Method for assembling aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating device, and using screw to secure housing portion to main portion of aerosol-generating device and simultaneously compressing elastomeric seal

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating devices.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a method for assembling an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating device, and the use of a screw for fastening a portion of the housing to the main portion of the aerosol-generating device and simultaneously compressing an elastomer seal. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device comprises: placing a housing portion on a main portion of the aerosol generating device; securing the housing portion to the main portion using at least one locking element that passes through a fastening hole in the housing portion, thereby compressing the elastomer seal. The elastomer seal is compressed between the housing portion and the main portion, and the at least one mentioned locking element penetrates through the opening in the elastomer seal.EFFECT: elastomer seal is compressed directly during the fixation of the housing parts by the fixing element and prevents substances such as fluid or liquid entering through the opening in the housing portion from entering the interior of the aerosol generating device.18 cl, 13 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol-generating devices. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device capable of being used in combination with an aerosol-generating article as an aerosol-generating system for generating an aerosol for consumption.

[0002] One type of aerosol-generating system is an electric smoking system. Known portable electric smoking systems typically include an aerosol-generating device containing a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article, configured specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article contains an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or located around the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative electric smoking system, the aerosol-generating article may contain a capsule containing an aerosol-generating substrate, such as loose tobacco.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide increased or alternative water resistance in such a device.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising a housing that at least partially forms the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion forms a first portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The second housing portion forms a second portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The first housing portion comprises a first mechanical engaging element, and the second housing portion comprises a second mechanical engaging element. The first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element work together to hold the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the correct position relative to each other. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are further connected to each other using an adhesive.

[0005] The adhesive may prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent, or impede the separation of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The adhesive may strengthen the connection between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0006] The first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element can provide a quick and reliable method for connecting the first housing part and the second housing part. The first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element can ensure that the first housing part and the second housing part are correctly positioned relative to each other. After connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element can ensure that the first housing part and the second housing part remain correctly positioned relative to each other until the adhesive has cured.

[0007] The first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element may provide feedback to confirm that the connection between the first housing part and the second housing part has been established correctly. The feedback may, for example, include at least one of the following: audible feedback, visual feedback, and also feedback that can be felt after the connection between the first housing part and the second housing part has been established.

[0008] The adhesive may contain glue or may be an adhesive. The adhesive may be cured by exposure to one or more of air, temperature, radiation, and light. The adhesive may be cured after application during a curing time. The curing time may be more than 30 seconds, or more than 3 minutes, or more than 10 minutes. The curing time may be less than 30 minutes, or less than 10 minutes, or less than 5 minutes, or less than 1 minute, or less than 30 seconds. The adhesive may be waterproof at least after curing.

[0009] The adhesive can provide a seal between the first housing part and the second housing part. The adhesive can seal the mating area between the first housing part and the second housing part. The adhesive can ensure the waterproofness of the mating area between the first housing part and the second housing part.

[0010] The first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element may jointly form a locking connection. The locking connection may comprise a form-locking connection between the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element. At least one of the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element may be elastically deformable.

[0011] One of the first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element may be formed as a protruding structure or may include a protruding structure. The other one of the first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element may be formed as a recessed structure or may include a recessed structure. The recessed structure may accommodate the protruding structure. There may be a form-fitting connection between the protruding structure and the recessed structure.

[0012] The protruding structure may be elastically deformable. The elastic deformation capability of the protruding structure may enable the protruding structure to be inserted into the recessed structure after the first housing portion and the second housing portion are combined. The protruding structure may be elastically deformable so as to snap into the recessed structure after the first housing portion and the second housing portion are combined. The recessed structure may have greater rigidity than the protruding structure. The recessed structure may provide a fastening for the protruding structure.

[0013] The protruding structure may be in the form of a hook. The hook may be inserted into the recessed structure. The hook may be designed to engage with the recessed structure and resist the force exerted to separate the first housing portion from the second housing portion.

[0014] The adhesive may at least partially or completely cover at least one of the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element. The adhesive may be in contact with at least one of the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element. The adhesive may strengthen the connection between the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element. The adhesive may provide a seal in the first mechanical engagement element and the second mechanical engagement element. The adhesive may at least partially cover the protruding structure. The adhesive may at least partially cover the recessed structure. The adhesive may be provided between the protruding structure and the recessed structure.

[0015] A first housing portion may comprise an insert portion. A second housing portion may comprise a receiving portion. The receiving portion may at least partially surround the insert portion. An overlapping region between the receiving portion and the insert portion may provide a seal between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0016] An adhesive may be provided between the insertion portion and the receptacle. The adhesive may form a sealing layer between the insertion portion and the receptacle. Preferably, the adhesive is provided between the insertion portion and the receptacle around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating device. The adhesive may be provided between the insertion portion and the receptacle around the entire circumference of the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

[0017] The adhesive may contact the insertion part. The adhesive may contact the receptacle. The adhesive may contact both the insertion part and the receptacle.

[0018] A first mechanical engagement element may be provided on the insert portion. A second mechanical engagement element may be provided on the receiving portion. The first mechanical engagement element may be formed on the insert portion of the first housing portion. The second mechanical engagement element may be formed on the receiving portion of the second housing portion. The protruding structure may extend from one of the insert portion and the receiving portion toward the other one of the insert portion and the receiving portion.

[0019] A locking connection may be provided between the insert portion and the receiving portion. The locking connection may be at least partially invisible from the outside of the housing assembly. The locking connection between the insert portion and the receiving portion may be protected.

[0020] The recessed structure may comprise a recess in the insert portion of the first housing portion or a recess in the receiving portion of the second housing portion. The recessed structure may comprise an opening in the insert portion of the first housing portion or an opening in the receiving portion of the second housing portion.

[0021] At least one of the first housing part and the second housing part can extend circumferentially around the axial direction. At least one of the first housing part and the second housing part can extend along the entire axial direction along the circumferential direction. One or both of the insertion portion and the receiving portion can extend along the entire axial direction along the circumferential direction.

[0022] The first housing part and the second housing part may be made of the same material. The first housing part and the second housing part may be made of different materials. The first housing part and the second housing part may differ in hardness. The first housing part may be made as a single piece. The second housing part may be made as a single piece. The part of the housing (the first housing part or the second housing part) containing the protruding structure may be made of a material that has greater elasticity than the material of the part of the housing (the first housing part or the second housing part) containing the recessed structure. The part of the housing (the first housing part or the second housing part) containing the recessed structure may be made of a material that has greater hardness than the material of the part of the housing (the first housing part or the second housing part) containing the protruding structure.

