Sealing the end caps of aerosol generators

Abstract

The end cap (13) for an aerosol generating device includes an end cap body (15) and a seal (31). The end cap body extends along an axial direction (3) from an end cap body base section (21) to an end cap body cap section (23). The seal has a sealing lip portion (35) circumferentially surrounding the base section and extending outwardly away from the base section. The resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending toward the axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to providing a seal for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of aerosol generating devices are known. For example, a non-heat-burning aerosol generating device generally includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol for consumption by a user. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco segment or a tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or positioned around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In another embodiment, a vaporizer-type aerosol generating device may be configured to heat an aerosol-generating liquid from a cartridge to provide an aerosol for consumption by a user. The cartridge may be configured as a refillable cartridge or as a disposable item.

[0003] There is a need to provide a way to prevent or reduce the unwanted ingress of foreign matter, such as liquids or dust, into an aerosol generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an end cap for an aerosol generating device. The end cap comprises an end cap body and a seal. The end cap body extends axially from a base section of the end cap body to a cap section of the end cap body. The seal comprises a sealing lip portion. The sealing lip portion circumferentially surrounds the base section and extends outwardly away from the base section. The resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending in an axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction.

[0005] The end cap may be configured to form part of the aerosol generating device. The sealing lip portion may be configured to bend axially upon assembly of the aerosol generating device. The seal may be configured to seal a gap between the end cap body and one or more other components of the aerosol generating device. The seal may prevent or reduce the ingress of foreign matter, such as liquid or dust, between the end cap body and one or more other components of the aerosol generating device. Bending the sealing lip portion axially may facilitate establishing a sealing contact between the sealing lip portion and one or more other components of the aerosol generating device. The one or more other components of the aerosol generating device may comprise a housing sleeve of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] The sealing lip portion may have a preferential bending direction, specifically such that the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending toward the axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction. The preferential bending direction may be in the axial direction. The preferential bending direction of the sealing lip portion may help ensure that a seal is properly established within the aerosol generation device.

[0007] In view of the greater resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction, undesirable bending of the sealing lip portion against the axial direction may be reduced, particularly during assembly of the aerosol generating device or after assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The cap section of the end cap body may be axially downstream of the base section of the end cap body.

[0009] The cap section may be configured to form at least a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol generation device. The cap section may comprise a surface having a major plane of extension that is at least generally perpendicular to the axial direction. The cap section may be configured to at least partially form an end surface of the aerosol generation device.

[0010] The base section may be configured to be provided within the aerosol generation device. The base section may be configured to be received within the aerosol generation device and not visible from outside the aerosol generation device.

[0011] The seal may include an elastomeric material. The seal may be formed of an elastomeric material. The seal may consist of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The elastomeric material may be a rubber material. The elastomeric material may be a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The elastomeric material may have a Shore A hardness of 60 to 80, specifically 65 to 75, according to standard ASTM D2240.

[0012] The seal may be provided as a one-piece structure.

[0013] The material composition of the seal may be the same throughout the seal, or alternatively, different portions of the seal may have different material compositions.

[0014] The preferential bending direction of the sealing lip portion may be caused by the geometry of the seal. Alternatively, or additionally, the preferential bending direction of the sealing lip portion may be caused by the material properties of the sealing lip portion.

[0015] The seal may circumferentially surround the base section of the end cap body. The seal may contact an outer surface of the base section. The seal may contact the base section along the entire periphery of the base section.

[0016] The seal may be asymmetric with respect to each plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the asymmetry may be such as to favor axial bending of the sealing lip portion over anti-axial bending of the sealing lip portion.

[0017] The seal may be fixed to the end cap body. The seal may be overmolded onto the end cap body. A fixed connection between the seal and the end cap body may reduce the risk of displacement of the seal, particularly during assembly of the aerosol generating device. A fixed connection between the seal and the end cap body may ensure that the correct positioning of the seal relative to the end cap body is maintained.

