Aerosol generating device with heat dissipation perforations

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and in particular to an aerosol generating device comprising a cover having a heat-dissipating portion with a plurality of perforations for heat dissipation. In a first aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and a device housing for accommodating the heating unit, the device housing comprising a heat-dissipating portion provided on a portion of the device housing that forms part of the outer surface of the device housing. The heat-dissipating portion comprises a plurality of perforations through which heat generated inside the device housing by thermal radiation and thermal conduction from the heating unit can be dissipated to the outside of the device housing, each of the plurality of perforations having an opening surface area so small that it is not visible to the unaided human eye.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device having a cover with a heat dissipation portion provided with a plurality of perforations for heat dissipation. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices commonly found on the market include an aerosol generating unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating unit typically includes a heating unit that generates an aerosol by applying heat to an aerosol-generating substrate. While some of the heat generated by the heating unit in the aerosol generating process is dissipated through the aerosol and through the airflow that transports the aerosol to the user for inhalation, a significant portion of the generated heat is transferred to the environment of the heating unit within the aerosol generating device and subsequently dissipated to the outside through the device housing of the aerosol generating device. As a result, the interior space of the aerosol generating device may become hot, potentially damaging components housed within the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device, particularly the portion adjacent to the heating unit, may also become hot. As a result, the device housing may become excessively hot, making it uncomfortable to hold or touch and potentially causing injury to the user.

[0003] To address the above-mentioned issues, some aerosol generating devices provide a thermal insulating element, such as a thermal insulating sleeve or wrapper. The thermal insulating element generally surrounds or encases at least the heating unit and reduces the rate of heat transfer from the heating unit to the exterior surface of the device housing, preventing the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device from becoming excessively hot. However, the thermal insulating element increases the overall dimensions of the aerosol generating device and must accommodate the spatial requirements of the interior space of the aerosol generating device imposed by multiple components of the aerosol generating device. This increases manufacturing complexity and drives up manufacturing costs. In addition, while the thermal insulating element addresses the issue of excessively hot exterior surfaces, it does not address the issue of hot interior spaces of the aerosol generating device. In fact, reducing the heat transfer from the heating unit to the exterior surface of the device housing can cause the interior space to become even hotter.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an aerosol generating device that prevents the interior space of the aerosol generating device from becoming excessively hot, thereby preventing damage to the aerosol generating device and injury to the user. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some or all of the above objects are achieved by the present invention as defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol; and a device housing for accommodating the heating unit, the device housing comprising a heat-dissipating portion provided on a portion of the device housing that forms part of an outer surface of the device housing, the heat-dissipating portion comprising a plurality of perforations through which heat generated within the main housing by thermal radiation and thermal conduction from the heating unit can be dissipated to the outside of the device housing, each of the plurality of perforations having an opening surface area small enough to be invisible to the unaided human eye.

[0007] It should be noted that the heat generated within the aerosol generation device due to thermal radiation and conduction within the device housing refers to heat generated in regions and spaces within the aerosol generation device that are not in airflow communication with the heating unit. Specifically, these regions are not in airflow communication with one or more airflow channels that allow air from outside the aerosol generation device to flow into the aerosol generation unit and transport the generated aerosol through an air outlet, such as a user's mouthpiece for inhalation. Because this heat does not contribute to aerosol generation, such heat is lost heat. The first aspect is advantageous because the heat-dissipating portion allows lost heat to be dissipated to the outside of the aerosol generation device, preventing the interior space of the aerosol generation space from becoming excessively hot. By making the multiple perforations in the heat-dissipating portion small enough to be invisible to the unaided human eye, the risk of unwanted particle intrusion can be reduced while simultaneously achieving an aesthetically uniform appearance of the aerosol generation.

[0008] According to a second aspect, in the above-mentioned aspect, the device housing comprises a main housing for accommodating the heating unit and a cover element removably attached or connected to the main housing, the cover element covering a portion of the main housing from the exterior of the aerosol generation device and forming part of the outer surface of the aerosol generation device.

[0009] The second aspect is advantageous because the removable cover element allows convenient access to the main housing for maintenance and repair, while protecting the covered portion of the main housing from external influences.

[0010] According to a third aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, the heat-dissipating portion is provided on the cover element.

[0011] The third aspect is advantageous as it allows easy access to the inside of the heat dissipating portion for maintenance and repair.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect, in any one of the previous aspects, a thermally conductive element is provided along a surface of a portion of the device housing that forms part of an outer surface of the device housing.

[0013] The fourth aspect is advantageous because the thermally conductive element distributes heat along its extended dimension, allowing for more uniform heat distribution in the device housing, which reduces the appearance of hot spots.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect, in the previous and second aspects, the thermally conductive element is provided along an inner surface of the cover element facing the main housing.

[0015] The fifth embodiment is advantageous because it provides more uniform heat distribution in the cover element while still being protected by the cover element, reducing the appearance of hot spots.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect, in any one of the fourth and fifth aspects, at least a portion of the thermally conductive element is arranged to face at least the heating unit.