[0023] One of the first housing part and the second housing part may be made of a plastic material. One of the first housing part and the second housing part may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum. For example, one housing part may be made of a plastic material, and the other housing part may be formed of a metal material, such as aluminum.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an aerosol-generating device is provided. The method includes the step of inserting an insertion portion of a first housing portion into a receiving portion of a second housing portion to combine the first housing portion and the second housing portion to form the housing of the aerosol-generating device. During the insertion step, the first housing portion and the second housing portion engage with each other via a locking connection. One of the insertion portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion is at least partially coated with an adhesive. During the insertion step, the adhesive engages with the other one of the insertion portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion, thereby creating an adhesive bond between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0025] The adhesive may be applied to one of the insertion portions of the first housing part and the receiving portion of the second housing part before the insertion step. During the insertion step, the adhesive may still be at least partially uncured.

[0026] Before the insertion step, adhesive can be applied to only one of the insertion portion of the first housing part and the receiving portion of the second housing part. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to both the insertion portion of the first housing part and the receiving portion of the second housing part before the insertion step.

[0027] The first adhesive component can be applied to one of the insertion portions of the first housing part and the receiving portion of the second housing part before the insertion step. The second adhesive component can be applied to the other one of the insertion portions of the first housing part and the receiving portion of the second housing part before the insertion step. The first and second adhesive components can come into contact during the insertion step. The adhesive can harden when the first and second components are mixed.

[0028] The inserting step may include inserting the insertion portion of the first housing portion into the receiving portion of the second housing portion along the axial direction.

[0029] The first housing portion may comprise a first mechanical engaging element. The second housing portion may comprise a second mechanical engaging element. The first mechanical

[0030] The engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element can jointly form a locking connection. The first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element can work together to hold the first housing part and the second housing part in a proper position relative to each other. The first mechanical engaging element can be provided on the insert portion of the first housing part. The second mechanical engaging element can be provided on the receiving portion of the second housing part.

[0031] A protruding structure may be provided on one of the insertion portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion. A recessed structure may be provided on the other one of the insertion portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion. A locking connection may be created by an elastic insert that snaps the protruding structure into the recessed structure. The first mechanical engaging element may comprise one of the protruding structure and the recessed structure. The second mechanical engaging element may comprise the other one of the protruding structure and the recessed structure.

[0032] The snap-in movement of the protruding structure may have a main component that is at least substantially perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an adhesive to create a waterproof locking joint between a first housing portion and a second housing portion of an aerosol generating device.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device comprises an internal portion. The internal portion has a first surface. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing portion. The housing portion at least partially defines the external appearance of the aerosol generating device. The housing portion has a second surface facing the first surface. The housing portion has an opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises adhesive tape adhered to both the first surface and the second surface around the entire circumference of the opening in the housing portion.

[0035] The adhesive tape can form a seal between the first surface and the second surface. The seal can prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent substances such as fluid or liquid entering through an opening in the housing portion from entering the interior of the aerosol-generating device when moving between the first surface and the second surface. When the adhesive tape is applied to the first surface and the second surface, the adhesive tape remains in the correct position. Thus, the seal provided by the adhesive tape can be particularly reliable and durable.

[0036] Adhesive tape can be used to fix the relative position of the inner part relative to the housing part. Adhesive tape can facilitate assembly of the aerosol-generating device, for example, by first attaching the inner part to the housing part using adhesive tape, and then attaching the resulting assembly of the housing part and inner part to one or more additional parts of the aerosol-generating device.

[0037] The first surface may face outward. The first surface may face a portion of the housing. The second surface may face inward.

[0038] The first surface and the second surface may be parallel to each other. An adhesive tape may be provided between the first surface and the second surface. The adhesive tape may be provided between the first surface and the second surface around the entire circumference of the opening in the housing portion.

[0039] The inner portion may be a plastic portion. The inner portion may be a foam portion. The inner portion may be substantially rigid. The inner portion may be substantially compressible. The inner portion may be elastically deformable.

[0040] The inner portion may be impermeable to water. The inner portion, together with the adhesive tape adhered thereto, may prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent the leakage of liquid entering through an opening in the housing portion into certain areas within the aerosol-generating device.

[0041] The inner portion may have an opening corresponding to an opening in the housing portion. The opening in the inner portion may be aligned with the opening in the housing portion to form a continuation of the opening in the housing portion facing the interior of the aerosol-generating device. The opening in the housing portion and the opening in the inner portion may jointly provide access to the interior of the aerosol-generating device, or may jointly provide a window into the interior of the aerosol-generating device, or may jointly provide space for a member extending toward the interior of the aerosol-generating device.

[0042] The adhesive tape may have a hole corresponding to the hole in the housing part. The hole in the adhesive tape may correspond to the hole in the inner part. The hole in the housing part, the hole in the adhesive tape, and the hole in the inner part may be aligned with each other, thereby creating a jointly expanded hole.

[0043] The inner part may be provided between the main part of the aerosol generating device and the housing part.

[0044] The inner portion may be in sealing engagement with the main portion. The inner portion may bridge the gap between the adhesive tape and the main portion of the aerosol generating device. The inner portion may be compressed between the main portion and the adhesive tape or housing portion.

[0045] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a push button accessible through an opening in the housing portion. This includes, but is not limited to, a situation in which the user must enter the opening in the housing portion to reach the push button. A statement that the push button is accessible through the opening in the housing portion may also include a situation in which the push button protrudes outward through the opening in the housing portion. In this case, the push button can be pressed without entering the opening in the housing portion.

[0046] The adhesive tape can block the fluid entering between the push button and the body part from entering the space between the body part and the inside.

[0047] The push button can pass through the hole in the inner part. The push button can pass through the hole in the adhesive tape.

[0048] The push button may be configured to be pressed by the user to control the aerosol-generating device. The push button may be configured to be pressed by the user to enable or disable one or more functions of the aerosol-generating device.

[0049] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may be configured to emit light through an opening in a portion of the housing. The lighting assembly may comprise a light source, such as an LED. The lighting assembly may comprise a light guide. The lighting assembly may be configured to emit light through the opening in accordance with the operating state of the aerosol-generating device. The lighting assembly may be configured to indicate the battery charge status of the aerosol-generating device. The lighting assembly may be configured to emit light of different colors depending on the operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0050] The housing portion may comprise a first opening and a second opening. Adhesive tape may be adhered to both the first surface and the second surface around the entire circumference of the first opening in the housing portion. The adhesive tape may be adhered to both the first surface and the second surface around the entire circumference of the second opening in the housing portion. A pushbutton may be accessible through the first opening in the housing portion. The lighting assembly may be configured to emit light through the second opening in the housing portion.

[0051] The shape of the adhesive tape can match the shape of the first surface. The first surface can be completely covered by the adhesive tape to ensure a strong holding force between the first surface and the second surface.

[0052] The adhesive tape may be double-sided tape. The first adhesive side of the double-sided tape may be adhered to a first surface. The second adhesive side of the double-sided tape may be adhered to a second surface. The first adhesive side and the second adhesive side of the double-sided tape may face opposite directions. The first adhesive side and the second adhesive side of the double-sided tape may run parallel to each other.

