US20230371611A1

US20230371611A1 - Aerosol Generation Device with Flexible Cover

Info

Publication number: US20230371611A1
Application number: US18/031,093
Authority: US
Inventors: Layth Sliman Bouchuiguir; Marko Plevnik
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-10-16
Filing date: 2021-10-06
Publication date: 2023-11-23
Also published as: CN116348007A; WO2022078832A1; JP2023544774A; KR20230085142A; EP4228451A1; TW202215991A

Abstract

An aerosol generation device includes a cover with one or more flexible regions that can be deformed when pressed. In a first aspect the aerosol generation device includes a main body defined by a main housing including 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 includes one or more flexible regions that can be elastically deformed for actuating the operation interface portion.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

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.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Aerosol generation devices commonly found on the marked typically comprise one or more input element such as buttons, switches, touch panels or similar interface elements that allow a user of the aerosol generation device to provide operation input for the device. Using these input elements, the user may, for example, turn the aerosol generation device on or off, adjust one or more operation parameters of the device such as a heating temperature or duration, or may input a request for the aerosol generation device to output, for example, information pertaining to an operational state of the aerosol generation device.
Some configurations provide one or more input elements that are accessible at the exterior surface of an outer device housing of the aerosol generation device. While the input elements are easily accessible, such configurations are prone to unintentional actuation of the input elements. Furthermore, they are subject to mechanical wear and tear and are not protected from ingress of liquids and small particles and particulates. Some configurations utilize a cover panel that covers input elements provided on a main body of the aerosol generation device. The cover panel can typically be detached or otherwise moved relative to the main body to expose the input elements to a user of the aerosol generation device. While such configurations offer improved protection of the input elements against outside influences, access to the input elements is inconvenient, and repeatedly detaching or moving the cover panel leads to increased wear and tear on the attaching means with which the cover panel is detachably or movably attached to the main body.
Therefore, there is a need for an aerosol generation device that is provided with input elements that are conveniently accessible to a user and protected from harmful outside influences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some, or all of the above objectives are achieved by the 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^staspect, 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.
The cover element comprising one or more flexible regions is advantageous because, on the one hand, the cover element covers the operation interface portion to provide protection against harmful exterior influences, while on the other hand, the one or more flexible regions allow a user to actuate the operation interface portion without the need to remove or move the cover element to expose the operation interface portion. It should be noted that while any material has a certain amount of elasticity, “elastically deformed”, within the context of the present invention, refers to any elastic deformation that may be induced by a user of the aerosol generation device with any additional tools or aids. Being detachable is advantageous because it allows the operation interface portion, or any other functional element of the aerosol generation device covered by the cover element to be directly accessed if required.
According to a 2^ndaspect, in the preceding aspect, the entire operation interface portion is arranged between the cover element and the main housing.
The 2^ndaspect is advantageous because it provides protection and accessibility for the entire operation interface portion through the cover element.
According to 3^rdaspect, in the preceding aspect, the operation interface portion is not externally visible.
The 3^rdaspect is advantageous because it provides improved protection for the operation interface portion. Additionally, it allows the operation interface portion to comprise optical components and devices whose operation and performance would otherwise be disturbed or negatively affected by ambient or stray light.
According a 4^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the one or more flexible regions can be pressed by a hand or a finger of a user.
The 4^thaspect is advantageous because it allows a user to actuate the operation interface portion while holding the aerosol generation device, in particular to actuate the operation interface portion with a finger of the hand that is holding the aerosol generation device.
According a 5^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the one or more flexible regions can be pressed to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating the operation interface portion.
The 5^thaspect is advantageous because it allows the deformation of the one or more flexible regions caused by being pressed to directly correspond to an actuation of the operation interface portion.
According to a 6^thaspect, in any one of the 4^thor 5^thaspect, the one or more flexible regions can be pressed to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating different regions of the operation interface portion.
The 6^thaspect is advantageous because it allows a user to selectively actuate different regions of the operation interface portion.
According to a 7^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the one or more flexible regions can be pressed to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion or in different regions of the operation interface portion.
The 7^thaspect is advantageous because it allows a user to selectively actuate different input elements to provide different types of input to the aerosol generation device via a flexible region of the cover element.
According to an 8^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprise a protrusion on the surface of the cover element that faces the main housing, the protrusion protruding towards the main housing.
