CN116348007A

CN116348007A - Aerosol generating device with flexible cover

Info

Publication number: CN116348007A
Application number: CN202180070255.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·S·布丘伊基尔; M·普列夫尼克
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-10-16
Filing date: 2021-10-06
Publication date: 2023-06-27
Also published as: WO2022078832A1; JP2023544774A; EP4228451A1; KR20230085142A; TW202215991A; US20230371611A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, in particular an aerosol-generating device comprising a cap having one or more flexible regions that are deformable when pressed. In a first aspect, the invention is an aerosol-generating device comprising a main body defined by a main housing and a cover element detachably attached or connected to the main housing, the main housing comprising an operation interface portion provided at least a portion of an outer surface of the main housing and being actuatable to operate the aerosol-generating device. At least a portion of the operator interface portion is disposed between an outer surface of the main housing and a cover member that includes one or more flexible regions that are elastically deformable to actuate the operator interface portion.

Description

Aerosol generating device with flexible cover

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, in particular an aerosol-generating device comprising a cap having one or more flexible regions that are deformable when pressed.

Background

Common aerosol-generating devices on labels typically include one or more input elements, such as buttons, switches, touch panels, or similar interface elements that allow a user of the aerosol-generating device to provide operational inputs to the device. Using these input elements, the user may, for example, turn the aerosol-generating device on or off, adjust one or more operating parameters of the device (such as the heating temperature or duration), or may input a request for the aerosol-generating device to output, for example, information related to the operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

Some arrangements provide one or more input elements that are accessible at an outer surface of a device outer housing of the aerosol-generating device. While the input element is easily accessible, such a configuration is prone to inadvertent actuation of the input element. Furthermore, the input element is subject to mechanical wear and tear and is not protected from liquid, small particles and particulates. Some arrangements utilize a cover panel that covers an input element disposed on the body of the aerosol-generating device. The cover panel is typically detachable or otherwise movable relative to the body to expose the input element to a user of the aerosol-generating device. While such a configuration provides improved protection of the input element from external influences, access to the input element is inconvenient and repeated removal or movement of the cover panel results in increased wear and tear of the attachment means by which the cover panel is detachably or removably attached to the body.

Accordingly, there is a need for an aerosol generating device provided with an input element that is easily accessible to a user and protected from external detrimental effects.

Disclosure of Invention

The above objects are partly or wholly achieved by the present invention as defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

In a 1 st aspect, the invention is an aerosol-generating device comprising a main body defined by a main housing and a cover element detachably attached or connected to the main housing, the main housing comprising an operation interface portion provided at least a portion of an outer surface of the main housing and being actuatable to operate the aerosol-generating device. At least a portion of the operator interface portion is disposed between an outer surface of the main housing and a cover member that includes one or more flexible regions that are elastically deformable to actuate the operator interface portion.

The cover element comprising one or more flexible regions is advantageous in that, on the one hand, the cover element covers the operation interface portion to provide protection from harmful external influences, and, on the other hand, the one or more flexible regions allow a user to actuate the operation interface portion without removing or moving the cover element to expose the operation interface portion. It should be noted that although any material has a certain amount of elasticity, in the context of the present invention, "elastic deformation" refers to any elastic deformation that may be caused by a user of the aerosol-generating device using any additional tool or aid. The removability is advantageous because it allows the operation interface portion or any other functional element of the aerosol-generating device covered by the cover element to be directly accessed if desired.

According to the 2 nd aspect, in the previous aspect, the entire operation interface portion is arranged between the cover member and the main casing.

Aspect 2 is advantageous in that it provides protection and accessibility to the entire operation interface portion by the cover element.

According to the 3 rd aspect, in the previous aspect, the operation interface portion is not externally visible.

Aspect 3 is advantageous because it provides improved protection for the operation interface portion. Furthermore, it allows the operation interface portion to include optical components and devices whose operation and performance would otherwise be disturbed or negatively affected by ambient or stray light.

According to aspect 4, in any of the preceding aspects, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed by a user's hand or finger.

The 4 th aspect is advantageous in that it allows a user to actuate the operation interface portion while holding the aerosol-generating device, in particular with the fingers of the hand holding the aerosol-generating device.

According to the 5 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed to elastically deform toward the main casing to actuate the operation interface portion.