[0053] The adhesive tape can have a thickness of 0.05 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.4 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an aerosol-generating device is provided. The method includes providing an inner portion of the aerosol-generating device and an outer portion of the aerosol-generating device. The outer portion has an opening. The method includes attaching a first adhesive side of double-sided adhesive tape to the inner portion. The method further includes attaching a second adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer portion at least partially circumferentially around the opening in the outer portion.

[0055] The outer portion may be part of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The housing portion may at least partially define the appearance of the aerosol-generating device.

[0056] The step of attaching the first adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape to the inner portion may be performed before, after, or at least partially simultaneously with the step of attaching the second adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer portion.

[0057] The second adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape can be attached to the outer part around the entire circumference around the hole in the outer part.

[0058] The method may further include attaching the outer portion to the main portion of the aerosol-generating device. After attaching the outer portion to the main portion of the aerosol-generating device, the inner portion may be brought into intimate contact with the main portion.

[0059] The step of attaching the outer part to the main part of the aerosol generating device can be performed after the step of attaching the first adhesive side of the double-sided tape to the inner part and after the step of attaching the second adhesive side of the double-sided tape to the outer part. In this way, the inner part can be fixed with the double-sided tape to the outer part and, together with the outer part, can be attached to the main part of the aerosol generating device.

[0060] The method may further include installing a push button on the aerosol-generating device. The push button may be mounted so as to be accessible through an opening in the outer portion. Specifically, the push button may be mounted on the main portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0061] The method may further include installing a lighting assembly on the aerosol-generating device. The lighting assembly may be installed on the aerosol-generating device so as to emit artificial light through an opening in the outer portion.

[0062] The inner part can be attached to the outer part with double-sided adhesive tape.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a double-sided adhesive tape for sealing a space between the outer portion of an aerosol generating device and the surface of the inner portion of the aerosol generating device, circumferentially around an opening in the outer portion.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising a main portion, an elastomeric seal, and a housing portion having a fastening hole. The aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one locking element that extends through the fastening hole in the housing portion. The at least one locking element secures the housing portion to the main portion. The at least one locking element creates a force that compresses the elastomeric seal.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an aerosol-generating device is provided. The method comprises positioning a housing portion on a main portion of the aerosol-generating device. The method further comprises securing the housing portion to the main portion using at least one fastening element that extends through a fastening hole in the housing portion, thereby compressing an elastomer seal.

[0066] At least one fastening element serves to secure the housing portion to the main portion. The same at least one fastening element serves to compress the elastomer seal. This dual function of the at least one fastening element enables quick and efficient assembly of the aerosol-generating device.

[0067] The compression of the elastomer seal can ensure or improve the sealing function of the elastomer seal. The compression of the elastomer seal can absorb excess force applied after the housing portion is secured to the main portion by at least one fastening element, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the housing portion or the main portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0068] The elastomer seal can be compressed relative to at least one of the housing portion and the main portion.

[0069] An elastomer seal may be compressed between a housing portion and a main portion. The elastomer seal may be in contact with one or both of the housing portion and the main portion. The elastomer seal may be provided between the housing portion and the main portion, with or without contact with one or both of the housing portion and the main portion. One or more intermediate elements may be located between the housing portion and the elastomer seal. One or more intermediate elements may be located between the elastomer seal and the main portion. The one or more intermediate elements may help distribute the force emanating from at least one locking element to the elastomer seal.

[0070] The elastomer seal can be compressed on the side of the housing part facing the main body. The elastomer seal can be compressed on the side of the housing part facing away from the main body.

[0071] The force compressing the elastomer seal may act (at least primarily or entirely) on the elastomer seal in a direction parallel to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole. This force may be a force applied by at least one locking element. The compression of the elastomer seal may result in a decrease in the thickness of the elastomer seal in a direction parallel to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole. If the direction of this force acting on the elastomer seal is at least primarily parallel to the direction of extension of at least one locking element through the fastening hole, the force can be applied to the elastomer seal in a particularly effective manner.

[0072] The force compressing the elastomer seal may at least have a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole. This force may be applied by at least one locking element. This force compressing the elastomer seal may have a main component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole. Compressing the elastomer seal after fastening the housing portion to the main portion using at least one locking element can reduce the thickness of the elastomer seal in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole.

[0073] At least one locking element may be a screw. The screw allows for the effective application of force to compress the elastomer seal.

[0074] The elastomer seal may include an O-ring. The term "O-ring" includes, by way of example, but is not limited to, O-rings that have a strictly annular shape. The term "O-ring" also includes shapes that fit rectangular or elliptical frames, or frames of other shapes, or frames of irregular shapes.

[0075] The elastomer seal may contain an elastomer layer.

[0076] At least one locking element can penetrate an opening in the elastomer seal. The opening can, for example, be a central hole in the sealing ring or a hole in the elastomer layer. If at least one locking element penetrates the opening in the elastomer seal, the locking element can compress the elastomer seal in a particularly effective manner.

[0077] The hole in the elastomer seal may be present before the elastomer seal penetrates the at least one retaining element. Alternatively, the hole in the elastomer seal may be created by the at least one retaining element when the at least one retaining element penetrates the elastomer seal.

[0078] The elastomer seal may be located at a distance from at least one locking element. At least one locking element may extend outside the opening in the elastomer seal.

[0079] At least one locking element may comprise two or more locking elements. The elastomeric seal may be located between the two or more locking elements, in particular at least substantially centrally between the two or more locking elements.

[0080] A housing portion may surround an elastomer seal. The housing portion may surround the elastomer seal along the circumference of the elastomer seal. The contact line between the elastomer seal and the housing portion may form a path contained in a plane perpendicular to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole. The sealing surface of the housing portion in contact with the elastomer seal may be parallel to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole.

[0081] Compressing the elastomer seal may involve compressing the elastomer seal against a sealing surface of the housing portion. The sealing surface of the housing portion may be a surface of the housing portion surrounding the opening of the connector of the housing portion.

[0082] The elastomer seal may be formed by overmolding onto a connection port configured to connect to an external connector. The connection port may, for example, be one or more of a USB port, a data port, and a charging port. The connection port may be at least partially provided within an opening of the connector of the housing portion, or be accessible through the opening of the connector of the housing portion.

[0083] The elastomer seal may comprise a first elastomer seal and a second elastomer seal. The first elastomer seal may be compressed between the housing portion and the main portion. The second elastomer seal may be compressed relative to a sealing surface of the housing portion that forms an opening through the housing portion, in particular, a connector opening. A locking element may penetrate the first elastomer seal. The locking element cannot penetrate the second elastomer seal. The second elastomer seal may be formed by overlay molding on the connector port.

