Aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (10) includes a body (12) configured to receive an aerosol-generating article (100). The body (12) includes an outer casing (18) having an inner surface (18a) and an outer surface (18b), an inner casing (20) disposed adjacent to the inner surface (18a) within the outer casing (18), and an inner cover (22) having an inner surface (22a) and an outer surface (22b). The inner cover (22) is secured to a peripheral edge (20c) of the inner casing (20) to define a space (27) between the inner surface (22a) of the inner cover (22) and the inner surface (20a) of the inner casing (20). The aerosol generating device (10) further includes an outer cover (24) having an inner surface (24a) and an outer surface (24b). The outer cover (24) is disposed on the inner cover (22). 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 peripheral edge (24c) of the outer cover (24) contacts the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18) so that the outer surface (24b) of the outer cover (24) is substantially flush with the outer surface (18b) of the outer casing (18) to define a continuous outer surface (48).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device 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 heat the aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection and / or radiation rather than burning it to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

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 for heating or warming an aerosol generating 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 type device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating substrate typically 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 combusting it, vapor is generated and the vapor is typically cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the device to inhale.

[0004] Another type of commonly available risk reduction device or risk modification device heats an aerosol generating liquid to generate vapor. The vapor is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. The aerosol generating liquid usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorants.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Both types of aerosol generators include a body that houses an aerosol generating unit, and the body may be formed from multiple components such as one or more casing elements and cover elements. In order to ensure that the aerosol generator has an aesthetic appearance acceptable to the user, it is necessary to ensure tight contact between the components, and this disclosure attempts to address this need. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generator comprising a body configured to receive an aerosol generating article, wherein the body is An external casing having an inner surface and an outer surface, Inside the outer casing, the inner casing is positioned adjacent to the inner surface. An internal cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, which is fixed to the periphery of the internal casing and defines a space between the inner surface of the internal cover and the inner surface of the internal casing. An external cover having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the external cover is placed on top of the inner cover. An aerosol generator is provided, comprising an outer casing and an outer cover, wherein the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover define the outer surface of the aerosol generator, 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 flush with the outer surface of the outer casing, defining a continuous outer surface.

[0007] Aerosol-generating articles may include aerosol-generating substrates.

[0008] The aerosol generator generates vapor by heating the aerosol generating substrate without burning it, thereby volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol generating substrate. The vapor is then cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generator to inhale. The aerosol generator is a handheld portable device, meaning that the user can hold and support the device with one hand without assistance.

[0009] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that exists 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. Aerosol, on the other hand, is a mixture of fine solid particles or droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used synonymously, particularly in reference to the form of inhalable media generated for inhalation by the user.

[0010] The close fit 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 generator having an attractive aesthetic appearance with a continuous outer surface.

[0011] The aerosol generator may have a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal direction extending between the proximal and distal ends. The aerosol generator may have a front end and a rear end. The peripheral edge of the outer cover may be curved transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction between the front and rear of the aerosol generator. The peripheral edge of the outer casing may also be curved transversely. Therefore, the flush outer surfaces of the outer cover and outer casing may define a continuous outer surface that is curved transversely between the front and rear of the aerosol generator. This curved, continuous outer surface can further improve the aesthetic appearance of the aerosol generator and improve user comfort when gripping and operating the aerosol generator.

[0012] The main body may include a groove extending around its periphery. The outer cover may include a rim extending around its periphery and a collar extending around its periphery, which may be positioned inward relative to the rim extending around its periphery. The collar extending around its periphery may be positioned within the groove extending around its periphery, and the rim extending around its periphery may be in contact with the peripheral edge of the outer casing. The contact between the rim extending around the outer cover and the peripheral edge of the outer casing ensures that the outer surface of the outer cover and the outer surface of the outer casing are flush, thereby defining a continuous outer surface of the aerosol generator in which no other components of the main body, such as the inner casing and / or inner cover, are visible.

[0013] The collar extending around the periphery can be spaced inward from the peripheral edge of the outer casing. This ensures close contact between the peripheral edge of the outer cover and the peripheral edge of the outer casing, and that the outer surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the outer cover are flush and continuous.

[0014] The peripheral edge of the outer casing may include a shelf-like portion extending around it. The rim extending around the outer cover may contact the shelf-like portion extending around the outer casing. This ensures good alignment and tight contact between the outer cover and the outer casing.

[0015] The surrounding grooves may have a greater depth than the surrounding collar. This ensures that the rim extending around the outer cover can directly contact the shelf-like portion extending around the outer casing, and that there are no gaps between these components that could affect the aesthetic appearance of the aerosol generator.

