding at least one guide hole. Example 130: The method according to example 129, wherein a portion of the actuating unit opposite the guide hole contacts the switch to actuate the switch. Example 131: The method according to any one of Examples 126-130, further comprising returning the button to a rest position by a damper, wherein an actuation unit is provided between the damper and the button. Example 132: The method according to any one of Examples 126 to 131, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 132: Use of an actuation unit provided below the button, which performs a tilting motion to actuate a switch provided within the aerosol generating device. Example 133: Use according to Example 132, wherein the aerosol generating device is any one of the aerosol generating devices of Examples 1 to 24, or Examples 39 to 63, or Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125. Example 134: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 24, Examples 39 to 63, Examples 73 to 94, or Examples 102 to 125, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating article.

[0189] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0190] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device, which may be a device according to the first embodiment or a device according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view through an apparatus according to a first embodiment, having the section indicated by I-I in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view on a device according to the first embodiment in the area of ​​the button, with the second housing part and the button removed in a viewing direction along the pressing direction of the button. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the view of FIG. 3 with the membrane removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the view of FIG. 4 with the source light guide removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the view of FIG. 5 with the actuation unit removed. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a schematic view of the outside of a button of a device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a schematic view of the inside of a button of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows a schematic perspective view of a button light guide of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a schematic view of the source light guide from the button side of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a schematic view of the source light guide from the side of the switch of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C shows a schematic perspective view of a light channel of a source light guide according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view through an apparatus according to a second embodiment, having the section indicated by I-I in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view on a device according to the second embodiment in the area of ​​the button, with the second housing part and the button removed in the viewing direction along the pressing direction of the button. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the view of FIG. 10 with the membrane removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the view of FIG. 11 with the actuation unit removed. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A shows a schematic view of the outside of a button of a device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B shows a schematic view of the inside of a button of a device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C shows a schematic perspective view of a button light guide of a device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a schematic perspective view on the inner surface of the second housing part according to a version of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, with a centering portion on the housing. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a cross-section through the housing and button according to a version of the first or second embodiment with a centering portion on the housing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view through a housing and button according to a version of the first or second embodiment with a centering portion on the button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0191] 1 shows an aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 is a handheld device for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 5 that at least partially defines the exterior appearance of the aerosol generating device 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 5 comprises a first housing portion 7 and a second housing portion 9, both of generally cylindrical shape, that combine to form the housing 5.

[0192] The aerosol generating device 1 comprises an insertion opening 3 for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be at least partially inserted into the insertion opening 3 to enable generation of an aerosol for consumption by a user. Within the housing 5, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises an electric heater mechanism for heating the aerosol-generating article. The electric heater mechanism is powered by a battery provided within the housing 5. Upon heating, an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article forms an aerosol for consumption by the user.

[0193] The aerosol generation device 1 includes a button 11. The button 11 is accessible from the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. A user presses the button 11 to switch the aerosol generation device 1 on or off, or to control one or more functions of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0194] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be the aerosol generating device 1 according to the first embodiment or the aerosol generating device 1 according to the second embodiment. From the outside, the aerosol generating device 1 according to the first embodiment and the aerosol generating device 1 according to the second embodiment may look the same. However, there are differences in some internal components between the first and second embodiments. The first embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8C.

[0195] As can be seen in Figure 2, the button 11 is provided within a through hole 13 in the housing 5. The through hole 13 extends through the housing 5 and connects an outer surface 15 of the housing 5 with an inner surface 17 of the housing 5. The outer surface 15 of the housing 5 may at least partially form the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0196] The housing 5 includes a retaining protrusion 19 that extends into the through hole 13 of the housing 5 along the periphery of the through hole 13. The button 11 includes a retaining protrusion 21 that extends transversely from the button 11 around the periphery of the button 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 is provided below the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5 with respect to the pressing direction 10 of the button 11. Thus, the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5 and the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 together provide a form fit that prevents the button 11 from falling out of the through hole 13 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The button 11 may also be retained in the through hole 13 in a different manner. For example, the housing 5 may have a flat wall that bounds the through hole 13 without the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5, and the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 may extend transversely below the housing 5 to prevent the button 11 from falling out of the through hole 13 with respect to the pressing direction 10.