Aspect 5 is advantageous in that it allows the deformation caused by the one or more flexible regions being pressed to directly correspond to the actuation of the operation interface portion.

According to the 6 th aspect, in any one of the 4 th or 5 th aspects, one or more flexible regions may be pressed to elastically deform toward the main casing to actuate different regions of the operation interface portion.

Aspect 6 is advantageous in that it allows the user to selectively actuate different regions of the operator interface portion.

According to the 7 th aspect, in the former aspect, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed to elastically deform toward the main casing to actuate one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion or in different regions of the operation interface portion.

Aspect 7 is advantageous in that it allows a user to selectively actuate different input elements to provide different types of inputs to the aerosol-generating device via the flexible region of the cover element.

According to an 8 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprises a protrusion on a surface of the cover element facing the main housing, the protrusion protruding towards the main housing.

The 8 th aspect is advantageous in that it improves structural stability of the cover member and limits maximum deformation of the cover member in a direction toward the operation interface portion, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the cover member.

According to the 9 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the protrusion is integrally formed with the flexible region.

Aspect 9 is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process of the cover element, improves the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the possibility of structural weaknesses where the protrusions would otherwise attach or engage the cover element.

According to the 10 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover member is an integrally formed cover member.

The 10 th aspect is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process of the cover element, improves the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the possibility of structural weaknesses where different parts of the cover element would otherwise be attached or joined.

According to the 11 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions is configured to actuate the operation interface portion.

The 11 th aspect is advantageous in that it improves the accuracy with which the selected input operation element can be actuated, and allows the range of deformation of the flexible region of the cover element to be smaller than the distance between the flexible region of the cover element and the operation interface portion, so that less deformation is required to actuate the operation interface portion.

According to aspect 12, in the previous aspect, actuating the operation interface portion includes interacting, engaging or contacting with the operation interface portion.

According to aspect 13, in the previous aspect, the interaction, engagement or contact of the operation interface portion comprises interaction, engagement or contact with one or more operation input elements.

Aspects 12 and 13 are advantageous in that they allow a user to selectively actuate specific input elements to provide a well-defined, consistently repeatable input to the operator interface portion.

According to aspect 14, in the previous aspect, the one or more input elements comprise buttons, switches or sensors.

Aspect 14 is advantageous in that it provides an input element that can be actuated in a simple and reliable manner by deforming the flexible region of the cover element.

According to the 15 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the sensor includes a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.

Aspect 15 is advantageous because the optical or magnetic sensor can be actuated without physical contact and thus less wear and tear is caused by repeated use.

According to the 16 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the output member is provided at a surface of the main casing between the main casing and the cover member.

According to aspect 17, in the previous aspect, the output element comprises an indicator light.

Aspects 16 and 17 are advantageous in that they allow the aerosol-generating device to provide output information, such as feedback information, to a user of the aerosol-generating device, respectively.

According to the 18 th aspect, in any one of the foregoing aspects, the main casing and the cover member enclose a space between the cover member and the main casing, in which the operation interface portion is disposed.

Aspect 18 is advantageous in that the closed operation interface portion protects the operation interface portion from potentially harmful intrusion of liquids, particles or particulates.

According to claim 19, in any of the preceding aspects, the cover element comprises a substantially flat portion.

According to the 20 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover member includes a curved portion or a bent portion.

According to the 21 st aspect, in one of the foregoing aspects, the peripheral portion of the cover member is curved or bent.

Aspects 19, 20 and 21 are advantageous in that they allow the cover element to adjust or conform to different shapes of the aerosol-generating device.

According to the 22 nd aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover member is formed of a panel.

Aspect 22 is advantageous because the panel is typically a substantially plate-like structure that is shaped and formed to conform to the different shapes of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, many of the raw materials or precursor components used to make the cover element are typically in the form of substantially rectangular planar panels. Thus, using a panel for the cover element reduces manufacturing costs and complexity.

According to aspect 23, in aspect 22, the average material thickness of the one or more flexible regions of the panel is less than the average material thickness of the non-flexible regions.

Aspect 23 is advantageous because it provides an optimal balance between material strength, weight and thickness for the flexible region.

In a 24 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover member is integrally formed with the main casing.

Aspect 24 is advantageous because it reduces manufacturing complexity and prevents ingress of unwanted substances.

According to the 25 th aspect, in any one of the 1 st to 23 rd aspects, the aerosol-generating device comprises a cap detection means for detecting whether the cap element is attached to the main casing.

