Aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (10) including a heating assembly (12). The heating assembly (12) includes a heating compartment (14) arranged to receive an aerosol generating article (16). The aerosol generating device (10) further includes a lid (18) configured to be movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment (14). The aerosol generating device (10) further includes a removable cover (20) that can be placed on a body (22) of the aerosol generating device (10). The aerosol generating device (10) further includes a fastening arrangement (24). The fastening arrangement (24) is configured to mechanically fasten the removable cover (20) to the body (22) when the lid (18) is moved by a user to open the heating compartment (14), and to mechanically release the removable cover (20) from the body (22) when the lid (18) is moved by a user to close the heating compartment (14).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of reduced or modified risk devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than combust, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are aerosol-generating devices, i.e. so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol-generating substrate contained in an aerosol-generating article, such as a heated tobacco stick, in a heating compartment, typically to a temperature in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature in this range, without burning or warming the aerosol-generating substrate, generates vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol which is inhaled by the user of the device.

[0004] Typically, a cover can be placed on the body of the aerosol generating device that provides an insulating barrier so that the device can be comfortably held by the user during a vaping session. In some cases, the cover can be removed to allow access to the body of the device. As a safety measure, heating is automatically disabled when the cover is removed. Thus, inadvertent removal of the cover will interrupt the vaping session, which is inconvenient for the user. Furthermore, the exposed body of the device may be hot and thus pose a safety risk to the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an aerosol generating device that mitigates these disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating assembly including a heating compartment positioned to receive an aerosol-generating article; a lid configured to be movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment; a removable cover that can be placed on the body of the aerosol generating device; and a fastening arrangement configured to mechanically fasten the removable cover to the body when the lid is moved by a user to open the heating compartment, and to mechanically release the removable cover from the body when the lid is moved by the user to close the heating compartment; An aerosol generating device is provided, comprising:

[0007] The removable cover may substantially conceal the front and / or rear of the body of the aerosol generating device when the cover is placed on the body. The removable cover may define at least a portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device. The removable cover may have an inner surface positioned adjacent to and optionally in contact with the body and an outer surface that may define at least a portion of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The aerosol-generating article can be received in the heating compartment of the aerosol generating device only when the heating compartment is opened. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be used for a vaporizing session only when the heating compartment is opened. In this configuration, the removable cover is mechanically fastened to the body by the fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement can be released to allow the removable cover to be removed by the user by moving the lid to close the heating compartment only after the aerosol-generating article has been removed, e.g., at the end of the vaporizing session. This configuration thus prevents the removable cover from being inadvertently removed during a vaporizing session, automatically disabling the heating, and thus preventing the associated inconvenience caused by interrupting the vaporizing session. This configuration also reduces safety risks possibly associated with the exposure of a hot body.

[0009] The lid is slidably movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment, and may for example be linearly slidable.

[0010] In some cases, the fastening arrangement comprises: A fastener and a receiving part, wherein in use, moving the lid to open the heating compartment engages a fastener with the receiving part to mechanically fasten the removable cover to the body, and moving the lid to close the heating compartment disengages the fastener from the receiving part to mechanically release the removable cover from the body. This configuration provides a robust fastening and release mechanism.

[0011] The removable cover may include a receiving portion. The receiving portion may be disposed on an inner surface of the removable cover. The catch may be configured to move with the lid. The catch may be connected to the lid. The catch may be connected to the lid by a connecting arm.

[0012] In some cases, the fastener includes a bolt and the receiver includes a socket, the socket configured to receive the bolt for engagement with the fastener. The bolt may be generally cylindrical. The bolt may be movable within a bolt housing. The bolt housing may be disposed on an exterior surface of the body.

[0013] Optionally, the fastening arrangement provides an electric switch configured to enable heating in the heating compartment when the lid is moved by the user to open the heating compartment, and disable heating in the heating compartment when the lid is moved by the user to close the heating compartment. Optionally, the electric switch is configured such that heating is enabled when the catch is engaged with the receiver, and disabled when the catch is disengaged from the receiver. In such an example, there is no need for a separate mechanism to detect removal of the removable cover from the main body, for example based on a Hall sensor output signal, and automatically disable heating for user safety when it is detected that the removable cover has been removed. This simplifies the arrangement.