[0197] The membrane 23 is provided below the button 11 downstream of the button 11 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 extends in a plane perpendicular to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is sealed to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5 completely around the circumference of the through-hole 13. The membrane 23 therefore covers and seals the through-hole 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane 23 is sealed to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5 by an adhesive layer 25 that circumferentially surrounds the through-hole 13. The adhesive layer 25 may be, for example, a layer of double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of glue. The membrane 23 is waterproof. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 25 that attaches the membrane 23 to the housing 5 is waterproof and waterproofly seals the membrane 23 to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5. The membrane 23 may prevent foreign bodies, in particular certain liquids such as water, from entering the aerosol generating device 1 through a gap between the button 11 and the wall of the housing 5 that delimits the through-hole 13.

[0198] As shown in Figure 2, the button 11 is above the membrane 23. The button 11 is supported by the membrane 23. The membrane 23 prevents the button 11 from falling into the aerosol generating device 1 along the pressing direction 10. The button 11 is preferably not fixedly attached to the membrane 23.

[0199] The switch 27 is provided downstream of the membrane 23 and downstream of the button 11 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is therefore between the button 11 and the switch 27. An actuation unit 29 is provided between the membrane 23 and the switch 27. The actuation unit 29 extends above the switch 27 towards the button 11.

[0200] When the button 11 is pressed, the button 11 moves towards the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 along the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is made of an elastic material and is deformed when the button 11 is pressed along the pressing direction 10. The button 11 therefore engages with the actuation unit 29 via the membrane 23. Being acted upon by the button 11 (via the membrane 23), the actuation unit 29 in turn acts upon the switch 27 and presses the switch 27. In a first embodiment, the actuation unit 29 is an elastic element forming a roof above the switch 27. The actuation unit 29 is elastically deformed by pressing the button 11 along the pressing direction 10 and presses the switch 27. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the actuation unit 29 may also be embodied as an intermediate element between the button 11 and the switch 27.

[0201] The switch 27 is provided on a printed circuit board 31 of the aerosol generating device 1. The printed circuit board 31 may be disposed parallel to the length axis of the device 1. The length of the printed circuit board 31 may be parallel to the length axis of the device 1. The battery may be parallel to the length axis of the device 1. The length of the battery may be parallel to the length axis of the device. The printed circuit board 31 may be disposed above or below the battery in a direction perpendicular to the length axis of the device 1. Either one of these arrangements may provide a more compact assembly. Alternatively, the switch 29 may be connected to the electronic circuitry of the aerosol generating device 1. Depressing the button 11, and thereby the switch 27, may provide an input to, for example, turn on the aerosol generating device 1, or activate a heating function of the aerosol generating device 1, or turn off the aerosol generating device 1, or control any function of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0202] FIG. 7A shows the outer side 33 of the button 11 facing towards the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. FIG. 7B shows the inner side 35 of the button 11 facing towards the inside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button 11 includes a button body 37 and a button light guide 39 embedded in the button body 37. FIG. 7C shows the button light guide 39 with the button body 37 removed. The button light guide 39 includes a light emitting surface 41 on the outer side 33 of the button 11. The light emitting surface 41 is visible through an opening in the button body 37 when viewed from the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button light guide 39 further includes a plurality of light entrance surfaces 43 on the inner side 35 of the button 11. The light entrance surfaces 43 are visible through an opening in the button body 37 when viewed from the inside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button light guide 39 further includes a plurality of light transmitting portions 45. Each of the light transmitting portions 45 connects a corresponding one of the light entrance surfaces 43 to the light emitting surface 41.

[0203] As can be seen in Fig. 2, source light guide 47 is provided on printed circuit board 31 downstream (or below) button 11 and membrane 23 relative to pressing direction 10. Fig. 8A shows source light guide 47 in a line of sight along pressing direction 10. Fig. 8B shows source light guide 47 in a line of sight relative to pressing direction 10. Source light guide 47 includes a source light guide body 49. Furthermore, source light guide 47 includes a plurality of light channels 51, which are illustrated in Fig. 8C with source light guide body 49 removed.