[0018] The sealing lip portion may include a first axially facing surface and a second axially facing surface, the first surface being visible when viewing the end cap in an opposite axial viewing direction but not visible when viewing the end cap in an axial viewing direction, and the second surface being visible when viewing the end cap in an axial viewing direction but not visible when viewing the end cap in an opposite axial viewing direction.

[0019] When the sealing lip portion is bent axially, the first surface may be positioned radially inward of the second surface. When the sealing lip portion is bent axially, the first surface may face the base section of the end cap body, with or without contact with the end cap body. When the sealing lip portion is bent axially, the second surface may face away from the base section of the end cap body. In the assembled aerosol generating device, the second surface may be in contact with one or more components of the aerosol generating device positioned radially outward of the base section of the end cap body, specifically the housing sleeve of the aerosol generating device.

[0020] The first surface and the second surface may taper toward each other along the radially outward direction. A distance between the first surface and the second surface along the axial direction may decrease in the radially outward direction. A thickness of the sealing lip portion in the axial direction may decrease in the radially outward direction.

[0021] An end surface of the sealing lip portion may interconnect the first surface and the second surface and may extend circumferentially around the end cap body.

[0022] The first surface may be a flat surface. The second surface may be a flat surface. The first surface and the second surface may be flat surfaces.

[0023] The first angle between the first surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction may be smaller than the second angle between the second surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The different inclinations of the first and second surfaces may contribute to a preferential bending direction of the sealing lip portion. A small first angle may facilitate bending of the sealing lip portion in the axial direction. A large second angle may increase resistance to bending of the sealing lip against the axial direction. The first angle may be, for example, 1 to 40 degrees, or 1 to 30 degrees, or 1 to 20 degrees, or 3 to 15 degrees, or 5 to 10 degrees. The second angle may be, for example, 5 to 80 degrees, or 10 to 70 degrees, or 15 to 60 degrees, or 25 to 45 degrees, or 30 to 40 degrees.

[0024] The seal may include a circumferential notch or groove. The circumferential notch or groove may be provided axially downstream of the sealing lip portion. The circumferential notch or groove may extend around the entire circumference of the base section of the end cap body. The circumferential notch or groove may provide a weakened portion in the seal to facilitate axial bending of the sealing lip portion. The circumferential notch or groove may provide a space that may be at least partially occupied by the sealing lip portion when the sealing lip portion is axially bent.

[0025] The seal may include a seating portion. The sealing lip portion may extend outwardly from the seating portion. The seating portion may contact the base section of the end cap body. The seating portion may contact the base section of the end cap body along the entire periphery of the base section of the end cap body.

[0026] The base section may include a circumferential groove. The circumferential groove may extend around the entire circumference of the base section. The seating portion may be at least partially received within the circumferential groove. The seating portion may be at least partially received within the circumferential groove around the entire circumference of the base section. The seating portion may be stabilized by being at least partially received within the circumferential groove.

[0027] The seating portion may completely fill the circumferential groove. The seating portion may at least partially fill the circumferential groove.

[0028] The sealing lip portion may be provided at least partially radially outward of the circumferential groove. The sealing lip portion may be accessible radially outward of the circumferential groove. The sealing lip portion may extend at least partially radially outward of the circumferential groove so as to be accessible for axial bending.

[0029] The circumferential groove may include a first groove portion. The circumferential groove may include a second groove portion. The second groove portion may be provided downstream of the first groove portion in the axial direction. The second groove portion may extend further radially inward than the first groove portion. The second groove portion may be deeper than the first groove portion. The seal, specifically the seal seating portion, may be provided in both the first groove portion and the second groove portion. The second groove portion may provide space for the seal to deform when the sealing lip portion is bent axially. The reduced depth of the first groove portion may contribute to resisting bending of the sealing lip portion against the axial direction.

[0030] The base section of the end cap may be configured to be received within the housing sleeve of the aerosol generating device such that the housing sleeve circumferentially surrounds the base section. The end cap and housing sleeve may be assembled by performing a sliding movement relative to each other parallel to the axial direction. The base section of the end cap body may be configured to be completely received within the housing sleeve. The cap section of the end cap body may be configured to be provided on the outside of the housing sleeve when the base section is completely received within the housing sleeve. The cap section may be configured to at least partially close an opening in the housing sleeve. The opening in the housing sleeve may face along the axial direction.

