Aerosol generating device with modular housing concept

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) is provided, comprising a first housing portion (2) and a second housing portion (3). The first housing portion (1) includes a power consumption unit (4) configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device (1) to generate an aerosol. The second housing portion (3) includes a power supply unit (7) configured to supply power to the power consumption unit (4) when the housing portions (2, 3) are in an attached state. The first housing portion and the second housing portion (2, 3) are reversibly interconnectable and configured to be selectively disposed in one of at least two different states, including an attached state in which the housing portions (2, 3) are attached to each other, and a detached state in which the housing portions (2, 3) are detached from each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In known electrically operated smoking systems, the battery is inseparably integrated into the housing of the aerosol generating device, or is connected thereto, or is attached so that it can only be removed therefrom with relatively high effort. As a result, users intend to discard the entire aerosol generating device, including the battery, as soon as the battery reaches the end of its life. This is because, although the device is still functional, on the one hand, it generates unnecessary waste and on the other hand, materials used in the battery, such as mercury or cadmium, are difficult to recycle.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that minimizes waste associated with aging batteries to operate the aerosol generating device, and therefore contributes to protecting, preserving, and improving the quality of the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being reversibly interconnectable and configured to be selectively disposed in one of at least two different states, including an attached state in which the housing portions are attached to each other and a detached state in which the housing portions are detached from each other; a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit when the housing portions are in the attached state, wherein the first housing portion includes the power consumption unit and the second housing portion includes the power supply unit. The separation of the power supply unit from the power consumption unit allows for easy replacement of the power supply unit so that the life of the aerosol generating device is no longer limited by the life or capacity of the battery. Additionally, different power supply units with different battery capacities can be provided, enabling a modular power supply design, allowing users to select different battery power supply units depending on the power capacity they desire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device having a sliding mounting mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an attached state of the first housing part and the second housing part, with the closing mechanism for the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity located at the upper end of the housing in the first housing position in a closed state (left) and an open state (right). [Figure 2]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the housing portion removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a first perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 in an intermediate state in which the first housing portion and the second housing portion are mechanically coupled for sliding engagement and electrically isolated. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a second perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 from a different viewpoint in an intermediate state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower end of the second housing part, showing a first variant of the electrical terminals of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower end of the second housing part, showing a second variant of the electrical terminals of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower end of the second housing portion showing a first variation of a charging indicator for an aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lower end of the second housing portion showing a second variation of a charging indicator for an aerosol generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the upper end of the housing part in the attached state, showing a first variant of the cover member embodied as a foldable cap in the closed state of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the upper end of the housing portion in the attached state, showing the cover member in the first deformation in the open state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the upper end of the second housing part, showing the cover member according to the first variant with the two housing parts removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the upper end of the housing portion in the attached state, showing the cover member in the first deformation in the closed state. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate state in which the housing portions are mechanically movably coupled by slidable engagement and electrically isolated. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second variant of a closure mechanism for an aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment, which includes a slidable cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective bottom view of the top end of the first housing part of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment, showing the mounting base of the closure mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective top view of the upper end of the housing part of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment in an attached state, showing the closing mechanism according to the second variant in a closed state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective top view of the upper end of the housing part of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment in an attached state, showing the closure mechanism according to the second variant in an open state. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the upper end of the first housing part of the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment with the housing part removed, showing a third variant of the closure mechanism including a slidable cover provided within the frame. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the top end of the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment with the housing part attached having a second housing part of smaller size, showing the closure mechanism shown in Figure 18 in the closed state. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an oblique view of the top end of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment with a housing portion having a larger second housing portion (i.e., a third housing portion) attached, and shows the closure mechanism shown in Figure 18 in a closed state. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of the upper end of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment with the housing portion attached, showing a fourth variant of the closing mechanism including a slidable cover having a removable mounting base shaped as a carrier disk. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 with the housing part removed, showing a first modification of the buffer mechanism. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 13 with the housing portion removed, showing a second modification of the buffer mechanism. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which includes a press / click locking mechanism. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows another perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the fifth embodiment in a detached state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of the first locking mechanism of the aerosol generating device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the second locking mechanism of the aerosol generating device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 visualizes the installation process of the aerosol generating device according to the fifth embodiment in three steps and diagrams, where in the left diagram the housing part is in a detached state, in the middle diagram the housing part is in an intermediate state, and in the right diagram the housing part is in an attached state. [Figure 29] Figure 29 visualizes the installation process of the aerosol generating device according to the fifth embodiment in three steps and diagrams, where in the left diagram the housing part is in an installed state, in the middle diagram the housing part is in an intermediate state, and in the right diagram the housing part is in a removed state. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows a schematic structure of an identification unit for identifying at least one of the housing parts of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. Preferred features are disclosed below.

[0008] Housing part The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be mechanically and electrically coupled to one another in the attached state.

[0009] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be mechanically and electrically isolated from each other in the removed state.

[0010] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be reusable.

[0011] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be configured to be disposed multiple times in either one of at least two different states.

[0012] The first housing portion may include an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article.

[0013] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be interconnected between the attached and detached states and vice versa by manual manipulation without tools.

[0014] The first housing portion may include a heater module.

[0015] The second housing portion may include a battery module.

[0016] Power Consumption Unit The power consuming unit may include a heater for heating the aerosol or a product used to generate the aerosol.

[0017] The heater may be an induction coil.

[0018] The heater may be an electrical resistance heating means or other type of heating means.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller configured to control power consumption by the heater when attached to the housing.

[0020] The power consuming unit may include an aerosol generation chamber.

[0021] The power consumption unit may be removable from the first housing part.

[0022] The power consumption unit can only be removed from the first housing part in the detached state of the housing part.

[0023] Power supply unit The power supply unit may include at least one battery, preferably at least one single-use or rechargeable battery, or a battery holder for such a battery.

[0024] The batteries may be one or more standard type batteries, preferably size 18650 or 21700.

[0025] The battery may be removably attached to the power supply unit.

[0026] The power supply unit may be removable from the second housing part.

[0027] The power supply unit can only be removed from the second housing part in the detached state of the housing part.

[0028] An opening in the second housing part for removing the power supply unit from the second housing part may be covered by the first housing part in the attached state.

[0029] The second housing portion may include a cavity for accommodating the power supply unit and a lid for closing the cavity.

[0030] The power supply unit may be hermetically sealed within the second housing portion.

[0031] Housing shape and structure The separation line or plane between the housing parts may extend along one of the major axes, preferably the longitudinal axis, of the device in the attached state of the housing parts.

[0032] Each of the housing portions may extend along one of the major axes, preferably the longitudinal axis, of the device in the attached state of the housing portions.

[0033] The attached housing portions may together form the housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] The housing may be shaped as an elliptical cylinder.

[0035] The housing may be shaped as a cube with rounded edges.

[0036] The housing may extend along a longitudinal axis.

[0037] The housing may include upper and lower ends that intersect the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The housing may include at least one sidewall extending from an upper end to a lower end and circumscribing the longitudinal axis.

[0039] The sidewalls may be free of corners and / or edges between the top and bottom ends of the housing.

[0040] At least two sides of the sidewall may be parallel to each other and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0041] The housing portions may be rigidly connected to one another in the attached state.

[0042] The housing portions may be resiliently pre-loaded relative to one another in the mounted state to prevent rattle or wobble between the housing portions.

[0043] At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be made partly or entirely from plastic, in particular ABS.

[0044] At least one of the first housing part and the second housing part may be partially or completely made of or coated with a metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0045] At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may have a matte surface finish.

[0046] The first housing portion may have a different color and / or surface finish compared to the second housing portion.

[0047] The first housing portion may have a protruding element that protrudes towards the second housing portion in the attached state.

[0048] The protruding element may protrude laterally from the main longitudinal body of the first housing portion at the side of the longitudinal body in which the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity is disposed.

[0049] The protruding element may form a mating surface of the first housing portion.

[0050] The protruding element may protrude beyond the mating surface of the first housing portion.

[0051] The protruding element may be fully received within the corresponding cavity / opening of the second housing part in the mounted state of the housing parts, for example, such that the outer edges of the first housing part and the second housing part that face each other in the mounted state are arranged to form a substantially straight line.

[0052] The protruding element may be located between two electrical terminals of the first housing portion for electrically connecting the first housing portion to the second housing portion.

[0053] The terminal of the first housing portion adjacent the protruding element may be a male electrical terminal and may be configured to be electrically connected to a female electrical terminal of the second housing portion.

[0054] The second housing portion may have a protruding element that protrudes toward the first housing portion in the attached state.

[0055] The protruding element may protrude laterally from the main longitudinal body of the second housing portion at its lower end.

[0056] The protruding element may form a mating surface of the second housing portion.

[0057] The protruding element may protrude beyond the mating surface of the second housing portion.

[0058] The protruding element may be fully received within the corresponding cavity / opening of the first housing part in the mounted state of the housing parts, for example, such that the outer edge of the first housing part and the outer edge of the second housing part that face each other in the mounted state are arranged to form a substantially straight line.

[0059] The protruding element may be located between two electrical terminals of the second housing portion for electrically connecting the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

[0060] The terminal of the second housing portion adjacent the protruding element may be a male electrical terminal and may be configured to be electrically connected to the female electrical terminal of the first housing portion.

[0061] Signal generation and trigger event detection The device may be configured to detect a trigger event and generate a visual and / or audio and / or tactile signal upon detection of the trigger event.

[0062] The device may be configured to detect a position or state of a housing part, or a change in position or state of a housing part, as a trigger event, preferably an event for entering the attached and / or locked state.

[0063] The device may be configured to detect user manipulation as a trigger event, preferably pressing a button, particularly a release button, such as a release button for separating a housing portion or a main activation unit to activate the generation of aerosol.

[0064] The device may be configured to detect the presence of at least one of the first and second housing parts, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit as a trigger event by means of an authentication key of the attached state of the housing parts.

[0065] Intermediate state of the housing part The first housing portion and the second housing portion can be configured to be selectively disposed in any one of at least three different states, including an attached state, a detached state, and an intermediate state in which the housing portions are mechanically movably coupled to one another and electrically isolated from one another.

