Aerosol generation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a body configured to house an aerosol product, the body comprising an outer casing (18) having an inner surface (18a) and an outer surface (18b), an inner casing (20) having an inner surface (20a) and an outer surface (20b), an inner cover (22) having an inner surface (22b) and an outer cover (24) having an inner surface (24b), the outer cover (24) being positioned on the inner cover (22) and a peripheral edge (24c) of the outer cover (24) contacting the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18), the inner surface (18a) of the outer casing (18) and the outer cover (24) completely covering the outer surfaces (20b, 22b) of the inner casing (20) and the inner cover (22), and the outer casing (18) forming a single component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for user inhalation. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices. Such devices can generate an aerosol for inhalation by heating the aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation rather than burning it.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosol-forming substance to generate an aerosol for user inhalation.

[0003] One type of commonly available risk reduction device or risk modification device is a substrate heating type aerosol generating device or so-called heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by typically heating an aerosol generating substrate to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. When the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a temperature within this range without burning or combustion, vapor is generated, and the vapor is typically cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0004] Another type of commonly available risk reduction device or risk modification device heats an aerosol generating liquid to generate a vapor that cools and condenses to form an aerosol that the user then inhales. The aerosol generating liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorants.

[0005] Both types of aerosol generating devices include a main unit that houses the battery. Even with significant advancements in battery safety over the years, there remains a need to further enhance battery safety and minimize the risk of user injury due to battery failure. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to certain aspects of this disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided which includes a body configured to contain an aerosol product.

[0007] The main unit is, An outer casing having an inner surface and an outer surface, An inner casing having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner casing is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the outer casing and inside the outer casing, An inner cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner cover is fixed to the periphery of the inner casing so as to define a space between the inner surface of the inner cover and the inner surface of the inner casing, An outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer cover is positioned on the inner cover, and the periphery of the outer cover is in contact with the periphery of the outer casing. Includes, - The inner surfaces of the outer casing and outer cover completely cover the outer surfaces of the inner casing and inner cover. - The outer casing forms a single part.

[0008] These features allow the battery of an aerosol generating device to be housed in an inner casing and protected by an outer casing that provides greater robustness in the event of battery failure, such as explosion, jelly roll ejection, or overheating. By providing such a structure, an inner or outer casing is formed, which creates a physical barrier that allows the internal structure of the battery to be preserved in the event of thermal runaway. Thus, the inner / outer casing can be molded / formed to form a continuous safety belt around the longitudinal axis of the battery.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the outer casing includes a metal, preferably aluminum, or plastic material.

[0010] These features allow for the selection of appropriate materials to ensure better robustness of the outer casing in the event of battery failure.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner cover and the inner surface of the outer cover are positioned adjacent to each other.

[0012] These features allow the battery to be secured inside the device by an inner cover that contacts the inner casing via an outer cover.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the inner casing is completely housed within the outer casing.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the body comprises a rear wall and a front wall extending substantially perpendicular to the short direction of the aerosol generating device, and a plurality of side walls extending substantially along the short direction between the front wall and the rear wall.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the rear wall and side walls are formed by the outer casing.

[0016] These features allow the outer casing to cover all four sides of the device except one, forming a safety belt around the battery. Such a safety belt significantly enhances user protection against battery failure.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the outer casing forms a rounded edge between the rear wall and each side wall.

[0018] These features allow for further reinforcement of the outer casing.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover define the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and the periphery of the outer cover contacts the periphery of the outer casing such that the outer surface of the outer cover is substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the outer casing and defines a continuous outer surface.

[0020] These features allow for further improvements in device design and robustness.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generating unit in a space defined between the inner surface of an inner cover and the inner surface of an inner casing, the aerosol generating unit including a cavity for containing the aerosol product.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generation unit further includes a power supply housed within a power supply cavity extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device.

[0023] These features allow the battery to be housed and secured within the device.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the inner cover further defines power vents.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the power ventilation hole extends between the inner surface and the outer surface of the inner cover at the ventilation portion facing the power source.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the ventilation portion is adjacent to the periphery of the inner cover.

[0027] These features make it possible to ensure the air permeability for the battery to cool the battery during operation. Additionally, in case of thermal runaway, the ventilation hole allows the release of ventilation gas and enables the change of the direction of the ventilation gas to the side.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the ventilation portion is covered by the outer cover.

[0029] These features make the ventilation portion invisible to the user.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner cover is designed to hold the power source within the power cavity.