[0031] The sealing lip portion may be configured to be axially bent by sliding the housing sleeve over the base section of the end cap body. The sealing lip portion may be configured to be engaged by the housing sleeve as the housing sleeve is slid over the base section. The sealing lip portion may be configured to engage with an inner surface of the housing sleeve when the base section of the end cap body is received within the housing sleeve. The sealing lip portion may be configured to press against the inner surface of the housing sleeve when the base section of the end cap body is received within the housing sleeve. A resilient force may act to return the sealing lip portion from an axially bent configuration toward an unbent configuration. The resilient force may be due to material properties of the seal, or due to the shape of the seal, or both. The resilient force may press the sealing lip portion against the inner surface of the housing sleeve when the base section of the end cap body is received within the housing sleeve. Specifically, the resilient force may urge the second surface of the sealing lip portion against the inner surface of the housing sleeve when the base section of the end cap body is received within the housing sleeve.

[0032] The cap section may be configured to form part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0033] The cross section of the seal in a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction may be the same all around the circumferential direction. The seal may provide a sealing function all around the base section of the end cap body.

[0034] The end cap body may include a radially outwardly extending abutment surface. The abutment surface may be provided downstream of the sealing lip portion in the axial direction. The abutment surface may face oppositely in the axial direction. The abutment surface may be perpendicular to the axial direction. The abutment surface may be configured as an end stop for the housing sleeve. The abutment surface may extend around the entire circumference of the end cap body.

[0035] The abutment surface may extend radially outward at least to the extent of the sealing lip portion.The abutment surface may extend radially outward to the extent of the sealing lip portion.The abutment surface may extend radially outward beyond the sealing lip portion.

[0036] When the sealing lip portion is bent axially, the sealing lip portion may be bent towards the abutment surface.

[0037] The end cap body may include outwardly extending centering elements at different circumferential positions around the end cap body. The centering elements may be configured to engage the housing sleeve when the housing sleeve is slid onto the base section. The centering elements may be provided in the base section. The centering elements may be integrally formed with the base section. The centering elements may be configured to center the housing sleeve such that the housing sleeve is provided in a coaxial arrangement with the end cap body.

[0038] The centering elements may comprise, for example, 2 to 12 centering elements, or 4 to 8 centering elements, or 5 to 7 centering elements. The centering elements may comprise pairs of centering elements provided opposite each other.

[0039] A centering piece may be provided axially upstream of the seal. The centering piece may be configured to at least partially center the housing sleeve before the housing sleeve engages with the sealing lip portion. The centering piece may center the housing sleeve such that the housing sleeve is at least generally coaxial with the sealing lip portion.

[0040] The sealing lip portion may extend radially outward further than the centering piece.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing sleeve for an aerosol generating device. The housing sleeve comprises a sleeve body. The sleeve body extends in an axial direction from a first end of the sleeve body to a second end of the sleeve body. The sleeve body comprises a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction, thereby enclosing an interior space. The sleeve wall defines an opening to the interior space at the second end of the sleeve body. The sleeve wall comprises a circumferential chamfer connecting an inner surface of the sleeve wall facing toward the interior space and an end surface of the sleeve wall facing toward the axial direction.

[0042] The chamfer may provide a guide feature for assembling the end cap into the opening of the sleeve. The chamfer may help deform a seal disposed in the end cap when assembling the housing portion with the end cap. The chamfer may reduce the chance of damaging the seal when the sleeve body contacts the seal.

[0043] The inner surface of the sleeve wall may extend around the entire circumferential periphery. The inner surface of the sleeve wall may at least partially define an interior space.

[0044] The opening may face in the axial direction. An end surface of the sleeve wall may be provided at the second end of the sleeve body.

[0045] The chamfer may be inclined by 15 to 75 degrees, or 30 to 60 degrees, or 40 to 50 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0046] The chamfer may extend axially all around the circumference.