[0204] The light source 53 is provided transversely offset from the light emission surface 41 of the button light guide 39. The light source 53 is also transversely offset from the light entrance surface 43 of the button light guide 39. Additionally, the light source 53 is transversely offset from the through hole 13 of the housing 5. The light source 53 is also transversely offset from the button 11. The transversely offset positioning of the light source 53 may ensure that the light source 53 does not interfere with the operation of the button 11 and the switch 27.

[0205] Each of the light channels 51 of the source light guide 47 extends to a corresponding one of the light sources 53. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five light sources 53 and five corresponding light channels 51. The light channels 51 guide the light of the corresponding light source 53 to a light output end 55 of the respective light channel 51 at the surface of the source light guide 47 that faces towards the button 11.

[0206] The light output ends 55 of the light channels 51 each face a corresponding one of the light input faces 43 of the button light guide 39. The light output ends 55 of the light channels 51 face the light input faces 43 of the button light guide 39 along the pressing direction 10. Thus, light exiting the source light guide 47 through the output end 55 of one of the light channels 51 enters the button light guide 39 through a corresponding one of the light input faces 43.

[0207] As can be seen in Fig. 7C, the light exit surface 41 of the button light guide 39 has an elongated shape, in particular the shape of a line. The light transmitting portions 45 corresponding to the individual light entrance surfaces 43 of the button light guide 39 are connected to a portion of the button light guide 39 to form the light output surface 41 at different positions along the main extension direction of the light output surface 41. Thus, light from different light sources 53 is emitted through the light output surface 41 of the button light guide 39 towards the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 at different positions along the main extension direction of the output light guide 41.

[0208] A controller 59, shown diagrammatically in Figs. 3-6, controls the light sources 53. For example, the controller 59 may activate or deactivate specific light sources 53 individually or in groups to obtain a particular spatial light intensity distribution across the light emitting surface 41. In one embodiment, the controller 59 selectively activates and deactivates individual light sources 53 according to the state of charge of the battery of the aerosol generating device 1 and indicates the state of charge to the user. For example, when the battery is fully charged, all light sources 53 may be activated such that the entire length of the light emitting surface 41 is illuminated. As the state of charge of the battery decreases, a proportional number of light sources 53 may be deactivated in an order corresponding to the positions at which light from the light sources 53 is provided to the light emitting surface 41 of the button light guide 39. Hence, for a low state of charge of the battery, a reduced length of the light output surface 41 of the button light guide 39 may be illuminated. The illuminated length may be proportional to the state of charge of the battery.

[0209] For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8A , the source light guide 47 includes an opening 61. The opening 61 is located upstream of the switch 27 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The switch 27 is provided directly below the opening 61. The actuation unit 29 includes an elastic material and is elastically deformable. The actuation unit 29 extends through the opening 61 of the source light guide 47 and enables the button 11 to act on the actuation unit 29 when pressed along the pressing direction 10. When the button 11 is pressed, the button 11 deforms the actuation unit 29 such that the actuation unit 29 presses the switch 27.

[0210] Fig. 3 shows the aerosol generating device 1 in a partial view in the direction of view along the pressing direction 10, with the second housing part 9 and the button 11 removed. The membrane 23 provided below the button 11 is visible in Fig. 3. As can be seen in Fig. 3 and in Fig. 2, the membrane 23 may include a centering mechanism 63 for centering the button 11 in the through-hole 13 in the lateral direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering mechanism 63 has the form of a wall extending from the surface of the membrane 23 facing the pressing direction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering mechanism 63 extends completely around the circumference of the button 11. Alternatively, the centering mechanism 63 may include two or more separate sections provided at different positions along the circumference of the button 11.

[0211] Figure 4 shows the view of Figure 3 with membrane 23 removed. In Figure 4, the source light guide 47 appears as shown in Figure 8A.