[0031] These features enable the battery to be securely attached inside the device.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device comprising a body configured to contain an aerosol generating article, the body comprising an outer casing having an inner surface and an outer surface, an inner casing positioned inside the outer casing adjacent to the inner surface, an inner cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner cover being fixed to the periphery of the inner casing so as to define a space between the inner surface of the inner cover and the inner surface of the inner casing, an outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer cover being positioned on top of the inner cover, and An aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover define the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and the periphery of the outer cover contacts the periphery of the outer casing such that the outer surface of the outer cover is substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the outer casing and defines a continuous outer surface.

[0033] The aerosol product may include an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0034] The aerosol generating device is adapted to heat an aerosol generating substrate without burning it, thereby evaporating at least one component of the aerosol generating substrate, which in turn generates vapor, which is then cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generating device to inhale. The aerosol generating device is a handheld portable device, which means that the user can hold and support the device with one hand without assistance.

[0035] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, meaning that vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without lowering the temperature, while aerosol is fine solid particles or droplets suspended in the air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used interchangeably, particularly in reference to the form of inhalable medium produced for inhalation by the user.

[0036] The close contact between the periphery of the outer cover and the periphery of the outer casing ensures that the outer surfaces of these components are substantially flush with each other, resulting in an aerosol generating device with an attractive, continuous outer surface.

[0037] The periphery of the outer cover may be curved in the short direction of the aerosol generating device. The periphery of the outer casing may also be curved in the short direction. Therefore, the coplanar outer surfaces of the outer cover and outer casing may define a continuous outer surface that is curved in the short direction. This curved and continuous outer surface may further improve the aesthetic appearance of the aerosol generating device and improve user comfort when holding and operating the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The main body may include a groove extending to its periphery. The outer cover may include a rim extending to its periphery and a collar extending to its periphery, which may be positioned inward relative to the rim extending to its periphery. The collar extending to its periphery may be positioned within the groove extending to its periphery, and the rim extending to its periphery may contact the periphery of the outer casing. The contact between the rim extending to its periphery and the periphery of the outer casing ensures that the outer surface of the outer cover and the outer surface of the outer casing are coplanar, particularly when any other components of the main body, such as the inner casing and / or inner cover, are not visible, thereby defining a continuous outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] The collar extending along the periphery may be positioned at a distance inward from the periphery of the outer casing. This ensures that the periphery of the outer cover and the periphery of the outer casing are tightly fitted together, and that the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover are coplanar and continuous.

[0040] The periphery of the outer casing may include a ledge extending along its periphery. The rim extending along the periphery of the outer cover may contact the ledge extending along the periphery of the outer casing. This achieves good alignment and interference fit between the outer cover and the outer casing.

[0041] The grooves extending along the periphery may have a greater depth than the depth of the collar extending along the periphery. This ensures that the rim extending along the periphery of the outer cover can directly contact the ledge extending along the periphery of the outer casing, and that there are no gaps between these components that could affect the aesthetic appearance of the aerosol generating device.

[0042] A peripheral groove can be defined between the periphery of the inner cover and the periphery of the outer casing. Therefore, the peripheral groove is easily formed when the inner cover and outer casing are assembled, and does not need to be formed on any single component during manufacturing. Thus, the manufacturing of components for aerosol generating devices can be simplified.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may further include at least one mounting element for removably attaching an outer cover to an inner cover. Therefore, the outer cover can be easily removed and replaced, for example, by a user of the aerosol generating device. This may allow for personalization of the aerosol generating device, for example, by enabling a user to attach an outer cover of a different color and / or texture to the inner cover.

[0044] The mounting elements may include magnets. The use of magnets may allow the outer cover to be securely attached to the inner cover and removed from the inner cover.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may further include a snap-fit ​​connection structure for securing the inner cover to the inner casing. The inner cover is thus securely fixed to the inner casing.

[0046] The inner casing can be fixed in place on the inside of the outer casing, adjacent to the inner surface of the outer casing.

[0047] The outer casing may include a metal, preferably aluminum. The use of a metal, particularly aluminum, ensures that the aerosol generating device has an attractive aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the use of a metal allows for the precise formation of the periphery-extending ledge, for example, through a suitable machining process, ensuring accurate alignment and interlocking between the rim extending from the periphery of the outer cover and the ledge extending from the periphery of the outer casing. In some embodiments, the outer casing may alternatively include a plastic material.

