TW202215991A - Aerosol generation device with flexible cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol generation device, in particular an aerosol generation device comprising a cover with one or more flexible regions that can be deformed when pressed. In a first aspect the invention is an aerosol generation device that comprises a main body defined by a main housing comprising an operation interface portion that is provided at at least a portion of the exterior surface of the main housing and that can be actuated for operating the aerosol generation device, and a cover element that is detachably attached or connected to the main housing. At least a portion of the operation interface portion is arranged between the exterior surface of the main housing and the cover element, and the cover element comprises one or more flexible regions that can be elastically deformed for actuating the operation interface portion.

Description

Aerosol-generating device with flexible lid

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, in particular an aerosol-generating device comprising a cover having one or more flexible areas that can be deformed when pressed.

Aerosol-generating devices commonly found on indicia 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 input to the device. Using these input elements, the user can, for example, turn the aerosol-generating device on or off, adjust one or more operating parameters of the device (such as heating temperature or duration), or can input a request to the aerosol-generating device to output, for example, a Information about the operational status of the aerosol-generating device.

Some configurations provide one or more input elements that are accessible at the outer surface of the device outer housing of the aerosol-generating device. While the input elements are easily accessible, this configuration is prone to inadvertent actuation of the input elements. In addition, the input elements are subject to mechanical wear and tear and are not protected from the ingress of liquids, small particles and particulates. Some configurations utilize a cover panel that covers an input element disposed on the body of the aerosol-generating device. The cover panel is typically removable 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 against 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 attached The connector is detachably or removably attached to the body.

Therefore, there is a need for an aerosol-generating device that is provided with an input element that is easily accessible to the user and protected from external harmful influences.

Some or all of the above-mentioned objects are achieved by the invention as defined by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

In a first aspect, the present invention is an aerosol-generating device comprising a body defined by a main housing and a cover member removably attached or connected to the main housing, the main housing including an operating interface portion , an operating interface portion is provided at at least a portion of the outer surface of the main housing and can be actuated to operate the aerosol generating device. At least a portion of the operating interface portion is disposed between the outer surface of the main housing and a cover element comprising one or more flexible regions that can be elastically deformed to actuate the operating interface portion.

A cover element comprising one or more flexible areas is advantageous because on the one hand the cover element covers parts of the operating interface to provide protection from harmful external influences, and on the other hand the one or more flexible areas allow the user to actuate the operating interface part without removing or moving the cover element to expose part of the operating interface. It should be noted that while any material possesses a certain amount of elasticity, "elastic deformation" in the context of the present invention refers to any elastic deformation that may be caused by the user of the aerosol generating device using any additional tools or aids. Removability is advantageous because it allows direct access to parts of the operating interface or any other functional elements of the aerosol-generating device that are covered by the cover element, if desired.

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

The second aspect is advantageous because it provides protection and accessibility for the entire operating interface part by means of the cover element.

According to a third aspect, in the previous aspect, the operation interface portion is not visible from the outside.

The third aspect is advantageous because it provides improved protection of the operator interface portion. Furthermore, it allows the operator 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 a fourth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed by a user's hand or fingers.

The fourth aspect is advantageous because it allows the user to actuate the operating interface portion while holding the aerosol-generating device, in particular actuating the operating interface portion with the fingers of the hand holding the aerosol-generating device.

According to a fifth aspect, in the previous aspect, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed to elastically deform toward the main housing to actuate the operating interface portion.

Aspect 5 is advantageous because it allows the deformation of one or more flexible areas to be pressed to correspond directly to actuation of the operating interface portion.

According to a sixth aspect, in either of the fourth or fifth aspects, the one or more flexible regions may be pressed to elastically deform towards the main housing to actuate different regions of the operating interface portion.

Aspect 6 is advantageous because it allows the user to selectively actuate different areas of the operating interface portion.

According to a seventh aspect, in the previous aspect, the one or more flexible regions can be pressed to elastically deform toward the main housing to actuate one or more operations provided on the operating interface portion or in different regions of the operating interface portion input element.

Aspect 7 is advantageous as it allows the user to selectively actuate different input elements to provide different types of input to the aerosol-generating device via the flexible area of the cover element.

According to an eighth aspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, one or more of the one or more flexible regions includes a protrusion on a surface of the cover element facing the main housing, the protrusion facing the main housing Body prominent.