The 8^thaspect is advantageous because it increases the structural stability of the cover element and limits the maximum deformation of the cover element in the direction towards the operation interface portion, thus decreasing the likelihood of damage to the cover element.
According to a 9^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the protrusion is integrally formed with the flexible region.
The 9^thaspect is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process for the cover element, increases the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the likelihood of structural weak points where the protrusion would otherwise have be attached or joined with the cover element.
According to a 10^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover element is an integrally formed cover element.
The 10^thaspect is advantageous because it simplifies the manufacturing process for the cover element, increases the structural stability of the cover element, and reduces the likelihood of structural weak points where different portions of the cover element would otherwise have be attached or joined.
According to an 11^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions are configured to actuate the operation interface portion.
The 11^thaspect is advantageous because it increases the accuracy with which selected input operation elements may be actuated and allows the range of the deformation of the flexible region of the cover element to be smaller than the distance between the flexible region of cover element and the operation interface portion, thus requiring less deformation for actuating the operation interface portion.
According to a 12^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, actuating the operation interface portion comprises interacting, engaging or contacting the operation interface portion.
According to a 13^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, interacting, engaging or contacting of the operation interface portion comprises interacting, engaging or contacting one or more operation input elements.
The 12^thaspect and the 13^thaspect are advantageous because they allow a user to selectively actuate specific input elements to provide a well-defined, consistently repeatable input to the operation interface portion.
According to a 14^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the one or more input elements comprise a button, a switch, or a sensor.
The 14^thaspect is advantageous because it provides input elements that can be actuated in a simple and reliable manner by deforming a flexible region of the cover element.
According to a 15^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.
The 15^thaspect is advantageous because an optical or magnetic sensor can be actuated without being physically contacted and is thus subjected to less wear and tear from repeated use.
According to a 16^thaspect, in any one the preceding aspect, an output element is provided at the surface of the main housing between the main housing and the cover element.
According to a 17^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the output element comprises an indicator light.
The 16^thaspect and the 17^thaspect are advantageous because they respectively allow the aerosol generation device to provide output information such as feedback information to a user of the aerosol generation device.
According to an 18^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the main housing and the cover element enclose a space between the cover element and the main housing, in which the operation interface portion is arranged.
The 18^thaspect is advantageous because enclosing the operation interface portion protects the operation interface portion from potentially harmful ingress of liquid, particles or particulates.
According to a 19^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspect, the cover element comprises a substantially planar portion.
According to a 20^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspect, the cover element comprises a curved or bent portion.
According to a 21^staspect, in one of the preceding aspect, a peripheral portion of the cover element is curved or bent.
The 19th, 20th, and 21^staspects are advantageous because they allow the cover element to adjust or conform to different shapes of the aerosol generation device.
According to a 22^ndaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover element is formed by a panel.
The 22^ndaspect is advantageous because a panel typically is a substantially plate-shaped structure that is brought into desired form and shape to conform to different shapes of the aerosol generation device. Additionally, many raw materials or precursor components used for manufacturing the cover element typically come in the form of substantially rectangular planar panels. Therefore, using a panel for the cover element decreases manufacturing costs and complexity.
According to a 23^rdaspect, in the 22^ndaspect, the one or more flexible regions of the panel have an average material thickness smaller than an average material thickness of the non-flexible regions.
The 23^rdaspect is advantageous because it provides an optimal balance between material strength, weight, and thickness for the flexible regions.
In a 24^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the cover element is integrally formed with the main housing.
The 24^thaspect is advantageous because it decreases the manufacturing complexity and prevents ingress of unwanted substances.
According to a 25^thaspect, in any one of 1^stto 23^rdaspects, the aerosol generation device comprises a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing.
The 25^thaspect is advantageous because it allows a determination of whether the cover element is properly attached to ensure proper and safe operation and protection of the aerosol generation device.
According to a 26^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the cover detection means comprises a button or switch that is actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing.
The 26^thaspect is advantageous because a button or switch can be cost-efficiently implemented to reliably and repeatedly detect attachment of the cover element.
According to a 27^thaspect, in any one of the 25^thto 26^thaspects, the cover detection means comprises sensor circuitry.
According to a 28^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, the sensor circuitry comprises a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, and an electrical sensor.