The 25 th aspect is advantageous in that it allows to determine whether the cap element is properly attached to ensure proper and safe operation and protection of the aerosol-generating device.

According to the 26 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the cover detection means includes a button or a switch that is actuated when the cover member is attached to the main casing.

Aspect 26 is advantageous in that the button or switch can be implemented cost effectively to reliably and repeatedly detect the attachment of the cover element.

According to the 27 th aspect, in any one of the 25 th to 26 th aspects, the cap detection device includes a sensor circuit.

According to the 28 th aspect, in the previous aspect, the sensor circuit includes a hall sensor, an optical sensor, and an electric sensor.

Aspects 27 and 28 are advantageous because the sensor is not susceptible to mechanical wear and tear due to repeated attachment and detachment of the cover element, since actuation of the hall sensor, the optical sensor, or the electrical sensor does not require mechanical actuation of the sensor, such as by pressing or otherwise moving a portion of the sensor.

According to the 29 th aspect, in any one of the 25 th to 28 th aspects, the aerosol-generating device includes a circuit for controlling an operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the cap detection means, the information including information on a first state in which the cap element is detected to be attached to the main casing and on a second state in which the cap element is detected to be unattached to the main casing.

The correct positioning and attachment of the cover element is important to ensure that the user can operate the aerosol-generating device correctly and safely, i.e. to actuate the operation interface portion as intended by user input pressing the flexible region of the cover element, and to ensure proper protection of the operation interface portion from potentially harmful external influences. Thus, the 29 th aspect is advantageous in that it allows to adjust the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on whether the cover element is properly attached.

According to the 30 th aspect, in the previous aspect, controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on the information from the cap detection means includes preventing or suppressing the aerosol-generating device from generating an aerosol if the information from the cap detection means indicates the second state, and enabling the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol if the information from the cap detection means indicates the first state.

If no attachment of the cover element is detected, a correct and safe operation of the aerosol-generating device cannot be ensured. Aspect 30 is therefore advantageous in that it prevents unsafe operation of the aerosol-generating device.

According to the 31 st aspect, in the former aspect, when the cover member is attached or connected to the main casing, the cover member and the main casing form the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, which is smooth and uniform except for the seam formed where the cover member and the main casing adjoin.

According to the 32 nd aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, when the cover member is attached to the main casing, the outer surface of the cover member accounts for 10% to 60% of the total outer surface of the aerosol-generating device.

According to claim 33, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol-generating device is an electronic cigarette.

According to the 34 th aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating unit for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

Drawings

Fig. 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of a side view and a top view, respectively, of an aerosol-generating device having a cap element according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams of top views of an aerosol-generating device having an operation interface portion according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively;

fig. 3A shows a schematic view of a bottom view of the cover element detached from the main housing by rotating 180 ° about an axis marked R, and fig. 3B shows a schematic view of a top view of the main body from which the cover element shown in fig. 3A has been detached, according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4A and 4B show a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating device with a cap element according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively;

fig. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show partial cross-sectional side views, respectively, of an aerosol-generating device having a cap element according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes a main housing 200 and a cover member 300. The main housing 200 is configured to house an aerosol generating unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user. The aerosol-generating unit may comprise a heating unit 110 configured to heat a consumable 120 comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating device 100 may be an e-cigarette and may be configured to generate an aerosol from an e-cigarette oil vapor or tobacco vapor aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the heating unit 110 may include a container configured to receive a tobacco rod or similar consumable, and the heating element may be configured to heat the container and the tobacco rod received in the container. Alternatively, the container may be configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate (such as a liquid), and the heating unit 110 may comprise a wicking element and a heating element configured to heat the wicking element. The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a power supply, which may be a replaceable and/or rechargeable power supply, and may additionally be provided with a charging port for charging the rechargeable power supply. The power supply may preferably be a battery. The cover member 300 is detachably attached to the main casing 200. By "the cover element is removable" it is meant that the cover element 300 is removable from the main housing by a user of the aerosol-generating device 100 without any additional tools or assistance, but is removable by the user using one or both hands. Alternatively, the cover element may be non-removable and may be integrally formed with the main housing or at least a portion of the main housing.