[0014] Optionally, the electrical switch is configured such that a conductive path in the electrical circuit is either connected or disconnected when the fastener is engaged with the receiver to enable heating, and is the other of disconnected or connected when the fastener is disengaged from the receiver to disable heating. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device showing a removable cover and a body of the device side-by-side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, showing the removable cover and body of the device side-by-side; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fastening arrangement. [Figure 4a] 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 in a fastening configuration in a first state of use. [Figure 4b]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 in a fastening configuration in a second state of use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] 1 and 2, an aerosol generating device 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in schematic form. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a removable cover 20, i.e., a front cover, and a body 22. The removable cover 20 is disposed on the body 22. During use of the aerosol generating device 10 in a vaporizing session, the body 22 may become hot. The removable cover 20 provides an insulating barrier to allow a user to comfortably hold the device 10 during a vaporizing session. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the removable cover 20 is removed from the body 22. The removable cover 20 and the body 22 are shown side-by-side in a separated state. The aerosol generating device 10 is configured to be used with an aerosol generating article 16, such that the aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 16 together form an aerosol generating system.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device 10 may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated non-combustion tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing a tobacco product," etc., and is to be construed as any device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating substrate.

[0019] The aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld, portable device, meaning that a user can hold and support the device in one hand without assistance. The aerosol generating device 10 has a first (or proximal) end 42 and a second (or distal) end 44, and includes a device housing 46.

[0020] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a controller 48. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 via the controller 48.

[0021] The controller 48 is configured to detect the initiation of use of the aerosol generating device 10, for example, in response to a user input, such as pressing a button to activate the aerosol generating device 10, or a detected airflow through the aerosol generating device 10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, airflow through the aerosol generating device 10 indicates an inhalation or "puff" by a user. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a puff detector, such as, for example, an airflow sensor (not shown), to detect airflow through the aerosol generating device 10.

[0022] The controller 48 includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power source 50, such as a battery. The power source 50 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies in the case of the inductively heated steam generating device 10. For example, the power source 50 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at frequencies of about 80 kHz to 500 kHz, optionally about 150 kHz to 250 kHz, optionally about 200 kHz. The power source 50 and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at higher frequencies, such as in the MHz range, if desired.

[0023] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating assembly 12. The heating assembly 12 further includes a heating section 14. The heating section 14 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 16. In some examples, the heating section 14 has a generally cylindrical cross-section. The heating section 14 defines a cavity.

[0024] The heating section 14 has a first end 52 and a second end 54. The heating section 14 includes an opening 56 at the first end 52 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 16. In the illustrated example, the heating section 14 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 58, i.e., a sidewall 58 having a generally circular cross-section.

[0025] The aerosol-generating article 16 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose-leaf, cut-leaf, cut-filler, porous materials, foamed materials or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate can include plant-derived materials, and in particular tobacco. The plant-based aerosol-generating material can advantageously include reconstituted tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate can be a tobacco plug.

[0026] The aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20% on a dry weight basis, and in some cases about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0027] The aerosol-generating substrate may, upon heating, release volatile compounds, which may include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco flavorings.

[0028] The shape of the aerosol-generating article 16 corresponds to the shape of the heating section 14. The aerosol-generating article 16 may be generally cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol-generating article 16 may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette having a tubular region with an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in a suitable configuration. The aerosol-generating article 16 may be a disposable and replaceable article and may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article 16 may be a heated tobacco stick. The aerosol-generating article 16 is a consumable item.

[0029] The aerosol-generating article 16 has a first end 60 (or mouth end) and a second end 62, and includes a filter 64 at the first end 60. The filter 64 functions as a mouthpiece and may include, for example, a breathable plug including cellulose acetate fibers.

[0030] The aerosol-generating substrate and filter 64 may be surrounded by a paper wrapper and thus embodied as an aerosol-generating article 16. In some designs, one or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures may also be included.

[0031] To use the aerosol generating device 10, a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 16 into the heating section 14 through the opening 56 such that the second end 62 of the aerosol-generating article 16 is positioned at the second end 54 of the heating section 14 and the filter 64 at the first end 60 of the aerosol-generating article 16 protrudes from the first end 52 of the heating section 14 so that it can be held between the user's lips.

[0032] The heating assembly 12 includes a heater 13 , i.e., a heating element, positioned to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article 16 received in a heating section 14 .