[0084] The housing portion may be removably attached to the main portion using at least one fastening element. Removing the housing portion may provide access to the interior of the aerosol-generating device. In particular, removing the housing portion may provide access to the electronic components. The at least one fastening element may be removable or releasable, allowing the housing portion to be separated from the main portion after the housing portion is secured to the main portion using the at least one fastening element. In particular, the at least one fastening element may be removed or loosened manually.By removing or loosening at least one fastening element after the housing portion has been secured to the main portion via at least one fastening element, the housing portion can be separated from the main portion without damaging the aerosol-generating device, in particular without damaging one or more of the housing portion, the main portion, and the at least one fastening element. If at least one fastening element removably secures the housing portion to the main portion, the stability of the aerosol-generating device can be increased. To facilitate maintenance or repair of the aerosol-generating device, the housing portion can be separated from the main portion.

[0085] After removing or loosening at least one fastening element to separate the housing portion from the main portion, the housing portion can be reattached to the main portion using at least one fastening element. In particular, at least one fastening element can be reapplied or re-fastened manually.

[0086] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing portion and a main portion at least partially enclosed by the housing portion. The aerosol generating device further comprises a connection port.

[0087] The connection port is configured to connect to an external connector for transmitting data, power, or both between the connection port and the external connector. The connection port includes a sealing element formed using overmolding. The sealing element is in tight contact with a portion of the housing.

[0088] By forming a sealing element using overmolding on a connection port, it is possible to ensure the proper positioning of the sealing element relative to the connection port. Furthermore, overmolding the sealing element on the connection port can prevent, at least partially prevent, substantially prevent, or completely prevent, or inhibit the loss of the sealing element before the final assembly of the aerosol-generating device. Overmolding the sealing element on the connection port can ensure that the sealing element remains in the proper position on the connection port. Overmolding the sealing element on the connection port can ensure that the sealing element is in actual tight contact with the connection port.

[0089] The housing portion may, but need not, at least partially form the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more additional parts, such as one or more decorative covers, provided on the outside of the housing portion.

[0090] The housing part may surround the sealing element formed by overlay molding in a circumferential direction.

[0091] The housing part may be attached to the main part by at least one fixing element passing through at least one fastening hole in the housing part.

[0092] The aerosol generating device may further comprise at least one elastomeric seal through which at least one locking element passes and which is compressed by the locking element.

[0093] At least one fixing element may comprise a screw.

[0094] The sealing element formed by overmolding can be compressed relative to the housing portion. Specifically, the sealing element formed by overmolding can be compressed relative to the housing portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the external connector can be connected to the connection port.

[0095] According to another aspect of the present invention, a screw is used to secure a housing portion to the main portion of the aerosol-generating device and simultaneously compress the elastomer seal. The force exerted by the screw along its longitudinal directions can not only hold the housing portion in position relative to the main portion but also compress the elastomer seal to improve the sealing properties of the elastomer seal.

[0096] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be configured to at least partially be inserted into the aerosol-generating device along an axial direction.

[0097] The aerosol-generating article may be at least substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-generating article may extend parallel to the axial direction when at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0098] An aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to release an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise a herbal material. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise a tobacco material.

[0099] The aerosol-generating article may include a filter section. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the filter section may at least partially protrude from the aerosol-generating device to be accessible to the user's mouth.

[0100] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber. The heating chamber may be configured to at least partially accommodate a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. The heating chamber may be configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] An aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater. The heater may be configured to heat an aerosol-generating article in a heating chamber to generate the aerosol. The heater may be configured to generate the aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating article. The heater may be configured to generate the aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material.

[0102] The aerosol-generating device may contain electronic components. The electronic components may be provided within the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The electronic components may include a controller.

[0103] The aerosol-generating device may extend along the axial direction. The dimensions of the aerosol-generating device in any radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be smaller than the dimensions of the aerosol-generating device along the axial direction.

[0104] The first housing part and the second housing part may be arranged one behind the other along the axial direction. The first housing part may be configured to be partially inserted into the second housing part parallel to the axial direction. The insertion portion of the first housing part may be configured to be inserted into the receiving portion of the second housing part parallel to the axial direction. The locking connection may be configured to provide a retaining force preventing the first housing part and the second housing part from separating by moving the first housing part and the second housing part away from each other relative to the axial direction.

[0105] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the embodiments, aspects, or examples described herein. The aerosol-generating system also comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be an aerosol-generating material. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.

[0106] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco rod. The tobacco rod may comprise one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, pieces, thin tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: tobacco leaf, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco rod may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds intended to be released upon heating of the tobacco rod. Optionally, the tobacco rod may also contain capsules, which, for example, contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. During heating of the tobacco rod, such capsules may melt. Alternatively or in addition, such capsules may be destroyed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco rod.

[0107] If the tobacco rod contains homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating bulk tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming substance content of greater than 5 percent by dry weight. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming substance content of from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.Homogenized tobacco sheets may be formed by agglomerating bulk tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting either tobacco leaf lamellas or tobacco leaf ribs, or both; alternatively or additionally, the homogenized tobacco sheets may contain one or more of the following: tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other by-products of the bulk tobacco generated, for example, during the processing, handling, and shipping of tobacco. The homogenized tobacco sheets may contain one or more internal binders that are tobacco endogenous binders, one or more external binders that are tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to promote the agglomeration of the bulk tobacco.Alternatively or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material may contain other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material are preferably formed by a molding process of the type that typically involves molding a slurry containing bulk tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the molded slurry to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and removing the sheet of homogenized tobacco material from the support surface.

[0108] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 millimeters to approximately 100 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 13 millimeters.

[0109] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the tobacco rod. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter rod. Preferably, the mouthpiece has a length of approximately 7 millimeters, but may have a length of between approximately 5 millimeters and approximately 10 millimeters.

[0110] The tobacco rod may be approximately 10 millimeters long. The tobacco rod may be approximately 12 millimeters long.

[0111] The diameter of the tobacco rod can be from approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 40 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

[0113] The present invention comprises various aspects, embodiments, and examples. The features, advantages, and explanations disclosed with reference to any of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with any of or transferred to any of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The methods for assembling an aerosol-generating device described herein may be suitable, adapted, and configured to assemble the aerosol-generating device as described herein.

[0114] The term "rod-shaped" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, rod shapes with a circular cross-section. The term "rod-shaped" as used herein may also include rod shapes with other cross-sections, such as, for example, a rectangular cross-section, or an elliptical cross-section, or a triangular cross-section, or an irregular cross-section, or any other cross-section. The term "rod-shaped" may include cylindrical shapes, where the base surface of the cylinder may be a circular surface or a surface of any other shape, such as a rectangular surface, or an elliptical surface, or a triangular surface, or an irregular surface, or any other surface.