[0066] The intermediate state may allow a user to establish small, difficult-to-make electrical connections between the housing portions through a guided, easy-to-form mechanical connection between the housing portions, thus speeding up the assembly process and reducing wear on the electrical contacts, thereby extending the life of the housing portions. Such "guiding" within the intermediate state may be implemented via one or more of a guide mechanism, the shape of the mating surfaces of the housing portions, and a damping mechanism, as described below.

[0067] The housing portions may define a fulcrum in the intermediate state, about which the housing portions can pivot relative to one another from the deployed configuration to the abutting configuration.

[0068] The housing portions may be configured to be detached from one another by pivoting the housing portions relative to one another about a fulcrum in an intermediate state from an abutting configuration to a deployed configuration, and then separating the housing portions from one another.

[0069] To transition from the detached state to the attached state and / or from the attached state to the detached state, the housing portion may need to enter an intermediate state.

[0070] Guide mechanism for relative movement of housing parts The device may include a guide mechanism for guiding movement of the housing portions relative to one another.

[0071] The guide mechanism may be configured to guide movement of the housing portions relative to one another in the intermediate state.

[0072] The guide mechanism may be configured to guide movement of the housing portions relative to one another along a predetermined trajectory.

[0073] The guide mechanism may be configured to guide translational and / or rotational movement of at least one of the housing parts relative to each other, preferably along and / or about at least one of the main axes of the device.

[0074] The guide mechanism may be configured to guide movement of the housing portions relative to one another along linear and / or circular and / or curved paths.

[0075] The guide mechanism may include a male guide element and a female guide element configured to engage with each other to enable guided movement. The male guide element may be provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The female guide element may be provided on the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0076] The male guide element may be a guide pin or a rail.

[0077] The female guide element may be a guide groove.

[0078] The guide mechanism may further include a stopper that limits the guided movement of the housing portions relative to one another at a predetermined position.

[0079] The stopper may be provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and may be configured to abut against another of the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the attached state.

[0080] Housing mating surface Each of the housing portions may include at least one mating surface, the mating surfaces configured to face and / or engage each other in the attached state.

[0081] The first housing portion and the second housing portion may include a male mating surface, and another one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may include a female mating surface.

[0082] The male mating surface element may have a negative shape relative to the shape of the female mating surface element.

[0083] The male mating surface may have a convex shape and the female mating surface has a concave shape.

[0084] The male mating surface may extend from an upper and / or lower end of one of the first and second housing portions, and the female mating surface may extend from an upper and / or lower end of the other of the first and second housing portions.

[0085] Each of the mating surfaces may be adjacent to at least one side surface of a respective housing portion, the sides of the housing portions being flush with one another in the installed state.

[0086] The mating surfaces may be adjacent to and located between two side surfaces on opposing sides of each housing portion, and two pairs of the two side surfaces of the housing portions on opposing sides of the housing portions are flush with each other in the attached state.

[0087] The mating surface may be located between two parallel mating surface edges.

[0088] The male and female mating surfaces may include a male guide element of a guide mechanism of the device, and the other of the male and female mating surfaces includes a female guide element of the guide mechanism.

[0089] The height of the male mating surface may be in the range of 40% to 100%, preferably 60% to 98%, especially 70% to 85% of the height of the respective housing portion.

[0090] The width of the male mating surface may be in the range of 60% to 100%, preferably 80% to 98%, especially 85% to 95% of the width of the respective housing portion.

[0091] Between 40% and 100%, preferably between 60% and 98%, especially between 70% and 85% of the area of ​​the mating surface may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0092] buffer element The device may include a damping mechanism configured to dampen the housing portions against each other in the attached state.

[0093] At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may include a male cushioning element, and the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may include a female cushioning element, the male cushioning element and the female cushioning element being engaged with each other in the attached state so as to resiliently preload the housing portions against each other.

[0094] At least one of the cushioning elements may be removably attached to a respective housing portion.

[0095] At least one of the cushioning elements may form or cover an opening in the respective housing part, in particular an opening for removing the power supply unit or the power consumption unit from the respective housing part.

[0096] The lid may be attached by a screw mount.

[0097] The male cushioning element may be embodied as a snap-fit ​​protrusion configured to snap into a corresponding recess in the female cushioning element.

[0098] The male cushioning element may be configured to expand into the female cushioning element as the housing portions enter the attached configuration.

[0099] Each of the male and female cushioning elements may be symmetrical about the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the aerosol generating device.

[0100] The male cushioning element may have the form of a pad, a knob, or an elongated element.

[0101] The male and female cushioning elements may have the same size.

[0102] The aerosol generating device may include multiple buffer elements.

[0103] The male and female cushioning elements may engage with a form-fit connection.

[0104] At least one of the male and female cushioning elements may comprise a resilient material.

[0105] The elastic material includes rubber.

[0106] At least one of the male and female cushioning elements may be configured to be displaced by the other of the male and female cushioning elements prior to coming into engagement.

[0107] A male and female cushioning element may each be provided on a respective mating surface of a respective housing portion.

[0108] Reversible locking mechanism The device may include a reversible locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the housing portions relative to one another in the attached state of the housing.

[0109] The reversible locking mechanism may allow for a secure connection and prevent inadvertent separation of the housing portions when attached.

[0110] The reversible locking mechanism can be configured to be reversibly disposed in either a locked state in which the housing portions are locked to one another when the housing portions are attached, or an unlocked state in which the housing portions are unlocked from one another.

[0111] The locking mechanism may include a self-locking mechanism configured to self-lock the housing portion upon entering the attached state.

[0112] The locking mechanism may include at least one male locking element provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and at least one female locking element provided on the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0113] The male and female locking elements may be configured to engage with one another to lock the housing portions.

[0114] The male and female locking elements may be configured to disengage from one another to unlock the housing portions.

[0115] At least one of the male and female locking elements may be mechanically and / or resiliently pre-stressed into an engaged position;

[0116] The male and female locking elements may be configured to engage with one another according to a hook-and-eye principle.

[0117] The male and female locking elements may be configured to establish a mechanical and / or electrical connection between the first and second housing portions.

[0118] The reversible locking mechanism may include at least one snap-fit ​​connection.

[0119] The snap-fit ​​connection may include a mechanical retention mechanism.

[0120] The snap-fit ​​connection may include electrical terminals for electrical interconnection of the first and second housing portions.

[0121] The reversible locking mechanism may include two snap-fit ​​connectors disposed at opposite ends of the first and second housing portions.

[0122] Actuator for locking mechanism The locking mechanism may include an actuator configured to lock or unlock the locking mechanism upon actuation.

[0123] The actuator may include a push button.

[0124] The locking mechanism may include at least one active locking member provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and at least one passive locking member provided on another of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and actuation of the actuator may move the active locking member.

[0125] Actuation of the actuator may cause the active locking member to engage the passive locking member to lock the locking mechanism.

[0126] Actuation of the actuator may cause the active locking member to disengage the passive locking member to unlock the locking mechanism.

[0127] Actuation of the actuator may require a push / pull / slide / rotate action by the user.

[0128] The push button may be provided on the bottom edge or side wall of the device.

[0129] The push button may form at least 75% of the surface of the bottom edge.

[0130] Closure mechanism for aerosol-generating article receiving cavity - Patent Application 20070122997 The aerosol generating device may include an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and the device may further include a closure mechanism configured to be selectively disposed in each of at least two different states, including an open state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is at least partially or fully exposed, and a closed state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is fully enclosed.

[0131] The closure mechanism, in its closed state, prevents dirt from entering the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity, thus ensuring proper aerosol generation where dirt particles do not interfere with heating of the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The first housing portion may include an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity.

[0133] The opening communicates with the aerosol generation chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0134] The opening may be located at the top end of the device.

[0135] The closure mechanism may be configured to transition between the open and closed states by manual / finger operation, preferably by push / pull operation.

[0136] The closure mechanism may be removably attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0137] The closure mechanism may be attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion by a bayonet mount.

[0138] The closure mechanism may be mechanically and / or magnetically attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0139] The closure mechanism may be attached to a protruding element of the first housing part which protrudes towards the second housing part in the attached state.

[0140] The closure mechanism may be configured to be disposed in the closed state even with the housing portion removed.

[0141] The closure mechanism may be mechanically and / or magnetically held in the open and / or closed states.

[0142] The closure mechanism may be configured to seal the opening, preferably airtight or hermetically, in the closed state.

[0143] The closure mechanism may include a mounting base (removably) attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and a cover configured to change its position and / or shape relative to the mounting base to transition the closure mechanism between an open state and a closed state.

[0144] Removable cover The closure mechanism may include a guide for guiding movement of the cover between the open and closed positions relative to the mounting base.

[0145] One of the cover and the mounting base may include a male guide element, such as a guide pin, and the other of the cover and the mounting base includes a female guide element, such as a guide pin.

[0146] The mounting base may be removably attached to the protruding element of the first housing portion by a threaded joint, a bayonet joint, or other rotatable element.

[0147] The torque engagement surface of the screw or rotatable element may be disposed on the lower / inner surface of the protruding element.

[0148] One of the male and female guide elements may be provided on the protruding element of the first housing portion.

[0149] The cover may be configured to move relative to the mounting base between the open and closed positions along a linear and / or circular and / or curved path.

[0150] The mounting base may have the shape of a pillar.

[0151] The mounting base may not be visible from the outside when the housing part is in the mounted state and the closure mechanism is in the closed state.

[0152] The mounting base may be attachable to and / or detachable from at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0153] The closure mechanism may be removable upon removal of the housing portion.

[0154] The device has a closed exterior surface with the housing portions in the attached state and the closure mechanism in the closed state.

[0155] The closure mechanism includes a cover that can be configured to change shape to transition the closure mechanism between an open state and a closed state.

[0156] A cover may be attached to the second housing portion.

[0157] Foldable cover The cover may be a foldable cover configured to be folded and opened to transition the closure mechanism between the open and closed states.

[0158] The cover may be made at least in part from a resilient material.