[0033] The heating assembly 12 may be an inductive heating assembly (not shown). The inductive heating assembly further includes an induction coil (not shown). The induction coil is configured to be energized to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating an inductively heatable susceptor (not shown). Thus, in such an example, the heater 13 is an inductively heatable susceptor.

[0034] The inductively heatable susceptor may be disposed about the periphery of the heating section 14. Alternatively, the inductively heatable susceptor may be disposed to protrude from the second end 54 (e.g., a heating blade or pin, etc.) into the heating section 14 for piercing the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. In other examples, the inductively heatable susceptor is instead provided within the aerosol-generating substrate during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article 16. In such examples, the aerosol-generating article 16 includes the inductively heatable susceptor.

[0035] The induction coil may be energized by a power supply 50 and a controller 48. The induction coil may comprise a Litz wire or Litz cable, however, it is understood that other materials may be used.

[0036] The induction coil may extend around the heating section 14. Thus, the induction coil may be annular. The induction coil may be substantially helical in shape. In some examples, the circular cross-section of a helical induction coil may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16, and optionally one or more inductively heatable susceptors, into the heating section 14 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0037] The inductively heatable susceptor comprises an electrically conductive material. The inductively heatable susceptor may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminum, iron, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, low carbon steel and alloys thereof, such as nickel chromium or nickel copper, and composites of metallic materials. In some examples, the inductively heatable susceptor comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel, and low carbon stainless steel.

[0038] In use, application of an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the inductively heatable susceptor causes the inductively heatable susceptor to generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in the conversion of energy from electromagnetic to thermal.

[0039] The induction coil may be arranged to operate with a varying electromagnetic field, in use, having a magnetic flux density at its highest point of between about 20 mT and about 2.0 T.

[0040] An alternative approach is to utilize a resistive heating assembly (not shown). In such a case, the heater 13 is a resistive heater (not shown). The resistive heater may surround the aerosol-generating substrate and transfer heat to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, the resistive heater may be positioned around the periphery of the heating section 14. Alternatively, the resistive heater may be positioned to protrude from the second end 54 (e.g., a heated blade or pin, etc.) into the heating section 14 to pierce the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10. In use, current from the power supply 50 is supplied directly to the resistive heater to generate heat.

[0041] In use, heat from the heater 13 (i.e. an inductively heatable susceptor or a resistive heater) is transferred, for example by conduction, radiation and convection, to the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 16 disposed in the heating section 14 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate (without burning the aerosol-generating substrate) and generate vapor which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating device 10, such as through a filter 64. Evaporation of the aerosol-generating substrate is facilitated, for example, by adding air from the surrounding environment through an air inlet (not shown).

[0042] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0043] As a safety measure, heating is automatically disabled if the removable cover 20 is removed. In some examples, the controller 48 is configured to detect the removal of the removable cover 20 from the body 22 based on the Hall sensor output signal, and to automatically disable heating for user safety if it detects that the removable cover 20 has been removed.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a lid 18 configured to be movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 14. The lid 18 is a closure member. The lid 18 protects the heating compartment 14 when the aerosol generating device 10 is not in use. In the illustrated example, the lid 18 is slidably movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 14. In such an example, the lid 18 is a slider.

[0045] The lid 18 is movable relative to the opening 56 between a closed position, in which the lid 18 covers the opening 56, and an open position, in which the opening 56 is not blocked by the lid 18. In Figures 1 and 4a, the lid 18 is in the open position. In the open position, the opening 56 is not blocked and the aerosol-generating article 16 can be received within the heating section 14. In Figures 2 and 4b, the lid 18 is in the closed position, in which it covers the opening 56.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a fastening arrangement 24. The fastening arrangement 24 is a reversible mechanical fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement 24 is configured to mechanically fasten the removable cover 20 to the body 22 when the lid 18 is moved by a user to open the heating compartment 14, and to mechanically release the removable cover 20 from the body 22 when the lid 18 is moved by a user to close the heating compartment 14. Thus, the removable cover 20 is secured to the body 22 when the lid 18 is in an open position, and can be detached from the body 22 when the lid 18 is in a closed position.