The aerosol-generating device 100 may have an elongated shape to improve the comfort of a user when holding the aerosol-generating device 100. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 is the direction in which the aerosol-generating device 100 extends. The extension of the aerosol-generating device 100 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length L of the aerosol-generating device 100, and the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 corresponds to the length direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. The aerosol-generating device 100 has a cross-section lying in a transverse plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. The cross-section of the aerosol-generating device 100 may generally be any suitable shape, but may preferably be rectangular, square, circular or oval in shape. The longitudinal direction of the cross section is a first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 and corresponds to a direction in which the cross section may be elongated. The extension of the cross section in the first lateral or radial direction corresponds to the width W of the aerosol-generating device 100, and the first lateral or radial direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 corresponds to the width direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. The direction perpendicular to the length direction and the width direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 is a second lateral direction or radial direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. The extension of the cross section in the second lateral or radial direction corresponds to the height H of the aerosol-generating device 100, whereas the second lateral or radial direction corresponds to the height direction of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the case of a circular cross section, the width direction and the height direction may be arbitrarily selected as long as they are perpendicular to each other. In the case of a square cross section, the width direction corresponds to the direction of the direct distance between two opposite sides of the square, and the height direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the width direction in the plane of the cross section.

As shown in fig. 1A, the cover member 300 is preferably attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol-generating device 100 from the height direction of the aerosol-generating device 100, i.e. when attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol-generating device 100, the cover member 300 increases the height H of the aerosol-generating device 100, but does not increase the length L and the width W of the aerosol-generating device 100, as shown in fig. 1B. The height H of the aerosol-generating device 100 consists of the height Hc of the cover element 300 and the height Hm of the main housing 200, wherein the height Hc of the cover element 300 corresponds to the difference between the height H of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the height Hm of the main housing 200. Preferably, the height Hc of the cover element 300 is less than 30% of the height H of the aerosol-generating device 100. This ensures that the overall dimensions of the aerosol-generating device 100 are such that the aerosol-generating device 100 can be comfortably used, held and operated by a user using one hand when the cap element 300 is attached. When the cover member 300 is attached to the main casing, the outer surface of the cover member 300 is the surface of the cover member 300 opposite to the inner surface of the cover member 300, which is the surface facing the main casing 200. The outer surface of the cover element 300 may preferably constitute between 10% and 60%, preferably between 20% and 50%, more preferably between 30% and 40% of the total outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. When the cover member 300 is attached to the main casing 200, the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be a smooth and uniform surface except for the seam formed where the cover member 300 and the main casing 200 adjoin. Specifically, the outer surface of the cover member 300 has a smooth continuous shape, and the transition from the outer surface of the cover member 300 to the outer surface of the main housing 200 is smooth and continuous, except for the seam formed at the transition.

As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the main housing 200 and/or the cover element 300 may be provided with attachment means 210, 310 for detachably attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The attachment means 210, 230 may comprise means such as a press fit connection, a clamping connection or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the

attachment devices

210, 310 may include magnetic devices. The main housing 200 may be provided with magnetic coupling elements and the cover element 300 may be provided with magnetically corresponding coupling elements, wherein the coupling elements and corresponding coupling elements comprise magnets and ferromagnetic elements. The main housing 200 is provided with an operation interface portion 220 accessible on an outer surface of the main housing 200. The operation interface portion 220 includes one or more operation input elements 230 that can be actuated to provide inputs for operating the aerosol-generating device 100. When the cover member 300 is attached to the main housing 200, at least a part or all of the operation interface portion 220 including the one or more operation input elements 230 is covered by the cover member 300, i.e., the operation interface portion includes the one or more operation input elements 230 arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover member 300. Preferably, all the operation input elements 230 are arranged between the main casing 200 and the cover element 300. The operation interface portion 220 and the operation input member 230 are shown in fig. 2A and 2B with broken lines to indicate their respective positions under the cover member 300 covering them. Alternatively, one or more operation input elements 230 may be arranged at an outer surface of the main housing 200 not covered by the cover element 300, and thus accessible and visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100. Further, the main casing 200 may be provided with a plurality of operation interface portions 220, at least a portion or all of which may be disposed between the main casing 200 and the cover member 300 to be covered by the cover member 300. The operation input member 230 of the portion of the operation interface portion 220 covered by the cover member 300 may be made invisible from the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100. This can be achieved if the operation input member 230 is enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover member 300 without a line of sight from the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100 to the operation input member 230. Furthermore, the cover element 300 may preferably be at least partially completely opaque, or translucent, such that the operation input element 230 enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 is not visible through the cover element 300. The one or more operational input elements 230 include input elements that when actuated may cause one of: turning on/off the aerosol-generating device 100, changing and/or setting a heating temperature and/or a heating duration of the heating unit 110 provided with the aerosol-generating device 100, checking a remaining amount of the consumable, checking a remaining amount of electricity in the power supply, and performing any other functions and/or operations associated with the aerosol-generating device 100.