[0017] According to the seventh aspect, in any one of the fourth and fifth aspects, at least a portion of the thermally conductive element is arranged to face opposite a first part of the main housing that does not form part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and substantially the entire surface of the first part facing the heating unit and away from the cover element is adjacent to the heating unit.

[0018] The sixth and seventh aspects are advantageous because they allow heat loss from the heating unit to be distributed by the thermally conductive element, reducing the appearance of hot spots or hot areas.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect, in any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the thermally conductive element is provided along at least a part or the entire inner surface of the heat dissipation portion.

[0020] The eighth aspect is advantageous because it allows the heat to be distributed towards the heat dissipation portion, increasing the dissipation of heat by the heat dissipation portion.

[0021] According to a ninth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, some or all of the plurality of perforations extend from the exterior of the device housing through the thermally conductive element to the interior of the device housing.

[0022] The ninth aspect is advantageous because it allows heat and hot air to be distributed towards the heat dissipation portion and through the perforations, increasing the dissipation of heat by the heat dissipation portion.

[0023] According to a tenth aspect, in any one of the fourth to ninth aspects, the thermally conductive element is provided in contact with at least a part of the inner surface of the heat dissipation portion.

[0024] The tenth aspect is advantageous because it improves the distribution of heat from the thermally conductive element to the cover element along the extension direction of the thermally conductive element, thereby increasing the dissipation of heat from the thermally conductive element through the cover element to the outside of the aerosol generation device.

[0025] According to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the fourth to tenth aspects, the thermally conductive element has a strip, plate, bar, or rod shape.

[0026] The eleventh aspect is advantageous because the strips, layers, rods, or bars are cost-effective during manufacture and the symmetry of the shape of the strips, layers, rods, or bars results in more uniform heating of the cover element, reducing the appearance of hot spots.

[0027] According to a twelfth aspect, in any one of the fourth to eleventh aspects, the thermally conductive element includes a metal material.

[0028] According to a thirteenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the thermally conductive element comprises copper or consists essentially of copper.

[0029] The twelfth and thirteenth aspects are advantageous because metallic materials generally have excellent heat transfer properties and provide excellent thermal distribution of heat, with copper in particular providing optimal heat transfer properties and being cost effective.

[0030] According to a 14th aspect, in any one of the aforementioned aspects, the aerosol generating device comprises a user-operated portion provided on an outer surface of the aerosol generating device and operable by a user to operate the aerosol generating device.

[0031] According to a fifteenth aspect, in any of the above aspects, the user operation portion comprises one or more user input elements.

[0032] The fourteenth and fifteenth aspects are advantageous because they each allow a user to reliably provide inputs for operating an aerosol generating device.

[0033] According to a sixteenth aspect, in any of the above aspects, the one or more user input elements comprise a button or switch, and activating the button or switch comprises pressing, touching, and / or contacting the button or switch.

[0034] The sixteenth aspect is advantageous because it allows the button or switch to be implemented cost-effectively and reliably actuated by a simple user action.

[0035] According to a 17th aspect, in any one of aspects 2 to 16, the aerosol generating device comprises an operating interface portion provided on at least a portion of the surface of the main housing, covered by a cover element, and operable to operate the aerosol generating device.

[0036] According to an eighteenth aspect, in the above-described aspects, actuating the operation interface portion includes interacting with, engaging with, or contacting one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion.

[0037] The seventeenth and eighteenth aspects are advantageous in that they each allow a user to operate the aerosol generating device by inputting operations. Furthermore, the cover element protects the operation interface portion from external influences.

[0038] According to a nineteenth aspect, in any of the above aspects, the one or more input elements comprise a button, a switch, and / or a sensor.

[0039] The nineteenth aspect is advantageous in that the button, switch, or sensor allows the input operation to be performed reliably and repeatedly.

[0040] According to a twentieth aspect, in any of the above aspects, the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.

[0041] The twentieth aspect is advantageous because the optical or magnetic sensor can be operated without physical contact, thus resulting in less wear and tear from repeated use.

[0042] According to a 21st aspect, in any of the 14th to 16th aspects, a cover element is provided on the user operation portion, forming a part of the outer surface of the cover element.

[0043] The twenty-first aspect is advantageous because the removable cover element provides convenient access to the user-operated portions for maintenance or repair.

[0044] According to a 22nd aspect, in the above-mentioned aspect and in any one of the above-mentioned 17th to 20th aspects, the user operation portion is configured to operate the operation interface portion.

[0045] The twenty-second aspect is advantageous because it allows the operation interface portion to be operated via the user operation portion even if the operation interface portion is not externally accessible while covered by the cover element, which increases the durability of the operation interface portion.

[0046] According to a 23rd aspect, in the above-mentioned aspects, the user operation portion has a flexible area that can elastically deform toward the operation interface portion when pressed by the user, and when the flexible area deforms toward the operation interface portion, the operation interface portion is activated.

[0047] The twenty-third aspect is advantageous because it allows the operating interface portion to be actuated via a simple mechanism via the user operating portion, which improves the durability of the cover element.