[0047] In examples where the lid 18 is slidably movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 14, the sliding movement to close the heating compartment 14 mechanically locks the removable cover 20 in place on the body 22 of the aerosol generating device 10. The sliding movement to open the heating compartment 14 mechanically unlocks the removable cover 20 from the body 22, such that the removable cover 20 can be removed.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article 16 can be received in the heating section 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 only when the heating section 14 is open. The aerosol generating device 10 can therefore only be used for a vaporizing session when the heating section 14 is open (and the aerosol-generating article 16 is received therein). Thus, the opening 56 of the heating section 14 must not be blocked by the lid 18 in order for the aerosol generating device 10 to be used for a vaporizing session. In this configuration, the removable cover 20 is mechanically fastened to the body 22 by the fastening arrangement 24. The fastening arrangement 24 can be released to allow the removable cover 20 to be removed by a user by moving the lid 18 to close the heating section 14 only after the aerosol-generating article 16 has been removed, e.g., at the end of the vaporizing session. This configuration thus prevents the removable cover 20 from being inadvertently removed during a vaporizing session, automatically disabling heating, and thus preventing the associated inconvenience caused by interrupting the vaporizing session. This configuration also reduces safety risks possibly associated with exposure of a hot body 22. Thus, during a vaping session, the removable cover 20, i.e., the front cover, cannot be removed without using excessive force.

[0049] The fastening arrangement 24 includes a fastener 26 and a receiver 28. In the illustrated example, the removable cover 20 includes the receiver 28. The receiver 28 is disposed on an inner surface 30 of the removable cover 20. The receiver 28 is provided on the inner surface 30 of the removable cover 20. The receiver 28 can be connected to the inner surface 30 of the removable cover 20.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the catch 26 is configured to move with the lid 18. As such, the catch 26 is associated with the lid 18. The catch 26 is provided on an outer surface 32 of the body 22.

[0051] In use, moving the lid 18 to open the heating compartment 14 engages the catches 26 with the receivers 28, mechanically fastening the removable cover 20 to the body 22. Moving the lid 18 to close the heating compartment 14 disengages the catches 26 from the receivers 28, mechanically releasing the removable cover 20 from the body 22. This configuration provides a robust fastening and release mechanism.

[0052] 3, a detailed view of the fastening arrangement 24 is shown in schematic form. In the illustrated example, the fastener 26 includes a generally cylindrical bolt 34, i.e., a body, and the receiver 28 includes a socket 36, i.e., a retainer, catch, or latch. The socket 36 is disposed on the inner surface 30 of the removable cover 20. The socket 36 is connected to the inner surface 30 of the removable cover 20. The socket 36 is configured to receive the bolt 34 to engage with the fastener 26. In the illustrated example, when the removable cover 20 is placed on the body 22, the bolt 34 slides into the socket 36 by the user moving the lid 18 to open the heating compartment 14.

[0053] The bolt 34 is movable within a bolt housing 38, i.e., a barrel plate, disposed on the exterior surface 32 of the body 22. The bolt housing 38 is connected to the exterior surface 32 of the body 22. The bolt 34 is thus exposed to the outside of the body 22 and is hidden by the removable cover 20 when the removable cover 20 is placed on the body 22. In the illustrated example, the bolt housing 38 includes a guide mechanism 66 that includes a tail retainer 68, a break or mid-retainer 70, and a head retainer 72.

[0054] The catch 26 is connected to the lid 18 by a connecting arm 40. Thus, in use, by moving the lid 18, the catch 26 is correspondingly moved by the connecting arm 40. The lid 18 thus provides a carrier for the catch 26.

[0055] 4a and 4b, the fastening arrangement 24 is shown diagrammatically superimposed on the removable cover 20 to illustrate the relationship between the catch 26 and the receiver 28. In FIG. 4a, the lid 18 is in an open position and the catch 26 is engaged with the receiver 28. The opening 56 is therefore not blocked by the lid 18. The fastening arrangement 24 is in a first state of use. The removable cover 20 is therefore mechanically fastened to the body 22 and the heating compartment 14 is open. In the illustrated example, the aerosol-generating article 16 is received in the heating compartment 14. In FIG. 4b, the lid 18 is in a closed position and the catch 26 is disengaged from the receiver 28. The heating compartment 14 is therefore closed by the lid 18. The fastening arrangement 24 is in a second state of use. The removable cover 20 is therefore mechanically released from the body 22 and the removable cover 20 can therefore be removed from the body 22.

[0056] In some examples, the fastening arrangement 24 provides an electrical switch configured to enable heating within the heating compartment 14 when the lid 18 is moved by a user to open the heating compartment 14. The electrical switch is configured to disable heating within the heating compartment 14 when the lid 18 is moved by a user to close the heating compartment 14.