[0016] The surrounding groove can be defined between the peripheral portion of the inner cover and the peripheral portion of the outer casing. Therefore, the surrounding groove is easily formed when the inner cover and outer casing are assembled and does not need to be formed within any single component during manufacturing. Thus, the manufacturing of components for the aerosol generator can be simplified.

[0017] The aerosol generator may further include at least one mounting element for removably attaching an external cover to an internal cover. Thus, the external cover can be easily removed and replaced, for example, by a user of the aerosol generator. This makes it possible to personalize the aerosol generator, for example, by allowing the user to attach an external cover having a different color and / or texture to the internal cover.

[0018] The mounting elements may include magnets. The use of magnets allows for secure attachment of the outer cover to the inner cover and removal from the inner cover.

[0019] The aerosol generator may further include a snap-fit ​​connection structure for securing the internal cover to the internal casing. This ensures that the internal cover is securely fixed to the internal casing.

[0020] The internal casing can be fixed in place within the external casing, adjacent to the inner surface of the external casing.

[0021] The outer casing may include metal, preferably aluminum. The use of metal, particularly aluminum, ensures that the aerosol generator has an attractive aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the use of metal allows the surrounding shelf-like portions to be precisely formed, for example, by a suitable machining process, ensuring accurate alignment and contact between the rim extending around the outer cover and the shelf-like portions extending around the outer casing. In some embodiments, the outer casing may alternatively include plastic material.

[0022] The outer cover may include a plastic material. The use of a plastic material can, advantageously, provide the outer cover with sufficient flexibility to allow its periphery to bend and conform to the periphery of the outer casing. This further ensures that a tight seal can be achieved between the periphery of the outer cover and the periphery of the outer casing. In some embodiments, the outer cover may, alternatively, include metal.

[0023] The aerosol generator may include an aerosol generating unit within a space defined between the inner surface of an internal cover and the inner surface of an internal casing. The aerosol generating unit may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating unit can volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to generate, for example, vapor, which can be cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol generator.

[0024] An aerosol generating unit may include a heater for heating an aerosol generating article, for example, a heater for heating an aerosol generating substrate placed in a cavity. The term “heater” should be understood as any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form vapor or aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substrate. The heater may be electrically operated 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 therefore the aerosol generating substrate, may penetrate partway or completely into the cavity, and therefore the aerosol generating substrate, or any combination thereof.

[0025] The heater may include a resistive heater. The resistive heater may include a resistive heating element or may include side walls that define a cavity. The resistive heating element or the side walls of the cavity may include an electrically resistive material. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, conductive ceramics such as tungsten and their alloys, and composite materials including metallic materials and ceramic materials.

[0026] 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 a litz wire or a litz cable. However, it will be understood that other materials can also be used. The induction coil may extend around the cavity.

[0027] The induction coil may be substantially in a spiral shape. The circular cross-section of the spiral induction coil can facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate, more specifically the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate and optionally one or more inductively heatable susceptors, into the cavity and can ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate. The inductively heatable susceptor may include side walls that define a cavity.

[0028] The inductively heatable susceptor may include one or more of aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and their alloys such as nickel-chrome or nickel-copper, but is not limited thereto. When an electromagnetic field is applied in the vicinity of the susceptor, the susceptor can generate heat due to the energy conversion from electromagnetic to heat caused by eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0029] The induction coil may be configured to operate with a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of about 20 mT to about 2.0 T (highest density point) during use.

[0030] The aerosol generator may include a controller, and the controller may include electronic circuitry. The aerosol generator may include a power source such as a battery. In embodiments using an induction heater, the power source and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies. The power source and electronic circuitry 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 circuitry may be configured to operate at higher frequencies, such as in the MHz range.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Therefore, an aerosol generator can be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated non-combustion tobacco device," or a "tobacco product vaporizer," and is interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. Accordingly, an aerosol generating substrate can be referred to as a tobacco vapor (t-vapour) substrate. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol generating substrate.

[0033] The aerosol generating article may include a paper wrapper surrounding the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article 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 manner. The aerosol generating article may include, for example, a filter 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 areas, vapor cooling areas, and other structures.

[0034] The aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol former. Examples of aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol former content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol former content of about 10% to about 20%, and optionally about 15%, on a dry weight basis.

[0035] In another example, the aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol generating liquid. The aerosol generating liquid may include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and / 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.