[0048] According to a 24th aspect, in any one of the 21st to 23rd aspects and any one of the 5th to 13th aspects, the thermally conductive element is not provided along the inner surface of the portion of the cover element formed by the user-operated portion.

[0049] The twenty-fourth aspect is advantageous because it prevents heat from being transferred to the user-operated portion by the thermally conductive element, protecting the user-operated portion from damage.

[0050] According to a 25th aspect, in any one of the 2nd to 24th aspects, an output element is provided on a surface of the main housing between the main housing and the cover element.

[0051] According to a 26th aspect, in any of the above aspects, the output element comprises a light emitting indicator.

[0052] The twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth aspects are advantageous because they each enable the aerosol generating device to provide output information, such as feedback information, to a user of the aerosol generating device.

[0053] According to a 27th aspect, in any of the above aspects, the light-emitting indicator is disposed inside the device housing so as to face opposite the inner surface of the heat-dissipating portion.

[0054] The twenty-seventh aspect is advantageous because it allows the light emitting indicator to be viewed through the plurality of perforations in the heat dissipating portion while the light emitting indicator is covered and protected by the cover element.

[0055] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the light emitted by the luminescent indicator is visible to the unaided human eye through the plurality of perforations.

[0056] According to a 29th aspect, in any one of the 27th to 28th aspects, when the luminescent indicator is not emitting light, the luminescent indicator is not visible through the plurality of perforations.

[0057] The twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth aspects are advantageous because they improve the visibility of the feedback provided by the luminous indicator in non-ideal lighting conditions where it may be difficult to tell whether the luminous indicator is illuminated or not.

[0058] According to a 30th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generation device is provided with a battery and a battery vent cover.

[0059] The thirtieth aspect is advantageous because the battery is an inexpensive, replaceable, and / or rechargeable power source for powering the aerosol generating device. The vent cover prevents unwanted materials from entering the battery vent.

[0060] According to a thirty-first aspect, in the above-mentioned aspect, finally, a part or the whole of the inner surface of the heat dissipation portion faces opposite to the battery vent cover.

[0061] The thirty-first aspect is advantageous because it allows pressure buildup in the event of a catastrophic battery failure to be dissipated from the battery vent through multiple perforations to the outside of the device, reducing the risk of damage to the aerosol generating device and trauma to the user.

[0062] According to a 32nd aspect, in any one of the 2nd aspect and the 3rd to 31st aspects, the cover element is detachably attached to the main housing via a magnet provided on the cover element or the main housing.

[0063] The thirty-second aspect is advantageous because magnets are less susceptible than mechanical attachment means to mechanical wear and damage caused by repeated attachment and removal of the cover element.

[0064] According to a thirty-third aspect, in any one of the aforementioned aspects and the fifth to thirteenth aspects, the main housing is provided with a magnet that applies an attractive force to the thermally conductive element.

[0065] The thirty-third aspect is advantageous because it provides a reliable magnetic coupling element to which a magnet can be coupled for attaching the cover element to the main housing, thus reducing the need for a separate magnetic coupling element.

[0066] According to a 34th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the average opening area per perforation of the plurality of perforations is 0.0001 mm 2 ~0.004mm 2 , preferably 0.0002 mm 2 ~0.0035mm 2 , most preferably 0.0003 mm 2 ~0.003mm.

[0067] The thirty-fourth embodiment is advantageous because it provides an optimum compromise between perforations not being visible to the unaided human eye, adequate heat dissipation properties, and manufacturing complexity.

[0068] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, in any one of the second to thirty-fourth aspects, the aerosol generation device comprises a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing.

[0069] The thirty-fifth aspect is advantageous as it allows for determining whether the cover element is properly installed to ensure safe operation and protection of the aerosol generating device.

[0070] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, in any of the previous aspects, the cover detection means comprises a button or switch that is actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing.

[0071] The thirty-sixth aspect is advantageous because it allows for a cost-effective implementation of a button or switch to reliably and repeatedly detect attachment of the cover element.

[0072] According to a 37th aspect, in either one of the 35th or 36th aspects, the cover detection means comprises a sensor circuit.

[0073] According to a thirty-eighth aspect, in any of the above aspects, the sensor circuit comprises a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, and / or an electrical sensor.

[0074] The 37th and 38th aspects are advantageous because activation of the Hall, optical, or electrical sensor does not require mechanical activation of the sensor, for example by pressing on the sensor or moving parts of the sensor, and therefore the sensor is less susceptible to mechanical wear and damage caused by repeated attachment and removal of the cover element.

[0075] According to the 39th aspect, in any one of the 35th to 38th aspects, the aerosol generating device is provided with a circuit for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device based on information from the cover detection means, the information including information regarding a first state that detects that the cover element is attached to the main housing and a second state that detects that the cover element is not attached to the main housing.

[0076] Proper positioning and attachment of the cover element is important to ensure proper and safe operation of the aerosol generating device by the user. Thus, the thirty-ninth aspect is advantageous because it allows operation of the aerosol generating device to be adapted based on whether the cover element is properly attached.