[0047] The end cap according to the first aspect and the housing sleeve according to the second aspect may be interrelated products. The end cap according to the first aspect and the housing sleeve according to the second aspect may be configured to be combined to form at least a part of the housing of the aerosol generating device. The end cap according to the first aspect and the housing sleeve according to the second aspect may be combined by a sliding movement relative to each other parallel to the axial direction, whereby the housing sleeve slides outwardly of the base section of the end cap body and circumferentially surrounds the base section of the end cap body.

[0048] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises an end cap according to the first aspect and a housing sleeve. The housing sleeve may comprise a sleeve body extending axially from a first end of the sleeve body to a second end of the sleeve body. The sleeve body may comprise a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction, thereby enclosing an internal space. The sleeve wall may define an opening to the internal space at the second end of the sleeve body. The housing sleeve and end cap may be configured to be assembled by sliding the housing sleeve axially relative to the end cap so that a base section of the end cap body is received within the internal space of the housing sleeve.

[0049] The sealing lip portion may be configured to flex axially when the housing sleeve and the end cap are assembled.

[0050] The sealing lip portion may be configured to press against an inner surface of the sleeve wall when the housing sleeve and end cap are assembled.

[0051] The housing sleeve may be a housing sleeve according to the second aspect.

[0052] The chamfer may be configured to engage the sealing lip portion when the housing sleeve and end cap are assembled.

[0053] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for combining a housing sleeve and an end cap to form at least a portion of a housing for an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: sliding the housing sleeve axially relative to the end cap such that a base section of an end cap body of the end cap is received within an interior space of the housing sleeve, and during sliding, a sealing lip portion of the seal circumferentially surrounding the base section is deformed and bent axially by engaging with a chamfer on the housing sleeve.

[0054] After the housing sleeve and end cap are assembled, the sealing lip portion may be pressed against the inner wall of the housing sleeve.

[0055] The resistance of the sealing lip portion to assembling the housing sleeve and the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap along an axial direction may be less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to disassembling the housing sleeve from the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap in an axial direction against it.

[0056] The end cap may be an end cap according to the first aspect.

[0057] The housing sleeve may be a housing sleeve according to the second aspect.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a chamfer on the housing sleeve to facilitate bending of a sealing lip portion of a seal provided on the end cap body when the housing sleeve is slid onto the end cap body with relative movement between the end cap body and the housing sleeve.

[0059] The housing sleeve and the end cap body may together form at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0060] The end cap body may be an end cap body of an end cap according to the first aspect. The seal may be a seal of an end cap according to the first aspect.

[0061] The housing sleeve may be a housing sleeve according to the second aspect.

[0062] The statement used herein that the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending in an axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against an axial direction applies at least to the end cap when provided as a separate item without interaction with other items, such as, for example, a housing sleeve. Optionally, the statement may also apply to the configuration of the end cap that the end cap assumes when interacting with other components.

[0063] The present disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples, and the features, advantages, and descriptions disclosed with reference to any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with or transferred to any other of the aspects, embodiments, and examples described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a housing sleeve of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an end cap of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the end cap, with the cross-sectional plane parallel to the axial direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an intermediate state during assembly of the end cap with the housing sleeve in a schematic cross-sectional view with the cross-sectional plane parallel to the axial direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the final state during assembly of the end cap with the housing sleeve in a schematic cross-sectional view with the cross-sectional plane parallel to the axial direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view along the top of the end cap. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a centering feature provided in an end cap according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] 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 described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0066] Example Ex1: An end cap for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an end cap body extending axially from a base section of the end cap body to a cap section of the end cap body; a seal circumferentially surrounding the base section and having a sealing lip portion extending outwardly away from the base section; An end cap in which the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending in an axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction.

[0067] Example Ex2: An end cap according to example Ex1, in which the seal is asymmetric with respect to each plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0068] Example Ex3: An end cap according to example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the seal is overmolded onto the end cap body.

[0069] Example Ex4: An end cap according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the sealing lip portion comprises a first surface facing in the axial direction and a second surface facing oppositely in the axial direction.