The 27^thand 28^thaspects are advantageous because sensors are less susceptible to mechanical wear and tear due to repeated attachment and detachment of the cover element as the actuation of a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, or an electrical sensor does not require a mechanical actuation of the sensor by, e.g., pressing onto the sensor or otherwise moving a part of the sensor.
According to a 29^thaspect, in any one of the 25^thto 28^thaspects, the aerosol generation device comprises circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means, the information comprising information about a first state in which it is detected that the cover element is attached to the main housing and 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 are important for ensuring that a user may properly and safely operate the aerosol generation device, i.e. that a user input by pressing onto a flexible region of the cover element actuates the operation interface portion as intended, and is further important for ensuring proper protection of the operation interface portion from potentially harmful external influences. The 29th aspect is therefore advantageous because it allows the operation of the aerosol generation device to be adapted based on whether the cover element is properly attached or not.
According to a 30^thaspect, in the preceding aspect, controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means comprises preventing or inhibiting generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device if the information from the cover detecting means indicates the second state, and enabling generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device if the information from the cover detecting means indicates the first state.
If the cover element is not detected as attached, proper and safe operation of the aerosol generation device cannot be ensured. The 30^thaspect is therefore advantageous because it prevents unsafe operation of the aerosol generation device.
According to a 31^staspect, in the preceding aspect, when the cover element is attached or connected to the main housing, the cover element and the main housing form the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device that is smooth and uniform except for seams that are formed where the cover element and the main housing are adjoined.
According to a 32^ndaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, when the cover element is attached to the main housing, the exterior surface of the cover element makes up between 10% and 60% of the total exterior surface of the aerosol generation device.
According to a 33^rdaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generation device is an electronic cigarette.
According to a 34^thaspect, in any one of the preceding aspects, the aerosol generation device comprises a heating unit for heating an aerosol generation substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show schematic illustrations of a side view and a top view of an aerosol generation device with a cover element, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show schematic illustrations of top views of an aerosol generation device with an operation interface portion, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A shows a schematic illustration of a bottom view of a cover element detached from a main housing by being rotated by 180° around the axis marked R, and FIG. 3B shows a schematic illustration of a top view of the main body from which the cover element shown in FIG. 3A has been detached, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show cross-sectional side views of aerosol generation devices with a cover element, according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D respectively show partial cross-sectional side views of aerosol generation devices with a cover element, according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the aerosol generation device wo comprises a main housing 200 and a cover element 300. The main housing 200 is configured to accommodate an aerosol generation unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user. The aerosol generation unit may comprise a heating unit 110 that is configured for heating a consumable 120 comprising an aerosol generation substrate. The aerosol generation device 100 may be an electronic cigarette and may be configured to generate an aerosol from an e-vapor or t-vapor aerosol generation substrate. For example, the heating unit 110 may comprise a receptacle configured for receiving a tobacco stick or similar consumable, and a heating element may be configured for heating the receptable and the tobacco stick received in the receptacle. Alternatively, the receptable may be configured for receiving a cartridge containing an aerosol generation substrate such as a liquid, and the heating unit 110 may comprise a wicking element and a heating element configured for heating the wicking element. The aerosol generation device 100 also comprises a power supply that 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 element 300 is detachably attached to the main housing 200. The cover element being detachable means that the cover element 300 is detachable from the main housing by a user of the aerosol generation device 100 without requiring any additional tools or aids, but can be detached by the user utilizing one or both hands. As an alternative, the cover element may not be detachable and may be integrally formed with the main housing or at least a portion of the main housing.
The aerosol generation device 100 may have an elongated shape to improve the comfort of a user when holding the aerosol generation device 100. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100 is the direction, in which the aerosol generation device 100 is elongated. The extension of the aerosol generation device 100 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length L of the aerosol generation device 100, and the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100 corresponds to the length direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation device 100 has a transverse cross-section that lies in a transversal plane that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The transverse cross-section of the aerosol generation device 100 may in general be of any appropriate shape, but may preferably be of a rectangular, squared, circular, or elliptical shape. The longitudinal direction of the cross-section is a first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100 and corresponds to the direction, in which the cross-section may be elongated. The extension of the cross-section in the first transverse or radial direction corresponds to the width W of the aerosol generation device 100, and the first transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100 corresponds to the width direction of the aerosol generation device 100. A direction perpendicular to the length direction and the width direction of the aerosol generation device 100 is a second transverse or radial direction of the aerosol generation device 100. The extension of the cross-section in the second transverse or radial direction corresponds to the height H of the aerosol generation device 100, and the second transverse or radial direction corresponds to the height direction of the aerosol generation device 100. In case of a circular cross-section, the width direction and height direction may be chosen at will as long as they are perpendicular to each other. In case of a squared cross-section, the width direction corresponds to the direct distance direction between two opposing 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 element 300 is attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol generation device 100 preferably from the height direction of the aerosol generation device 100, i.e. when attached to the main housing 200 of the aerosol generation device 100, the cover element 300 increases the height H of the aerosol generation device 100, but does not increase the length L and width W of the aerosol generation device 100, as show in FIG. 1B. The height H of the aerosol generation device 100 consists of the height He of the cover element 300 and the height Hm of the main housing 200, wherein the height He of the cover element 300 corresponds to difference between the height H of the aerosol generation device 100 and the height Hm of the main housing 200. Preferably, the height He of cover element 300 is less than 30% of the height H of the aerosol generation device 100. This ensures that, when the cover element 300 is attached, the overall size of the aerosol generation device 100 is such that the aerosol generation device 100 can be comfortably used, held and operated by a user using a single hand. When the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing, the exterior surface of the cover element 300 is the surface of the cover element 300 that is opposite the inner surface of the cover element 300 that is the surface that faces the main housing 200. The exterior surface of the cover element 300 may preferably make up between 10% and 60%, preferably between 20% and 50%, more preferably between 30% and 40% of the total exterior surface of the aerosol generation device. When the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device 100 may be a smooth and uniform surface except for seams that are formed where the cover element 300 and the main housing 200 are adjoined. In particular, the exterior surface of the cover element 300 has a smooth and continuous shape, and the transition from the exterior surface of the cover element 300 to the exterior surface of the main housing 200 is smooth and continuous with the exception of a seam that is formed at the transition.
As shown FIGS. 2A and 2B, the main housing 200 and/or the cover element 300 may be provided with attaching means 210, 310 for detachably attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The attaching means 210, 230 may comprise means such as a press-fit connection, clamping connection or similar connection. Additionally, or alternatively, the attaching means 210, 310 may comprise magnetic means. The main housing 200 may be provided with a magnetic coupling element, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a magnetic counter-coupling element, wherein the coupling element and the counter-coupling element comprise a magnet and a ferromagnetic element. The main housing 200 is provided with an operation interface portion 220 that is accessible at the exterior surface of the main housing 200. The operation interface portion 220 comprises one or more operation input elements 230 that can be actuated for providing an input for operating the aerosol generation device 100. At least a portion or all of the operation interface portion 220 that comprises one or more operation input elements 230 is covered by the cover element 300 when the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, i.e. the operation interface portion comprises one or more operation input elements 230 that are arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300. Preferably, all operation input elements 230 are arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300. The operation interface portion 220 and the operation input elements 230 are illustrated with dashed lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B to indicate their respective positions underneath the cover element 300 by which they are covered. Alternatively, one or more operation input elements 230 may be arranged at the exterior surface of the main housing 200 that is not covered by the cover element 300 and may thus be accessible and visible to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, the main housing 200 may be provided with a plurality of operation interface portions 220 of which at least a portion or all may be arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 to be covered by the cover element 300. Operation input elements 230 of the portion of the operation interface portion 220 that is covered by the cover element 300 may be rendered invisible to the outside of the aerosol generation device 100. This may be achieved if the operation input elements 230 are enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 without a line of sight to the operation input elements 230 from outside of the aerosol generation device 100. Additionally, the cover element 300 may preferably be at least partially of fully opaque, or translucent to the extent that operation input elements 230 enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 are not visible through the cover element 300. The one or more operation input elements 230 comprise input elements that, when actuated, may cause one of the following: turn the aerosol generation device 100 on/off, change and/or set a heating temperature and/or heating duration of a heating unit 110 provided with the aerosol generation device 100, check an amount of consumable remaining, check an amount of power remaining in the power supply, and perform any other function and/operation associated with the aerosol generation device 100.