[0077] According to the 40th aspect, in the above-mentioned aspects, controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means includes preventing or inhibiting the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detection means indicates a second state, and enabling the generation of aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detection means indicates a first state.

[0078] If the cover element is not detected as attached, proper and safe operation of the aerosol generating device cannot be ensured. Therefore, the fortieth aspect is advantageous as it prevents unsafe operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0079] According to a forty-first aspect, in the above-mentioned aspects, when the cover element is attached or connected to the main housing, the cover element and the main housing form a smooth and uniform outer surface of the aerosol generating device, except for a seam formed where the cover element and the main housing are adjacent.

[0080] According to the 42nd aspect, in any one of the 2nd to 41st aspects, when the cover element is attached to the main housing, the outer surface of the cover element occupies 10% to 60% of the entire outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0081] According to a 43rd aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generating device is an electronic cigarette. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic top view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device having a heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] 1 shows a schematic top view of an aerosol generating device having a heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating device having a heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic top view of an aerosol generating device having a heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] 1 shows a schematic bottom view of the cover element removed from the main housing by rotating it 180° about the axis marked R, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3D] 3D shows a schematic top view of the main housing with the cover element shown in FIG. 3C removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A]1 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device having a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 1 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device having a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] 1 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device having a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4D] 1 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device having a cover element according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main housing 200 and a cover element 300. The main housing 200 is configured to house an aerosol generating unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user. The aerosol generating unit includes a heating unit 110 configured to heat a consumable 120 including an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a power source, which may be a replaceable and / or rechargeable power source. Additionally, a charging port may be provided for charging the rechargeable power source. The power source may preferably be a battery, and the battery may be provided with a battery vent and a battery vent cover. The cover element 300 may be removably attached to the main housing 200. By the cover element being detachable, it is meant that the cover element 300 can be attached and detached from the main housing by a user of the aerosol generating device 100 using one or both hands without the need for any additional tools or assistance. Alternatively, the cover element may not be detachable and may be integrally formed with the main housing.

[0084] The aerosol generation device 100 may have an elongated shape to improve the user's comfort when holding the aerosol generation device 100. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100 is the direction in which the aerosol generation device 100 extends. The extension of the aerosol generation device 100 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length L of the aerosol generation device 100, and the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100 corresponds to the length direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 has a cross-section that lies in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The cross-section of the aerosol generation device 100 may generally have any suitable shape, but may preferably be rectangular, square, circular, or elliptical. The longitudinal direction of the cross-section is a first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100, and corresponds to the direction in which the cross-section may extend. The extension of the cross section in the first transverse or radial direction corresponds to the width W of the aerosol generation device 100, and the first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100 corresponds to the width direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The direction perpendicular to the length and width directions of the aerosol generation device 100 is the second transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The extension of the cross section in the second transverse or radial direction corresponds to the height H of the aerosol generation device 100, and the second transverse or radial direction corresponds to the height direction of the aerosol generation device 100. In the case of a circular cross section, the width and height directions may be selected arbitrarily as long as they are perpendicular to each other. In the case of a square cross section, the width direction corresponds to the direction of the linear distance between two opposite sides of the square, and the height direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the width direction in the plane of the cross section.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 1A , the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol generation device 100, preferably from the height direction of the aerosol generation device 100. That is, when attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol generation device 100, the cover element 300 increases the height H of the aerosol generation device 100 but does not increase the length L or width W of the aerosol generation device 100, as shown in FIG. 1B . The height H of the aerosol generation device 100 is composed of the height Hc of the cover element 300 and the height Hm of the main housing 200, and the height Hc of the cover element 300 corresponds to the difference between the height H of the aerosol generation device 100 and the height Hm of the main housing 200. Preferably, the height Hc of the cover element 300 is less than 30% of the height H of the aerosol generation device 100. This ensures that the overall dimensions of the aerosol generation device 100, when the cover element 300 is attached, are such that a user can comfortably use and hold the aerosol generation device 100 in one hand. When the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing, the outer surface of the cover element 300 is the surface of the cover element 300 opposite the inner surface of the cover element 300, which is the surface facing the main housing 200. The outer surface of the cover element 300 may preferably occupy 10% to 60% of the entire outer surface of the aerosol generation device. When the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 100 may be a smooth, uniform surface, except for a seam formed where the cover element 300 and the main housing 200 adjoin. In particular, the outer surface of the cover element 300 has a smooth, continuous shape, and the transition from the outer surface of the cover element 300 to the outer surface of the main housing 200 is smooth and continuous, except for a seam formed at the transition. It should be noted that the aerosol generation device may include only a main housing, without a cover element that can be removably attached to the main housing.