[0070] Example Ex5: An end cap according to example Ex4, wherein the first surface and the second surface taper towards each other along a radially outward direction.

[0071] Example Ex6: An end cap according to example Ex4 or Ex5, wherein one or both of the first surface and the second surface is a flat surface.

[0072] Example Ex7: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex4 to Ex6, wherein the first angle between the first surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction is smaller than the second angle between the second surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0073] Example Ex8: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the seal preferably comprises a circumferential notch provided downstream of the sealing lip portion in the axial direction.

[0074] Example Ex9: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the seal comprises a seating portion and the sealing lip portion extends outwardly from the seating portion.

[0075] Example Ex10: An end cap according to example Ex9, wherein the base section comprises a circumferential groove and the seating portion is at least partially received within said circumferential groove.

[0076] Example Ex11: An end cap according to example Ex10, wherein the sealing lip portion is provided at least partially radially outward of the circumferential groove.

[0077] Example Ex12: An end cap according to example Ex10 or Ex11, wherein the circumferential groove comprises a first groove portion and a second groove portion downstream of the first groove portion in the axial direction, and the second groove portion extends further radially inward than the first groove portion.

[0078] Example Ex13: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the base section is configured to be received within a housing sleeve of an aerosol generating device such that the housing sleeve circumferentially surrounds the base section.

[0079] Example Ex14: An end cap according to example Ex13, wherein the sealing lip portion is configured to be axially bent by sliding the housing sleeve onto the base section.

[0080] Example Ex15: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the cap section is configured to form part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0081] Example Ex16: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex15, in which the cross section of the seal in a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction is the same all around the circumferential direction.

[0082] Example Ex17: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the end cap body comprises an abutment surface extending radially outwardly downstream of the sealing lip portion of the seal in the axial direction.

[0083] Example Ex18: An end cap according to example Ex17, wherein the abutment surface extends radially outward at least to the extent of a sealing lip portion of the seal.

[0084] Example Ex19: An end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the end cap body comprises outwardly extending centering pieces at different circumferential positions around the end cap body.

[0085] Example Ex20: An end cap according to example Ex19, in which a centering piece is provided axially upstream of the seal.

[0086] Example Ex21: An end cap according to example Ex19 or Ex20, wherein the sealing lip portion of the seal extends further radially outward than the centering piece.

[0087] Example Ex22: A housing sleeve for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a sleeve body extending axially from a first end of the sleeve body to a second end of the sleeve body; a sleeve body including a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction thereby enclosing an interior space; the sleeve wall defines an opening to the interior space at the second end of the sleeve body; A housing sleeve, wherein the sleeve wall is provided with a circumferential chamfer connecting an inner surface of the sleeve wall facing the interior space with an end surface of the sleeve wall facing in the axial direction.

[0088] Example Ex23: A housing according to example Ex22, wherein the chamfer is inclined by 15 degrees to 75 degrees, or 30 degrees to 60 degrees, or 40 degrees to 50 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0089] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating device, An end cap according to any one of the embodiments Ex1 to Ex21; a housing sleeve including a sleeve body extending axially from a first end of the sleeve body to a second end of the sleeve body; a sleeve body including a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction thereby enclosing an interior space; the sleeve wall defines an opening to the interior space at the second end of the sleeve body; An aerosol generating device, wherein the housing sleeve and end cap are configured to be combined by sliding the housing sleeve axially relative to the end cap so that the base section of the end cap body is received within the internal space of the housing sleeve.

[0090] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex24, wherein the sealing lip portion is configured to bend axially when the housing sleeve and the end cap are assembled.

[0091] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the sealing lip portion is configured to press against the inner surface of the sleeve wall when the housing sleeve and the end cap are assembled.

[0092] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex24 to 26, wherein the housing sleeve is a housing sleeve according to example Ex22 or Ex23.

[0093] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex27, wherein the chamfer is configured to engage with the sealing lip portion when the housing sleeve and the end cap are assembled.