[0048] The outer cover may include a plastic material. The use of a plastic material can, advantageously, provide the outer cover with a sufficient amount of flexibility to allow its periphery to bend and conform to the periphery of the outer casing. This can further ensure that a tight fit between the periphery of the outer cover and the periphery of the outer casing can be achieved. In some embodiments, the outer cover may alternatively include metal.

[0049] The aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating unit within a space defined between the inner surface of the inner cover and the inner surface of the inner casing. The aerosol generating unit may include a cavity for containing the aerosol product. The aerosol generating unit may evaporate at least one component of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol product, for example, to produce a vapor that can be cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol generating device.

[0050] The aerosol generation unit may include a heater for heating the aerosol product, for example, for heating an aerosol-generating substrate positioned within a cavity. The term “heater” should be understood to mean any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form vapor or aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating substrate. The heater may be electrically driven and may include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), induction heating systems (e.g., including electromagnets and high-frequency oscillators), etc. The heater may be positioned around the outside of the cavity and thus the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby penetrating partway or completely into the cavity and thus the aerosol-generating substrate, or any combination thereof.

[0051] The heater may include a resistive heater. The resistive heater may include a resistive heating element or a side wall defining a cavity. The resistive heating element or the side wall of the cavity may include an electrical resistive material. Examples of suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, conductive ceramics, such as tungsten and their alloys, and composite materials including metallic and ceramic materials.

[0052] The heater may include an induction coil configured to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating an inductively heatable susceptor. The induction coil may include Litz wire or Litz cable. However, it will be understood that other materials may also be used. The induction coil may extend around the cavity.

[0053] The induction coil can be substantially helical in shape. The circular cross-section of the helical induction coil facilitates the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate, more specifically the aerosol product containing the aerosol-generating substrate, and optionally one or more induction-heatable susceptors into the cavity, thereby ensuring uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate. The induction-heatable susceptors may include side walls that define the cavity.

[0054] Inductively heated susceptors may include, but are not limited to, one or more of aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and their alloys, such as nickel-chromium or nickel-copper. When an electromagnetic field is applied near a susceptor, the susceptor may generate heat due to the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat through eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0055] The induction coil may be configured to operate with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of approximately 20 mT to approximately 2.0 T at the point of maximum density during use.

[0056] The aerosol generating device may include a controller, and the controller may include an electrical circuit. The aerosol generating device may include a power source such as a battery. In embodiments using an induction heater, the power source and electrical circuit may be configured to operate at high frequencies. The power source and electronic circuit may be configured to operate at frequencies of approximately 80 kHz to 500 kHz, optionally approximately 150 kHz to 250 kHz, and optionally approximately 200 kHz. Depending on the type of inductively heated susceptor used, the power source and electronic circuit may be configured to operate at even higher frequencies, such as in the MHz range.

[0057] In one example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include a non-liquid aerosol-generating substrate, such as any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shredded, stranded, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate may include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating substrate may include reconstituted tobacco.

[0058] Therefore, aerosol generating devices may be referred to as "heated tobacco devices," "heated non-combustion tobacco devices," or "tobacco product vaporization devices," and are interpreted as devices suitable for achieving these effects. Accordingly, aerosol generating substrates may be referred to as t-vapor substrates. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol generating substrate.

[0059] The aerosol product may include a paper wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol product may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette having a tubular region with an aerosol-generating substrate arranged in a preferred configuration. The aerosol product may include a filter, for example, containing cellulose acetate fibers. The filter may be in contact with and coaxially aligned with the aerosol-generating substrate. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection regions, vapor cooling regions, and other structures.

[0060] The aerosol-generating substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of about 10% to about 20%, and optionally about 15%, on a dry weight basis.

[0061] In another example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol-generating liquid. Examples of aerosol-generating liquids include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The aerosol-generating liquid may contain nicotine and therefore may be designated as a nicotine-containing liquid. The aerosol-generating liquid may contain one or more additives, such as flavorings.

[0062] When heated, the aerosol-generating substrate, whether liquid or non-liquid, may release volatile compounds. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavoring compounds such as tobacco flavorings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0063] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generation device disclosed herein. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device, showing the device ready to be loaded with aerosol products. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device, showing the aerosol product loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device, showing the aerosol product loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device, showing a continuous outer surface formed by the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of the aerosol generating device, showing its components. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device with the outer cover removed. [Figure 8] This is a magnified schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 1, illustrating the continuous outer surface formed by the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as merely examples, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a body 12 that houses various components of the aerosol generating device 10. In the illustrated example, the body 12 has an irregular shape, but it will be understood that any shape is possible as long as it is sized to accommodate the components described in the various embodiments detailed herein and to be comfortably held by a user with one hand without assistance.