[0159] The cover may include at least two pivotally / foldably connected segments.

[0160] The segments may be integrally formed.

[0161] The segments may be connected by solid joints.

[0162] The segments may be configured to angle / abut one another in the open state.

[0163] The segments may be configured to be aligned / flush with one another in the closed state

[0164] In the closed state of the closure mechanism, the separation line between the two segments may be aligned with the separation line or plane of the housing portions in the installed state.

[0165] In the closed state of the closure mechanism, the periphery of each of the segments may be aligned with the periphery of the housing portion.

[0166] One of the segments includes a protrusion that may be configured to fit into the opening in a closed state of the closure mechanism.

[0167] Each of the segments may be adapted to cover an upper end of one of the housing portions in the closed state of the closure mechanism.

[0168] The colour and / or material of each of the segments may be matched to the colour and / or material of the housing part covered at its upper end by the respective segment in the closed state of the closure mechanism.

[0169] Various aspects of the cover The cover may be made from metal and / or plastic.

[0170] The cover may include a metal coating.

[0171] The cover may be made from at least two different materials.

[0172] The cover may have a resilient body (a silicone or silicone-like body).

[0173] The cover may include a metal or metal-like coating.

[0174] The metallization of the cover may extend over an outer surface of the cover to form an edge that aligns with an outer side edge of the first housing portion.

[0175] The metal coating may include at least one magnetic material.

[0176] The magnetic material may include at least one of iron, nickel, and cobalt.

[0177] The closure mechanism may include a cover movable between an open and a closed position.

[0178] A cover may be attached to the second housing portion.

[0179] The cover may be configured to slide relative to the housing between the open and closed positions along a linear and / or circular and / or curved path.

[0180] The cover may have an oval shape.

[0181] The cover may have two parallel outer edges.

[0182] The direction of movement of the cover may be parallel to its parallel outer edges.

[0183] The cover has two convex outer edges on opposite ends thereof.

[0184] The direction of movement of the cover may be aligned with its major axis.

[0185] The cover may be movable in a plane perpendicular to a major axis of the device, in particular the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0186] The device may include a guide for guiding movement of the cover between the open and closed positions.

[0187] At least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may define a frame that partially or completely surrounds the cover in the open and / or closed state.

[0188] The frame may partially or completely surround the cover in the plane of its extension.

[0189] The frame may partially or completely surround the cover in the direction of its movement between the open and closed positions.

[0190] The frame may be provided on a protruding element of the first housing portion that protrudes laterally from the main longitudinal body of the first housing portion.

[0191] Electrical connection between the power supply unit and the power consumption unit The device may comprise an electrical connection for electrically connecting the power supply unit to the power consumption unit in an attached state of the housing parts, the electrical connection including a first electrical contact provided on the first housing part and a second electrical contact provided on the second housing part, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact being resiliently pre-loaded relative to each other in the attached state.

[0192] At least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may include a spring-loaded element.

[0193] The spring element may be at least one of a pin, a sphere, or a ball.

[0194] The pins may be pogo pins.

[0195] At least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may include a recess for receiving a spring-loaded pin or terminal.

[0196] The terminals may be contact plates.

[0197] The recess may include a spring-loaded metal tab configured to engage the pin.

[0198] Each of the first and second electrical contacts may be provided on a respective mating surface of the respective housing portion.

[0199] Charging indicator The device may further comprise a charge indicator to indicate the charge level of the power supply unit.

[0200] The charging indicator may include an electronic display.

[0201] The charging indicator display may be on the power supply unit.

[0202] The electronic display may be at least one of a segmented display, an LED display, or an OLED display.

[0203] The charging indicator may further include a charging indicator activator positioned on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and configured to activate the charging indicator.

[0204] The charge indicator activator may be a push button or a touch display.

[0205] The button for activating the charge indicator display may not be visible when the housing portion is attached.

[0206] A button for activating the charge indicator display may be provided on the mating face of the second housing portion.

[0207] The charging indicator may further include a controller configured to control the electronic display upon user interaction via the charging indicator activator to indicate the charging status of the power supply unit.

[0208] Replacement Battery Module The aerosol generating device may further include a replacement battery module configured to be removably attached to the first housing portion instead of the second housing portion, the replacement battery module containing a second power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit when attached.

[0209] The second power supply unit may have a second charge storage capacity that is different from the storage capacity of the power supply unit contained within the first housing portion.

[0210] The ratio of the storage capacities of the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit may be 1.5 to 3, preferably 1.5 to 2.5, in particular 1.7 to 2.3.

[0211] The replacement battery module may have the same interface for electrical and / or mechanical connection to the first housing portion compared to the second housing portion.

[0212] Identification items and units At least one of the first housing portion, the second housing portion, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit may include an identification item, and the device comprises an identification unit for identifying at least one of the first housing portion, the second housing portion, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit by the identification item.

[0213] The identification items may include authenticator keys, for example, a private key and a hidden authentication key.

[0214] The identification item may be unique, allowing for unique identification of a housing part or unit equipped with the unique identification item.

[0215] The identification unit may include a communication interface that enables communication between at least two of the first and second housing parts, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit for identification purposes.

[0216] The communication interface may be at least one of a wireless communication interface or a contact-based interface.

[0217] The identification item may be permanently embedded.

[0218] The identification item may be at least one of an embedded SIM (eSIM) or an integrated SIM (iSIM).

[0219] The device may be configured to allow power to be supplied from the power supply unit to the power consumption unit upon successful identification of the power consumption unit and the power supply unit.

[0220] Charging module The aerosol generating device may further include a charging module configured to be removably attached to the second housing part instead of the first housing part, the charging module configured to charge the power supply unit in the attached state.

[0221] The power supply unit may include a rechargeable power source and a charging circuit positioned within a housing portion that houses the power supply unit and configured to control the supply of power received from an external device to recharge the power source.

[0222] The power supply unit may include a rechargeable battery.

[0223] The battery may include a lithium-based battery.

[0224] The power supply unit may include a charging electrical contact positioned on a housing portion that houses the power supply unit for receiving a supply of electrical power from an external device to recharge the power supply.

[0225] The charging electrical contact may include a second electrical contact in electrical connection; and / or The charging electrical contacts form part of a USB-A connector, a USB-B connector, a USB-C connector, or a micro-USB connector.

[0226] The charging circuitry may include wireless charging circuitry configured to wirelessly receive a supply of power from an external device to recharge the power source.

[0227] The charging module may have the same interface for electrical and / or mechanical connection to the second housing part compared to the first housing part.

[0228] Method for Assembling an Aerosol Generating Device According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, comprising the steps of: transitioning the housing portions from a detached state in which the housing portions are both electrically and mechanically isolated from each other to an intermediate state in which the housing portions are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other and mechanically movably connected to each other; and moving the housing portions relative to each other in the intermediate state until they enter an attached state in which the housing portions are both electrically and mechanically connected to each other. [Example]

[0229] List of Examples 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.