The cover element 300 comprises one or more non-flexible regions 300 b, and one or more flexible regions 300 a that can be elastically deformed by a user of the aerosol generation device 100. Elastically deformable in the context of the invention means deformable by a user without additional tools or aids, but by exerting a force onto the flexible region 300 a by pressing onto the flexible region using a finger or other appropriate part of one or both hands. The one or more flexible regions 300 a can be elastically deformed when pressed by a user for actuating the operation interface portion 220, in particular for actuating one or more operation input elements 230 of the operation interface portion 220. As shown in FIG. 2A, a flexible region 300 a may correspond to an operation input element 230 such that deforming the flexible region 300 a actuates the corresponding operation input element 230. The cover element 300 may thus be provided with one or more flexible regions 300 a corresponding to one or more operation input elements 230 provided at the main housing. Additionally, or alternatively, a flexible region 300 a may correspond to more than one operation input element 230, and different portions of the flexible region 300 a may be deformed for actuating different operation input elements 230.
As shown in FIG. 3A illustrating the interior surface of a cover element 300 that is detached from a main housing 200 illustrated in FIG. 3B by a rotation of 180° around a rotation axis R, the aerosol generation device 100 may further be provided with an operation output element 240. The operation output element 240 may comprise a light indicator such as one or more LED light sources or an LED light strip. The light indicator may indicate information indicating an operational state to a user of the aerosol generation device 100, the information comprising, but not limited to information relating to an on/off state of the aerosol generation device 100, information relating a heating temperature of the aerosol generation device 100, information relating to a consumable in use with the aerosol generation device 100, information relating to a state of the power source of the aerosol generation device 100. The light indicator may be arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300, or may alternatively be arranged at the exterior surface of the main housing 200 and not be covered by the cover element 300. The light indicator 240 may be configured to be visible and/or emit light when the cover element 300 is detached from the main housing. In case the light indicator 240 is arranged between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300, the cover element may be configured to be at least partially translucent such that the light indicator 240 is visible through the cover element 300 when the light indicator 240 is emitting light, and is not visible through the cover element 300 when the light indicator 240 is not emitting light. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover element 300 may be provided with a plurality of perforations through which the light indicator 240 is visible to the outside of the aerosol generation device wo when the light indicator 240 is emitting light. The plurality of perforations may be configured and sized such that the light indicator is not visible through the plurality of perforations when the light indicator 240 is not emitting light. The aerosol generation device 100 may be provided with a cover detection means 250 that is configured for detecting whether the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, as will be detailed below for embodiments described in the context of FIGS. 5A to 5D.
As shown in FIGS. 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 He of the cover element 300 as described for embodiments in the context of FIG. 1A. The cover element 300 may preferably have a central portion that is substantially planar, and one or more peripheral or circumferential portions that are curved or bent to allow the cover element 300 to be adjoined to the main housing 200 with a space arranged or enclosed between the main housing 200 and the cover element 300 within which 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 smaller than the curvature of one or more peripheral or circumferential portions.
The cover element comprises one or more flexible regions 300 a that are not interconnected and that are separated from each other by one or more non-flexible regions 300 b. In contrast to “flexible”, “non-flexible” in the context of the invention means not deformable by a user without any additional tools or aids, i.e. not deformable under a force exerted by a finger or hand of a user of the aerosol generation device 100. The cover element 300 may be an integrally formed cover. Alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise a plurality of parts adjoined together. Different parts of the plurality of parts of the cover element 300 may comprise different materials or material properties. For example, the one or more flexible regions 300 a may comprise a first material that is not comprised in the non-flexible region 300 b. The one or more flexible regions may comprise a material that can be elastically deformed when pressed by a user of the aerosol generation device 100, and the one or more non-flexible regions 300 b may comprise a material that cannot be elastically deformed when pressed by the user. Additionally, or alternatively, flexible regions 300 a may also have an average material thickness that is different, preferably smaller than an average material thickness of the one or more non-flexible regions 300 b, i.e. the one or more flexible regions are thin enough such that they can be deformed when pressed by the user while the one or more non-flexible regions 300 b are thick enough that they cannot be elastically deformed when pressed by the user. These thickness ranges have shown to provide a flexible region 300 a that is sufficiently flexible to be elastically deformed by a user pressing onto the flexible region 300 a while at the same time rendering the flexible region 300 a sufficiently durable and strong to withstand potentially damaging external influences as well as repeated use by the user. The one or more non-flexible regions 300 b are sufficiently thick to prevent deformation of the one or more non-flexible regions 300 b when pressed by a user of the aerosol generation device 100.