[0057] The electrical switch is configured such that heating is enabled when the fastener 26 is engaged with the receiver 28 and disabled when the fastener 26 is disengaged from the receiver 28. A conductive path in the electrical circuit is either connected or disconnected when the fastener 26 is engaged with the receiver 28 to enable heating. When the fastener 26 is disengaged from the receiver 28, the electrical circuit is either disconnected or connected to disable heating.

[0058] In the illustrated example, heating within the heating section 14 is enabled when the fastener 26 engages with the receiving portion 28, thereby connecting the conductive circuit within the electrical circuit (i.e., when the electrical switch is closed), and is disabled when the fastener 26 and the receiving portion 28 disengage, thereby disconnecting the conductive circuit within the electrical circuit (i.e., when the electrical switch is open).

[0059] In use, moving the lid 18 to open the heating compartment 14 enables heating by engaging the catch 26 with the receptacle 28. The aerosol-generating article 16 can then be received within the heating compartment 14 and the heater 13 can be activated to initiate a vaporizing session, for example, in response to a user input or airflow detected through the aerosol-generating device. Moving the lid 18 to close the heating compartment 14 disables heating by disengaging the catch 26 from the receptacle 28. The heater 13 therefore cannot be activated to initiate a vaporizing session. In such an example, there is no need for a separate mechanism to detect removal of the removable cover 20 from the body 22, for example, based on a Hall sensor output signal, and automatically disable heating for user safety if it is detected that the removable cover 20 has been removed. This simplifies the configuration.

[0060] The figures also illustrate a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 10 according to examples of the present disclosure. The figures also illustrate a method of providing an aerosol generating system according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0061] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims, and thus the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0062] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0063] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to", rather than in an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating device (10), A heating assembly (12) includes a heating compartment (14) arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article (16), A lid (18) is configured to be movable by the user to open and close the heating compartment (14), A removable cover (20) that can be placed on the main body (22) of the aerosol generating device (10), A fastening configuration (24) is configured such that when the lid (18) is moved by the user to open the heating compartment (14), the removable cover (20) is mechanically fastened to the main body (22), and when the lid (18) is moved by the user to close the heating compartment (14), the removable cover (20) is mechanically released from the main body (22). an aerosol generating device (10) including the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (18) is linearly slidable by the user to open and close the heating compartment (14).

3. The fastening configuration (24) is, Fastener (26) and The receiving portion (28) is configured such that when the lid (18) is moved to open the heating compartment (14) during use, the fastener (26) engages with the receiving portion (28) to mechanically fasten the removable cover (20) to the main body (22), and when the lid (18) is moved to close the heating compartment (14), the fastener (26) engages with and disengages from the receiving portion (28) to mechanically release the removable cover (20) from the main body (22), and an aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1, including the above.

4. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the removable cover (20) includes the receiving portion (28).

5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving portion (28) is disposed on the inner surface (30) of the removable cover (20).

6. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the fastener (26) is configured to move together with the lid (18).

7. The fastener (26) is connected to the lid (18), as described in claim 6, for the aerosol generating device (10).

8. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the fastener (26) is connected to the lid (18) by a connecting arm (40).

9. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the fastener (26) includes a bolt (34), and the receiving portion (28) includes a socket (36), the socket (36) being configured to receive the bolt (34) for engagement with the fastener (26).

10. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the bolt (34) is substantially cylindrical.

11. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the bolt (34) is movable within the bolt housing (38).

12. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the bolt housing (38) is disposed on the outer surface (32) of the main body (22).

13. The fastening configuration (24) provides an electric switch configured to enable heating in the heating compartment (14) when the lid (18) is moved by the user to open the heating compartment (14), and to disable heating in the heating compartment (14) when the lid (18) is moved by the user to close the heating compartment (14), the aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 13, as dependent on claim 3, wherein the electric switch is configured such that heating is enabled when the fastener (26) engages with the receiving portion (28) and disabled when the fastener (26) disengages from the receiving portion (28).

15. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 13, as dependent on claim 3, wherein the electrical switch is configured such that the conduction path in the electrical circuit is either connected or disconnected when the fastener (26) engages with the receiving portion (28) to enable heating, and is either disconnected or connected when the fastener (26) disengages from the receiving portion (28) to disable heating.

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