[0212] Figure 5 shows the view of Figure 4 with the source light guide 47 removed. In Figure 5 the light sources 53 and the actuation unit 29 are visible. In the embodiment shown there are five light sources 53. A first number of light sources 53 are provided on a first side of the switch 27 and a second number of light sources 53 are provided on an opposing second side of the switch 27. Providing the light sources 53 on both sides of the switch 27 may allow for efficient use of the available space on the printed circuit board 31.

[0213] FIG. 6 shows the view of FIG. 5 with the actuation unit 29 removed, so that the switch 27 is visible.

[0214] The second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 9 to 13C.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 9, according to the second embodiment, a button 11 is provided in a through hole 13 of the housing 5 in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0216] The through hole 13 extends through the housing 5 and connects an outer surface 15 of the housing 5 with an inner surface 17 of the housing 5. The outer surface 15 of the housing 5 may at least partially form the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0217] The housing 5 includes a retaining protrusion 19 that extends into the through hole 13 of the housing 5 along the periphery of the through hole 13. The button 11 includes a retaining protrusion 21 that extends transversely from the button 11 around the periphery of the button 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 is provided below the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5 with respect to the pressing direction 10 of the button 11. Thus, the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5 and the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 together provide a form fit that prevents the button 11 from falling out of the through hole 13 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The button 11 may be retained in the through hole 13 in a different manner. For example, the housing 5 may have a flat wall that bounds the through hole 13 without the retaining protrusion 19 of the housing 5, and the retaining protrusion 21 of the button 11 may extend transversely below the housing 5 to prevent the button 11 from falling out of the through hole 13 with respect to the pressing direction 10.

[0218] As in the first embodiment, the membrane 23 is provided below the button 11 downstream of the button 11 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 extends at a right angle to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is sealed to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5 completely around the circumference of the through-hole 13. The membrane 23 therefore covers and seals the through-hole 13. The membrane 23 is sealed to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5 by an adhesive layer 25 that circumferentially surrounds the through-hole 13. The adhesive layer 25 may for example be a layer of double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of glue. The membrane 23 is waterproof. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 25 that attaches the membrane 23 to the housing 5 is waterproof and waterproofly seals the membrane 23 to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5. The membrane 23 may prevent foreign bodies, in particular certain liquids such as water, from entering the aerosol generating device 1 through a gap between the button 11 and the wall of the housing 5 that delimits the through-hole 13.

[0219] Figure 10 shows the aerosol generating device 1 in a partial view along the pressing direction 10, with the second housing part 9 and the button 11 removed. A membrane 23 provided below the button 11 is visible in Figure 10. Furthermore, an adhesive layer 25 is visible in Figure 10.

[0220] As shown in Figure 9, the button 11 is above the membrane 23. The button 11 is supported by the membrane 23. The membrane 23 prevents the button 11 from falling into the aerosol generating device 1 along the pressing direction 10. The button 11 is preferably not fixedly attached to the membrane 23.

[0221] The switch 27 is provided on the printed circuit board 31 downstream of the button 11 and downstream of the membrane 23 with respect to the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is therefore between the button 11 and the printed circuit board 31 and the switch 27. The printed circuit board 31 extends at a right angle to the pressing direction 10.

[0222] The actuation unit 29 is provided between the membrane 23 and the printed circuit board 31. The actuation unit 29 according to the second embodiment has a plate or platform shape. The main extension direction of the actuation unit 29 is generally perpendicular to the pressing direction 10. The actuation unit 29 may extend parallel to the membrane 23. The actuation unit 29 may be provided immediately downstream of the membrane 23 with respect to the pressing direction 10.

[0223] The damper 81 is provided on the printed circuit board 31. The damper 81 comprises an elastic material. The damper 81 may be formed as a block-shaped structure above the printed circuit board 31. The damper 81 may be provided downstream of the actuating unit 29 in the pressing direction 10. The damper 81 may protrude from the printed circuit board 31 in the pressing direction 10 further than the switch 27.

[0224] When the button 11 is pressed, the button 11 moves towards the inside of the aerosol generating device 1 along the pressing direction 10. The membrane 23 is made of an elastic material and deforms when the button 11 is pressed along the pressing direction 10. Hence, the button 11 engages with the actuation unit 29 via the membrane 23.