[0066] The first end 14 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the bottom side in each of Figures 1 to 4, will be described for convenience as the distal end, bottom, base, or lower end of the aerosol generating device 10. The second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the top side in each of Figures 1 to 4, will be described as the proximal end, top, or upper end of the aerosol generating device 10. During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 10 with the first end 14 facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth, and the second end 16 facing upward and / or close to the user's mouth.

[0067] Referring also to Figures 5 and 6, the main body 12 includes an outer casing 18 having an inner surface 18a and an outer surface 18b, an inner casing 20 having an inner surface 20a and an outer surface 20b, an inner cover 22 having an inner surface 22a and an outer surface 22b, and an outer cover 24 having an inner surface 24a and an outer surface 24b. The outer surface 18b of the outer casing 18 and the outer surface 24b of the outer cover 24 together define the outer surface 48 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0068] The aerosol generating device 10 includes an aerosol generating unit 26 positioned within a space 27 defined between the inner surface 20a of the inner casing 20 and the inner surface 22a of the inner cover 22. The aerosol generating unit 26 includes a heating chamber 28 defining a cavity 30 having a substantially cylindrical cross-section for housing the aerosol product 100. The aerosol generating unit 26 further includes a power supply 32, which may be one or more batteries, for example, rechargeable, and a controller (not shown). The aerosol generating unit 26 may include a chassis on which the heating chamber 28, power supply 32, and controller are mounted. These components may form a single unit.

[0069] The power source 32, also more commonly called a battery, is housed in a power source cavity that extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 10. The power source cavity is advantageously formed within the inner casing 20. In some embodiments, the inner surface 22a of the inner cover 22 is designed to hold the battery within the power source cavity. For this purpose, the inner cover 22 may include, for example, retaining elements protruding from the inner surface 22a of the inner cover 22. These retaining elements are designed to hold the battery within the power source cavity and to form a shape complementary to, for example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery.

[0070] The heating chamber 28 is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. In other words, the heating chamber 28 has a first end 36 that is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. The heating chamber 28 is typically held apart from the inner surfaces 20a, 22a of the inner casing 20 and inner cover 22 to prevent heat transfer to the body 12. To further enhance the thermal insulation of the heating chamber 28, it may be surrounded by an insulator, such as a fibrous or foamed material such as absorbent cotton, an aerogel or gas, or in other examples, a vacuum insulator may be provided.

[0071] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a slide cover 40 that is movable in the short direction between a closed position (see Figures 1, 2, and 5) in which the slide cover 40 covers the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 to prevent access to the heating chamber 28, and an open position (see Figures 3 and 4) in which the slide cover 40 exposes the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 to provide access to the heating chamber 28. In some embodiments, the slide cover 40 can be biased to the closed position.

[0072] The heating chamber 28, specifically the cavity 30, is arranged to accommodate a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol product 100 of the corresponding shape, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Typically, the aerosol product 100 includes a pre-packaged aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol product 100 is a disposable and replaceable article (also known as a “consumable”) that can contain, for example, a cigarette as the aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol product 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The aerosol product 100 further includes a mouthpiece segment 108 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating substrate 102 and the mouthpiece segment 108 are arranged coaxially within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in place and form a rod-shaped aerosol product 100.

[0073] The mouthpiece segment 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail), arranged sequentially and coaxially in the downstream direction, in other words, from the distal end 106 to the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol product 100: a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment. The cooling segment typically includes a hollow paper tube having a thickness greater than the thickness of the wrapper 110. The central hole segment may include a cured mixture containing cellulose acetate fibers and a plasticizer, which serves to increase the strength of the mouthpiece segment 108. The filter segment typically includes cellulose acetate fibers and functions as a mouthpiece filter. As heated vapor flows from the aerosol-generating substrate 102 toward the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol product 100, the vapor cools and condenses as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment, forming an aerosol with properties suitable for inhalation by the user through the filter segment.

[0074] In other embodiments, the heating chamber 28 may be configured to accommodate other forms of aerosol-generating substrates 102, such as loose shredded material, solid material packaged in other ways, or aerosol-generating liquid packaged within the aerosol product 100.