The cover member 300 includes one or more non-flexible regions 300b and one or more flexible regions 300a that are elastically deformable by a user of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the context of the present invention, elastically deformable means that the user can deform without additional tools or assistance, but rather exert a force on the flexible region 300a by pressing on the flexible region using a finger or other suitable portion of one or both hands. The one or more flexible regions 300a may be elastically deformable when pressed by a user to actuate the operation interface portion 220, in particular to actuate the one or more operation input elements 230 of the operation interface portion 220. As shown in fig. 2A, the flexible region 300a may correspond to the operation input element 230 such that deforming the flexible region 300a actuates the corresponding operation input element 230. Accordingly, the cover member 300 may be provided with one or more flexible regions 300a corresponding to one or more operation input members 230 provided at the main housing. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible region 300a may correspond to more than one operation input element 230, and different portions of the flexible region 300a may be deformed to actuate different operation input elements 230.

As shown in fig. 3A, which illustrates that the inner surface of the cover member 300 is detached from the main housing 200 shown in fig. 3B by rotating 180 ° about the rotation axis R, the aerosol-generating device 100 may be further provided with an operation output member 240. The operation output element 240 may include an indicator light such as one or more LED light sources or LED light bars. The indication lamp may indicate information indicating an operation state to a user of the aerosol-generating device 100, including, but not limited to, information about an on/off state of the aerosol-generating device 100, information about a heating temperature of the aerosol-generating device 100, information about a consumable used with the aerosol-generating device 100, information about a power state of the aerosol-generating device 100. The indicator light may be disposed between the main housing 200 and the cover member 300, or may alternatively be disposed at an outer surface of the main housing 200 and not covered by the cover member 300. The indicator light 240 may be configured to be visible and/or illuminate when the cover element 300 is detached from the main housing. In the case where the indicator light 240 is disposed between the main housing 200 and the cover member 300, the cover member may be configured to be at least partially translucent such that the indicator light 240 is visible through the cover member 300 when the indicator light 240 is illuminated, and is not visible through the cover member 300 when the indicator light 240 is not illuminated. Additionally or alternatively, the cover element 300 may be provided with a plurality of perforations through which the indicator light 240 is visible from the outside of the aerosol-generating device 100 when the indicator light 240 emits light. The plurality of perforations may be configured and dimensioned such that the indicator light is not visible through the plurality of perforations when the indicator light 240 is not illuminated. The aerosol-generating device 100 may be provided with a cap detection means 250 configured for detecting whether the cap element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, as will be described in detail below in relation to the embodiments described in the context of fig. 5A to 5D.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the cover element 300 may preferably be shaped as a panel. The cover element 300 may be substantially plate-shaped, wherein the average thickness of the cover element 300 is less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10% of the height Hc of the cover element 300 described for the embodiment in the context of fig. 1A. The cover element 300 may preferably have a substantially flat central portion, and one or more peripheral or circumferential portions that are curved or bent to allow the cover element 300 to abut to the main housing 200, and a space is arranged or enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300, within which space one or more operation input elements 230 may be arranged. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may have a continuously curved shape with a central portion having a curvature that is less than the curvature of one or more peripheral or circumferential portions.