[0086] The aerosol-generating device 100 may be an electronic cigarette and may be configured to generate aerosol from an e-vapor or t-vapor aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the heating unit 110 may include a container configured to contain a tobacco stick or similar consumable product 120, with a heating element configured to heat the container and the tobacco stick contained therein. Alternatively, the container may be configured to contain a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a liquid, with the heating unit 110 including a wicking element and a heating element configured to heat the wicking element. Depending on the aerosol-generating substrate, the heating unit may heat the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature of up to 350°C to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device includes an air flow path extending from an air inlet through the aerosol-generating unit to an air outlet. When a user consumes the consumable product by inhaling the generated aerosol, air enters the air inlet, passes to the aerosol-generating unit, where the heating unit heats the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol, which is then transported to an air outlet, such as a mouthpiece. While the airflow path is connected to the aerosol generating unit, the airflow path is typically not connected to the remaining interior space of the aerosol generating device. Some of the heat generated by the heating unit 110 is transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate to generate aerosol and to the airflow that transports the generated aerosol to the user for inhalation. However, a remaining, and significant, portion of the generated heat is transferred to the interior space of the aerosol generating device that is not connected to the airflow path and the aerosol generating unit. A significant portion of this generated heat continues to dissipate over time via thermal conduction and thermal radiation to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device and then to the ambient air. Because this heat does not contribute to heating the aerosol-generating substrate, this heat represents lost heat that is lost to the interior space of the aerosol generating device surrounding the heating unit 110 that is not connected to the heating unit 110.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , a heat-dissipating portion 310 including a plurality of perforations 311 is provided on the cover element 300 and forms part of the outer surface and part of the inner surface of the cover element 300. When the aerosol generation device 100 includes only the main housing 200 without the cover element 300, the heat-dissipating portion 310 is provided on the main housing 200 and forms part of the outer surface and part of the inner surface of the main housing 200. A user-operated portion 320 including one or more user input elements 330 is provided on the outer surface of the cover element 300 to enable a user to provide operational input to the aerosol generation device 100. The one or more user input elements may include mechanical or capacitive buttons or switches, and activating the buttons or switches may include pressing, touching, and / or contacting the buttons or switches. The cover element 300 and the main housing 200 are shaped so that an air gap is disposed between, or preferably surrounded by, the cover element 300 and the main housing 200. The air gap reduces the rate of heat transfer from the main housing through the air gap to the cover element 300. By reducing the rate of heat dissipation, the maximum temperature to which the outer surface of the cover element 300 can be heated due to the dissipation of heat loss is reduced. As a result, the outer surface of the cover element 300 is prevented from becoming so hot that it becomes impossible for the user to touch or hold, thereby preventing injury to the user. However, as a result, the interior space of the main housing 200 may become hotter due to the reduced rate of heat dissipation. This may lead to damage to the aerosol generation device and injury to the user.

[0088] To address this issue, the heat-dissipating portion 310 includes a plurality of perforations 311. Heat and hot air can dissipate from the air gap through the plurality of perforations 311 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100. As a result, the heat dissipation rate from the heating unit 110 to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100 can be increased without increasing the heat dissipation rate through the outer surface of the cover element 300. Additionally or alternatively, the heat-dissipating portion 310 may be provided on a portion of the main housing 200 that forms part of the outer surface of the aerosol generation device 100. When the heat-dissipating portion 310 is provided on the cover element 300, the heat-dissipating portion 310 is preferably positioned so that its inner surface faces opposite the portion of the main housing 200 that is entirely adjacent to the heating unit 110. In this way, the heat dissipation portion provided on the cover element 300 is positioned closest to the heating unit 110, and increases the heat dissipation rate at which heat loss from the heating unit 110 is dissipated to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100 through the plurality of perforations 311 of the heat dissipation portion 310. The plurality of perforations 311 are configured so that each of the plurality of perforations 311 is not visible to the unaided human eye. This can be achieved by reducing the size of the opening area of ​​each perforation so that the perforations are not visible to the unaided human eye. This effect can be achieved by reducing the size of the opening area of ​​each perforation to 0.0001 mm 2 ~0.004mm 2 , preferably 0.0002 mm 2 ~0.0035mm 2 , most preferably 0.0003 mm 2 ~0.003mm 2This can be achieved by perforations having an average opening area per perforation of 0.05 mm / s. In addition to providing a pleasing aesthetic appearance by making the perforations invisible to the unaided human eye, such a small opening area prevents the intrusion of particles larger than the opening area. It should be noted that the invisibility of the multiple perforations refers to invisibility under normal viewing conditions. If a cover element 300 is provided, the cover element 300 is attached or connected to the main housing 200 under normal viewing conditions. Under normal viewing conditions, the microperforations are visible to a user of the aerosol generating device under general ambient lighting conditions, without any lighting provided inside the device housing of the aerosol generating device. Under normal viewing conditions, the microperforations are visible from a normal viewing distance ranging from the maximum normal viewing distance, which is the typical distance between the user's eye and their outstretched hand, to a maximum normal viewing distance corresponding to the near point of the human eye. The near point is typically defined as 25 cm.

