AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH A BUTTON ARRANGEMENT

An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; a button at least partially arranged in the through-hole, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; a switch; an actuator, in which pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuator; and at least one guide pin extending into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuator, the actuator being configured to carry out a tilting motion when the button is pressed in the pressing direction. A method for actuating a switch of an aerosol-generating device is also provided.

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a button.

Buttons in aerosol-generating devices typically present possible routes for liquid ingress into the device, which can cause damage to internal components (e.g. water damage to the device's electronics). Thus, there exists a need to assist in preventing liquid ingress into an aerosol-generating device, particularly around a button on the device.

Arrangements for emitting light through an aperture in a button of an aerosol-generating device are subject to design limitations due to the requirement to maintain a capability of the button to be actuated. Thus, there exists a need for improved lighting of an aerosol-generating device, in particular a button of an aerosol-generating device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing, a button and a membrane. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is at least partially arranged in, arranged in correspondence with, or arranged at the through-hole. The membrane is fixed to the housing and extends across the through-hole.

The membrane may provide at least partial separation between an inside of the aerosol-generating device and an outside of the aerosol-generating device. The membrane may reduce the likelihood of foreign material, for example liquid or dust, entering an inside of the aerosol-generating device via the through-hole.

The membrane may be provided downstream (or underneath) of the button with respect to a pressing direction of the button.

The membrane may be waterproof. The membrane may reduce liquid transfer from outside the aerosol-generating device into the aerosol-generating device. The membrane may reduce the risk of damage to internal parts, in particular electronic parts, of the aerosol-generating device due to liquid entering the aerosol-generating device.

The membrane may be transparent or translucent. The membrane may allow light from inside the housing to pass through the membrane. Light from inside the housing may pass through the membrane to be visible from outside the housing. Light from inside the housing may pass through the membrane to the button.

A light source may be provided inside the housing. The light source may comprise one or more LED's. The light source may be provided downstream (or underneath) of the membrane with respect to a pressing direction of the button. The membrane may be provided between the light source and the button.

The membrane may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing. At the inner surface of the housing, the connection between the membrane and the housing may be protected from damage. Fixing the membrane to the inner surface of the housing may reduce interference of the membrane with operation of the button.

The membrane may be invisible or nearly invisible from outside the aerosol-generating device, thus avoiding impairing the appearance of the aerosol-generating device and reducing the likelihood of the membrane being damaged. The membrane may be visible from outside the aerosol-generating device only through a gap between the button and a wall portion of the housing that delimits the through-hole.

A recessed area may be provided at the inner surface of the housing. A wall thickness of the housing may be reduced in the recessed area as compared to parts of the housing surrounding the recessed area. The membrane may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing in the recessed area. The membrane may be fully received in the recessed area. The membrane may be protected within the recessed area. The recessed area may facilitate positioning the membrane upon assembly of the aerosol-generating device. A shape of the recessed area may correspond to a shape of the membrane. The recessed area may have a rectangular shape, or a circular shape, or a polygonal shape, for example.

The through-hole may be provided in the recessed area. The through-hole may be centrally provided in the recessed area.

The membrane may close the through-hole. The membrane may prevent foreign matter from entering an inside of the aerosol-generating device through the through-hole. The membrane may render the through-hole of the aerosol-generating device waterproof.

The membrane may be sealed to the housing fully around the through-hole. In particular, the membrane may be sealed to the inner surface of the housing fully around the through-hole. If the membrane is sealed to the housing fully around the through-hole, the likelihood of the connection between the membrane and the housing being torn may be reduced. A seal between the membrane and the housing may be waterproof. The membrane may be hermetically sealed to the housing, in particular to the inner surface of the housing.

The membrane may be sealed to the housing by at least one of: an adhesive, vibration welding, laser welding, a frame of the aerosol-generating device, and the membrane being two shot molded to the housing. Any one or more of the recited ways of sealing the membrane to the housing may be implemented. According to embodiments, the membrane may be sealed to the housing by adhesive only. According to other embodiments, the membrane may be sealed to the housing by an adhesive, and additionally a frame of the aerosol-generating device may press the membrane to the housing.