[0094] Example Ex29: A method for combining a housing sleeve and an end cap to form at least a portion of a housing for an aerosol generating device, comprising: axially sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap so that a base section of the end cap body of the end cap is received within the interior space of the housing sleeve; As the seal is slid, a sealing lip portion of the seal circumferentially surrounding the base section is deformed to bend axially by engagement with a chamfer on the housing sleeve.

[0095] Example Ex30: The method according to example Ex29, wherein after the housing sleeve and the end cap are combined, the sealing lip portion presses against the inner wall of the housing sleeve.

[0096] Example Ex31: A method according to example Ex29 or Ex30, wherein the resistance of the sealing lip portion to assembling the housing sleeve and the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap along an axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to disassembling the housing sleeve from the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap in an axial direction against it.

[0097] Example Ex32: The method according to any one of examples Ex29 to Ex31, wherein the end cap is an end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex21.

[0098] Example Ex33: The method according to any one of examples Ex29 to Ex32, wherein the housing sleeve is a housing sleeve according to example Ex22 or Ex23.

[0099] Example Ex34: Use of a chamfer on a housing sleeve to facilitate bending of a sealing lip portion of a seal provided in an end cap body, using relative movement between the end cap body and the housing sleeve when sliding the housing sleeve onto the end cap body.

[0100] Example Ex35: Use according to example Ex34, wherein the end cap body is an end cap body of an end cap according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex21.

[0101] Example Ex36: Use according to example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the housing sleeve is a housing sleeve according to example Ex22 or Ex23.

[0102] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0103] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generation device 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation device 1 is a handheld device extending along an axial direction 3 between a distal end 5 and a proximal end 7. The aerosol generation device 1 has a generally rod-like configuration. The aerosol generation device 1 includes a housing having a first housing sleeve 9, a second housing sleeve 11, and an end cap 13. The first housing sleeve 9 and the second housing sleeve 11 are disposed one behind the other along the axial direction 3. Alternatively, the first housing sleeve 9 and the second housing sleeve 11 may be formed as a single piece. The first housing sleeve 9 and the second housing sleeve 11 each at least partially define the exterior of the aerosol generation device 1. The first housing sleeve 9 and the second housing sleeve 11 cover the internal components of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0104] At the proximal end 7 of the aerosol generation device 1, the second housing sleeve 11 includes an opening 14. The second housing sleeve 11 with the opening 14 is shown separately in FIG. 2 . The second housing sleeve 11 includes a sleeve body 2 extending along an axial direction 3 from a first end 4 of the sleeve body 2 to a second end 6 of the sleeve body 2. The sleeve body 2 includes a sleeve wall 8 that circumferentially surrounds an interior space 10. The opening 14 of the second housing sleeve 11 opens into the interior space 10 at the second end 6 of the sleeve body 2.

[0105] An end cap 13 is provided at least partially within the opening 14 of the second housing sleeve 11. The end cap 13 at least partially closes the opening 14 of the second housing sleeve 11.

[0106] End cap 13 is shown separately in Figure 3. End cap 13 comprises an end cap body 15 having an opening 17 facing axial direction 3. End cap 13 further comprises a sliding cover 19. Sliding cover 19 is shown in Figure 1 and is omitted in Figure 3. Sliding cover 19 may slide perpendicular to axial direction 3 between a closed position shown in Figure 1 and an open position. In the closed position, sliding cover 19 covers opening 17 in end cap body 15. In the open position, sliding cover 19 does not cover opening 17 in end cap body 15 so that opening 17 is accessible.

[0107] The aerosol-generating article may be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 through the opening 17 of the end cap body 15. A heating device may be provided within the aerosol generating device 1, specifically within the interior space 10, to heat the aerosol-generating article so as to release an aerosol for consumption by the user. The aerosol-generating article may be a rod-shaped article having multiple sections arranged front to back along the elongated direction of the article. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating section comprising a material configured to release an aerosol upon heating. The material may include, for example, herbaceous material, specifically tobacco material. The aerosol-generating article may further include a filter section comprising a filter. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the filter may at least partially protrude from the aerosol generating device 1. The filter may be engaged by the user's mouth to draw the aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may further include a spacer section provided between the aerosol-generating section and the filter section. The spacer section may allow the aerosol passing through the spacer section to be cooled before reaching the filter section. The sections of the aerosol-generating article may be combined by wrapping them in a wrapper, such as a paper wrapper.