[0075] The heating chamber 28 has a base 44 (located at the second end 38 of the heating chamber) and a side wall 42 extending between it and the open first end 36. The side wall 42 and the base 44 can be connected to each other and formed as a single unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 42 is tubular, more specifically cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the side wall 42 may have other preferred shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In further embodiments, the side wall 42 may be tapered.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment, the base 44 of the heating chamber 28 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 28 is cup-shaped. This ensures that the base 44 prevents air drawn in from the open first end 36 from flowing out from the second end 38, and instead guides it through the aerosol-generating substrate 102. This also allows the user to insert the aerosol product 100 into the heating chamber 28 to a desired distance and not to insert it any further.

[0077] The aerosol generation unit 26 includes a heater 46 for heating the aerosol generation substrate 102 without combustion. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 46 is a resistance heater extending with the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28. Naturally, other types and configurations of heaters 46, as discussed earlier in this specification, can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 46 is mounted on the surface of the tubular side wall 42 facing away from the internal volume of the heating chamber 28. This may help protect the heater 46 from damage when the aerosol product 100 is inserted into the cavity 30 defined by the heating chamber 28.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the heater 46 of the aerosol generating device 10, more specifically the aerosol generating unit 26, is electrically driven. That is, the heater 46 is arranged to heat the aerosol generating substrate 102 using electricity. For this purpose, a power supply 32 is coupled to a controller (not shown). The controller is then coupled to the heater 46. The user operates the aerosol generating device 10 using control means (not shown) arranged to couple the power supply 32 to the heater 46 via the controller and to discouple the power supply 32 from the heater 46.

[0079] To use the aerosol generating device 10, the user displaces the slide cover 40 (if present) from the closed position shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5 to the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4. The user then inserts the aerosol product 100 into the heating chamber 28 through the open first end 36, so that the aerosol generating substrate 102 is housed within the cavity 30 and the proximal end 104 of the aerosol product 100 is positioned at the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28, with at least a portion of the mouthpiece segment 108 protruding from the open first end 36 to allow engagement by the user's lips.

[0080] When the user activates the aerosol generating device 10, an electric current is supplied to the heater 46, causing it to heat up. The heat from the heater 46 is transferred, for example, by conduction, radiation, and convection, through the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28 to the aerosol generating substrate 102 adjacent to the aerosol product 100 positioned within the heating chamber 28. This heats the aerosol generating substrate 102, thereby generating vapor. The generated vapor cools and condenses, forming an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generating device 10 to inhale through the mouthpiece segment 108, and more specifically through the filter segment. The vaporization of the aerosol generating substrate 102 is facilitated by the addition of air from the ambient environment through the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28, and the airflow is between the wrapper 110 of the aerosol product 100 and the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 42.

[0081] As described above, the main body 12 includes an outer casing 18, an inner casing 20, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 24. When these components (shown individually in Figure 6) are fully assembled to form the main body 12, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the inner casing 20 is positioned inside the outer casing 18, more specifically with its outer surface 20b adjacent to the inner surface 18a of the outer casing 18. In some embodiments, the inner casing 20 can be fixed in place inside the outer casing 18 by a snap-fit ​​connection structure or by any other preferred method.

[0082] The inner casing 20 has a periphery 20c. The inner cover 22 also has a periphery 22c. The periphery 22c of the inner cover 22 is fixed to the periphery 20c of the inner casing 20 by a snap-fit ​​connection structure 60, for example, as shown in Figure 8, or other suitable connection means, thereby defining a space 27 in which the aerosol generating unit 26 is housed between the inner surface 20a of the inner casing 20 and the inner surface 22a of the inner cover 22. Advantageously, the inner casing 20 is completely housed within the outer casing 18. This means, for example, that the outer surface 20b of the inner casing 20 is completely covered by the inner surface 18a of the outer casing 18. In this case, as shown, for example in Figure 7, the sidewalls of the inner casing 20 do not protrude from the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18. In some embodiments, this may also mean that the power supply 32 is completely housed within the outer casing 18. In some embodiments, the inner casing 20 is made from a single piece.