[0036] When heated, the aerosol-generating substrate may release volatile compounds, whether liquid or non-liquid. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavoring compounds such as tobacco flavorings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator, shown with the aerosol generating article ready to be loaded into the aerosol generator. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generator, shown with the aerosol generating article loaded into the aerosol generator. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, along with the aerosol generating article loaded into the aerosol generator. [Figure 5]Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generator, showing the continuous outer surface formed by the outer surfaces of the outer casing and outer cover. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of the aerosol generator, showing the components of the aerosol generator. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generator with the external cover removed. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the periphery of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, illustrating the continuous outer surface formed by the outer surfaces of the outer casing and outer cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings, merely as examples.

[0039] Referring first to Figures 1 to 4, the aerosol generator 10 includes a body 12 that houses various components of the aerosol generator 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 made to fit the components described in the various embodiments shown herein and to be made to a size that can be comfortably held by a user with one hand without assistance.

[0040] The first end 14 of the aerosol generator 10 shown at the bottom of each of Figures 1 to 4 will be referred to for convenience as the distal end, bottom end, base end, or lower end of the aerosol generator 10. The second end 16 of the aerosol generator 10 shown at the top of each of Figures 1 to 4 will be referred to as the proximal end, upper end, or upper end of the aerosol generator 10. During use, the user typically directs the aerosol generator 10 so that the first end 14 is facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth, and the second end 16 is facing upward and / or close to the user's mouth.

[0041] Referring also to Figures 5 and 6, the main body 12 includes an external casing 18 having an inner surface 18a and an outer surface 18b, an internal casing 20 having an inner surface 20a and an outer surface 20b, an internal cover 22 having an inner surface 22a and an outer surface 22b, and an external cover 24 having an inner surface 24a and an outer surface 24b. The outer surface 18b of the external casing 18 and the outer surface 24b of the external cover 24 both define the outer surface 48 of the aerosol generator 10.

[0042] The aerosol generator 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 receiving an aerosol generating article 100. The aerosol generating unit 26 further includes a power supply 32, which may be one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, and a controller (not shown). The aerosol generating unit 26 may include a support on which the heating chamber 28, the power supply 32, and the controller are mounted. These components may form a single unit.

[0043] The heating chamber 28 is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generator 10. In other words, the heating chamber 28 has a first end 36 that is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generator 10. The heating chamber 28 is usually held away from the inner surface 20a of the inner casing 20 and the inner surface 22a of the inner cover 22 in order to prevent heat transfer to the main 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.

[0044] The aerosol generator 10 may further include a transversely movable slide cover 40 that moves between a closed position (see Figures 1, 2, and 5) that covers the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 and prevents access to the heating chamber 28, and an open position (see Figures 3 and 4) that exposes the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 and provides access to the heating chamber 28. In some embodiments, the slide cover 40 can be biased to the closed position.

[0045] The heating chamber 28, specifically the cavity 30, is configured to receive a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100 of the corresponding shape, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. Typically, the aerosol generating article 100 includes a pre-packaged aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating article 100 is a disposable and replaceable article (also known as a “consumable”), and for example, the aerosol generating substrate 102 may include a cigarette. The aerosol generating article 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The aerosol generating article 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 coaxially aligned within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in place and form a rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100.

[0046] The mouthpiece segment 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail), namely a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment, 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 generating article 100. 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 functions 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 generating article 100, the vapor cools and condenses as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment to form an aerosol with properties suitable for inhalation by the user through the filter segment.

[0047] In other embodiments, the heating chamber 28 may be configured to accept other forms of aerosol-generating substrate 102, such as cut loose material, solid material packaged by other means, or aerosol-generating liquid contained in the aerosol-generating article 100.

[0048] 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 are connected to each other and can be integrally formed as a single piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 42 is tubular, more specifically cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the side wall 42 may have other suitable shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the side wall 42 may be tapered.

[0049] In the illustrated 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 generating article 100 into the heating chamber 28 to a desired distance and not to insert it any further.

[0050] The aerosol generating unit 26 includes a heater 46 for heating the aerosol generating substrate 102 without burning it. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 46 is a resistance heater located in the same area as the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28. Naturally, other types and configurations of heaters 46, as discussed earlier in this specification, may 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 generating article 100 is inserted into the cavity 30 defined by the heating chamber 28.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the heater 46 of the aerosol generator 10, more specifically the aerosol generating unit 26, is electrically powered. That is, the heater 46 is configured to use electricity to heat the aerosol generating substrate 102. For this purpose, a power supply 32 is coupled to a controller (not shown). Furthermore, the controller is coupled to the heater 46. The user operates the aerosol generator 10 using control means (not shown) configured to couple the power supply 32 to the heater 46 via the controller and to discouple the power supply 32 from the heater 46.