The eighth aspect is advantageous because it improves the structural stability of the cover element and limits the maximum deformation of the cover element in the direction towards the operating interface portion, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the cover element.

According to a ninth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the protrusion is integrally formed with the flexible region.

The ninth aspect is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process of the cover element, increases the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the likelihood of structural weaknesses where the protrusions would otherwise attach or engage with the cover element.

According to a tenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the cover element is an integrally formed cover element.

Aspect 10 is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process of the cover element, increases the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the likelihood of structural weaknesses where different parts of the cover element would otherwise be attached or engage.

According to an eleventh aspect, in the preceding aspect, the protrusions of one or more of the one or more flexible regions are configured to actuate the operating interface portion.

Aspect 11 is advantageous because it improves the accuracy with which the selected input operating element can be actuated, and allows the range of deformation of the flexible area of the cover element to be smaller than the distance between the flexible area of the cover element and the operating interface portion, thereby causing The part of the mobile operation interface requires less deformation.

According to a twelfth aspect, in the previous aspect, actuating the operating interface portion includes interacting with, engaging, or making contact with the operating interface portion.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the interaction, engagement or contact of the operating interface portion includes interaction, engagement or contact with one or more operation input elements.

Aspects 12 and 13 are advantageous in that they allow the user to selectively actuate certain input elements to provide unambiguous, consistently repeatable input to the operating interface portion.

According to a fourteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the one or more input elements comprise buttons, switches or sensors.

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

According to a fifteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the sensor comprises 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 from repeated use.

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

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the output element includes an indicator light.

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

According to an eighteenth aspect, in any one of the preceding 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 arranged.

Aspect 18 is advantageous because enclosing the operator interface portion protects the operator interface portion from potentially harmful intrusion of liquids, particles or particles.

According to a nineteenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the cover element includes a substantially flat portion.

According to a 20th aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the cover element comprises a curved portion or curved portion.

According to a twenty-first aspect, in one of the preceding aspects, the peripheral portion of the cover member is curved or curved.

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

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

Aspect 22 is advantageous because the panels are typically substantially plate-like structures that are fabricated in the desired form and shape to conform to the different shapes of aerosol-generating devices. Furthermore, many of the raw materials or precursor components used to manufacture the cover element are typically in the form of substantially rectangular planar panels. Thus, the use of panels for cover elements reduces manufacturing cost and complexity.

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

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

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

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

According to a 25th aspect, in any one of the 1st to 23rd aspects, the aerosol generating device includes cover detection means for detecting whether the cover member is attached to the main housing.

Aspect 25 is advantageous as it allows to determine whether the cover element is properly attached to ensure proper and safe operation and protection of the aerosol-generating device.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the cover detection means comprises a button or switch which is actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing.

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

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in any one of the twenty-fifth to twenty-sixth aspects, the lid detection device includes a sensor circuit.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the sensor circuit includes a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, and an electrical sensor.

Aspects 27 and 28 are advantageous in that due to actuation of the Hall sensor, optical sensor or electrical sensor no mechanical mechanical action is required, eg by pressing the sensor or otherwise moving a part of the sensor The sensor is actuated properly and is therefore less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear due to repeated attachment and detachment of the cover element.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect, in any one of aspects 25 to 28, the aerosol-generating device includes circuitry for controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the lid detection device, the information including information about detection to a first state in which the cover element is attached to the main housing and information about a second state in which it is detected that the cover element is not attached to the main housing.

Proper 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., the operating interface portion is actuated as intended by user input pressing against the flexible area of the cover element, and to ensure that Proper protection of parts of the operating interface from potentially harmful external influences is also important. Therefore, aspect 29 is advantageous as it allows the operation of the aerosol-generating device to be adjusted based on whether the cover element is properly attached.

According to aspect 30, in the preceding aspect, controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the lid detection device includes preventing or inhibiting the aerosol-generating device if the information from the lid detection device indicates the second state An aerosol is generated, and the aerosol generating device is activated to generate the aerosol if information from the lid detection device indicates the first state.

Correct and safe operation of the aerosol generating device cannot be ensured if it is not detected that the cover element is attached. The 30th aspect is therefore advantageous because it prevents unsafe operation of the aerosol generating device.