[0089] 3A and 3B , the heat dissipation portion 310 may be provided on a portion of the cover element 300 positioned such that the inner surface of the heat dissipation portion 310 does not face the portion of the main housing 200 that is fully adjacent to the heating unit 110. In such a configuration, a thermally conductive element 340 may be provided along part or all of the inner surface of the cover element 300 to improve heat dissipation from the heating unit 110 through the heat dissipation portion 310. The thermally conductive element 340 includes a first portion positioned to face the portion of the main housing 200 that is fully adjacent to the heating unit 110. The thermally conductive element 340 preferably extends to the heat dissipation portion 310 by including a second portion different from the first portion, the second portion being positioned on at least a portion of the inner surface of the heat dissipation portion 310. In this manner, the thermally conductive element 340 can conduct heat toward the heat dissipation portion 310. When the aerosol generation device 100 includes a main housing 200 without a cover element 300, the thermally conductive element 340 may be provided on the inner surface of the main housing 200 and extend from a portion of the inner surface of the main housing 200 adjacent to the heating unit 110 toward the inner surface of the heat-dissipating portion 310. Preferably, the thermally conductive element 340 is dimensioned to be provided along, preferably at least partially or entirely, the inner surface of the heat-dissipating portion 310 to increase the heat dissipation rate through the heat-dissipating portion 310. When the thermally conductive element 340 is provided along, or at least partially or entirely, the inner surface of the heat-dissipating portion 310, the thermally conductive element 340 may be configured to cover the perforations of the plurality of perforations 311 in the heat-dissipating portion. Alternatively, the perforations of the plurality of perforations 311 may extend through the thermally conductive element 340 from the exterior to the interior of the aerosol generation device 100. The thermally conductive element 340 may include or consist essentially of a metallic material, preferably copper. This is because these materials typically have excellent heat conduction properties. The thermally conductive element 340 may include a strip, plate, bar, or rod shape, or any combination thereof. These shapes have geometric symmetry that allows the thermally conductive element to distribute heat evenly. Furthermore, the thermally conductive element may include one or more of the above shapes to fit different spatial and geometric requirements.Specifically, the thermally conductive element 340 may be provided on a portion of the cover element 300 or the main housing 200 that forms part of the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device, and may be molded adjacent to, along, and around the interior surface of the user-operated portion 320, but not on it. This prevents the thermally conductive element 340 from distributing heat to the user-operated portion 320, preventing the user-operated portion from being damaged or becoming too hot for the user to touch. The thermally conductive element 340 is preferably a stand-alone element that may be attached or connected to the cover element 300, or to the main housing 200 if the aerosol generation device 100 does not include the cover element 300, using any suitable technique known in the art.

[0090] When the cover element 300 is provided, an operation interface portion 220 may be provided in a portion of the main housing 200 covered by the cover element 300. The operation interface portion 220 is protected from external influences by the cover element 300 and, like the user operation portion 320, can be activated by a user to provide operation input to the aerosol generation device 100. The operation interface portion 220 includes one or more operation input elements 230, such as mechanical or capacitive touch buttons or switches, optical sensors, or magnetic sensors. In a preferred configuration shown in FIG. 3A , the user operation portion 320 and the operation interface portion 220 may be configured such that activation of the user operation portion 320 activates the operation interface portion 220 to provide operation input to the aerosol generation device 100. In this case, simply activating the user operation portion 320 does not provide any operation input to the aerosol generation device 100. Rather, the operation of the operation interface portion 220, which is caused by the activation of the user operation portion 320, results in the operation input. For example, the user operation portion 320 may include a mechanical button or switch 330 that can be pressed or moved by a user. The mechanical button or switch 330 has a protrusion or similar structure, such as the button or switch 230, that protrudes toward the operation input element of the operation interface portion 220, thereby activating the operation input element 230 of the operation interface portion 220. When the button or switch 330 of the user operation area 320 is pressed, the protrusion presses the button or switch 220 of the operation interface portion 220. Additionally or alternatively, the user operation portion 320 may be provided with a magnetic detection object, such as a magnet or ferromagnetic object, or an optical detection object, such as a reflective surface, which, when the button or switch 330 is activated, can activate a magnetic sensor or optical sensor, respectively, provided as the operation input element 230 of the operation interface portion 220.Alternatively, instead of a mechanical button or switch, the user operation portion 320 may include a flexible region that can flexibly deform toward the operation interface portion 220 when pressed by a user to activate the operation input element 230 of the operation interface portion 220. Such a configuration allows a user to activate the operation interface portion 220 to provide operation input to the aerosol generation device 100 from outside the aerosol generation device by activating the user operation region 320 without directly accessing or exposing the operation interface portion 220 covered by the cover element 300.