The cover element includes one or more flexible regions 300a that are not interconnected and are separated from one another by one or more non-flexible regions 300 b. In contrast to "flexible", by "inflexible" in the context of the present invention is meant non-deformable by the user, i.e. under the force exerted by the fingers or hands of the user of the aerosol-generating device 100, without any additional tools or assistance. The cover member 300 may be an integrally formed cover. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise a plurality of sections that are adjoined together. Different ones of the portions of the cover member 300 may include different materials or material properties. For example, one or more of the flexible regions 300a may include a first material that is not included in the non-flexible region 300 b. The one or more flexible regions may comprise a material that is elastically deformable when pressed by a user of the aerosol-generating device 100, and the one or more non-flexible regions 300b may comprise a material that is not elastically deformable when pressed by a user. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible regions 300a may also have a different average material thickness, preferably less than the average material thickness of the one or more non-flexible regions 300b, i.e. the one or more flexible regions are thin enough so that they may deform when pressed by a user, while the one or more non-flexible regions 300b are thick enough so that they cannot elastically deform when pressed by a user. These thickness ranges have been shown to provide a flexible region 300a that is flexible enough to be elastically deformed by a user pressing on the flexible region 300a, while making the flexible region 300a durable and strong enough to withstand potentially damaging external influences and repeated use by a user. The one or more non-flexible regions 300b are sufficiently thick to prevent deformation of the one or more non-flexible regions 300b when pressed by a user of the aerosol-generating device 100.

The one or more flexible regions 300a of the cover member may be provided with one or more protrusions 301 provided at a surface of the one or more flexible regions 300a facing an operation interface portion provided at a portion of a surface of the main housing 200 covered by the cover member 300. The protrusions 301 may be arranged such that when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a is deformed upon being pressed by a user, the protrusions provided at the inner surface of the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a move toward the operation input element corresponding to the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a to actuate the corresponding operation input element. As shown in fig. 4A, one or more protrusions 301 may be provided and configured to actuate one or more operational input elements 230 disposed on and/or at the main housing 200. In general, not every operation input member 230 may be provided with a corresponding protrusion 301. One or more of the one or more flexible regions 300a may be provided with more than one protrusion 301, wherein different protrusions 301 are provided at different portions of the inner surface of one or more of the one or more flexible regions 300a and configured for actuating different operation input elements 230. As shown in fig. 4B, one or more of the one or more protrusions may be provided with a single protrusion configured to actuate a single corresponding operation input element 230.

One or more protrusions may be integrally formed with the cover member 300. When the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a is not deformed, the protrusion of the flexible region provided with the one or more flexible regions 300a configured to actuate the corresponding operation input element 230 may be configured to be spaced apart from and not contact the corresponding operation input element 230. When the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a is deformed by being pressed by a user, the protrusion 301 moves toward the corresponding operation input element 230 to actuate the operation input element 230.

The operation input element 230 may comprise buttons and/or switches and/or sensors that may be actuated when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 230a is deformed, in particular when pressed by a user to deform in a direction towards the operation input element 230. Actuating the operational input element 230 including a button or switch may include contacting and/or applying a force to the button or switch to press the button or switch. Alternatively, when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a is not deformed, the protrusion 301 may contact the button or switch but not apply a force for pressing the button or switch to the button or switch, and when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300a is deformed by being pressed by a user, the protrusion 301 moves toward the corresponding button or switch to press the button or switch. The buttons or switches may include mechanical buttons or switches, or capacitive touch buttons or switches. Alternatively, the operation input element 230 including a sensor may be actuated when the flexible region 300a is deformed, and the sensor detects a distance or a change in distance between the sensor and a portion of the flexible region 300 a. The sensor may comprise a magnetic sensor and the flexible region 300a may comprise a ferromagnetic material, or a component integrally formed with or separately provided from the inner surface of the cover element 300 and detectable by the magnetic sensor. For example, the magnetic sensor may be a hall sensor and the cover element 300 may comprise a ferromagnetic material or be provided with ferromagnetic parts. The hall sensor may detect a change in distance of the ferromagnetic material or component relative to the hall sensor. Alternatively, the hall sensor may detect the presence of the ferromagnetic material or component when the ferromagnetic material or component is within a certain distance of the hall sensor because the flexible region 300a is deformed toward the hall sensor, and the hall sensor may not detect the presence of the ferromagnetic material or component when the ferromagnetic material or component is not within a certain distance of the hall sensor because the flexible region 300a is not deformed. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise an optical sensor, and the flexible region 300a may be provided with an optical element that may be detected by the optical sensor. For example, the optical sensor may comprise an IR sensor, and the flexible region may comprise a reflective element that may be detected by the IR sensor.

It should be noted that the cover member 300 and the main casing 200 may be formed of the same material, or the cover member 300 may be formed of a different material from the main casing 200. The cover element may be formed of or comprise a material that provides insulating properties. Such a cover member 300 prevents heat from a heating unit provided with the aerosol-generating device 100 from heating the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 to prevent a user from being thermally injured. For this purpose, the cover element 300 may comprise or consist essentially of one or more layers of aerogel sheets, insulating sheets and foam sheets, preferably foam resin sheets and/or foam plastics.