[0108] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap 13 in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the axial direction 3. The end cap body 15 comprises a base section 21 and a cap section 23. The cap section 23 is provided downstream of the base section 21 with respect to the axial direction 3.

[0109] In the assembled aerosol generation device 1, the base section 21 is received within the interior space 10 of the second housing sleeve 11. The cap section 23 extends outside the second housing sleeve 11 in the assembled aerosol generation device 1. The cap section 23 at least partially covers the opening 14 of the second housing sleeve 11. The opening 17 of the end cap body 15 is provided within the cap section 23.

[0110] The base section 21 of the end cap body 15 includes a circumferential groove 25. The circumferential groove 25 extends completely circumferentially around the base section 21. The circumferential groove 25 includes a first groove portion 27 and a second groove portion 29. The second groove portion 29 is provided downstream of the first groove portion 27 with respect to the axial direction 3. The second groove portion 29 extends radially inward further than the first groove portion 27. The second groove portion 29 may be deeper than the first groove portion 27.

[0111] End cap 13 includes seal 31. Seal 31 extends around the entire circumference of base section 21 of end cap body 15. Seal 31 includes a seating portion 33 received in circumferential groove 25 and a sealing lip portion 35 extending outward from seating portion 33. Sealing lip portion 35 includes a first surface 37 facing in axial direction 3 and a second surface 39 facing away from axial direction 3. First surface 37 and second surface 39 are flat surfaces tapering toward each other in a radially outward direction. A first angle 41 between first surface 37 and a plane perpendicular to axial direction 3 is less than a second angle 43 between second surface 39 and a plane perpendicular to axial direction 3.

[0112] The seal 31 comprises a circumferential notch 45 downstream of the sealing lip portion 35 in the axial direction 3 .

[0113] Due to the geometry of the seal 31 and circumferential groove 25, it is easier to bend the sealing lip portion 35 toward the axial direction 3 than against the axial direction 3. The resistance of the sealing lip portion 35 to bend toward the axial direction 3 is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion 35 to bend against the axial direction 3. In FIG. 4 , bending toward the axial direction 3 means that the tip of the sealing lip portion 35 moves upward. In FIG. 4 , bending against the axial direction 3 means that the tip of the sealing lip portion 35 moves downward.

[0114] To assemble the end cap 13 with the second housing sleeve 11, the second housing sleeve 11 is slid onto the base section 21 of the end cap body 15, resulting in relative movement between the second housing sleeve 11 and the end cap 13. FIG. 5 shows an intermediate state during the sliding movement. The sleeve wall 8 includes a circumferential chamfer 47 connecting an inner surface 48 of the sleeve wall 8 facing toward the interior space 10 with an end surface 50 of the sleeve wall 10 facing toward the axial direction 3. In the intermediate state shown in FIG. 5, the chamfer 47 of the second housing sleeve 11 has just engaged with the sealing lip portion 35. As the second housing sleeve 11 further slides along the axial direction 3 relative to the end cap 13, the sealing lip portion 35 bends upward in the axial direction 3 due to engagement with the sleeve wall 8. At the end of the sliding movement, the sleeve wall 8 engages with an abutment surface 49 of the end cap body 15. The abutment surface 49 serves as an end stop for the sleeve body 2.

[0115] 6 shows the interrelationship between the end cap 13 and the second housing sleeve 11 in a fully assembled state. The sealing lip portion 35 is bent in the axial direction 3 and engages the inner surface 48 of the sleeve wall 8. The seal 31 seals the gap between the end cap body 15 and the sleeve wall 8 to protect the components provided within the aerosol generation device 1.