[0230] Removable Battery Aspects Example I: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being reversibly connectable to each other and configured to be selectively disposed in one of at least two different states including an attached state in which the housing portions are attached to each other and a detached state in which the housing portions are detached from each other; a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device to generate the aerosol; a power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit in an attached state of the housing part; the first housing part includes a power consumption unit; The aerosol generating device, wherein the second housing portion includes a power supply unit. Example I1: The aerosol generating device of example I, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are mechanically and electrically isolated from one another in an attached state. Example I2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I or I1, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are mechanically and electrically isolated from each other in the detached state. Example I3: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I2, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are reusable. Example I4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to I3, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be repeatedly arranged in any one of at least two different states. Example I5: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I-I4, wherein the first housing portion includes an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity for removably receiving an aerosol-generating article. Example I6: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to I5, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion can be interconnected between an attached state and a detached state, and vice versa, by manual operation without using tools. Example I7: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I6, wherein the first housing part comprises a heater module. Example I8: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I7, wherein the second housing part comprises a battery module. Example I9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I8, wherein the power consumption unit comprises a heater for heating the aerosol or a product used to generate the aerosol. Example I9a: The aerosol generating device of Example I9, wherein the heater is an induction coil. Example I9b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I9 or I9a, wherein the heater is an electrical resistance heating means. Example I10: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I9, wherein the device further comprises a controller configured to control the consumption of power by the heater when the device is attached to the housing. Example I11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I10, wherein the power consuming unit comprises an aerosol-generating chamber. Example I12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments I to I11, wherein the power consumption unit is detachable from the first housing part. Example I12a: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment I12, wherein the power consumption unit can only be removed from the first housing part in a detached state of the housing parts. Example I13: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I12a, wherein the power supply unit comprises at least one battery, preferably at least one single-use or rechargeable battery, or a battery holder for such a battery. Example I13a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example I13, wherein at least one battery is a standard type battery, preferably size 18650 or 21700. Example I13b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I13 and I13a, wherein the battery is removably attached to the power supply unit. Example I14: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I13b, wherein the power supply unit is removable from the second housing part. Example I14a: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment I14, wherein the power supply unit can only be removed from the second housing part upon removal of the housing parts. Example I14b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments I14 or I14a, wherein the opening in the second housing part for removing the power supply unit from the second housing part is covered by the first housing part in the attached state. Example I15: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I14b, wherein the second housing part comprises a cavity for accommodating the power supply unit and a lid for closing the cavity. Example I16: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I15, wherein the power supply unit is hermetically sealed within the second housing portion. Example I17: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I16, wherein the separation line or plane between the housing parts extends along one of the main axes, preferably the longitudinal axes, of the device when the housing parts are in an attached state. Example I18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I17, wherein each of the housing parts extends along one of the major axes, preferably longitudinal axes, of the device in the attached state of the housing parts. Example I19: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I18, wherein the attached housing parts together form the housing of the aerosol generating device. Example I19a: An aerosol generating device according to Example I19, wherein the housing is shaped as an elliptical cylinder. Example I19b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I19 or I19a, wherein the housing is shaped as a cube with rounded edges. Example I19c: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I19 to I19b, wherein the housing extends along a central longitudinal axis. Example I19ci: The aerosol generating device of Example I19c, wherein the housing comprises an upper end and a lower end that intersect the longitudinal axis. Example I19cii: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I19c-19ci, wherein the housing includes at least one sidewall extending from the upper end to the lower end and circumscribing the longitudinal axis. Example I19ciia: An aerosol generating device as described in Example I19cii, wherein the side wall does not include corners and / or edges between the upper and lower ends of the housing. Example I19ciii: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I19c to I9ciia, wherein at least two sides of the side wall are parallel to each other and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis. Example I20: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I19, wherein the housing parts are rigidly connected to one another in the attached state. Example I21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I20, wherein the housing parts are resiliently pre-loaded relative to one another in the attached state to prevent rattle or wobble between the housing parts. Example I22: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to I21, wherein the device is configured to detect a trigger event and generate a visual and / or acoustic and / or tactile signal upon detection of the trigger event. Example I22a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example I22, wherein the device is configured to detect the position or state of a housing part, or a change in the position or state of a housing part, as a trigger event, preferably an event of entering an attached and / or locked state. Example I22b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments I22 to I22a, wherein the device is configured to detect a user action, such as pressing a button, in particular a release button, for example, to remove a housing part, or a trigger event of a main activation unit for activating aerosol generation. Example I22c: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I22 to I22b, wherein the device is configured to detect the presence of at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit as a trigger event using an authentication key for the installation state of the housing parts. Example I23: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I22, wherein at least one of the first and second housing parts is made partially or completely from plastic, in particular ABS. Example I24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I23, wherein at least one of the first and second housing parts is made partly or entirely from metal, in particular aluminium. Example I25: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I24, wherein at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion has a matte surface finish. Example I26: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I25, wherein the first housing portion has a different color and / or surface finish compared to the second housing portion. Example I27: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to I26, wherein the first housing part has a protruding element that protrudes towards the second housing part in the attached state. Example I27a: The aerosol generating device of embodiment I27, wherein the protruding element protrudes laterally from the main longitudinal body of the first housing portion at a side of the longitudinal body in which the aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity is disposed. Example I27b: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments I27 or I27a, wherein the protruding element forms a mating surface of the first housing portion. Example I27c: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments I27-I27b, wherein the protruding element protrudes beyond the mating surface of the first housing portion. Example I27d: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I27 to I27c, wherein the protruding element is completely contained within the corresponding cavity / opening of the second housing part when the housing parts are attached, for example, so that the outer edges of the first housing part and the second housing part facing each other when attached are arranged to form a substantially straight line. Example I27e: An aerosol generating device described in any one of embodiments I27 to I27d, wherein the protruding element is positioned between two electrical terminals of the first housing part to electrically connect the first housing part to the second housing part. Example I27ei: An aerosol generating device as described in Example I27ei, wherein the terminal of the first housing portion adjacent to the protruding element is a male electrical terminal and is configured to be electrically connected to the female electrical terminal of the second housing portion. Example I28: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples I to I27e, wherein the second housing part has a protruding element that protrudes towards the first housing part in the attached state. Example I28a: The aerosol generating device of embodiment I28, wherein the protruding element protrudes laterally from the main longitudinal body of the second housing portion at its lower end. Example I28b: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments I28-I28a, wherein the protruding element forms a mating surface of the second housing portion. Example I28c: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments I28-I28b, wherein the protruding element protrudes beyond the mating surface of the second housing portion. Example I28d: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I28 to I28c, wherein the protruding element is completely contained within the corresponding cavity / opening of the first housing part in the attached state of the housing parts, for example, so that the outer edges of the first housing part and the second housing part facing each other in the attached state are arranged to form a substantially straight line. Example I28e: An aerosol generating device described in any one of embodiments I28 to I28d, wherein the protruding element is positioned between two electrical terminals of the second housing part to electrically connect the second housing part to the first housing part. Example I28ei: An aerosol generating device as described in Example I28e, wherein the terminal of the second housing portion adjacent to the protruding element is a male electrical terminal and is configured to be electrically connected to the female electrical terminal of the first housing portion.

[0231] Intermediate state Example II: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to I28ei, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be selectively disposed in any one of at least three different states, including an attached state, a detached state, and an intermediate state in which the housing portions are mechanically and movably connected to each other and electrically isolated from each other. Example II1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example II, wherein the housing portions define a fulcrum in an intermediate state, and the housing portions can pivot relative to one another about the fulcrum from the deployed configuration to the abutting configuration. Example II2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples II to II1, wherein the housing parts are configured to be detached from each other by pivoting the housing parts relative to each other in an intermediate state about a fulcrum from an abutting configuration to an deployed configuration, and then separating the housing parts from each other. Example II3: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples II to II2, wherein in order to transition from a detached state to an attached state and / or from an attached state to a detached state, the housing portion must enter an intermediate state.

[0232] Guide Mechanism Example III: An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples I to II3, wherein the device comprises a guide mechanism for guiding movement of the housing parts relative to each other. Example III1: The aerosol generating device of Example III, wherein the guide mechanism is configured to guide movement of the housing portions relative to each other in the intermediate state. Example III2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples III to III1, wherein the guide mechanism is configured to guide the movement of the housing parts relative to each other along a predetermined trajectory. Example III3: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples III to EIII2, wherein the guide mechanism is configured to guide the translational and / or rotational movement of at least one of the housing parts relative to each other, preferably along and / or about at least one of the main axes of the device. Example III4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples III to III3, wherein the guide mechanism is configured to guide the movement of the housing parts relative to each other along a linear and / or circular and / or curved path. Example III5: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples III to III4, wherein the guide mechanism includes a male guide element and a female guide element configured to engage with each other to enable guided movement, the male guide element being provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the female guide element being provided on another of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example III5a: The aerosol generating device of Example III5, wherein the male guide element is a guide pin or a rail. Example III5b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples III5 to III5a, wherein the female guide element is a guide groove. Example III6: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples III to III5, wherein the guide mechanism further comprises a stopper that limits the guided movement of the housing parts relative to each other at a predetermined position. Example III6a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example III6, wherein a stopper is provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and is configured to abut against another of the first housing portion and the second housing portion in an attached state.

[0233] Mating surface Example IV: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to III6a, wherein each of the housing portions includes at least one mating surface, and the mating surfaces are configured to face and / or engage with each other in an attached state. Example IV1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example IV, wherein one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a male mating surface, and another of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a female mating surface. Example IV1a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example IV1, wherein the male mating surface element has a negative shape relative to the shape of the female mating surface element. Example IV1b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IV1 to IV1a, wherein the male mating surface has a convex shape and the female mating surface has a concave shape. Example EIV1c: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IV1 to IV1b, wherein a male mating surface extends from the upper and / or lower end of one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and a female mating surface extends from the upper and / or lower end of the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example IV2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IV to IV1c, wherein each of the mating surfaces is adjacent to at least one side surface of a respective housing portion, and the side surfaces of the housing portions are flush with each other in the attached state. Example IV3: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IV to IV2, wherein each of the mating surfaces is adjacent to and located between two side surfaces on opposing sides of the respective housing portion, and two pairs of two side surfaces of the housing portion on opposing sides of the housing portion are flush with each other in the attached state. Example IV4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IV to IV3, wherein each of the mating surfaces is located between two parallel mating surface edges. Example IV5: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IV to IV4, wherein one of the male mating surface and the female mating surface includes a male guide element of the device's guide mechanism, and the other of the male mating surface and the female mating surface includes a female guide element of the guide mechanism. Example IV6: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IV to 5, wherein the height of the male mating surface is in the range of 40% to 100%, preferably 60% to 98%, particularly 70% to 85% of the height of the respective housing portion. Example IV7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IV to ExIV6, wherein the width of the male mating surface is in the range of 60% to 100%, preferably 80% to 98%, particularly 85% to 95% of the width of the respective housing part. Example IV8: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples IV to IV7, wherein 40% to 100%, preferably 60% to 98%, in particular 70% to 85% of the area of ​​the mating surface extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0234] buffer mechanism Example V: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to IV8, wherein the device comprises a buffering mechanism configured to buffer the housing portions against each other in the attached state. Example V1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example V, wherein at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a male cushioning element, and the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a female cushioning element, and the male cushioning element and the female cushioning element are engaged with each other in an attached state so as to elastically pre-press the housing portions against each other. Example V1a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example V1, wherein at least one of the cushioning elements is removably attached to a respective housing portion. Example V1b: An aerosol generating device as described in any of Examples V1 to ExV1a, wherein at least one of the cushioning elements forms or covers a lid for covering an opening in the respective housing part, in particular an opening for removing a power supply unit or a power consumption unit from the respective housing part. Example V1bi: The aerosol generating device of Example V1b, wherein the lid is attached by a screw mount. Example V1c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments V1 to V1bi, wherein the male cushioning element is embodied as a snap-fit ​​protrusion configured to snap into a corresponding recess in the female cushioning element. Example V1d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples V1 to V1c, wherein the male cushioning element is configured to expand into the female cushioning element as the housing portions enter the attached state. Example V1e: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples V1 to V1d, wherein each of the male and female cushioning elements is symmetrical about the longitudinal and / or transverse direction of the aerosol generating device. Example V1f: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples V1 to V1e, wherein the male cushioning element has the form of a pad, a knob, or an elongated element. Example V1g: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments V1 to V1f, wherein the male and female cushioning elements have the same size. Example V1h: The aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples V1 to V1g, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a plurality of buffer elements. Example V1i: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments V1-V1h, wherein the male and female cushioning elements engage via a form-fit connection. Example V1j: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments V1-V1i, wherein at least one of the male and female cushioning elements comprises a resilient material. Example V1ji: An aerosol generating device as described in Example V1j, wherein the elastic material comprises rubber. Example V1k: An aerosol generating device described in any one of embodiments V1 to V1ji, wherein at least one of the male and female cushioning elements is configured to be displaced by the other of the male and female cushioning elements before entering into engagement. Example V1I: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments V1-V1k, wherein a male cushioning element and a female cushioning element are each provided on a respective mating surface of a respective housing portion.