[0091] The cover element 300 may preferably be shaped as a panel. The cover element 300 may be substantially plate-shaped, with an average thickness of the cover element 300 being less than 30% of its height Hc, as described in the embodiment associated with FIG. 1A. The cover element 300 may preferably have a substantially planar central portion and one or more peripheral or outer periphery portions that are curved or bent to allow the cover element 300 to abut the main housing 200. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may have a continuously curved shape with a central portion having a curvature that is less than the curvature of one or more peripheral or outer periphery portions. It should be noted that the cover element 300 and the main housing 200 may be formed of the same material, or the cover element 300 may be formed of a different material from the main housing 200. The cover element may be formed of or include a material that provides thermal insulation properties. The cover element 330 may include or be made of a plastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ABS resin, methacrylate resin, and polyvinyl chloride. The cover element 300 reduces overheating of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 due to heat loss from the heating unit 110, thereby preventing thermal injuries to the user. For this purpose, the cover element 300 may be provided with, comprise, or consist essentially of one or more layers of an aerosol sheet, a thermal insulating sheet, and a foam sheet, preferably a foam resin sheet and / or a foam plastic.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 3C , which illustrates the interior surface of the cover element 300 removed from the main housing 200 shown in FIG. 3D by a 180° rotation about the rotation axis R, the main housing 200 may be provided with attachment means 210 for removably attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The attachment means 210 may comprise a means such as a press-fit connection, a clamping connection, or a similar connection. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means 210 may comprise magnetic means. The main housing 200 may be provided with magnetic coupling elements 210, and the cover element 300 may be provided with magnetic anti-coupling elements, where the coupling elements and anti-coupling elements comprise magnets and ferromagnetic elements. In a preferred configuration, the main housing 200 is provided with one or more magnets 210, and the thermally conductive element 340 includes or consists essentially of a magnetic material. The one or more magnets are configured to apply an attractive magnetic force to the thermally conductive elements to attach the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The aerosol generation device 100 may further be provided with an operational output element 240. The operational output element 240 may include one or more light-emitting indicators, such as one or more LED light sources or LED light strips. The light-emitting indicators can provide information indicating operational states to a user of the aerosol generation device 100, including, but not limited to, information about the on / off state of the aerosol generation device 100, information about the heating temperature of the aerosol generation device 100, information about consumables used in the aerosol generation device 100, and information about the power status of the aerosol generation device 100. The light-emitting indicator 240 may preferably be configured to face the inner surface of the heat-dissipating portion 310, which has a plurality of perforations 311. Due to their small size, the perforations 311 are not visible to the unaided eye. As a result, when the luminous indicator 240 is not emitting light, the luminous indicator 240 is not visible outside the aerosol generating device 100 through one of the multiple perforations 311 in the heat dissipation portion 310, and when the luminous indicator is emitting light, it is visible through the perforation 311.If the aerosol generation device 100 is provided with a battery having a battery vent for venting the battery in the event of a catastrophic failure, the battery vent is configured to vent the battery into an air gap disposed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300, and a battery vent cover is provided on a portion of the surface of the main housing 200 that is covered by the cover element 300. In this case, the multiple perforations 311 in the heat dissipation portion 310 provided in the cover element can function as pressure relief perforations. Any pressure buildup in the event of a catastrophic battery failure can be vented through the battery vent into the air gap disposed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300, and subsequently relieved to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100 through the multiple perforations 311. This can prevent unrelieved pressure buildup in the event of a battery failure, and can prevent damage to the aerosol generation device and injury to the user. To improve the breathability of the multiple perforations 311, the heat dissipation portion may preferably be positioned to face opposite at least a portion of the battery vent cover to increase the rate of pressure release from the battery vent through the multiple perforations.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D , the aerosol generation device 100 may be provided with a cover detection means 250 configured to detect whether the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200. The cover element 300 may be provided with a detection object 350 configured to be detected by the cover detection means 250 when the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200. The aerosol generation device 100 may further be provided with a circuit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The circuit may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on information provided by the cover detection means 250. The information from the cover detection means 250 includes information regarding a first state in which the cover element 300 is detected as being attached to the main housing 200 and information regarding a second state in which the cover element 300 is detected as not being attached to the main housing 200. To ensure safe operation of the aerosol generation device 100, the circuit may be configured to prevent or inhibit the aerosol generation by the aerosol generation device 100. This can be achieved, for example, by preventing operation of the heating unit 110 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate and / or by limiting operation of the heating unit 110 to a limited duration or to a limited temperature range. As shown in Figure 4A, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a magnetic detection object 350, such as a ferromagnetic object, that can be detected when the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200. The detection object 350 may be a dedicated object, such as a thermally conductive element 340. Additionally or alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise or essentially consist of a ferromagnetic material that can be detected by the magnetic sensor.A first state, in which the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the aerosol generating device 100, may be indicated when a detection signal generated by the magnetic sensor based on the distance between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic detection object exceeds a predetermined detection signal strength threshold, and a second state, in which the cover element 300 is not properly and securely attached, is indicated when the detection signal strength falls below the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the first state may be indicated when a detection signal is generated, and the second state is indicated when no detection signal strength is indicated. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4B , the cover detection means 250 may include an optical sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an optical detection object 350, such as a light-reflective object that reflects light. The optical sensor may be an IR sensor that emits IR light. When the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200, the first state may be indicated when IR light emitted by the IR sensor is reflected by the light-reflective object and returned to the IR sensor and detected by the IR sensor. Additionally or alternatively, a first condition may be indicated if the reflected IR light detected by the IR sensor exceeds a predetermined intensity or interference threshold. A second condition may be indicated if the cover element 300 is not properly and securely attached to the main housing 200, such that the IR light emitted by the IR sensor is not reflected by the light-reflective object 320. Additionally or alternatively, a second condition may be indicated if the reflected IR light detected by the IR sensor is below a predetermined intensity or interference threshold. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4C , the cover detection means may comprise an electrical sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an electrical detection object. For example, the cover detection means may comprise an open electrical circuit having a plurality of electrical contacts exposed at the main housing 200 toward the cover element 300, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a conductive element 320. The first condition may be indicated if the plurality of contacts of the electrical circuit make contact with the conductive element 320 of the cover element, closing the open circuit and resulting in a detectable current or voltage drop.Additionally or alternatively, a first state may be indicated if the electrical detection object 350 has a resistance of a predetermined value or within a predetermined value range, such that the detected current or voltage drop has a predetermined value or is within a predetermined value range. As shown in FIG. 4D , the cover detection means 250 may additionally or alternatively comprise a button or switch, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a detection object 350, such as a protrusion or similar structure, for activating the button or switch. The button or switch may be a mechanical and / or capacitive touch button or switch. When the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing, a first state may be indicated if the button or switch is activated, and a second state may be indicated if the button or switch is not activated.