[0116] 7 shows a view of the end cap 13 from a viewing direction along the axial direction 3. Centering elements 51 are provided at various locations in the base section 21 of the end cap body 15. The centering elements 51 protrude outwardly from the end cap body 15. In the illustrated embodiment, six centering elements 51 are provided at different locations along the circumference of the end cap body 15. The centering elements 51 may be integral with the end cap body 15.

[0117] 8 shows an enlarged view of the centering pieces 51. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering pieces 51 comprise an essentially spherical surface for engaging the inner surface 48 of the sleeve wall 8 to center the second housing sleeve 11 relative to the end cap 13 upon assembly of the second housing sleeve 11 with the end cap 13. In the illustrated embodiment, guide surfaces 53 are provided on both lateral surfaces of each centering piece 51 to provide additional guidance for the second housing sleeve 11.

[0118] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, 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 percent. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the typical standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some instances, such as when used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. An end cap for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an end cap body extending axially from a base section of the end cap body to a cap section of the end cap body; a seal circumferentially surrounding the base section and having a sealing lip portion extending outwardly away from the base section; An end cap wherein the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending toward the axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to bending against the axial direction.

2. The end cap of claim 1 , wherein the seal is asymmetric about each plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

3. 3. The end cap of claim 1, wherein the sealing lip portion comprises a first surface facing toward the axial direction and a second surface facing away from the axial direction, and wherein a first angle between the first surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction is less than a second angle between the second surface and a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

4. An end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seal comprises a circumferential notch preferably provided downstream of the sealing lip portion in relation to the axial direction.

5. The end cap of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the seal comprises a seating portion, and the sealing lip portion extends outwardly from the seating portion.

6. The end cap of claim 5 , wherein the base section includes a circumferential groove, and the seating portion is at least partially received within the circumferential groove.

7. 7. The end cap of claim 6, wherein the circumferential groove comprises a first groove portion and a second groove portion downstream of the first groove portion in the axial direction, the second groove portion extending further radially inward than the first groove portion.

8. An end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the end cap body comprises an abutment surface extending radially outwardly downstream of the sealing lip portion of the seal relative to the axial direction.

9. The end cap of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the end cap body includes outwardly extending centering pieces at different circumferential positions around the end cap body.

10. The end cap of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cap section is configured to form at least a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

11. 1. A housing sleeve for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a sleeve body extending axially from a first end of the sleeve body to a second end of the sleeve body; the sleeve body including a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction, thereby enclosing an interior space; the sleeve wall defines an opening to the interior space at the second end of the sleeve body; A housing sleeve, wherein the sleeve wall has a circumferential chamfer connecting an inner surface of the sleeve wall facing the interior space with an end surface of the sleeve wall facing the axial direction.

12. An aerosol generating device, comprising: An end cap according to any one of claims 1 to 10; a housing sleeve including a sleeve body extending from a first end of the sleeve body along the axial direction to a second end of the sleeve body; the sleeve body including a sleeve wall extending circumferentially around the axial direction, thereby enclosing an interior space; the sleeve wall defines an opening to the interior space at the second end of the sleeve body; the housing sleeve and the end cap are configured to be assembled by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap along the axial direction such that the base section of the end cap body is received within the interior space of the housing sleeve; The aerosol generating device, wherein the sealing lip portion is preferably configured to bend in the axial direction when the housing sleeve and the end cap are assembled.

13. 1. A method for combining a housing sleeve and an end cap to form at least a portion of a housing for an aerosol generating device, comprising: axially sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap so that a base section of an end cap body of the end cap is received within the interior space of the housing sleeve; As the sliding occurs, a sealing lip portion of a seal circumferentially surrounding the base section is deformed to bend in the axial direction by engagement with a chamfer on the housing sleeve.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the resistance of the sealing lip portion to assembling the housing sleeve and the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap along the axial direction is less than the resistance of the sealing lip portion to disassembling the housing sleeve from the end cap by sliding the housing sleeve relative to the end cap in the opposing axial direction.

15. The use of a chamfer on a housing sleeve to facilitate bending of a sealing lip portion of a seal provided in an end cap body, when sliding the housing sleeve onto the end cap body using relative movement between the end cap body and the housing sleeve.

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