[0225] Due to the pressing force applied via the button 11, a force directed along the pressing direction 10 acts on the actuation unit 29. The damper 81 opposes the movement of the actuation unit 29 along the pressing direction 10. This causes the actuation unit 29 to perform a tilting movement, such that the area of ​​the actuation unit 29 provided above the switch 27 moves further downwards along the pressing direction 10 than the area of ​​the actuation unit 29 provided above the damper 81. The tilting movement is indicated diagrammatically by an arrow 83 in FIG. 9 and by a tilt axis 84 in FIG. 11. The tilting movement of the actuation unit 29 brings the actuation unit 29 into contact with the switch 27, thereby actuating the switch 27. Actuating the switch 27 may, for example, provide an input to turn on the aerosol generating device 1, or to activate a heating function of the aerosol generating device 1, or to turn off the aerosol generating device 1, or to control any function of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0226] When the button 11 is released by the user, the actuation unit 29 performs a reverse tilting movement, returning the actuation unit 29 to its initial position. The return movement of the actuation unit 29 can be partially or completely caused by the elastic force applied by the damper 81.

[0227] FIG. 11 shows the view of FIG. 10 with the membrane 23 and the adhesive layer 25 having been displaced again. In FIG. 11 the actuation unit 29 can therefore be seen in a top view. The actuation unit 29 comprises a guide hole 85 which extends through the actuation unit 29 parallel to the pressing direction 10. A guide pin 87 provided on the printed circuit board 31 extends into the guide hole 85 from below. The interaction between the guide hole 85 and the guide pin 87 ensures that the actuation unit 29 remains in a fixed position above the damper 81 and the switch 27. The guide pin 87 is received in the guide hole 85 with sufficient play to allow a tilting movement of the actuation unit 27.

[0228] Figure 12 shows the view of figure 10 with the actuation unit 29 removed. Therefore, the switch 27, the damper 81 and the guide pin 87 provided on the printed circuit board 31 are visible in figure 12. The damper 81 is provided between the guide pin 87 and the switch 27.

[0229] 12, the light sources 53 are provided on the printed circuit board 31 below the actuation unit 29. In the illustrated embodiment, five light sources 53 are provided on the printed circuit board 31 below the actuation unit 29. The light sources 53 may include LEDs.

[0230] 11 , the actuation unit 29 includes light channels 89 that extend through the actuation unit 29 parallel to the pressing direction 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation unit 29 includes four light channels 89. Three smaller light channels 89 are provided above each one corresponding light source 53. A fourth larger light channel 89 is provided above two corresponding light sources 53. Light from the light sources 53 passes through the light channels 89 of the actuation unit 29 towards the button 11.

[0231] FIG. 13A shows the outer side 33 of the button 11 facing towards the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. FIG. 13B shows the inner side 35 of the button 11 facing towards the inside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button 11 includes a button body 37 and a button light guide 39 embedded in the button body 37. FIG. 13C shows the button light guide 39 with the button body 37 removed. The button light guide 39 includes a light emitting surface 41 on the outer side 33 of the button 11. The light emitting surface 41 is visible through an opening in the button body 37 when viewed from the outside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button light guide 39 further includes a plurality of light entrance surfaces 43 on the inner side 35 of the button 11. The light entrance surfaces 43 are visible through an opening in the button body 37 when viewed from the inside of the aerosol generation device 1. The button light guide 39 further includes a plurality of light transmitting portions 45. Each of the light transmitting portions 45 connects a corresponding one of the light entrance surfaces 43 to the light emitting surface 41.

[0232] 13C, the light exit surface 41 of the button light guide 39 has an elongated shape, in particular the shape of a line. The light transmitting portions 45 corresponding to the individual light entrance surfaces 43 of the button light guide 39 are connected to parts of the button light guide 39 to form the light output surface 41 at different positions along the main extension direction of the light output surface 41.