According to a 31st aspect, in the previous aspect, when the cover element is attached or connected to the main housing, the cover element and the main housing form an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, except where the cover element and the main housing adjoin The outer surface is smooth and uniform, except for the seams.

According to a 32nd aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, when the cover element is attached to the main housing, the outer surface of the cover element constitutes 10% to 60% of the total outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

According to a 33rd aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the aerosol-generating device is an electronic cigarette.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a main casing 200 and a cover member 300. The main housing 200 is configured to house an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol for consumption by a user. The aerosol-generating unit may include a heating unit 110 configured to heat a consumable 120 comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating device 100 may be an electronic cigarette and may be configured to generate an aerosol from an e-liquid 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 include a wicking element and a heating element configured to heat the wicking element. The aerosol generating device 100 also includes 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 case 200 . "The cover element is removable" means that the cover element 300 can be removed from the main housing by the user of the aerosol generating device 100 without any additional tools or assistance, but by the user using one hand or two Disassemble by hand. 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 the 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 is elongated. 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 of any suitable shape, but may preferably be a rectangular, square, circular or oval shape. The longitudinal direction of the cross-section is the first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol-generating device 100 and corresponds to the 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 the 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 , and 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 can be arbitrarily selected as long as they are perpendicular to each other. In the case of a square 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 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 , that is, when attached to the main housing of the aerosol-generating device 100 200, the cover element 300 increases the height H of the aerosol generating device 100, but does not increase the length L and width W of the aerosol generating device 100, as shown in FIG. 1B. The height H of the aerosol generating device 100 is composed of the height Hc of the cover member 300 and the height Hm of the main casing 200 , wherein the height Hc of the cover member 300 corresponds to the height H of the aerosol generating device 100 and the height of the main casing 200 difference between Hm. 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, when the cover element 300 is attached, 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 with one hand. When the cover member 300 is attached to the main case, the outer surface of the cover member 300 is the opposite surface of the cover member 300 to the inner surface of the cover member 300 , which is the surface facing the main case 200 . The outer surface of the cover element 300 may preferably constitute between 10% and 60% of the total outer surface of the aerosol generating device, preferably between 20% and 50%, more preferably between 30% and 40%. %between. 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 abut. 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 FIGS. 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 press fit connections, clamp connections or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment means 210, 310 may comprise magnetic means. The main housing 200 may be provided with magnetic coupling elements, and the cover element 300 may be provided with magnetic corresponding coupling elements, wherein the coupling elements and the corresponding coupling elements include magnets and ferromagnetic elements. The main casing 200 is provided with an operation interface portion 220 accessible on the outer surface of the main casing 200 . The operating interface portion 220 includes one or more operating input elements 230 that can be actuated to provide input for operating the aerosol-generating device 100 . When the cover member 300 is attached to the main casing 200, at least a part or the whole of the operation interface part 220 including the one or more operation input elements 230 is covered by the cover member 300, that is, the operation interface part includes the operation interface part arranged between the main casing 200 and the main casing 200. One or more operation input elements 230 between cover elements 300 . Preferably, all the operation input members 230 are arranged between the main case 200 and the cover member 300 . The operation interface portion 220 and the operation input element 230 are shown with dotted lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B to indicate their respective positions under the cover element 300 covering them. Alternatively, the one or more operation input elements 230 may be arranged at the 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 . Also, the main case 200 may be provided with a plurality of operation interface parts 220 , at least a part or all of which may be arranged between the main case 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 can be made invisible from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 . This can be achieved if the operation input element 230 is enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 without a line of sight from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 to the operation input element 230 . Furthermore, the cover member 300 may preferably be at least partially fully opaque, or translucent to such an extent that the operation input member 230 enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover member 300 is not visible through the cover member 300 . The one or more operational input elements 230 include input elements that, when actuated, can cause one of the following: turn on/off the aerosol-generating device 100 , change and/or set the heating unit 110 provided with the aerosol-generating device 100 . Heating temperature and/or duration of heating, checking the remaining amount of consumables, checking the remaining power in the power supply, and performing any other functions and/or operations associated with the aerosol-generating device 100 .