The one or more flexible regions 300 a of the cover element may be provided with one or more protrusions 301 that are provided at the surface of the one or more flexible regions 300 a that face the operation interface portion provided at a portion of the surface of the main housing 200 that is covered by the cover element 300. The protrusions 301 may be arranged such that when a flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is deformed when pressed by a user, the protrusion provided at the inner surface of the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is moved towards an operation input element corresponding to the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a to actuate the corresponding operation input element. As shown in FIG. 4A, one or more protrusions 301 may be provided and configured for actuating the one or more operation input elements 230 provided on and/or at the main housing 200. In general, not every operation input element 230 may be provided with a corresponding protrusion 301. One or more of the one or more flexible regions 300 a may be provided with more than one protrusion 301, wherein different protrusions 301 are provided at different portions of the inner surface of the one or more of the one or more flexible regions 300 a, and are configured for actuating different operation input elements 230. One or more of the one or more protrusions may be provided with a single protrusion configured for actuating a single corresponding operation input element 230, as shown in FIG. 4B.
The one or more protrusions may be integrally formed with the cover element 300. When a flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is not deformed, a protrusion provided with the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a configured for actuating a corresponding operation input element 230 may be configured to be distanced from and not be in contact with the corresponding operation input element 230. When the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is deformed when pressed by a user, the protrusion 301 is moved towards to corresponding operation input element 230 to actuate the operation input element 230.
An operation input element 230 may comprise a button and/or a switch and/or a sensor that can be actuated when a flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 230 a is deformed, and in particular when deformed in a direction towards the operation input element 230, when pressed by a user. Actuating the operation input element 230 that comprises a button or switch may comprise contacting and/or exerting a force onto the button or switch for pressing the button or switch. Alternatively, the protrusion 301 may be in contact with but not exert a force onto the button or switch for pressing the button or switch when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is not deformed, and when the flexible region of the one or more flexible regions 300 a is deformed when pressed by a user, the protrusion 301 is moved towards the corresponding button or switch to press the button or switch. The button or switch may comprise a mechanical button or switch, or a capacitive touch button or switch. Alternatively, an operation input element 230 that comprises a sensor may be actuated when a flexible region 300 a is deformed, and the sensor detects a distance or 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 300 a may comprise a ferromagnetic material, or a component that is integrally formed with or separately provided at the inner surface of the cover element 300 and that may be detected 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 a ferromagnetic component. 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 proximity to the Hall sensor due to the flexible region 300 a being deformed towards the Hall sensor, and may not detect the present of the ferromagnetic material or component when the ferromagnetic material or component is not within a certain proximity to the Hall sensor due to the flexible region 300 a not being deformed. Additionally, or alternatively, a sensor may comprise an optical sensor, and a flexible region 300 a 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 may be detected by the IR sensor.
It should be noted that the cover element 300 and the main housing 200 may be formed of a same material, or the cover element 300 may be formed of a different material than the main housing 200. The cover element may be formed of or comprise a material that provides thermal insulating properties. Such a cover element 300 prevents heat from a heating unit provided with the aerosol generation device 100 from heating up the exterior surface of the aerosol generation device 100 to prevent a user from being injured by the heat. For this purpose, the cover element 300 may comprise or substantially consist of one or more layers of aerogel sheets, thermal insulating sheets, and foamed sheets, preferably foamed resin sheets, and/or foamed plastic.
As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the aerosol generation device 100 may be provided with a cover detection means 250 that is configured for detecting whether the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200. The cover element 300 may be provided with a detection object 320 that is configured to be detected by the cover detection means 250 when the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200. The aerosol generation device 100 may further be provided with circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation device 100. The circuitry may be configured to control the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 based on information provided by the cover detection means 250. The information from the cover detection means 250 comprises information about a first state in which it is detected that the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200, and about a second state in which it is detected that the cover element 300 is not attached to the main housing 200. To ensure safe operation of the aerosol generation device 100, the circuitry may be configured to prevent or inhibit generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device 100. This may for example be achieved by preventing operation of a heating unit 110 for heating an aerosol generation substrate and/or by limiting operation of the heating unit 110 to a limited time duration or a limited temperature range. As shown in FIG. 5A, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a magnetic sensor such as a Hall sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with a magnetic detection object 320 such as ferromagnetic object that can be detected when the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover element 300 may comprise or substantially consist of a ferromagnetic material that can be detected by the magnetic sensor. A first state in which the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the aerosol generation device 100 may be indicated when a detection signal generated in the magnetic