[0115] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0116] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating device comprising a housing at least partially defining an outer surface of the aerosol generating device;

[0117] wherein the housing comprises a first housing part that forms a first part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device, and a second housing part that forms a second part of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device;

[0118] wherein the first part of the housing comprises a first mechanical engaging element;

[0119] wherein the second part of the housing contains a second mechanical engaging element;

[0120] wherein the first mechanical engaging member and the second mechanical engaging member work together to hold the first housing part and the second housing part in the correct position relative to each other; and

[0121] In this case, the first part of the body and the second part of the body are connected to each other using adhesive.

[0122] Example Ex2: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1, wherein the first mechanical engaging member and the second mechanical engaging member together form a locking connection.

[0123] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein one of the first mechanical engaging member and the second mechanical engaging member is a protruding structure, and the other one of the first mechanical engaging member and the second mechanical engaging member is a recessed structure accommodating the protruding structure.

[0124] Example Ex4: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex3, wherein the protruding structure is elastically deformable.

[0125] Example Ex5: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the protruding structure is in the shape of a hook.

[0126] Example Ex6: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the adhesive at least partially covers at least one of the first mechanical engaging element and the second mechanical engaging element.

[0127] Example Ex7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the first housing part comprises an insertion part and the second housing part comprises a receiving part, wherein the receiving part at least partially surrounds the insertion part.

[0128] Example Ex8: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7, wherein an adhesive is provided between the insertion portion and the receiving portion.

[0129] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex7 or Ex8, wherein the adhesive is in contact with the insertion portion and the receiving portion.

[0130] Example Ex10: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex7 to Ex10, wherein the first mechanical engaging member is provided on the insertion portion and the second mechanical engaging member is provided on the receiving portion.

[0131] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein the adhesive provides a seal between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0132] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex11, further comprising a heating chamber and a heater,

[0133] wherein the heating chamber is configured to at least partially accommodate a rod-shaped article generating an aerosol, and wherein the heater is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article in the heating chamber for the purpose of generating an aerosol.

[0134] Example Ex13: A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising

[0135] a step of inserting the insertion portion of the first housing portion into the receiving portion of the second housing portion to combine the first housing portion and the second housing portion to form a housing of the aerosol generating device;

[0136] at the stage of sliding in, the first part of the housing and the second part of the housing are engaged with each other by means of a locking connection;

[0137] wherein one of the insertion portion of the first housing portion and the receiving portion of the second housing portion is at least partially coated with an adhesive; and

[0138] At the same time, during the insertion stage, the adhesive engages with the other one of the insertion part of the first housing part and the receiving part of the second housing part, thereby creating an adhesive bond between the first housing part and the second housing part.

[0139] Example Ex14: The method according to example Ex13, wherein the insertion step includes inserting the insertion portion of the first housing portion into the receiving portion of the second housing portion along the axial direction, wherein the locking connection is created by means of an elastic insert with snapping of a protruding structure on one of the insertion portion and the receiving portion into a recessed structure on the other one of the insertion portion and the receiving portion.

[0140] Example Ex15: The method according to example Ex14, wherein the snap-in movement of the protruding structure has a component perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0141] Example Ex16: Using adhesive to create

[0142] waterproof locking connection between the first housing part and the second housing part of the aerosol generating device.

[0143] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating device comprising: an inner portion having a first surface;

[0144] a housing portion that at least partially defines the external appearance of the aerosol generating device and that has a second surface facing the first surface, wherein the housing portion has an opening; and

[0145] adhesive tape adhered to both the first surface and the second surface around the entire circumference around the hole in the body part.

[0146] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17, wherein the first surface and the second surface are parallel to each other.

[0147] Example Ex19: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the inner part is a plastic part.

[0148] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex19, wherein the interior is impermeable to water.

[0149] Example Ex21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex20, wherein the inner part has an opening corresponding to the opening in the housing part.

[0150] Example Ex22: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex21, wherein the inner part is provided between the main part of the aerosol generating device and the housing part.

[0151] Example Ex23: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex22, wherein the inner portion is in sealing engagement with the main portion.

[0152] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex23, further comprising a push button accessible through an opening in the housing portion.

[0153] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex24, further comprising a lighting means assembly configured to emit light through an opening in a portion of the housing.

[0154] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex25, wherein the shape of the adhesive tape corresponds to the shape of the first surface.

[0155] Example Ex27: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17 to Ex26, wherein the adhesive tape is a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0156] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex17 to Ex27, wherein the adhesive tape has a thickness of 0.05 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.4 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0157] Example Ex29: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex17-Ex28, further comprising a heating chamber configured to at least partially accommodate a rod-shaped article,

[0158] generating an aerosol, and further comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article in a heating chamber for the purpose of generating an aerosol.

[0159] Example Ex30: A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0160] providing the interior of the aerosol generating device;

[0161] providing an outer portion of an aerosol generating device, the outer portion having an opening;

[0162] attaching the first adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape to the inside; and

[0163] attaching the second adhesive side of the double-sided adhesive tape to the outer portion at least partially circumferentially around the opening in the outer portion.

[0164] Example Ex31: The method according to example Ex30, further comprising attaching the outer part to the main part of the aerosol generating device, wherein the inner part is brought into close contact with the main part.

[0165] Example Ex32: The method according to example Ex30 or Ex31, further comprising installing a push button on the aerosol generating device to provide access thereto through an opening in the outer part.

[0166] Example Ex33: The method according to any one of examples Ex30 to Ex32, further comprising mounting a lighting means assembly on the aerosol generating device with the ability to emit artificial light through an opening in the outer portion.

[0167] Example Ex34: The method according to any one of examples Ex30 to Ex33, wherein the inner part is attached to the outer part using double-sided adhesive tape.

[0168] Example Ex35: Using double-sided adhesive tape to seal the space between the outer part of the aerosol generating device and the surface of the inner part of the aerosol generating device, in a circumferential direction around the opening in the outer part.

[0169] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0170] a part of the body having a mounting hole;

[0171] main part;

[0172] elastomer seal; and

[0173] at least one fixing element that passes through a fixing hole in the housing part;

[0174] wherein at least one fixing element secures the housing part to the main part; and

[0175] wherein at least one locking element creates a force that compresses the elastomer seal.

[0176] Example Ex37: A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0177] placing a portion of the housing on the main part of the aerosol generating device; and

[0178] fastening the housing part to the main part using at least one fixing element that passes through a fastening hole in the housing part, thereby compressing the elastomeric seal.

[0179] Example Ex38: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex36 or a method according to example Ex37, wherein the elastomeric seal is compressible relative to at least one of the housing part and the main part.

[0180] Example Ex39: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex38, wherein the elastomeric seal is compressed on the side of the housing portion facing the main portion.

[0181] Example Ex40: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the force compressing the elastomeric seal acts at least substantially in a direction parallel to the direction in which at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole.

[0182] Example Ex41: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex40, wherein the force compressing the elastomeric seal has at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which at least one fixing element passes through the fastening hole.

[0183] Example Ex42: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex41, wherein at least one fixing element is a screw.