The cover element 300 includes one or more non-flexible regions 300b and one or more flexible regions 300a that can be elastically deformed 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 instead applies a force to the flexible area by pressing on the flexible area with a finger or a hand or other suitable part of both hands area 300a. The one or more flexible regions 300 a can be elastically deformed when pressed by the user to actuate the operation interface portion 220 , especially one or more operation input elements 230 for actuating the operation interface portion 220 . As shown in FIG. 2A , the flexible area 300 a may correspond to the operation input element 230 , so that the flexible area 300 a is deformed to actuate the corresponding operation input element 230 . Therefore, the cover member 300 may be provided with one or more flexible regions 300a corresponding to the one or more operation input members 230 provided at the main housing. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible area 300a may correspond to more than one operation input element 230 , and different portions of the flexible area 300a may deform to actuate different operation input elements 230 .

As shown in FIG. 3A , showing 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. Operational output element 240 may include indicator lights such as one or more LED light sources or LED strips. The indicator light can indicate information indicating the operating state to the user of the aerosol generating device 100 , and the information includes but is not limited to information related to the on/off state of the aerosol generating device 100 and information related to the heating temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 , information about consumables used with the aerosol-generating device 100 , information about the power status of the aerosol-generating device 100 . The indicator light may be arranged between the main case 200 and the cover member 300 , or may alternatively be arranged at the outer surface of the main case 200 and not covered by the cover member 300 . The indicator light 240 may be configured to be visible and/or illuminated when the cover element 300 is detached from the main housing. 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 when the indicator light 240 is illuminated, the indicator light 240 is visible through the cover member 300, while the indicator light 240 is visible through the cover member 300. When the indicator light 240 is not illuminated, the indicator light is not visible through the cover element 300 . 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 is illuminated. 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 cover detection means 250 configured to detect whether the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, as will be done below with respect to the embodiments described in the context of Figures 5A-5D detailed.

As shown in Figures 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%, or even less than 30%, preferably less than 20%, of the height Hc of the cover element 300 as described for the embodiment in the context of FIG. 1A . More preferably, it is less than 10%. 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 the main housing 200 and to be in contact with the main housing 200. A space is arranged or enclosed between the cover elements 300 in which one or more operating input elements 230 can be arranged. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may have a continuously curved shape with a central portion having a curvature less than that 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 each other by one or more non-flexible regions 300b. In contrast to "flexible", "non-flexible" in the context of the present invention means non-deformable by the user without any additional tools or aids, ie applied by the fingers or hands of the user of the aerosol-generating device 100. Not deformed under force. The cover element 300 may be an integrally formed cover. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise multiple parts that are contiguous together. Different ones of the various portions of cover element 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 regions 300b. 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 inflexible regions 300b may comprise a material that is not elastically deformable when pressed by the 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 inflexible regions 300b, ie the one or more flexible regions are thin enough that they are The one or more inflexible regions 300b are sufficiently thick that they cannot be elastically deformed when pressed by the user. These thickness ranges have been shown to provide the flexible region 300a that is flexible enough to elastically deform by the user pressing the flexible region 300a, while making the flexible region 300a durable and strong enough to withstand potentially damaging external influences and repeated use by the user . The one or more inflexible regions 300b are sufficiently thick to prevent the one or more inflexible regions 300b from deforming when pressed by a user of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

One or more flexible areas 300a of the cover member may be provided with one or more protrusions 301 provided at the surface of the one or more flexible areas 300a facing the surface covered by the cover member 300 provided in the main housing 200 A portion of the operator interface at a portion of the surface. The protrusions 301 may be arranged such that when the flexible areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a are deformed by being pressed by the user, the protrusions disposed on the inner surface of the flexible areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a are oriented towards the one or more flexible areas. The operation input element corresponding to the flexible area of the flexible area 300a moves 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 provided on and/or at the main housing 200 . Generally, not every operation input element 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 on different portions of the inner surface of one or more of the one or more flexible regions 300a, And are configured to actuate 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 element 300 . When the flexible areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a are not deformed, the protrusions configured to actuate the corresponding operation input elements 230 provided with the flexible areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a may be configured to correspond to the corresponding The operation input elements 230 are spaced apart and not in contact. When the flexible areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a are deformed by being pressed by the user, the protrusions 301 move toward the corresponding operation input elements 230 to actuate the operation input elements 230 .