sensor based on a distance between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic detection object is above a predetermined detection signal strength threshold, and a second state in which the cover element 300 is not properly and securely attached is indicated when the detection signal strength is below the predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the first state may be indicated when a detection signal is generated, and a second state is indicated when no detection signal is generated. Additionally, or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the cover detection means 250 may comprise an optical sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an optical detection object 320 such as a light reflective object that reflects light. The optical sensor may be an IR sensor that emits IR light. A 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 by the light reflective object when the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing 200. A first state may additionally, or alternatively, be indicated when the reflected IR light that is detected by the IR sensor is above a predetermined intensity or coherence threshold. A second state may be indicated when the IR light emitted by the IR sensor is not reflected by the light reflective object 320 when the cover element 300 is not properly or securely attached to the main housing 200. A second state may additionally, or alternatively, be indicated when a reflected IR light that is detected by the IR sensor is below a predetermined intensity or coherence threshold. Additionally, or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5C, the cover detection means may comprise an electrical sensor, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an electrical detection object. For example, the cover detection means may comprise an open electrical circuit with a plurality of electrical contacts that are exposed at the main housing 200 towards the cover element 300, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an electrically conductive element 320. A first state may be indicated when the plurality of contacts of the open electrical circuit are in contact with the electrically conductive element 320 of the cover element such that the open circuit is closed, and consequently a current flow or voltage drop can be detected. A 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 value range, and consequently the detected current or voltage drop has a predetermined value or is within a predetermined value range. As shown in FIG. 5D, the cover detection means 250 may additionally, or alternatively, comprise a button or switch, and the cover element 300 may be provided with detection object 320 such as a protrusion or similar structure for actuating the button or switch. The button or switch may be a mechanical and/or a capacitive touch button or switch. A first state may be indicated when the button or switch is actuated when the cover element 300 is properly and securely attached to the main housing, and a second state may be indicated when the button or switch is not actuated.
It should be noted that that cover detection means 250 may also function 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 means may be a button or switch and comprise an open circuit with a plurality of electrical contacts provided on the button or switch. The cover element 300 may be provided with an electrically conductive element 320 on an inner surface of a flexible region 300 a of the cover element, wherein the electrically conductive element is configured to contact the plurality of contacts provided on the button or switch without actuating the button or switch. Therefore, a first state in which the cover element 300 is attached to the main housing 200 is indicated when the electrically conductive elements contacts the plurality of electrical contacts, thus allowing a current flow or voltage drop to be detected. Since the electrically conductive element 320 is in contact with the plurality of contacts on the button or switch, when the flexible region 300 a is subsequently deformed when pressed by a user, the deformation causes the button or switch to be pressed and thus actuated to allow a user to input an operation to the aerosol generation device 100. As another example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise 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 a flexible region 300 a that is not deformed causes the button or switch of the cover detection means to be pressed by a first distance such that the button or switch is a in first button or switch state to indicate that the cover element 300 is properly or securely attached. When the flexible region 300 a is subsequently deformed when pressed by a user, the button or switch can be further pressed to be in a second button or switch state for inputting an operation to the aerosol generation device 100. Furthermore, any combination of a magnetic sensor, an electrical sensor, a button or switch, and/or an optical sensor can be utilized to allow a cover detection means 250 to also function as an operation input element. Furthermore, a magnetic cover detection means 250 may function as an attaching means 210. For example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a magnetic sensor that exerts an attractive force onto a cover element 300 that comprises or is provided with a magnetic element. As another example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a button or switch, and the cover element 300 may be mechanically attached or linked to the button or switch to attach the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. The mechanical attachment or linkage may be achieved via a mechanical press-fit connection or similar clamping or engaging configuration. As yet another example, the cover detection means 250 may comprise a plurality of electrical connecting elements such as pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles, and the cover element 300 may be provided with an electrically conductive element such one or more pogo pins or pogo pin receptacles that engage with the electrical connecting elements of the cover detection means 250 for forming a stable mechanical connections for attaching the cover element 300 to the main housing 200. Instead of a cover detection means 250, an operation input element 230 may also function as an attaching means 210 in the same manner as described above for the cover detection means 250.
While this 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. Accordingly, 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 SIGNS USED