As shown in fig. 5A to 5D, the aerosol-generating device 100 may be provided with a cap detection means 250 configured to detect whether the cap element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200. The cover member 300 may be provided with a detection object 320 configured to be detected by the cover detection device 250 when the cover member 300 is attached to the main casing 200. The aerosol-generating device 100 may further be provided with circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100. The circuitry may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 based on information provided by the cap detection device 250. The information from the cover detection device 250 includes information about a first state in which the cover element 300 is detected to be attached to the main casing 200 and information about a second state in which the cover element 300 is detected to be not attached to the main casing 200. To ensure safe operation of the aerosol-generating device 100, the circuitry may be configured to prevent or inhibit the aerosol-generating device 100 from generating aerosol. This may be achieved, for example, by preventing operation of the heating unit 110 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate and/or by limiting operation of the heating unit 110 to a limited duration or a limited temperature range. As shown in fig. 5A, the cover detection device 250 may include a magnetic sensor such as a hall sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a magnetic detection object 320 (such as a ferromagnetic object) that can be detected when the cover element 300 is attached to the main casing 200. Additionally or alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise or consist essentially of ferromagnetic material that may be detected by a magnetic sensor. When the detection signal generated in the magnetic sensor based on the distance between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic detection object is higher than a predetermined detection signal intensity threshold value, a first state in which the cover element 300 is properly and firmly attached to the aerosol-generating device 100 may be indicated, and when the detection signal intensity is lower than the predetermined threshold value, a second state in which the cover element 300 is not properly and firmly attached may be indicated. Alternatively, the first state may be indicated when the detection signal is generated, and the second state may be indicated when the detection signal is not generated. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 5B, the cover detection device 250 may comprise an optical sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an optical detection object 320, such as a light reflecting object that reflects light. The optical sensor may be an IR sensor that emits IR light. When the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200, the first state may be indicated when IR light emitted by the IR sensor is reflected back to the IR sensor to be detected by the IR sensor. The first state may additionally or alternatively be indicated when the reflected IR light detected by the IR sensor is above a predetermined intensity or coherence threshold. When the cover member 300 is not properly or securely attached to the main housing 200, the second state may be indicated when the IR light emitted by the IR sensor is not reflected by the light reflecting object 320. The second state may additionally or alternatively be indicated when the reflected IR light detected by the IR sensor is below a predetermined intensity or coherence threshold. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in fig. 5C, the cover detection device may comprise an electrical sensor and the cover element 300 may be provided with an electrically detected object. For example, the cover detection device may include an open circuit with a plurality of electrical contacts that are exposed at the main housing 200 toward the cover element 300, and the cover element 300 may be provided with the conductive element 320. The first state may be indicated when the plurality of contacts of the open circuit are in contact with the conductive element 320 of the cover element such that the open circuit is closed and thus a current flow or voltage drop may be detected. The first state may additionally or alternatively be indicated when the electrically detected object 320 has a resistance with or within a predetermined value and the detected current or voltage drop therefore has or is within a predetermined value. As shown in fig. 5D, the cap detection device 250 may additionally or alternatively comprise a button or switch, and the cap element 300 may be provided with a detection object 320, such as a protrusion or similar structure for actuating the button or switch. The buttons or switches may be mechanical and/or capacitive touch buttons or switches. When the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing, a first state may be indicated when the button or switch is actuated, and a second state may be indicated when the button or switch is not actuated.