[0233] A controller 59, shown diagrammatically in Figs. 10-12, controls the light sources 53. For example, the controller 59 may activate or deactivate specific light sources 53 individually or in groups to obtain a particular spatial light intensity distribution across the light emitting surface 41. For example, the controller 59 may selectively activate and deactivate individual light sources 53 according to the state of charge of the battery of the aerosol generating device 1 and indicate the state of charge to a user. For example, when the battery is fully charged, all light sources 53 may be activated such that the entire length of the light emitting surface 41 is illuminated. As the state of charge of the battery decreases, a proportional number of light sources 53 may be deactivated in an order corresponding to the positions at which light from the light sources 53 is provided to the light emitting surface 41 of the button light guide 39. Hence, for a low state of charge of the battery, a reduced length of the light output surface 41 of the button light guide 39 may be illuminated. The illuminated length may be proportional to the state of charge of the battery.

[0234] Fig. 14 shows a schematic perspective view on the inside 17 of the housing 5 in the region of the through hole 13. The features shown in Fig. 14 can be implemented in both the first and the second embodiment. A recessed area 91 is provided around the through hole 13. The recessed area 91 may be delimited by a step 93 formed in the housing 5. The membrane 23 is attached to the inner surface 17 of the housing 5 in the recessed area 91. Fig. 14 also shows a centering portion 95 provided around the through hole 13.

[0235] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view through the housing 5 at the location of the through-hole 13, in which the button 11 is received. As shown in FIG. 15 , a centering portion 95 is provided in a wall portion 97 of the housing 15 that defines the through-hole 13. The centering portion 95 extends from the wall portion 97 into the through-hole 13. The centering portion 95 engages with a lateral surface 99 of the button 11. The engagement between the centering portion 95 and the lateral surface 99 of the button 11 limits the rotation of the button 11 in the through-hole 13. Furthermore, the engagement between the centering portion 95 and the lateral surface 99 of the button 11 contributes to centering the button 11 in the through-hole 13.

[0236] 14, centering portions 95 are provided at intervals around the circumference of through-hole 13. Between adjacent centering portions 95, a larger gap is formed between wall portion 97 of housing 5 and side surface 99 of button 11.

[0237] Figure 16 shows an alternative arrangement of the centering portion 95. According to Figure 16, the centering portion 95 is provided on a lateral surface 99 of the button 11 and extends outwardly towards a wall portion 97 of the housing 5 that bounds the through hole 13. The centering portion 95 limits the rotation of the button 11 within the through hole 13 by engagement with the wall portion 97 of the housing 5.

[0238] 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 having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; a button disposed at least partially within the through hole; a membrane secured to the housing and extending across the through hole; a form fit is provided between the housing and the button; An aerosol generating device, wherein the form-fit is configured to hold the button within the through-hole against the button dropping out of the aerosol generating device from the through-hole.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the membrane is transparent or translucent.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein a recessed area is provided in the inner surface of the housing, and the membrane is fixed to the inner surface of the housing within the recessed area.

4. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing by at least one of adhesive, vibration welding, laser welding, or two-shot molding the membrane to the housing.

5. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the membrane is configured to act on the button to support return movement of the button from its activated position to its rest position.

6. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the form-fitting includes one or more retention protrusions on the housing, the one or more retention protrusions on the housing extending into the through-hole.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the button is detachable relative to the membrane.

8. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the membrane is formed as a flat sheet.

9. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

10. 1. A method for activating a switch on an aerosol generating device, comprising: moving a button from a rest position toward the inside of the aerosol generating device to an activated position, the button being at least partially provided within a through-hole in a housing of the aerosol generating device; deforming a membrane of the aerosol generating device by said movement of the button; activating a switch by said movement of said button, said switch being provided on an opposite side of said membrane from said button; and retaining the button within the through-hole by a form fit provided between the housing and the button so that the button does not fall out of the through-hole towards the outside of the aerosol generating device.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the membrane seals the through-hole.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the button is configured to move relative to the membrane.

13. Use of a membrane for sealing a through-hole in a housing of an aerosol generating device, wherein a button of the aerosol generating device is movable within the through-hole; A form fit is provided between the housing and the button, the form fit holding the button within the through-hole so that the button does not fall out of the through-hole towards the outside of the aerosol generating device.

14. The use of claim 13, wherein the button is configured to move relative to the membrane.

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