The operation input element 230 may comprise buttons and/or switches and/or sensors, when the flexible area of the one or more flexible areas 230a is deformed, particularly when pressed by a user to deform in a direction towards the operation input element 230 , buttons and/or switches and/or sensors may be actuated. 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 areas of the one or more flexible areas 300a are not deformed, the protrusion 301 may contact the button or switch without applying a force to the button or switch for pressing the button or switch, and when the one or more flexible areas When the flexible area of 300a is deformed by being pressed by the 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 area 300a is deformed, and the sensor detects a distance or change in distance between the sensor and a portion of the flexible area 300a. The sensor may include a magnetic sensor, and the flexible region 300a may include a ferromagnetic material, or a component integrally formed with the inner surface of the cover member 300 or provided separately and detectable by the magnetic sensor. For example, the magnetic sensor may be a Hall sensor, and the cover member 300 may comprise a ferromagnetic material or be provided with a ferromagnetic component. Hall sensors can detect changes in the distance of a ferromagnetic material or component relative to the Hall sensor. Alternatively, since the flexible region 300a deforms towards the Hall sensor, the Hall sensor can detect the presence of the ferromagnetic material or component when the ferromagnetic material or component is within a certain distance of the Hall sensor, And since the flexible area 300a is not deformed, when the ferromagnetic material or component is not within a certain distance of the Hall sensor, the Hall sensor cannot detect the existence of the ferromagnetic material or component. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may comprise an optical sensor, and the flexible region 300a may be provided with an optical element that can 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 can be detected by the IR sensor.

It should be noted that the cover member 300 and the main case 200 may be formed of the same material, or the cover member 300 may be formed of a different material from the main case 200 . The cover element may be formed of or include a material that provides thermal insulating properties. Such a cover element 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 the user from being injured by heat. 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 FIGS. 5A to 5D , the aerosol generating device 100 may be provided with a cover detection device 250 configured to detect whether the cover element 300 is correctly 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 housing 200 . The aerosol-generating device 100 may be further provided with circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100 . The circuit may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the information provided by the lid 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 case 200 and information about a second state in which the cover element 300 is not attached to the main case 200 is detected. 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 aerosols. This may be accomplished, for example, by preventing the operation of the heating unit 110 from heating the aerosol-generating substrate and/or by limiting the operation of the heating unit 110 to a limited duration or 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) when the cover element 300 is attached to the main The magnetic detection object can be detected when the housing 200 is installed. Additionally or alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise or consist essentially of a ferromagnetic material that can 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 strength threshold, it may be indicated that the cover member 300 is correctly and firmly attached to the aerosol generating device 100 , and when the detected signal strength is below a predetermined threshold, indicates a second state in which the cover element 300 is not properly and securely attached. 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 Figure 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 the 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. The second state may be indicated when the IR light emitted by the IR sensor is not reflected by the light reflecting object 320 when the cover member 300 is not properly or securely attached to the main housing 200 . 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 Figure 5C, the lid detection device may comprise an electrical sensor, and the lid element 300 may be provided with an electrical detection object. For example, the lid detection device may comprise an open circuit having a plurality of electrical contacts exposed towards the lid element 300 at the main housing 200 and the lid element 300 may be provided with the conductive element 320 . The first state may be indicated when a plurality of contacts of the open circuit make contact with the conductive element 320 of the cover element such that the open circuit is closed and therefore current flow or voltage drop can be detected. The first state may additionally or alternatively be indicated when the electrical detection object 320 has a resistance with a predetermined value or within a predetermined range of values and thus the detected current or voltage drop has a predetermined value or within a predetermined range of values. As shown in Figure 5D, the cover detection device 250 may additionally or alternatively comprise a button or switch, and the cover 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 device 250 can also be used as the operation input element 230 provided together with one or more operation interface portions 220 arranged on and/or at the surface of the main housing. As an example, the lid detection device may be a button or switch and include an open circuit on which a plurality of electrical contacts are provided. The cover element 300 may be provided with a conductive element 320 on the 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, a first state of attachment of the cover element 300 to the main housing 200 is indicated when the conductive element contacts the plurality of electrical contacts allowing detection of current flow or voltage drop. Since the conductive element 320 is in contact with the multiple contacts on the button or switch, when the flexible region 300a is subsequently deformed upon being pressed by the user, the deformation causes the button or switch to be pressed and thus actuated to allow the user to generate an aerosol The device 100 inputs an operation. As another example, the lid detection device 250 may include a button or switch that can be pressed to be in two different states. When the cover element 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 at the first button or switch state to indicate that the cover element 300 is properly or securely attached. When the flexible area 300a is subsequently deformed by being pressed by the 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 lid detection device 250 to also function as an operational input element. Furthermore, 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 that includes or is 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 . Mechanical attachment or connection may be achieved by a mechanical press fit connection or similar clamping or engaging arrangement. As yet another example, cover detection device 250 may include a plurality of electrical connection elements, such as pogo pins or pogo pin sockets, and cover element 300 may be provided with conductive elements, such as one or more pogo pins or pogo pin sockets, which spring A pin or pogo pin socket engages the electrical connection elements of the cover detection device 250 to form a stable mechanical connection to attach the cover element 300 to the main housing 200 . Instead of the cover detection device 250, the operation input element 230 can also be used as the attachment device 210 in the same manner as the cover detection device 250 described above.