[0235] Reversible locking mechanism Example VI: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to V1I, wherein the device comprises a reversible locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the housing parts to each other in an attached state of the housing. Example VI1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VI, wherein the reversible locking mechanism is configured to be reversibly arranged in either a locked state in which the housing parts are locked to each other when the housing parts are attached, or an unlocked state in which the housing parts are unlocked from each other. Example VI2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VI to VI1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a self-locking mechanism configured to self-lock the housing portion upon entering the attached state. Example VI3: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VI to VI2, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one male locking element provided on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and at least one female locking element provided on the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VI3a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VI3, wherein the male locking element and the female locking element are configured to engage with each other to lock the housing portions. Example VI3b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VI3 to VI3a, wherein the male locking element and the female locking element are configured to disengage from each other to unlock the housing portions. Example VI3c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments VI3 to VI3b, wherein at least one of the male locking element and the female locking element is mechanically and / or resiliently pre-loaded into the engaged position. Example VI3d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VI3 to VI3c, wherein the male locking element and the female locking element are configured to engage with each other according to the hook-and-eye principle. Example VI3e: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VI3 to VI3d, wherein the male locking element and the female locking element are configured to establish a mechanical and / or electrical connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VI4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VI to VI3e, wherein the reversible locking mechanism includes at least one snap-fit ​​connection. Example VI4a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VI4, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection includes a mechanical retention mechanism. Example VI4b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VI4 to VI4a, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection comprises an electrical terminal for electrical interconnection of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VI5: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VI to VI4b, wherein the reversible locking mechanism includes two snap-fit ​​connectors arranged at opposite ends of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0236] Actuator for locking mechanism Example VII: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VI to VI5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an actuator configured to lock or unlock the locking mechanism upon actuation. Example VII1: The aerosol generating device of Example VII, wherein the actuator comprises a push button. Example VII2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VII to ExVII1, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one active locking member provided on one of the first housing part and the second housing part, and at least one passive locking member provided on another of the first housing part and the second housing part, and wherein activation of the actuator causes the active locking member to move. Example VII2a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VII2, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the active locking member engages with the passive locking member to lock the locking mechanism. Example VII2b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VII2 to VII2a, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the active locking member to engage the passive locking member to unlock the locking mechanism. Example VII3: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VII to VII2b, wherein actuation of the actuator requires a push / pull / slide / rotate operation by the user. Example VII4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VII to VII3, wherein the push button is provided on the bottom end or side wall of the device. Example VII4a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VII4, wherein the push button forms at least 75% of the surface of the bottom end.

[0237] Closure mechanism Example VIII: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to VII4a, wherein the device has an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and the device further has a closing mechanism configured to be selectively disposed in each of at least two different states, including an open state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is at least partially or completely exposed, and a closed state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is completely closed. Example VIII: The aerosol generating device of Example VIII, wherein the first housing portion comprises an aerosol-generating article-receiving cavity. Example VIII2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII1, wherein the opening communicates with an aerosol-generating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Example VIII3: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII2, wherein the opening is located at the top end of the device. Example VIII4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII to VIII3, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to transition between the open and closed states by manual / finger operation, preferably by push / pull operation. Example VIII: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII to VIII4, wherein the closure mechanism is removably attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VIII5a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 85, wherein the closure mechanism is attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion by a bayonet mount. Example VIII5b: The aerosol generating device of Examples VIII5-VIII5a, wherein the closure mechanism is mechanically and / or magnetically attached to at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VIII: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII5b, wherein the closure mechanism is attached to a protruding element of the first housing part that protrudes towards the second housing part in the attached state. Example VIII7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII6, wherein the closing mechanism is configured to be disposed in a closed state even when the housing portion is removed. Example VIII: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to ExVIII7, wherein the closure mechanism is mechanically and / or magnetically held in the open and / or closed state. Example VIII9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII8, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to seal the opening, preferably airtight or hermetically, in the closed state. Example VIII: An aerosol generating device described in any one of VIII to VIII9, wherein the closing mechanism includes a mounting base that is (removably) attached to at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part, and a cover configured to change its position and / or shape relative to the mounting base to transition the closing mechanism between an open state and a closed state. Example VIII10a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 810, wherein the closing mechanism includes a guide for guiding movement of the cover between the open and closed positions relative to the mounting base. Example VIII10ai: An aerosol generating device as described in Example VIII10a, wherein one of the cover and the mounting base includes a male guide element such as a guide pin, and the other of the cover and the mounting base includes a female guide element such as a guide pin. Example VIII10b: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII10 to VIII10ai, wherein the mounting base is removably attached to the protruding element of the first housing portion by a threaded joint, a bayonet joint, or other rotatable element. Example VIII10bi: The aerosol generating device of Example 810b, wherein the torque engaging surface of the screw or rotatable element is disposed on the lower / inner surface of the protruding element. Example VIII 10bii: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples VIII10b to VIII10bi, wherein one of the male guide element and the female guide element is provided on the protruding element of the first housing portion. Example VIII10c: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII10 to VIII10bii, wherein the cover is configured to move relative to the mounting base between an open state and a closed state along a linear and / or circular and / or curved path. Example VIII10d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII10 to VIII10c, wherein the mounting base has the shape of a pillar. Example VIII10e: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII10 to VIII10d, wherein the mounting base is not visible from the outside when the housing part is in the mounted state and the closing mechanism is in the closed state. Example VIII10f: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII10 to VIII10e, wherein the mounting base is attachable to and / or detachable from at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Example VIII: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII10f, wherein the closure mechanism is removable with the housing portion removed. Example VIII12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples VIII to VIII11, wherein the device has an outer surface that is closed when the housing portion is in an attached state and when the closure mechanism is in a closed state.

[0238] Foldable cover Example IX: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII to ExVIII12, wherein the closure mechanism includes a cover configured to change its shape to move the closure mechanism between an open state and a closed state. Example IX1: The aerosol generating device of Example IX, wherein the cover is attached to the second housing portion. Example IX2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IX to IX1, wherein the cover is a foldable cover configured to be folded and opened to move the closure mechanism between an open state and a closed state. Example IX3: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX2, wherein the cover is at least partially made from an elastic material. Example IX4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX3, wherein the cover comprises at least two pivotally / foldably connected segments. Example IX4a: The aerosol generating device of Example IX4, wherein the segments are integrally formed. Example IX4b: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples IX4 to ExIX4a, wherein the segments are connected by solid joints. Example IX4c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX4 to IX4b, wherein the segments are configured to angle / abut each other in the open state. Example IX4d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX4 to IX4c, wherein the segments are configured to be aligned / flush with one another in the closed state. Example IX4e: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX4 to IX4d, wherein in the closed state of the closure mechanism, the separation line between the two segments is aligned with the separation line or separation surface of the housing portion in the attached state. Example IX4f: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX4 to IX4e, wherein in the closed state of the closure mechanism, the periphery of each of the segments is aligned with the periphery of the housing portion. Example IX4g: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IX4 to IX4f, wherein one of the segments includes a protrusion configured to fit into the opening in the closed state of the closure mechanism. Example IX4h: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX4 to IX4g, wherein each of the segments is adapted to cover the upper end of one of the housing portions in the closed state of the closure mechanism. Example IX4i: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples IX4 to IX4h, wherein the color and / or material of each of the segments is matched to the color and / or material of the housing portion covered at its upper end by each segment when the closing mechanism is in the closed state. Example IX5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX4i, wherein the cover is made of metal and / or plastic. Example IX6: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX5, wherein the cover is made of at least two different materials. Example IX7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX6, wherein the cover has an elastic body (a silicone or silicone-like body). Example IX8: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples IX to IX7, wherein the cover comprises a metal or metal-like coating. Example IX8a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example IX8, wherein the metal coating of the cover extends over the outer surface of the cover to form an edge that aligns with the outer side edge of the first housing portion. Example EIX8b: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples IX8-IX8a, wherein the metallic coating comprises at least one magnetic material. Example IX8c: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples IX8-IX8b, wherein the magnetic material comprises at least one of iron, nickel, and cobalt.

[0239] Slidable cover Example X: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples VIII to iX8c, wherein the closure mechanism includes a cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. Example X1: The aerosol generating device of example X, wherein the cover is attached to the second housing portion. Example X2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples X to X1, wherein the cover is configured to slide relative to the housing between an open state and a closed state along a linear and / or circular and / or curved path. Example X3: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples X to X2, wherein the cover has an elliptical shape. Example X4: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples X to X3, wherein the cover has two parallel outer edges. Example X4a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example X4, wherein the direction of movement of the cover is parallel to its parallel outer edges. Example X5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples X to X4a, wherein the cover has two convex outer edges on both ends thereof. Example X6: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments X to X5, wherein the direction of movement of the cover is aligned with its major axis. Example X7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples X to X6, wherein the cover is movable in a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the device, in particular the longitudinal axis of the device. Example X8: An aerosol generation device according to any one of embodiments X to X7, wherein the device comprises a guide for guiding movement of the cover between the open and closed positions. Example X9: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples X to X8, wherein at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion defines a frame that partially or completely surrounds the cover in the open and / or closed state. Example X9a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example X9a, wherein the frame partially or completely surrounds the cover in the plane of its extension. Example X9b: The aerosol generating device of any one of embodiments X9-X9a, wherein the frame partially or completely surrounds the cover in the direction of movement between the open and closed states. Example X9c: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples X9-X9b, wherein the frame is provided on a protruding element of the first housing portion that protrudes laterally from the main longitudinal body of the first housing portion.

[0240] Electrical Connection Example XI: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to X9c, wherein the device has an electrical connection for electrically connecting the power supply unit to the power consumption unit when the housing parts are in an attached state, the electrical connection including a first electrical contact provided on the first housing part and a second electrical contact provided on the second housing part, and the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are elastically pre-pressed against each other when in the attached state. Example XI1: The aerosol generating device of Example XI, wherein at least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact comprises a spring-loaded element. Example XI1a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XI1, wherein the spring-loaded element is at least one of a pin or a ball. Example XI1b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XI1 to XI1a, wherein the pins are pogo pins. Example XI2: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples XI to XI1b, wherein at least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact includes a recess for receiving a spring-loaded pin or terminal. Example XI2a: The aerosol generating device of Example XI2, wherein the terminal is a contact plate. Example XI2b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XI2-XI2a, wherein the recess comprises a spring-loaded metal tab configured to engage the pin. Example XI3: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples XI to XI2b, wherein each of the first and second electrical contacts is provided on a respective mating surface of the respective housing portion.