- 100 aerosol generation device
- 110 heating unit
- 120 consumable
- 200 main housing
- 210 attaching means
- 220 operation interface portion
- 230 operation input element
- 240 output element
- 250 cover detection means
- 300 cover element
- 300 a flexible region
- 300 b non-flexible region
- 301 protrusion
- 310 attaching means
- 320 detection object
- H height of the aerosol generation device
- L length of the aerosol generation device
- W width of the aerosol generation device
- He height of the cover element

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device comprising:

a main body defined by a main housing comprising an operation interface portion that is provided at at least a portion of an exterior surface of the main housing and configured to be actuated for operating the aerosol generation device;

a cover element that is detachably attached or connected to the main housing;

wherein at least a portion of the operation interface portion is arranged between the exterior surface of the main housing and the cover element; and

wherein the cover element comprises one or more flexible regions configured to be elastically deformed for actuating the operation interface portion.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the entire operation interface portion is arranged between the cover element and the main housing, and wherein the operation interface portion is not externally visible.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more flexible regions are configured to be pressed by a hand or a finger of a user to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating the operation interface portion.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the one or more flexible regions are configured to be pressed to be elastically deformed towards the main housing for actuating one or more operation input elements provided on the operation interface portion or in different regions of the operation interface portion.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the one or more flexible regions comprise a protrusion on a surface of the cover element that faces the main housing, the protrusion protruding towards the main housing.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions is integrally formed with the respective flexible region.

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion of one or more of the one or more flexible regions is configured to actuate the operation interface portion.

8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein interacting, engaging or contacting of the operation interface portion comprises interacting, engaging or contacting one or more operation input elements.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more operation input elements comprise a button, a switch, or a sensor.

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the one or more operation input elements comprise a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor.

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, 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. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more flexible regions of the cover element have an average material thickness smaller than an average material thickness of non-flexible regions of the cover element.

13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover detection means for detecting whether the cover element is attached to the main housing.

14. The aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the cover detection means comprises a button or switch configured to be actuated when the cover element is attached to the main housing.

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 13, further comprising circuitry for controlling operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means, the information comprising information about a first state in which it is detected that the cover element is attached to the main housing and about a second state in which it is detected that the cover element is not attached to the main housing,

wherein controlling operation of the aerosol generation device based on information from the cover detection means comprises preventing or inhibiting generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detecting means indicates the second state, and enabling generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generation device when the information from the cover detecting means indicates the first state.

16. The aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein the cover detection means comprises sensor circuitry comprising a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an electrical sensor.