[0083] The outer cover 24 is positioned on the inner cover 22 such that the outer surface 22b of the inner cover 22 and the inner surface 24a of the outer cover 24 are positioned adjacent to each other. The outer cover 24 has a periphery 24c that contacts the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18. As is particularly clear from Figures 3 and 5, when the outer cover 24 is positioned on the inner cover 22 such that the periphery 24c contacts the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18, no part of the inner casing 20 or the inner cover 22 is visible from the outside of the aerosol generating device 10. Advantageously, the inner surface 24a of the outer cover 24 completely covers the outer surface 22b of the inner cover 22. Additionally, the outer cover 24 forms the front wall of the device 10. In other words, the side walls are not formed by the outer cover 24. As shown in Figure 6, this front wall may have a rounded edge formed on the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24. Additionally, the inner casing 20 and the inner cover 22 may have substantially the same shape as the outer casing 18 and the outer cover 24, respectively.

[0084] The contact between the peripheral edges 24c and 18c of the outer cover 24 and the outer casing 18 is such that the outer surface 24b of the outer cover 24 is substantially coplanar with the outer surface 18b of the outer casing 18, defining a continuous outer surface 48 of the aerosol generating device 10. Referring to Figure 8, it can be seen that both the peripheral edge 24c of the outer cover 24 and the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18 are curved in the short-side direction of the aerosol generating device 10, and as a result, the continuous outer surface 48 defined by the coplanar outer surfaces 24b and 18b is also curved in the short-side direction. The short-side direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the aerosol generating device 10 has a smooth, substantially continuous curved outer contour at the junction between the peripheral edge 24c of the outer cover 24 and the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18, resulting in a curved outer contour that is, for example, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing.

[0085] The outer casing 18 typically comprises a metal, such as aluminum, while the outer cover 24 typically comprises a plastic material. Alternatively, the outer casing 18 may comprise a plastic material, and / or the outer cover 24 may comprise a metal. In either case, the outer casing 18 forms a single component. Additionally, as shown in Figure 6, the outer casing 18 forms a front wall of the device 10 extending substantially perpendicular to the short direction of the device 10, and a number of side walls (four in the example of Figure 6) extending substantially along the short direction between the front and rear walls of the device 10. The transition area between the side walls and the rear wall may be formed by a rounded edge. Furthermore, at least the inner surface 18a of the outer casing 18 can be continuous. This means that this inner surface 18a may be free of holes or perforations. Additionally, at least the inner surface 20a of the inner casing 20 can be continuous. This also means that the inner surface 20a may be free of holes or perforations.

[0086] Advantageously, the inner cover 22 has a power supply vent 61 located in the vent portion of the inner cover 22, defining the power supply vent 61 extending between the inner surface 22a and the outer surface 22b of the inner cover 22. In other words, the vent 61 is a through-hole in the inner cover 22. The vent portion is located on the inner cover 22 so as to face a portion of the power supply 32 in order to ensure ventilation for the power supply 32. For this purpose, the vent portion can be adjacent to, for example, the periphery 22c of the inner cover 22. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the vent portion can be located, for example, in the lower right corner of the inner cover 22 so as to face the bottom end of the battery. Furthermore, the vent portion having the vent 62 can be covered by the outer cover 24. In other embodiments (not shown), several vent portions can be located on the inner cover 22.

[0087] The outer cover 24 is attached to the inner cover 22 of the aerosol generating device 10, and this attachment can be made removable to allow the outer cover 24 to be removed from the aerosol generating device 10, as shown in Figure 7. The aerosol generating device 10 typically includes a magnet, which includes one or more mounting elements 50, for example, a magnetic coupling element 52 and a mating magnetic coupling element 54, that provide a removable attachment of the outer cover 24 to the inner cover 22. Thus, there is contact between the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24 and the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18, but the outer cover 24 and the outer casing 18 are indirectly fixed to each other by the inner casing 20 and the inner cover 22.