[0241] Charging indicator / battery module function Example XII: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples I to XI3, wherein the device further comprises a charge indicator that indicates the charge level of the power supply unit. Example XII1: The aerosol generating device of Example XII, wherein the charging indicator comprises an electronic display. Example XII1a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XII1, wherein the charging indicator display is located on the power supply unit. Example XII1b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XII1 to XII1a, wherein the electronic display is at least one of a segmented display, an LED display, or an OLED display. Example XII2: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XII to XII1b, wherein the charging indicator further includes a charging indicator activator positioned on one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion and configured to activate the charging indicator. Example XII2a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XII2, wherein the charging indicator activator is a push button or a touch display. Example XII2b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XII2 to XII2a, wherein the button for activating the charge indicator display is not visible when the housing part is attached. Example XII2c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XII2 to XII2b, wherein a button for activating the charge indicator display is provided on the mating surface of the second housing portion. Example XII3: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XII to XII2c, wherein the charging indicator further includes a controller configured to control an electronic display in response to user interaction via the charging indicator activator to indicate the charging status of the power supply unit.

[0242] Replaceable Battery Module Example XIII: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to XII3, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a replacement battery module configured to be removably attached to the first housing part in place of the second housing part, the replacement battery module housing a second power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit when attached. Example XIII1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XIII, wherein the second power supply unit has a second charge storage capacity different from the storage capacity of the power supply unit contained within the first housing portion. Example XIII2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XIII to XIII1, wherein the ratio between the storage capacities of the first power supply unit and the second power supply unit is between 1.5 and 3, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5, in particular between 1.7 and 2.3. Example XIII3: An aerosol generating device as described in Examples XIII to XIII2, wherein the replacement battery module has the same interface for electrical and / or mechanical connection to the first housing portion compared to the second housing portion.

[0243] Identification items and units Example XIV: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to XIII3, wherein at least one of the first housing part, the second housing part, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit may include an identification item, and the device is provided with an identification unit for identifying at least one of the first housing part, the second housing part, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit by the identification item. Example XIV1: The aerosol generating device of Example XIV, wherein the identification item includes an authenticator key. Example XIV2: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XIV to XIV1, wherein the identification item is unique and allows for unique identification of a housing part or unit equipped with the unique identification item. Example XIV3: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XIV to XIV2, wherein the identification unit includes a communication interface that enables communication between at least two of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit for identification purposes. Example XIV3a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XIV3, wherein the communication interface is at least one of a wireless communication interface or a contact-based interface. Example XIV3b: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XIV3 to XIV3a, wherein the identification item is permanently embedded. Example XIV3c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XIV3 to XIV3b, wherein the identification item is at least one of an embedded SIM (eSIM) or an integrated SIM (iSIM). Example XIV3d: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples XIV3 to XIV3c, wherein the identification item comprises an authentication key. Example XIV4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XIV to XIV3d, wherein the device is configured to allow power to be supplied from the power supply unit to the power consumption unit upon successful identification of the power consumption unit and the power supply unit.

[0244] Charging module Example XV: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples I to XIV4, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a charging module configured to be removably attached to the second housing part instead of the first housing part, and the charging module is configured to charge the power supply unit in the attached state. Example XV1: An aerosol generating device as described in Example XV, wherein the power supply unit includes a rechargeable power supply and a charging circuit positioned within a housing portion that accommodates the power supply unit and configured to control the supply of power received from an external device to recharge the power supply. Example XV2: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples XV to XV1, wherein the power supply unit comprises a rechargeable battery. Example XV3: The aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples XV to XV2, wherein the battery comprises a lithium-based battery. Example XV4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XV to XV3, wherein the power supply unit includes a charging electrical contact positioned on a housing portion that accommodates the power supply unit for receiving a supply of power from an external device to recharge the power supply. Example XV5: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XV to XV4, wherein the charging electrical contact includes a second electrical contact of the electrical connection and / or the charging electrical contact forms part of a USB-A connector, a USB-B connector, a USB-C connector, or a micro USB connector. Example XV6: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XV to XV5, wherein the charging circuit includes a wireless charging circuit configured to wirelessly receive a power supply from an external device to recharge the power source. Example XV7: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples XV to XV6, wherein the charging module has the same interface for electrical and / or mechanical connection to the second housing part compared to the first housing part.

[0245] Assembly method Example XVI: A method for assembling the aerosol generating device described in Examples I to XV7, comprising: transitioning the housing portions from a detached state in which the housing portions are both electrically and mechanically isolated to an intermediate state in which the housing portions are electrically isolated from one another and mechanically movably coupled to one another; and moving the housing portions relative to each other in an intermediate state until they are in an attached state, wherein both housing portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other.

[0246] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Each of the following PCT patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its respective entirety: 1. PCT Patent Application No. PCT / EP2022 / 057230, entitled "Aerosol-generating device comprising Cover Element with Cavity."

[0247] Terms and Definitions aerosol generator The aerosol generating device may be a handheld, electrically operated smoking system comprising a (rechargeable) battery, control electronics and a power consumption unit, in particular an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article specially designed for use in the aerosol generating device.

[0248] Aerosol-generating items The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater contained within the aerosol-generating device may be inserted into or positioned around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate such as loose tobacco.

[0249] Main axis / Long axis The main axis / direction of extension of the aerosol-generating device, i.e., the axis / direction along which the aerosol-generating device has its maximum length, may be the longitudinal axis / direction. The transverse axis / direction may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis / direction. The circumferential direction may be defined around the longitudinal axis / direction. In a vertical orientation of the aerosol-generating device, the longitudinal axis / direction may be the height axis / direction, and the transverse axis / direction may be the horizontal axis / direction. The designations below regarding "upper," "top," "lower," and "lower" are relative to the longitudinal axis / direction, which is the height axis / direction.

[0250] Power Consumption Unit The power consumption unit may be an energy converter configured to consume power, in particular electrical power, and transfer it to another energy medium, such as thermal energy. The power consumption unit may be an electric heater for heating, such as a coil for induction heating, an aerosol-generating article, or may comprise an aerosol-generating article.

[0251] Power supply unit The power supply unit may be a storage device, in particular a power storage device, which may include one or more batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) and may also include a battery management system (BMS) for operating the one or more batteries, such as power electronics and / or a controller.

[0252] Housing and housing parts The first housing portion and the second housing portion may together define the housing of the aerosol generating device.

[0253] buffer mechanism As used herein, the term "damping mechanism" may designate a unit or element that prevents vibration between the first and second housings, optionally having some elastic properties to maintain some resilience when pressing the two housing parts together.

[0254] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0255] Figures 1 to 3 show the aerosol generating device 1 according to the first embodiment in three different states, including an attached state in Figure 1, a detached state in Figure 2, and an intermediate state in Figure 3. Other embodiments include the same features as the first embodiment, with the differences being described herein.

[0256] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generating device 1 comprises two housing parts 2, 3 that are reversibly interconnected to each other via a guide mechanism to allow sliding movement of the housing parts 2, 3 relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the device 1.

[0257] The first housing portion 2 can accommodate a power consumption unit 4 in the form of a tubular coil configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device 1 and generate an aerosol by performing induction heating. In particular, the first housing portion 2 includes an opening 5 having an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity in the form of a chamber 6 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The chamber 5 is defined by the tubular coil.

[0258] The second housing part 3 houses a power supply unit 7. The power supply unit 7 includes an electrical storage device, in particular a rechargeable battery, for powering the tubular coil to generate the aerosol.

[0259] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a closing mechanism in the illustrated variant in the form of a foldable cover 8 for closing the opening 5 of the chamber 6. The structure and function of the foldable cover 8 will be explained with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

[0260] A primary activation unit 9 is provided on the first housing portion 2, configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 upon user interaction, such as a pressing action. The element 9 may also be a curved display screen configured to visually provide information to the user, for example, but not limited to, an LCD or LED display screen, or a display screen with touch-sensitive properties, thereby operating as an activation unit in combination with a display function. The display screen preferably has rounded edges or is substantially round or elliptical, and its outer surface is preferably curved to match the curvature of the curved outer surface of the first housing portion 2. Furthermore, the display screen 9 is preferably disposed substantially in the center of the first housing portion 2 when viewed along the axis 100. In this regard, the housing portion 3 for holding the battery may be free of a display screen disposed thereon to simplify the design of the housing portion.

[0261] 2 shows the two housing portions 2, 3 in a removed state. Each of the two housing portions 2, 3 includes a mating surface 10. The mating surface 10 of the first housing portion 2 has a convex shape and is configured to engage with the mating surface 10 of the second housing portion 3, which has a concave shape that is the negative of the convex shape of the first housing portion 2.

[0262] A guide mechanism is provided on the edge of the mating face 10 to guide the housing parts 2, 3 relative to each other along the main axis 100 during assembly, especially in an intermediate state. The guide mechanism comprises a guide groove 11 which interacts with a guide rail 12 arranged on the facing mating face 10.

[0263] A stopper 13 is provided on the mating face 10 of the second housing part 3 to stop the guided movement of the two housing parts 2, 3 when they move from the intermediate state to the attached state. The stopper 13 has the form of a protrusion and is configured to engage with a mating recess in the mating face 10 of the first housing part 2.

[0264] Referring to Figure 3, a damping mechanism is provided on the mating face 10. The damping mechanism includes a male resilient damping element 14 in the form of an elongated resilient protruding element provided on the mating face 10 of the second housing part 3 for engaging a female damping element 15 in the form of a recess provided on the mating face 10 of the first housing part 2 so as to pre-load the housing parts 2, 3 relative to one another in their installed condition.