It should be noted that the cover detection means 250 may also be used as an operation input element 230 provided with one or more operation interface portions 220 arranged on and/or at the surface of the main housing. As an example, the cover detection device may be a button or a switch and comprise an open circuit, a plurality of electrical contacts being provided on the button or the switch. The cover element 300 may be provided with a conductive element 320 on an inner surface of the flexible region 300a of the cover element, wherein the conductive element is configured to contact a plurality of contacts provided on the button or switch without actuating the button or switch. Thus, the first state of the cover member 300 attached to the main housing 200 is indicated when the conductive member contacts the plurality of electrical contacts allowing detection of current flow or voltage drop. As the conductive element 320 is in contact with a plurality of contacts on the button or switch, when the flexible region 300a is subsequently deformed upon being pressed by a user, the deformation causes the button or switch to be pressed and thus actuated to allow the user to input an operation to the aerosol-generating device 100. As another example, the lid detection device 250 may include a button or switch that may be pressed to be in two different states. When the cover member 300 is attached to the main housing 200, a detection object, such as a protrusion provided at the undeformed flexible region 300a, causes the button or switch of the cover detection device to be pressed a first distance such that the button or switch is in a first button or switch state to indicate that the cover member 300 is properly or securely attached. When the flexible region 300a is subsequently deformed upon being pressed by a user, the button or switch may be further pressed to be in a second button or switch state for inputting an operation to the aerosol-generating device 100. Furthermore, any combination of magnetic sensors, electrical sensors, buttons or switches, and/or optical sensors may be utilized to allow the cap detection device 250 to also function as an operational input element. Further, the magnetic cover detection device 250 may be used as the attachment device 210. For example, the cover detection device 250 may include a magnetic sensor that applies an attractive force to the cover element 300 including or provided with a magnetic element. As another example, the cover detection device 250 may include a button or switch, and the cover element 300 may be mechanically attached or connected to the button or switch to attach the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The mechanical attachment or connection may be achieved by a mechanical press fit connection or similar clamping or engagement arrangement. As yet another example, the cap detection device 250 may include a plurality of electrical connection elements, such as pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles, and the cap element 300 may be provided with conductive elements, such as one or more pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles, that engage with the electrical connection elements of the cap detection device 250 to form a stable mechanical connection to attach the cap element 300 to the main housing 200. Instead of the cap detection device 250, the operation input member 230 may also be used as the attachment device 210 in the same manner as the cap detection device 250 described above.

While the present disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure, as defined by the independent and dependent claims.

List of reference numerals

100. Aerosol generating device

110. Heating unit

120. Consumable product

200. Main shell

210. Attachment device

220. Operation interface part

230. Operation input element

240. Output element

250. Cover detection device

300. Cover element

300a flexible region

300b inflexible region

301. Protrusions

310. Attachment device

320. Detecting an object

Height of H aerosol generating device

Length of L aerosol generating device

Width of W aerosol generating device

Height of Hc cover element

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a main body defined by a main housing, the main housing including an operation interface portion provided at least a portion of an outer surface of the main housing and capable of being actuated to operate the aerosol-generating device;

A cover member detachably attached or connected to the main housing;

wherein at least a portion of the operation interface portion is disposed between an outer surface of the main casing and the cover member; and

wherein the cover element comprises one or more flexible regions that are elastically deformable to actuate the operation interface portion.

2. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the entire operation interface portion is arranged between the cover element and the main housing, and wherein the operation interface portion is not visible from the outside.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more flexible regions are capable of being pressed by a user's hand or finger to elastically deform towards the main housing to actuate the operation interface portion.

4. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the one or more flexible regions are capable of being pressed to elastically deform towards the main housing to actuate one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion or in different regions of the operation interface portion.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprises a protrusion on a surface of the cover element facing the main housing, the protrusion protruding towards the main housing.

6. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the flexible region.

7. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the protrusions of one or more of the one or more flexible regions are configured to actuate the operation interface portion.

8. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the interaction, engagement or contact of the operation interface portion comprises an interaction, engagement or contact with one or more operation input elements.

9. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the one or more input elements comprise buttons, switches or sensors.

10. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an output element is provided at a surface of the main housing between the main housing and the cover element, wherein the output element comprises an indicator light.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average material thickness of one or more flexible regions of the panel is less than the average material thickness of the non-flexible regions.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a cap detection means for detecting whether the cap element is attached to the main housing.

14. Aerosol-generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the cap detection means comprises a button or switch that is actuated when the cap element is attached to the main housing, and/or

Wherein the cover detection device comprises a sensor circuit comprising a hall sensor, an optical sensor and/or an electrical sensor.

15. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 12 to 14, comprising circuitry for controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the cap detection means, the information comprising information about a first state in which the cap element is detected as being attached to the main housing and about a second state in which the cap element is detected as being unattached to the main housing,

wherein controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the cap detection means comprises preventing or inhibiting the aerosol-generating device from generating an aerosol if the information from the cap detection means indicates the second state, and enabling the aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol if the information from the cap detection means indicates the first state.