[0088] Referring again to Figure 8, the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18 includes a periphery-extending ledge 56 that extends in the short-length plane. In an exemplary embodiment, the periphery-extending ledge 56 may have a short-length dimension of about 0.7 mm. The outer cover 24 includes a periphery-extending rim 58 that also extends in the short-length plane. The periphery-extending rim 58 contacts and rests on the periphery-extending ledge 56, so that an interlocking fit occurs between the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24 and the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18, resulting in their respective outer surfaces 24b and 18b being substantially coplanar with each other, thus defining a continuous outer surface 48 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a peripherally extending groove 62 defined between the peripheral portion 64 of the inner cover 22 and the peripheral portion 66 of the outer casing 18. The outer cover 24 includes a peripherally extending collar 68 positioned inward with respect to a peripherally extending rim 58 and spaced inward with respect to the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18. When the outer cover 24 is attached to the inner cover 22, the peripherally extending collar 68 is positioned within the peripherally extending groove 62. The peripherally extending groove 62 has a depth greater than the depth of the peripherally extending collar 68, thereby ensuring that there is no contact between the peripherally extending collar 68 and the base of the peripherally extending groove 62, and thus ensuring that the peripherally extending rim 58 of the outer cover 24 can directly contact the peripherally extending ledge 56 of the outer casing 18. As is clear from Figure 8, in the exemplary embodiment, a small gap of approximately 0.15 mm exists between the inward-facing surface 70 of the outer casing 18 and the opposing outward-facing surface 72 of the peripheral-extending collar 68. This gap ensures that when the outer cover 24 is attached to the inner cover 22, the peripheral-extending collar 68 can be securely positioned within the peripheral-extending groove 62, and thus ensures that the peripheral-extending rim 58 of the outer cover 24 can directly contact the peripheral-extending ledge 56 of the outer casing 18 over the entire periphery of the aerosol generating device 10, and subsequently ensures that a satisfactory fit occurs between the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24 and the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18.

[0090] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the attached claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0091] Unless otherwise stated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the features described above in all possible variations is encompassed by this disclosure.

[0092] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “includes” and “contains” should be interpreted comprehensively, that is, “includes but not limited,” as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive meaning.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (10) comprising a main body (12) configured to contain an aerosol product (100), wherein the main body (12) is An outer casing (18) having an inner surface (18a) and an outer surface (18b), An inner casing (20) having an inner surface (20a) and an outer surface (20b), wherein the inner casing (20) is positioned inside the outer casing (18) adjacent to the inner surface (18a) of the outer casing (18), An inner cover (22) having an inner surface (22a) and an outer surface (22b), wherein the inner cover (22) is fixed to the periphery (20c) of the inner casing (20) such that a space (27) is defined between the inner surface (22a) of the inner cover (22) and the inner surface (20a) of the inner casing (20), An outer cover (24) having an inner surface (24a) and an outer surface (24b), wherein the outer cover (24) is positioned on the inner cover (22), and the periphery (24c) of the outer cover (24) is in contact with the periphery (18c) of the outer casing (18), and the outer cover (24) Includes, The inner surfaces (18a, 24a) of the outer casing (18) and the outer cover (24) completely cover the outer surfaces (20b, 22b) of the inner casing (20) and the inner cover (22). The outer casing (18) forms a single component. The main body (12) has an elongated shape along its longitudinal direction, The main body (12) defines a rear wall and a front wall extending substantially perpendicular to the short direction of the aerosol generating device, and a plurality of side walls extending substantially along the short direction between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the short direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, The rear wall and the side wall are formed by the outer casing (18), The front wall is formed by the outer cover (24), Aerosol generation device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing (18) comprises a metal, preferably aluminum, or plastic material.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner cover (22) and the inner surface (24a) of the outer cover (24) are positioned adjacent to each other.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner casing (20) is completely housed within the outer casing (18).

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer casing (18) forms a rounded edge between the rear wall and each side wall.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface (18b) of the outer casing (18) and the outer surface (24b) of the outer cover (24) define the outer surface (48) of the aerosol generating device (10), and the periphery (24c) of the outer cover (24) contacts the periphery (18c) of the outer casing (18) such that the outer surface (24b) of the outer cover (24) becomes substantially coplanar with the outer surface (18b) of the outer casing (18) and defines a continuous outer surface (48).

7. The aerosol generating device (10) includes an aerosol generating unit (26) in the space (27) defined between the inner surface (22a) of the inner cover (22) and the inner surface (20a) of the inner casing (20), wherein the aerosol generating unit (26) includes a cavity (30) for housing an aerosol product (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the aerosol generating unit (26) further includes a power supply (32) housed in a power supply cavity extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein the inner cover (22) further defines a power supply vent (61).

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the power supply ventilation hole (61) extends between the inner surface (22a) and the outer surface (22b) of the inner cover (22) in the ventilation portion facing the power supply (32).

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation portion is adjacent to the peripheral edge (22c) of the inner cover (22).

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the ventilation portion is covered by the outer cover (24).

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the inner surface (22a) of the inner cover (22) is designed to hold the power supply (32) within the power supply cavity.

14. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner surface (22a) of the inner cover (22) is substantially continuous.

15. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outer cover (24) is detachably attached to the inner cover (22) by mounting elements.

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