[0052] To use the aerosol generator 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 generating article 100 into the heating chamber 28 through the open first end 36. The aerosol generating substrate 102 is received within the cavity 30, and the proximal end 104 of the aerosol generating article 100 is positioned in 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.

[0053] When the aerosol generator 10 is activated by the user, an electric current is supplied to the heater 46, causing it to heat up. The heat from the heater 46 is transferred through the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28 to the aerosol generating substrate 102 of the adjacent aerosol generating article 100, which is located inside the heating chamber 28, for example by conduction, radiation, and convection. This causes the aerosol generating substrate 102 to heat up, generating vapor. The generated vapor cools and condenses, forming an aerosol that the user of the aerosol generator 10 inhales through the mouthpiece segment 108, more specifically 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 exists between the wrapper 110 of the aerosol generating article 100 and the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 42.

[0054] As described above, the body 12 includes an outer casing 18, an inner casing 20, an inner cover 22, and an outer cover 24. When these components (shown separately in Figure 6) are fully assembled to form the body 12 as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, the inner casing 20 is positioned within the outer casing 18, more specifically, the outer surface 20b of the inner casing 20 is positioned adjacent to the inner surface 18a of the outer casing 18. In some embodiments, the inner casing 20 may be fixed in place within the outer casing 18 by a snap-fit ​​connection structure or any other suitable method.

[0055] The internal casing 20 has a peripheral edge 20c. The internal cover 22 also has a peripheral edge 22c. The peripheral edge 22c of the internal cover 22 is fixed to the peripheral edge 20c of the internal casing 20 by a snap-fit ​​connection structure 60, for example, as shown in Figure 8, or by other suitable connection means, thereby defining a space 27 between the inner surface 20a of the internal casing 20 and the inner surface 22a of the internal cover 22 in which the aerosol generating unit 26 is housed.

[0056] The outer cover 24 is placed 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 adjacent to each other. The outer cover 24 has a peripheral edge 24c that contacts the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18. As is particularly clear from Figures 3 and 5, when the outer cover 24 is placed on the inner cover 22 with its peripheral edge 24c in contact with the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18, there is no part of the inner casing 20 or inner cover 22 that is visible from the outside of the aerosol generator 10.

[0057] The contact between the peripheral edge 24c of the outer cover 24 and the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18 results in the outer surface 24b of the outer cover 24 being substantially flush with the outer surface 18b of the outer casing 18, defining a continuous outer surface 48 of the aerosol generator 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 transverse direction of the aerosol generator 10, and therefore the continuous outer surface 48 defined by the flush outer surfaces 24b and 18b is also curved in the transverse direction. Thus, the aerosol generator 10 has, for example, a smooth and substantially continuous curved shape at the joint between the peripheral edge 24c of the outer cover 24 and the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18, resulting in an ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing curved shape.

[0058] The outer casing 18 typically includes a metal, such as aluminum, and the outer cover 24 typically includes a plastic material. Alternatively, the outer casing 18 may include a plastic material and / or the outer cover 24 may include a metal.

[0059] The outer cover 24 is attached to the inner cover 22 of the aerosol generator 10, and this attachment may be retractable to allow the outer cover 24 to be removed from the aerosol generator 10, as shown in Figure 7. The aerosol generator 10 typically includes one or more mounting elements 50, for example, a magnet including a magnetic coupling element 52 and a magnetic anti-coupling element 54, which provide a retractable attachment between the outer cover 24 and the inner cover 22. Thus, although there is contact between the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24 and the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18, 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.

[0060] Referring again to Figure 8, the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18 includes a periphery-extending shelf-like portion 56 that extends within the cross-section. In an exemplary embodiment, the periphery-extending shelf-like portion 56 may have a transverse dimension of approximately 0.7 mm. The outer cover 24 also includes a periphery-extending rim 58 that extends within the cross-section. The periphery-extending rim 58 contacts and rests on the periphery-extending shelf-like portion 56, ensuring that the outer surfaces 24b and 18b are substantially flush with each other, thus defining a continuous outer surface 48 of the aerosol generator 10, and ensuring a tight fit between the peripheral edge 24c of the outer cover 24 and the peripheral edge 18c of the outer casing 18.