[0265] A power supply lid 16 is provided on the mating surface 10 of the second housing part 3 to allow for replacement of the power supply unit 7 or the battery housed within the second housing part 3, and for removing the battery from a battery compartment which may be embedded or disposed within the housing part 3. The interconnection of the housing parts 3, 4 may conceal the lid 16 and also prevent its inadvertent removal.

[0266] 5 and 6 show male electrical terminals as part of an electrical connection mechanism for electrically connecting the housing parts 2, 3, in particular for electrically connecting the power supply unit 7 to the power consumption unit 4. The electrical connection mechanism comprises a male electrical terminal as a first electrical contact 17 and a female electrical terminal as a second electrical contact (not shown) which are resiliently loaded relative to each other in the attached state of the housing parts 2, 3.

[0267] In FIG. 5, the first electrical contact 17 is formed as a spring loaded tab 18 that is configured to be mounted in the cavity and to press the second electrical contact in the form of a pin against the wall of the cavity in which the pin is received.

[0268] In Figure 6, the first electrical contact 17 is formed as a spring loaded ball 19 for mating with a second electrical contact in the form of a matching recess to provide an electrical connection when the housing parts 2, 3 are in an installed state.

[0269] 7 and 8 show a charging indicator 20 that indicates the charge level of the power supply unit 7 / battery. The charging indicator 20 is positioned on the second housing part 3, and in particular on the mating surface 10 of the second housing part 3 as shown in FIG. 7, so that the charging indicator 20 is not visible in the installed state.

[0270] The charging indicator 20 may be embodied as a segmented display, particularly a seven-segment display, as shown in FIG.

[0271] In Figure 8, a charging indicator 20 is provided on the outer surface of the second housing part 3. The charging indicator 20 may comprise several LEDs in a continuous series, each LED representing a predetermined amount of charge.

[0272] The charging indicator 20 is preferably provided on the second housing part 3, in particular integrated into a button (not shown) for activating the charging indicator 20. The charging indicator 20 as well as the button are preferably provided on the mating face 10 so that they are not visible when the housing is installed. In this way, the external design remains minimal. This also allows the user to quickly check the battery status by pressing the button before installing the housing parts 2, 3, for example in cases where the user may have several second housing parts 3 at hand (see Figures 19 and 20).

[0273] 9 to 12 show detailed perspective views of the closure mechanism with the foldable cover 8 implemented in the aerosol generating device 1 according to FIG.

[0274] FIG. 9 shows the foldable cover 8 in the closed position.

[0275] FIG. 10 shows the foldable cover 8 in the open position.

[0276] 9 and 10, the foldable cover 8 includes two segments 22, 23 embodied in a single piece and forming a solid joint. The segments 22, 23 are separated by a predetermined bending edge 24 in the form of an elongated recess provided at the bottom of the foldable cover 8 to facilitate the folding (opening / closing) action performed by the user. The second segment 23 is attached to the second housing part 3, and the first segment 22 is pivotally connected to the second segment 23 to open and close the opening 5 of the chamber 6, thereby changing its shape.

[0277] The foldable cover 8 comprises two layers 25, 26. The second layer 26 is formed from an elastic material coated with a metal coating (which constitutes the first layer 25) on top of the elastic material, so that in the closed state only the metal coating is visible. The color of the metal coating preferably corresponds to the color of the metal or metal coating of the respective housing parts 2, 3.

[0278] 11 , the foldable cover 8 further includes a tongue 27 for removably attaching the cover 8 to the second housing portion 3. Specifically, the tongue 27 includes a tongue recess 28 for engaging a mating housing side protrusion 29 on the mating surface 10 of the second housing portion 3.

[0279] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper part of the aerosol generating device 1 according to Figure 1. A first magnetic element 30 in the form of a plate is integrated into the second housing part 3 and is configured to engage with a second magnetic element 31 integrated into the foldable cover 8, in particular in the second segment 23 of the foldable cover, to hold / fix the cover on the second housing part 3. Furthermore, the first segment 22 of the cover 8 comprises a coin-shaped magnetic element 32 configured to engage with the first magnetic element 30 and / or the second magnetic element 31 so as to hold the foldable cover 8 in the open position.

[0280] 13 to 17 show detailed perspective views of a closing mechanism including a movable (slidable) cover 33 that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 according to FIG.

[0281] As can be seen in Figure 13, the movable cover 33 is provided on top of the first housing part 2, with its mounting base, embodied in the exemplary form of a semi-cylindrical protruding element 34, attached to the first housing part 2. This arrangement allows the user to close the chamber 6 with the cover 33, even when the second housing part 3 is removed from the first housing part 2. A cavity 34' for receiving the protruding element 34 is provided on the second housing part 3. The cavity 34' has a shape complementary to the protruding element 34 and is sized so as not to interfere with the slidable engagement, i.e., the movable cover 33, during its movement.

[0282] The mounting base (protruding element) 34 is disposed on or above the mating surface 10 so as not to be visible when the housing parts 2, 3 are installed. The mounting base (protruding element) 34 engages with the cover 33 via a guide mechanism. In particular, the cover 33 is provided with guide slots 35 that engage with guide pins 36 provided on the upper end of the mounting base (protruding element) 34 so that the cover 33 is movable / slidable between a closed position and an open position relative to the mounting base. The mounting base (protruding element) 34 is removably mounted on the first housing part 2 via mounts 37, such as the screw mounts shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 16 shows the movable cover 33 in the closed position.

[0283] In Figure 17, the movable cover 33 is shown in the open position.

[0284] 18-20 show an alternative to the closure mechanism of FIGS. 13-17. The closure mechanism includes a frame 38 on top of a mounting base (protruding element) that protrudes laterally from the first housing part 2. The frame 38 completely surrounds the movable cover 33 in its extension and in its movement between the open and closed positions. A cavity for receiving the protruding element comprising the frame 38 is provided on the second housing part 3. The cavity has a shape complementary to the protruding element comprising the frame 38 and is sized so as not to interfere with the movable cover 33 during its movement.

[0285] All of the cover variations of Figures 13-20 provide one or more of the following advantages: - Removability, allowing you to replace the cover with a new one, for example for customization or to replace an old, defective one - the incorporation of a cover into the first housing part 2 (with the power consumption unit 4) so ​​that the power supply unit 7 (battery) can be removed while the opening 5 can be closed, and - Aesthetic integration of the cover into the two housing designs, with metallization specifically adapted to match the color / metal / metallization of the housing parts.

[0286] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the second housing portion 3 may be interchangeable. In particular, a plurality of different second housing portions 3 of different sizes having batteries with different energy storage capacities are provided and suitable for mating with the first housing portion 2. For example, the second housing portion 3 shown in Figure 19 is smaller than the second housing portion of Figure 20 (also referred to herein as the third housing portion 39). Thus, the user can decide whether to have a smaller-sized second housing portion 3 with less energy storage capacity or a larger-sized one with more storage capacity.

[0287] Another variation of the closure mechanism is shown in Figure 21, in which the movable cover 33 is disposed on a removable mounting base in the form of a carrier disc 40 or plate that is disposed on the upper surfaces of both the first housing portion 2 and the second housing portion 3 by a removable attachment mechanism, for example, by clips 41 that can engage corresponding openings or cavities 42. The mounting base (carrier disc 40 or plate) has an access opening 43 that corresponds to the opening 5 of the aerosol-generating article and can slidably hold the movable cover 33 to open and close the opening. This feature allows for a removable and replaceable cover 33 and plate design.

[0288] A damping mechanism configured to dampen the housing parts 2, 3 against each other in the mounted state is shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0289] 22, a male damping element 44 in the form of an elongated elastic element, for example made from rubber, is provided on the mating face 10 of the first housing part 2 and extends mainly along a main axis 100. The mating face 10 of the second housing part 2 includes a female damping element 45 in the form of a recess which engages with the elastic element in the mounted state of the housings so as to elastically pre-load the housing parts 2, 3 relative to each other. The male damping element 44 and the female damping element 45 are embodied as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0290] In another variation shown in FIG. 23, cushioning elements 44, 45 are provided both in the lower part of the housing and in the upper part of the housing.

[0291] In another variant, the upper cushioning elements 44, 45 can form a mechanical retention mechanism and also form electrical terminals / connectors for the electrical interconnection of the housing parts 2, 3 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), thereby combining the two features into one. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 23, there can be two snap-fit ​​connectors arranged adjacent to the protruding elements 34. This arrangement at the top of the first housing part 2 also allows for a snap-fit ​​engagement at the end of the sliding movement of the two housing parts 2, 3. Furthermore, the protruding elements 34 located between the two terminals can prevent accidental short-circuiting, for example, when a user places the first housing part 2 on a metal surface. The terminals on the first housing part 2 accommodating the power consumption unit 4 should be male / protruding, while the terminals on the second housing part 3 carrying the power supply unit 7 should be female / recessed, since there is a cavity between the two interconnection terminals. This function can be reversed so that the electrical terminals / snap-fit ​​interconnections are formed at the bottom, or at a top-and-bottom combination.

[0292] Figures 24 to 29 show another variation of the aerosol generation device 1 in which the housing parts are attached by a press and click locking mechanism instead of the slidable mechanism shown in Figures 1 to 3. Figures 24 and 25 show different perspective views of the two housing parts 2, 3 in the detached state.

[0293] FIG. 26 shows a cross-sectional view of a first locking mechanism 46 provided on the upper portion of the housing parts 2,3.

[0294] 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the second locking mechanism 47 provided on the lower portion of the housing parts 2, 3. Both the first locking mechanism 46 and the second locking mechanism 47 function according to the hook-and-eye principle, with the first locking mechanism 46 being embodied as a passive locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism 47 being embodied as an active locking mechanism.

[0295] The first locking mechanism 46 includes a hook 48 on the first housing part 2 and a recess (eye) 49 with a spring-loaded pin 50 on the second housing part 3 configured to engage with the hook 48 in the installed state.