[0184] Example Ex43: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex42, wherein the elastomer seal comprises a sealing ring or an elastomer layer.

[0185] Example Ex44: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex43, wherein at least one locking element penetrates through an opening in the elastomeric seal.

[0186] Example Ex45: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex44, wherein the elastomeric seal surrounds the housing portion.

[0187] Example Ex46: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex45, wherein the elastomeric seal is formed by overmolding on a connection port configured to connect to an external connector.

[0188] Example Ex47: An aerosol generating device or method according to any of examples Ex36 to Ex46, wherein the housing portion is removably attached to the main portion by at least one fixing element.

[0189] Example Ex48: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0190] body part;

[0191] a main portion at least partially enclosed by a housing portion; and

[0192] a connection port configured to be connected to an external connector for transmitting data or power supply, or both, between the connection port and the external connector;

[0193] wherein the connecting port comprises a sealing element formed by overlay molding and in close contact with a portion of the housing.

[0194] Example Ex49: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex48, wherein a portion of the housing circumferentially surrounds an overmolded sealing element.

[0195] Example Ex50: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex48 or Ex49, wherein the housing part is secured to the main part by at least one fixing element passing through at least one fastening hole in the housing part.

[0196] Example Ex51: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex50, further comprising at least one elastomeric seal through which at least one locking element passes and which is compressed by the locking element.

[0197] Example Ex52: An aerosol generating device according to example Ex50 or Ex51, wherein at least one fixing element comprises a screw.

[0198] Example Ex53: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex48 to Ex52, wherein the overmolded sealing element is compressed relative to the housing portion.

[0199] Example Ex54: An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex48 to Ex53, further comprising a heating chamber configured to at least partially accommodate a rod-shaped article,

[0200] generating an aerosol, and further comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol-generating article in a heating chamber for the purpose of generating an aerosol.

[0201] Example Ex55: Using a screw to secure the housing portion to the main body of the aerosol generating device and simultaneously compress the elastomer seal.

[0202] Example Ex56: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate.

[0203] The embodiments will be further described below with reference to the figures, in which:

[0204] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0205] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a cap of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0206] Fig. 3 shows a partial schematic sectional view of the aerosol generating device, wherein in Fig. 1 the section is designated as II;

[0207] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the second part of the housing of the aerosol generating device;

[0208] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first part of the housing of the aerosol generating device;

[0209] Fig. 6 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device with the second housing portion removed;

[0210] Fig. 7 shows a partial schematic sectional view of the aerosol generating device, wherein in Fig. 1 the section is designated as II-II;

[0211] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the distal end of the aerosol generating device;

[0212] Fig. 9 shows the view of Fig. 8 with the first decorative covering plate removed;

[0213] Fig. 10 shows the view of Fig. 9 with the second decorative covering plate removed;

[0214] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of Fig. 10 (in Fig. 10, the section is designated as III-III), with the various components not shown for greater clarity;

[0215] Fig. 12 shows the view of Fig. 10 with the first part of the housing removed; and

[0216] Fig. 13 shows the view of Fig. 12 with the separator removed.

[0217] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating system 1. The system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 3 and an aerosol generating article 5.

[0218] The aerosol generating article 5 is a rod-shaped article comprising several sections arranged one after another along the direction of extension of the article 5. The aerosol generating article 5 comprises an aerosol generating section 7 comprising a material configured to release an aerosol after heating. The material may, for example, comprise a herbal material, in particular a tobacco material. The aerosol generating article 5 further comprises a filter section 9 comprising a filter. The aerosol generating article 5 further comprises a separating section 11 provided between the aerosol generating section 7 and the filter section 9. The separating section 11 may allow the aerosol passing through the separating section 11 to be cooled before entering the filter section 9. Sections 7, 9, 11 of the aerosol generating article 5 may be combined by wrapping with a wrapper, such as a paper wrapper.

[0219] The aerosol generating device 3 is a portable device extending along the axial direction 20 between the distal end 13 and the proximal end 15. The aerosol generating device 3 may have a generally rod-shaped configuration. The aerosol generating device 3 comprises a housing 17 with a first housing portion 19 and a second housing portion 21. The first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21 are arranged one after the other along the axial direction 20. Between the first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21 along the axial direction 20, there may be an overlapping region. The first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21, respectively, may at least partially define the external appearance of the aerosol generating device 3. The first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21 may cover one or more internal components of the aerosol generating device 3.The outer surface of the first housing part 19 or the outer surface of the second housing part 21 (or both) may be at least partially covered by one or more optional decorative covers. The first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 circumferentially surround the internal components of the aerosol generating device 3 relative to the axial direction 20.

[0220] At the near end 15 of the aerosol generating device 3, the second housing part 21 contains an opening facing in the axial direction 20. The cap 23 at the near end is inserted into the opening of the second housing part 21 and closes the aerosol generating device 3 at the near end 15. The cap 23 at the near end is separately illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0221] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view through the aerosol generating device 3 at its proximal end 15. In Fig. 1, the sectional view is designated as the aerosol generating device 3

[0222] aerosol comprises a heating chamber 25 configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol-generating article 5. In particular, the heating chamber 25 is configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating section 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5. The heating chamber 25 extends in an axial direction 20. The aerosol-generating device 3 comprises a heater 27 configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 5, in particular its aerosol-generating section 7, in the heating chamber 25. The heater 27 may, for example, comprise one or more induction coils surrounding the heating chamber 25 and configured to heat the aerosol-generating section 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5 by means of induction heating. Alternatively, the heater 27 may be a resistive electric heater or a gas fired heater.The aerosol-generating device 3 can operate according to the heating-without-combustion concept. The heater 27 can be configured to heat the aerosol-generating section 7 of the aerosol-generating article 5 to release the aerosol without burning the aerosol-generating material.

[0223] The aerosol generating device 3 has an insertion hole 29 provided at the near end 15 and allowing the aerosol generating article 5 to be inserted into the heating chamber 25 parallel to the axial direction 20. The cap 23 at the near end comprises a slider 31 configured to slide between a closed position and an open position. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate the closed position of the slider 31. In the closed position, the slider 31 closes the insertion hole 29 of the aerosol generating device 3. If the user wants to insert the aerosol generating article 5, he can move the slider 31 to the open position (by sliding it to the right, as shown in Fig. 3) to open the insertion hole 29.

[0224] The cap 23 at the near end comprises a seal in the form of a cap sealing ring 33, which circumferentially surrounds the cap 23 at the near end. As shown in Fig. 3, the cap sealing ring 33 is in close contact with the inner surface of the second part 21 of the housing along the circumference of the cap 23 at the near end to provide a seal in the mating area between the cap 23 at the near end and the second part 21 of the housing. The cap sealing ring 33 can be formed by overlay molding on the cap 23 at the near end. The seal provided by the cap sealing ring 33 can be waterproof.