[0094] It should be noted that the cover detection means 250 may also function as the attachment means 210 for attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. For example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a magnetic element or a magnetic sensor that exerts an attractive force on the provided cover element 300. As another example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a button or switch, and the cover element 300 may be mechanically attached or coupled to the button or switch to attach the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The mechanical attachment or coupling may be achieved via a mechanical press-fit connection or similar fastening or engagement arrangement. As yet another example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a plurality of electrical connection elements, such as pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles, and the cover element 300 may be provided with conductive elements, such as one or more pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles, that engage with the electrical connection elements of the cover detection means 250 to form a stable mechanical connection for attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. Furthermore, the aerosol generation device may be provided with multiple heat-dissipating portions 310 having multiple perforations 311, which may be provided in different portions of the aerosol generation device. For example, a first heat-dissipating portion 310 may be provided in the cover element 300 configured to face the luminous indicator. A second heat-dissipating portion 310 may be provided to face a portion of the main housing 200 covered by the cover element 300 and adjacent to the heating unit. A third heat-dissipating portion 310 may be provided to function as a pressure relief portion for the battery vent. The aerosol generation device may be provided with any combination of one or more of the first, second, and third heat-dissipating portions.

[0095] While this disclosure has described certain specific embodiments and generally associated methods, modifications and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit the disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the independent and dependent claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 Aerosol generating device 110 Heating Unit 120 Consumables 200 Main Housing 210 Mounting means 220 Operation interface part 230 Operation Input Elements 240 output elements 250 Cover detection means 320 Detected object 300 cover elements 310 Heat dissipation part 311 Heat Dissipation Perforation 320 User Operation Area 330 User Input Elements 340 Thermally Conductive Elements 350 Cover detection object H Height of the aerosol generating device L length of the aerosol generating device W is the width of the aerosol generating device Hm Main housing height Hc Height of the cover element

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit for heating the aerosol-generating substrate for generating the aerosol; a main housing containing the heating unit and having a light-emitting indicator on an exterior surface; a cover element removably attached to the main housing to cover a portion of the exterior surface of the main housing that includes the light-emitting indicator, wherein an air gap is defined between the main housing and the cover element; and Equipped with a heat dissipation portion including a plurality of perforations is provided on the cover element, and heat generated inside the main housing by thermal radiation and thermal conduction from the heating unit and transferred into the air gap is dissipated to the outside of the cover element through the plurality of perforations; each perforation of the plurality of perforations has an opening surface area that is small enough that each perforation is not visible to the unaided human eye; An aerosol generating device, wherein the heat dissipation portion is positioned on the cover element at a position opposite the luminescent indicator.

2. Further comprising a circuit for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the circuit is contained within the main housing.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a thermally conductive element is provided along the inner surface of the cover element facing the main housing.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , wherein the thermally conductive element is provided along at least a portion or the entire inner surface of the heat dissipation portion.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein some or all of the plurality of perforations extend from the exterior of the cover element through the thermally conductive element to the interior of the cover element.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the thermally conductive element is arranged in contact with at least a portion of the heat dissipation portion.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the thermally conductive element comprises a strip, plate, bar or rod shape.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover element comprises a user-operated portion that can be activated by a user to operate the aerosol generating device, and the user-operated portion comprises one or more user input elements.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the main housing is provided with an operating interface portion that is covered by the cover element and can be activated to operate the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9 , wherein the user-operated portion forms part of an outer surface of the cover element.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the user operating portion is configured to actuate the operating interface portion.

12. A thermally conductive element is provided along an inner surface of the cover element facing the main housing; The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the thermally conductive element is not provided in the user-operated portion.

13. Light emitted by the luminous indicator is visible to the unaided human eye through the plurality of perforations; An aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the luminescent indicator is not visible through the plurality of perforations when the luminescent indicator is not emitting light.

14. The average opening area per perforation of the plurality of perforations is 0.0001 mm ２ ~0.004mm ２ , preferably 0.0002 mm ２ ~0.0035mm ２ , most preferably 0.0003 mm ２ ~0.003mm ２ The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

15. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing.

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