[0296] The second locking mechanism 47 comprises a hook 51 connected to an actuator 52 in the form of a push button provided on the bottom of the first housing part 2 to form an active locking member. A pin 53 with a recess for the hook 51 is provided on the second housing part 3 to lock the housing parts 3, 4 relative to each other in the mounted state.

[0297] A power supply lid 16 is provided on the mating face 10 of the second housing part 3 to allow the power supply unit 7 or the battery contained in the second housing part 3 to be replaced.

[0298] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary assembly process for attaching the housing portions 2, 3 of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 24-27. In a first step, the housing portions 2, 3 are in a detached state with no electrical or mechanical connection. The user then places the housing portions 2, 3 in an intermediate state, where the housing portions 2, 3 are mechanically and movably coupled, yet electrically isolated, by engaging the male and female locking elements of the first locking mechanism 46, thereby defining the fulcrum 54. Next, in the intermediate state, the user pivots the first housing portion 2 relative to the second housing portion 3 about the fulcrum 54 until the housing portions 2, 3 enter an attached state in which the housing portions 2, 3 are mechanically and electrically coupled, and the male and female locking elements of the second locking mechanism 47 engage, self-locking the housing portions 2, 3 in the attached state with a clicking noise. The electrical and mechanical connection between housing part 2 and housing part 3 may be established by the same element or by different elements.

[0299] 29 , to detach the housing parts 2, 3 from each other, the user first presses / pushes the actuator 52 on the bottom of the first housing part 2 to unlock the second locking mechanism 47 and move the housing parts 2, 3 from the attached state to the intermediate state. In the next step, the user pivots the second housing part 3 relative to the first housing part 2 around the fulcrum 54. At a predetermined angle, the hook 48 of the first locking mechanism 46 presses the spring-loaded pin 50 of the first locking mechanism 46 downward, thereby detaching the first housing part 2 from the second housing part 3 and thus allowing the housing parts 2, 3 to move from the intermediate state to the detached state.

[0300] FIG. 30 shows a schematic structure of an identification unit of the aerosol generating device 1 for identifying the second housing part 3 having the power supply unit 7 by an identification item.

[0301] All second housing parts 3 can be equipped with an identification item including a SIM 55 or device (Subscriber Identity Module), e.g., a software-based eSIM card or SIM card / chip (micro-SIM or nano-SIM), which can communicate via a data communication interface with a data processor 58 associated with the power consumption unit 4 in the first housing part 2 in the installed state of the housing. This can be done directly by communicating with the SIM's I / O interface 56 or via an additional data processor 57 on the second housing part 3. The SIM 55 includes a secret and optionally unique Ki encryption key that cannot be read from outside the SIM 55 and can be initially recorded in a database by the manufacturer to authenticate the original second housing part 3. Typically, the secret key Ki has a 128-bit value. For example, each secret key Ki can be pre-recorded in a database and (uniquely) associated with an authorized second housing part 3. This allows checking this / second housing part 3 to determine whether it is an original or a copy, providing technical authenticity protection. Other data from the SIM 55 may also be used for authentication (other than the private key Ki), for example, but not limited to, the ICCID, IMSI, IMEI, MSISDN, and / or EID. The SIM 55 itself may also generate a session key from the private Ki key, and the data processor is internal to the SIM, so that the private Ki key never leaves the electronics of the second housing part 3, more specifically the internal storage memory for private keys of the SIM 55. The power consuming unit 4 applies the same encryption / decryption algorithm to authenticate the second housing part 3.

[0302] In a simplified variant, to avoid managing many different secret keys for each second housing part 3, the second housing part 3 can be equipped with a digital circuit (not necessarily a SIM) that has a secretly stored key among a specific limited number of secret keys, or there can be only one secret key for all second housing parts 3, and the power consuming unit 4 / first housing part 2 can request authentication of the second housing part 3 based on the limited number of secret keys. For example, it is possible to use one and the same secret key for each second housing part 3 (or a limited number thereof) and then run encryption algorithms to generate session keys for each algorithm. The power consuming unit 4 / first housing part 2 can have the same secret key stored therein (e.g., in a manner that cannot be read from the outside) and can use the same algorithm to authenticate the second housing part 3 with the session key. This makes it possible to mimic the SIM 55 functionality with limited complexity. In this respect, an eSIM structure can also be used, but with only a limited number of keys, for example so that not all second housing parts 3 have their unique and secret key Ki, but only a certain limited number or one secret key Ki. Such a solution offers less authentication security, but is much easier to manage and may be sufficient to authenticate the second housing part 3 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0303] Once the power consuming unit 4 authenticates the second housing part 3, it may initiate or enable aerosol formation by the power consuming unit 4, for example to enable heat generation by the power consuming unit 4. If it is not possible to authenticate the second housing part 3, error information, for example a visual, audible or tactile signal, or a combination thereof, may be generated and the power consuming unit 4 may be disabled.

[0304] It is also technically possible to incorporate a SIM 55 or equivalent circuit into the first housing part 2 or module to authenticate the first housing part 2 before allowing the power consumption unit 4 to operate.

[0305] Data communication can occur via a separate data communication channel between the housing parts 2, 3, but can also occur via the electrical connection scheme shown in Figures 5 and 6, which has only two electrical contacts and no specific data communication terminals or interconnections. Data communication for authentication can also occur via a wireless interface, for example Bluetooth or RFID circuitry.

[0306] Furthermore, the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 can be paired, for example, by a pairing process performed by the first housing part 2, thereby enabling the use of a unique key for each second housing part 3 without having to actually manage all private keys in a database. For example, upon first interconnection of a new or other original second housing part 3 with the first housing part 2, the second housing part 3 can request pairing via a pairing algorithm. However, pairing can also be performed at the manufacturing level rather than by the end user.

[0307] 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 maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

[0308] Reference Code List 1. Aerosol generator 2. First housing part 3. Second housing part 4. Power consumption unit (tubular coil) 5. Opening 6. Chamber (aerosol-generating article receiving cavity) 7. Power supply unit (battery) 8. Foldable cover / cap 9. Main Launch Unit 10. Mating surfaces of the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 3 11. Guide groove (guide mechanism) 12. Guide rail (guide mechanism) 13. Stopper 14.Male buffer element (buffer mechanism) 15.Female buffer element (buffer mechanism) 16. Power supply lid 17. First electrical contact (electrical connection mechanism) 18. Spring-loaded tab 19. Spring-loaded ball 20. Charging indicator 21. Segment Display 22. First segment of Cover 8 23. Cover 8 Second Segment 24. Predetermined bent edge of cover 8 25. First layer of cover 8 (metal coating) 26. Second layer of cover 8 (elastic material) 27. Tongue 28. Tongue recess 29. Housing side protrusion 30. First magnetic element 31. Second magnetic element 32. Coin-shaped magnetic element 33. Movable cover / cap 34. Protruding element / 34'. Cavity for protruding element 34 35. Guide slot 36. Guide pin 37. Mount 38. Frame 39.Third housing part 40. Carrier disc 41. Clip 42. Cavity for clip 41 43. Access opening 44.Male buffer element 45.Female buffer element 46.First locking mechanism 47. Second locking mechanism 48. Hook of first locking mechanism 49. First locking mechanism eye 50. Spring-loaded pin 51. Hook of second locking mechanism 52. Actuator (push-type release button) 53. Pin with a recess (eye) for the hook 51 of the second locking mechanism 54.Fulcrum 55.SIM (identification item) 56. I / O Interface 57. Processor / second housing part 3 of power supply unit 7 58. Processor / first housing part 2 of power consumption unit 4 100.Main (long axis direction)

Claims

1. a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being reversibly connectable to each other and configured to be selectively disposed in one of at least two different states including an attached state in which the housing portions are attached to each other and a detached state in which the housing portions are detached from each other; a power consumption unit configured to consume power during operation of the aerosol generating device to generate an aerosol; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the power consumption unit in the mounted state of the housing parts, wherein the first housing part contains the power consumption unit; the second housing portion includes the power supply unit; An aerosol generating device, wherein the device includes a cushioning mechanism configured to cushion the housing portions against each other in the attached state.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be selectively disposed in any one of at least three different states, including the attached state, the detached state, and an intermediate state in which the housing portions are mechanically movably connected to each other and electrically isolated from each other.

3. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device comprises a guide mechanism for guiding movement of the housing parts relative to each other.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the housing parts includes at least one mating surface, the mating surfaces being configured to face and / or engage with each other in an attached state.

5. at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a male cushioning element, and the other of the first housing portion and the second housing portion includes a female cushioning element, the male cushioning element and the female cushioning element being engaged with each other in the attached state so as to resiliently preload the housing portions against each other; 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the male cushioning element has the form of a pad, a knob, or an elongated element.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises a reversible locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the housing parts to each other in the attached state of the housing.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism includes an actuator configured to lock or unlock the locking mechanism upon actuation.

8. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises an aerosol-generating article receiving cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and the device further comprises a closing mechanism configured to be selectively disposed in each of at least two different states, including an open state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is at least partially or completely exposed, and a closed state in which the aerosol-generating article receiving cavity is completely closed.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the closure mechanism includes a foldable cover configured to fold and unfold to transition the closure mechanism between the open state and the closed state.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism includes a cover that is movable between the open state and the closed state.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device comprises an electrical connection for electrically connecting the power supply unit to the power consumption unit in the attached state of the housing parts, the electrical connection including a first electrical contact provided on the first housing part and a second electrical contact provided on the second housing part, and the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are elastically pre-pressed against each other in the attached state.

12. 12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a charge indicator that indicates the charge level of the power supply unit.

13. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the first housing part, the second housing part, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit includes an identification item, and the device is provided with an identification unit for identifying at least one of the first housing part, the second housing part, the power consumption unit, and the power supply unit by the identification item.

14. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a charging module configured to be removably attached to the second housing part instead of the first housing part, the charging module configured to charge the power supply unit in the attached state.

15. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the steps of: transitioning the housing portions from a detached state in which the housing portions are both electrically and mechanically isolated to an intermediate state in which the housing portions are electrically isolated from one another and mechanically movably coupled to one another; b) moving said housing portions relative to one another in said intermediate state until said housing portions are in said attached state, wherein both housing portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another.

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