[0061] The aerosol generator 10 includes a periphery-extending groove 62 defined between the peripheral portion 64 of the internal cover 22 and the peripheral portion 66 of the external casing 18. The external cover 24 includes a periphery-extending collar 68 positioned inward relative to a periphery-extending rim 58 and spaced inward relative to the peripheral edge 18c of the external casing 18. When the external cover 24 is attached to the internal cover 22, the periphery-extending collar 68 is positioned within the periphery-extending groove 62. The periphery-extending groove 62 has a depth greater than the depth of the periphery-extending collar 68, thereby ensuring that there is no contact between the periphery-extending collar 68 and the base of the periphery-extending groove 62, and therefore the periphery-extending rim 58 of the external cover 24 can directly contact the periphery-extending shelf portion 56 of the external casing 18. As is clear from Figure 8, in one 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 periphery-extending collar 68. This gap ensures that when the outer cover 24 is attached to the inner cover 22, the periphery-extending collar 68 is securely positioned within the periphery-extending groove 62. Thus, the periphery-extending rim 58 of the outer cover 24 can directly contact the shelf-like portion 56 extending around the outer casing 18 across the entire periphery of the aerosol generator 10. Furthermore, it ensures a satisfactory fit between the periphery 24c of the outer cover 24 and the periphery 18c of the outer casing 18.

[0062] While the preceding paragraphs have described exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications to these embodiments are possible 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 generator (10) comprising a body (12) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (100), having a proximal end (16) and a distal end (14), wherein the body (12) houses a heating chamber (28) having an end (36) open to the proximal end (16), and the body (12) An external casing (18) having an inner surface (18a) and an outer surface (18b), covering a part of the proximal end (16) and the distal end (14), and having an opening at the proximal end (16) for receiving an aerosol generating article (100), Inside the outer casing (18), an inner casing (20) is arranged adjacent to the inner surface (18a), An internal cover (22) having an inner surface (22a) and an outer surface (22b), which is fixed to the peripheral edge (20c) of the internal casing (20) and defines a space (27) between the inner surface (22a) of the internal cover (22) and the inner surface (20a) of the internal casing (20), An external cover (24) having an inner surface (24a) and an outer surface (24b), the external cover (24) being placed on the internal cover (22). 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 generator (10), and the peripheral edge (24c) of the outer cover (24) contacts the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18) such that the outer surface (24b) of the outer cover (24) is substantially flush with the outer surface (18b) of the outer casing (18) and defines a continuous outer surface (48). The opening is provided only in the outer casing (18) of the outer casing (18) and the outer cover (24), and is provided in the portion of the outer casing (18) that covers the space (27). The aerosol generator (10) is provided with a transversely movable slide cover (40) that moves between a closed position which covers the open end (36) of the heating chamber (28) and the opening of the external casing (18) to prevent access to the heating chamber (28), and an open position which exposes the open end (36) of the heating chamber (28) to provide access to the heating chamber (28). Aerosol generator (10).

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, having a longitudinal direction extending between the proximal end (16) and the distal end (14), the peripheral edge (24c) of the outer cover (24) curves transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction between the front and rear of the aerosol generator (10), and the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18) also curves transversely, thereby defining a curved continuous outer surface (48) in the transverse direction on the flush outer surfaces (24b, 18b) of the outer cover (24) and the outer casing (18).

3. The main body (12) includes a groove (62) extending around its periphery. The outer cover (24) includes a periphery-extending rim (58) and a periphery-extending collar (68) positioned inward relative to the periphery-extending rim (58), and The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surrounding collar (68) is arranged within the surrounding groove (62), and the surrounding rim (58) is in contact with the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18).

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the collar (68) extending around the periphery is spaced inward from the peripheral edge (18c) of the outer casing (18).

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the peripheral edge (18c) of the external casing (18) includes a shelf-like portion (56) extending around it, and the rim (58) of the external cover (24) is in contact with the shelf-like portion (56) extending around it of the external casing (18).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the surrounding groove (62) has a depth greater than the depth of the surrounding collar (68).

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the surrounding groove (62) is defined between the peripheral portion (64) of the internal cover (22) and the peripheral portion (66) of the external casing (18).

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one mounting element (50) for removably attaching the outer cover (24) to the inner cover (22).

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mounting element (50) includes magnets (52, 54).

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a snap-fit ​​connection structure (60) for fixing the internal cover (22) to the internal casing (20).

11. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the external casing (18) comprises a metal, preferably aluminum.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the external cover (24) comprises a plastic material.

13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising 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 receiving an aerosol generating article (100).

Images