[0225] As illustrated in Fig. 3, a heating chamber sealing ring 35 is provided in the interface area between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and another component of the aerosol generating device 3. In particular, the heating chamber sealing ring 35 can be provided in the interface area between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and the surface of the cap 23 at the near end. Alternatively or in addition, the heating chamber sealing ring 35 can be provided in the interface area between the wall of the heating chamber 25 and the wall of the expansion chamber 37 provided above the heating chamber 25. The heating chamber sealing ring 35 can prevent liquid entering the insertion hole 29 or the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 25 from entering certain internal compartments of the aerosol generating device 3.

[0226] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the second housing part 21. Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the first housing part 19. After assembling the aerosol generating device 3, the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are combined to form a housing 17. The first housing part 19 comprises an insertion part 39 configured to be pushed into a receiving part 41 of the second housing part 21. At the end of the first housing part 19, facing the second housing part 21 after assembly, the insertion part 39 is provided. At the end of the second housing part 21, facing the first housing part 19 after assembly, the receiving part 41 is provided. Alternatively, the insertion part 39 can be provided on the second housing part 21, and the receiving part 41 can be provided on the first housing part 19.

[0227] The first housing part 19 comprises a stepped part 43. The insertion part 39 extends from the stepped part 43 along the axial direction 20. When the first housing part 19 is inserted into the second housing part 21, the stepped part 43 can form a stop configured to engage with the second housing part 21. The second housing part 21 can comprise a rim part 45 on its inner surface. The receiving part 41 can extend relative to the axial direction 20 from the rim part 45. The rim part 45 can form a stop intended to be engaged by the insertion part 39 when the first housing part 19 and the second housing part 21 are combined.

[0228] When the insertion portion 39 is inserted into the receiving portion 41, the outer surface 47 of the insertion portion 39 may face the inner surface 49 of the receiving portion 41. One or both of the insertion portion 39, in particular the outer surface 47 of the insertion portion 39, and the receiving portion 41, in particular the inner surface 49 of the receiving portion 41, are partially or completely coated with an adhesive before the first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21 are combined. The adhesive can attach the first housing portion 19 to the second housing portion 21. The adhesive may form a layer between the insert portion 39, in particular the outer surface 47 of the insert portion 39, and the receiving portion 41, in particular the inner surface 49 of the receiving portion 41. The adhesive may seal the space between the insert portion 39 and the receiving portion 41. In particular, the adhesive may provide a watertight seal.

[0229] On the inner surface 49 of the receiving portion 41, protruding structures 51 are provided. Recessed structures 53 are provided on the insertion portion 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed structures 53 are openings in the insertion portion 39. Alternatively, the recessed structures 53 can, for example, be formed in the form of recesses in the outer surface 47 of the insertion portion 39. After the first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21 are combined, the protruding structures 51 can snap into the recessed structures 5, thereby forming a locking connection between the first housing portion 19 and the second housing portion 21. The protruding structures 51 can be elastically deformable. The protruding structures can have the shape of a hook.

[0230] According to another embodiment, the protruding structures 51 may be provided on the outer surface 47 of the insert portion 39, and the recessed structures 53 may be provided on the receiving portion 41, in particular, on the inner surface 49 of the receiving portion 41.

[0231] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the second part 21 of the housing contains an opening 55 for a button and a light opening 57. Fig. 1 shows a button 59 of the aerosol generating device 3, accessible through the opening 55 for the button. In addition, Fig. 1 shows an assembly of lighting means 61, which is visible through the light opening 57. The second part 21 of the housing extends around the opening 55 for the button and around the light opening 57. The opening 55 for the button and the light opening 57, respectively, extend through the second part 21 of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction 20.

[0232] Fig. 6 shows a part of the aerosol generating device 3, including the near end 15, with the second part 21 of the housing removed. Fig. 6 shows an inner part 63 provided between the main part 65 of the aerosol generating device 3 and the second part 21 of the housing. The inner part 63 circumferentially surrounds the button 59 and the lighting assembly 61.

[0233] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view designated in Fig. 1 as II-II. In Fig. 7, it is shown that the inner part 63 is in contact with the outer surface of the main part 65 around the button 59 and the lighting assembly 61. The inner part 63 may be in close contact with the outer surface of the main part 65. The inner part 63 may be a plastic part. The inner part 63 may be impermeable to water. The inner part 63 has a surface 67 (the first surface) facing outward toward the second part 21 of the housing and away from the main part 65. The outer surface 67 (the first surface) of the inner part 63 may be parallel to the inner surface 69 (the second surface) of the second part 21 of the housing. The outer surface 67 (the first surface) of the inner part 63 is substantially parallel to the inner surface 69 (the second surface) of the second part 21 of the housing.Between the inner part 63 and the second part 21 of the housing there is a double-sided adhesive tape 71. The first adhesive side 73 of the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is glued to the outer surface 67 (the first surface) of the inner part 63. The opposite second adhesive surface 75 of the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is glued to the inner surface 69 (the second surface) of the second part 21 of the housing. Thus, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 is glued or connected to both the inner part 63 and the second part 21 of the housing.

[0234] Double-sided adhesive tape 71 extends circumferentially around the button hole 55 and around the light opening 57. Double-sided adhesive tape 71 forms a seal between the inner portion 63 and the second portion 21 of the housing. By using double-sided adhesive tape 71, the fluid entering through the button hole 55 or the fluid entering through the light opening 57 can be prevented from leaking into the inner compartments of the aerosol generating device 3.

[0235] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the lighting assembly 61 comprises a light guide 77 and a light source 79. The light guide 77 may be configured to direct the light generated by the light source 79. The light source 79 may, for example, comprise one or more LEDs. In the illustrated embodiment, both the light guide 77 and the light source 79 are visible from the outside through the light opening 57. Alternatively, the lighting assembly 61 may not be directly visible through the light opening 57, but may be configured to emit artificial light through the light opening 57.

[0236] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the adhesive tape 71 corresponds to the shape of the outer surface 67 of the inner portion 63. This can improve the adhesive bonding strength between the inner portion 63 and the second housing portion 21. However, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 may also have different shapes. For example, the double-sided adhesive tape 71 may comprise a first annular portion circumferentially surrounding the button hole 55 and a second annular portion circumferentially surrounding the light opening 57. The first annular portion and the second annular portion may be a single unit or separate parts.

[0237] Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the distal end 13 of the aerosol generating device 3. A connection port 81 is provided at the distal end 13. The connection port 81 is configured to be connected to an external connector for transmitting data or power supply, or both, between the connection port 81 and the external connector. For example, the battery of the aerosol generating device 3 can be charged through the connection port 81. The connection port 81 can be a USB connection port. As shown in Fig. 8, the connection port 81 is accessible through an opening in the first decorative cover plate 83. The first decorative cover plate 83 is an optional part and can be attached to the first part 19 of the housing by gluing or otherwise.