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

100: Aerosol Generation Device 110: Heating unit 120: Consumables 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 area 300b: Inflexible area 301: Protrusion 310: Attachment device 320: Detect Objects H: height of the aerosol generating device L: the length of the aerosol generating device W: the width of the aerosol generating device Hc: height of cover element

[FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B] are schematic diagrams showing a side view and a top view, respectively, of an aerosol generating device having a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B] are schematic diagrams showing a top view of an aerosol generating device having an operation interface portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively;

[ FIG. 3A ] A schematic diagram showing a bottom view of the cover member detached from the main case by rotating 180° about the axis marked R, and FIG. 3B shows the main body according to the embodiment of the present invention. Schematic of a top view, the cover element shown in FIG. 3A has been removed from the body;

[ FIGS. 4A and 4B ] respectively showing cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating device having a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D] respectively show partial cross-sectional side views of an aerosol generating device having a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

230: Operation input element

300a: Flexible area

300b: Inflexible area

301: Protrusion

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body defined by a main housing including an operating interface portion disposed at at least a portion of an outer surface of the main housing and actuatable to operate the aerosol-generating device; a cover element removably attached or connected to the main housing; wherein at least a portion of the operating interface portion is disposed between the outer surface of the main housing and the cover member; and Wherein, the cover element includes one or more flexible regions that can be elastically deformed to actuate the operating interface portion. The aerosol generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the entire operating interface portion is arranged between the cover element and the main housing, and wherein the operating interface portion is invisible from the outside. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more flexible regions can be pressed by a user's hand or fingers to elastically deform toward the main housing to actuate the operating interface portion. The aerosol-generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the one or more flexible regions can be pressed to elastically deform toward the main housing to actuate a device provided on the operating interface portion or the operating interface portion. One or more operating input elements in different areas. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprises a protrusion on the surface of the cover element facing the main housing, the protrusion protrudes toward the main casing. The aerosol-generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the flexible region. The aerosol-generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the protrusions of one or more of the one or more flexible regions are configured to actuate the operating interface portion. The aerosol-generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the interaction, engagement or contact of the operating interface portion includes interaction, engagement or contact with one or more operating input elements. The aerosol-generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the one or more input elements comprise buttons, switches or sensors. The aerosol generating device of the preceding claim, wherein the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an output element is provided at the surface of the main housing between the main housing and the cover element, wherein the output element comprises an indicator light. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein 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. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises lid detection means for detecting whether the lid element is attached to the main housing. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the cover detection means comprises a button or switch which is actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing, and/or Wherein, the cover detection device includes a sensor circuit, and the sensor circuit includes a Hall sensor, an optical sensor and/or an electrical sensor. An aerosol-generating device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the lid detection device, the information including information on detection of attachment of the lid element to a first state of the main housing and information about a second state of detecting that the cover element is not attached to the main housing, wherein controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device based on information from the lid detection device includes preventing or inhibiting the aerosol-generating device from generating aerosol if the information from the lid detection device indicates the second state, and if the information from the lid detection device indicates the second state, When the information of the detection device indicates the first state, the aerosol generating device is activated to generate aerosol.

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