[0238] Fig. 9 shows the view of Fig. 8 with the first decorative cover plate 83 removed. Under the first decorative cover plate 83 there is a second optional decorative cover plate 85. The second decorative cover plate 85 can be attached to the first part 19 of the housing by gluing or otherwise.

[0239] Fig. 10 shows the view of Fig. 9 with the second decorative covering plate 85 removed. Under the second decorative covering plate 85, the end surface 87 of the first part 19 of the housing becomes visible.

[0240] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view, and in Fig. 10 the section is designated as III-III. For ease of illustration, Fig. 11 shows only the first part 19 of the housing, the connection port 81, and the two locking members 89, and no other parts are illustrated. In particular, Fig. 11 does not illustrate the various internal parts of the aerosol generating device 3.

[0241] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, two fixing elements 89 in the form of screws pass through corresponding fastening holes 91 in the first part 19 of the housing. In particular, the fastening holes 91 are provided on the end surface 87 of the first part 19 of the housing. The fixing elements 89 fix the first part 19 of the housing to the main part 65 of the aerosol generating device 3. The main part 65 is not illustrated in Fig. 11, but is shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13. The main part 65 has holes for screws with internal threads for accommodating the fixing elements 89.

[0242] In the illustrated embodiment, there are two locking elements 89, one on each side of the connection port 81. The connection port 81 is accessible through the connector opening 93 on the end surface 87 of the first part 19 of the housing. As can be better seen in Fig. 11, the connection port 81 passes into the connector opening 93 of the first part 19 of the housing. The connection port 81 can pass through the first connector opening 93 of the first part 19 of the housing. An elastomer seal in the form of a sealing element 95, formed by overlay molding on the connection port 81, is in contact with the sealing surface 97 of the first part 19 of the housing. The sealing surface 97 forms and surrounds the connector opening 93. The sealing element 95 is formed by means of overlay molding on the connecting port 81 over the entire circumference of that part of the connecting port 81 which passes into the opening 93 of the connector of the first part 19 of the housing.The sealing element 95 is in contact with the sealing surface 97 of the first part 19 of the housing over the entire circumference of the opening 93 of the connector. The sealing element 95 provides a seal that prevents liquid from entering between the connection port 81 and the first part 19 of the housing. The sealing element 95 is compressed between the first part 19 of the housing and the connection port 81. The sealing element 95 is compressed between the first part 19 of the housing and the sealing surface 97 of the connection port 81 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 20.

[0243] Fig. 12 corresponds to the view in Fig. 10 with the first part 19 of the housing removed. Between the main part 65 of the aerosol generating device 3 and the first part 19 of the housing, a separator 99 is provided. In particular, the separator 99 is provided between the main part 65 and the end surface 87 of the first part 19 of the housing. Two fixing elements 89 pass through the openings in the separator 99. The openings in the separator 99 are aligned along the axis with the fastening openings 91 in the first part 19 of the housing.

[0244] Fig. 13 corresponds to the view in Fig. 12 with the separator 99 removed. Between the main part 65 of the aerosol generating device 3 and the separator 99 there is an elastomer sealing layer 101. The fixing elements 89 pass through the openings in the elastomer sealing element 101. The openings in the elastomer sealing element 101 are aligned along the axis with the openings in the separator 99 and with the fastening openings 91 in the first part 19 of the housing. When the locking elements 89 are tightened, the first part 19 of the housing is pressed against the outer surface of the separator 99. In turn, the separator 99 presses on the elastomer sealing layer 101 relative to the main part 65, thereby compressing the elastomer sealing layer 101 between the main part 65 and the first part 19 of the housing. The elastomer sealing layer 101 can form a seal between the main part 65 and the separator 99.The seal may prevent liquid entering through the fastening holes 91 from leaking into the internal compartments of the aerosol generating device 3.

[0245] The separator 99 may be formed from an elastomeric material. When the locking elements 89 are tightened, the separator 99 may be pressed against the first housing portion 19, thereby creating a seal between the first housing portion 19 and the separator 99 at least around the locking elements 89.

[0246] The separator 99 and the elastomeric sealing element 101 may be formed as a single unit. For example, one of the separator 99 and the elastomeric sealing element 101 may be omitted, and the other one of the separator 99 and the elastomeric sealing element 101 may be directly compressed between the main portion 65 and the first housing portion 19.

[0247] For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A±{10%} A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the normal standard error for measuring the property that the number A modifies.In some cases, the number A, when used in the appended claims, may vary by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A is varied does not materially affect the essential or novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. All ranges also include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an aerosol generating device, comprising: placing a portion of the housing on the main portion of the aerosol generating device; and fastening the housing part to the main part using at least one fixing element that passes through a fastening hole in the housing part, thereby compressing the elastomeric seal; wherein the elastomer seal is compressed between the housing portion and the main portion; and wherein said at least one locking element penetrates through an opening in the elastomer seal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastomeric seal is pressed against at least one of the housing part and the main part.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastomeric seal is compressed on the side of the housing part facing the main part.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force compressing the elastomeric seal acts at least mainly in a direction parallel to the direction in which said at least one locking element passes through the fastening hole.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force compressing the elastomeric seal has at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which said at least one fixing element passes through the fastening hole.

6. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the housing portion is surrounded by an elastomeric seal.

7. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the elastomeric seal is formed by overlay molding on a connecting port configured to be connected to an external connector.

8. A method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the housing part is removably attached to the main part by means of said at least one fixing element.

9. The method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that said at least one fixing element is a screw.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises separating the housing portion from the main portion without damaging the aerosol generating device by removing said at least one fixing element after securing the housing portion to the main portion using said at least one fixing element.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more intermediate elements are used between the housing part and the elastomer seal or between the elastomer seal and the main part.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastomeric seal is compressed on the side of the said part of the housing that faces away from the main part.

13. An aerosol generating device comprising: a part of the body having a mounting hole; the main part; elastomeric seal; and at least one fixing element that passes through the fastening hole of the housing part; wherein said at least one fixing element fixes a part of the housing to the main part; wherein said at least one locking element creates a force that compresses the elastomeric seal; wherein the elastomeric seal is compressed between the housing portion and the main portion; and wherein said at least locking element penetrates through an opening in the elastomer seal.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, characterized in that the force compressing the elastomeric seal acts at least mainly in a direction parallel to the direction in which the at least one said fixing element passes through the fastening hole.

15. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said at least one fixing element is a screw.

16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 13-15, characterized in that the elastomer seal comprises a sealing ring or an elastomer layer.

17. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs 13-16, characterized in that the housing portion is removably attached to the main portion by means of said at least one fixing element.

18. Using a screw to secure a housing portion to a main portion of an aerosol generating device and simultaneously compressing an elastomer seal, wherein the elastomer seal is compressed between the housing portion and the main portion, and wherein the screw penetrates through a hole in the elastomer seal.

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