The membrane may be sealed to the housing by an adhesive comprising an adhesive layer between the membrane and the housing, in particular between the membrane and the inner surface of the housing. The adhesive layer may comprise double-sided adhesive tape or may be formed as double-sided adhesive tape. The adhesive layer may comprise glue or may be formed of glue. The adhesive layer may be waterproof. The adhesive layer may have a thickness between 0.1 millimeter and 1 millimeter, or between 0.1 millimeter and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.1 millimeter and 0.3 millimeter.

The membrane may be an adhesive membrane. A connection between the adhesive membrane and the housing may be established by adhesive properties of the adhesive membrane.

A surface of the membrane that is overlapped by the button may be free of adhesive. An entirety of the surface of the membrane that is overlapped by the button may be free of adhesive.

The button and the membrane may be provided without a fixed connection between each other.

The membrane may have an outer surface facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device. The membrane may have an inner surface facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device. The button may face the outer surface of the membrane. The outer surface of the membrane and the inner surface of the membrane may be opposite surfaces of the membrane. The inner surface of the membrane may be downstream (or underneath) of the outer surface of the membrane with respect to a pressing direction of the button. The outer surface of the membrane may be fixed to the housing, in particular to the inner surface of the housing.

The membrane may comprise an elastic material. The membrane may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may be silicone rubber, for example.

The membrane may be configured to be elastically deformed when the button is pressed. By elastically deforming, the membrane may allow the button to act on one or more components within the device, in particular one or more switches, provided on the side of the membrane opposite to the button. By elastically deforming, the membrane may provide a seal between an inside of the aerosol-generating device and an outside of the aerosol-generating device irrespective of an operating position of the button.

The membrane may be configured to act on the button to support a return motion of the button from an activated position of the button into a resting position of the button. The return motion may be a motion in a direction antiparallel (or a direction opposite) to a pressing direction of the button. When the button is moved from the resting position to the activated position, for example by pressing the button from outside the aerosol-generating device along a pressing direction of the button, the membrane may be elastically deformed by the button. When the button is released, the potential energy stored by the membrane due to the elastic deformation of the membrane may support the return motion of the button to the resting position. According to embodiments, most or all of a force returning the button from the activated position to the resting position may be applied by the membrane, in particular by potential energy stored in the membrane due to elastic deformation of the membrane. There may be further forces acting on the button to support the return motion of the button from the activated position to the resting position. The other forces may be smaller or larger or roughly of the same magnitude as the force generated by the membrane.

A form-fit may be provided between the housing and the button. The form-fit may include that certain motions of the button relative to the housing may be limited or prevented by physical engagement between the housing and the button.

The form-fit may be configured to retain the button in the through-hole along at least one direction. The form-fit may be configured to limit a motion of the button against a pressing direction of the button. The form-fit may comprise or be a structure of the housing that prevents the button from falling out of the through-hole by physically engaging the button.

The form-fit may retain the button in the through-hole against the button falling out of the through-hole towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device, in particular in a direction antiparallel (or a direction opposite) to a pressing direction of the button. The form-fit may retain the button from falling out of the through-hole towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device, in particular along the pressing direction.

The form-fit may comprise one or more retaining protrusions of the housing. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend into the through-hole. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend into the through-hole along a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a pressing direction of the button. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend onto the through-hole from a wall of the housing, wherein the wall of the housing delimits the through-hole.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend into the through-hole from different sides of the through-hole. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may comprise a circumferential protrusion extending into the through-hole fully around a circumference of the through-hole.

The form-fit may comprise one or more retaining protrusions of the button. The one or more retaining protrusions of the button may be configured to engage the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing. The one or more retaining protrusions of the button may comprise a circumferential protrusion protruding from the button around a full circumference of the button.

Engagement of the one or more retaining protrusions of the button with the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may prevent the button from falling out of the through-hole, in particular from falling out of the through-hole in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the button.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the button may be provided downstream of or below the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing with respect to a pressing direction of the button.

The membrane may support the button. The button may lie on the membrane. The button may be confined in a space between the membrane and the housing, in particular in a space between the membrane and one or more retaining protrusions of the housing. The membrane may prevent the button from falling out of the through-hole towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device, in particular along a pressing direction of the button.

The button may be detached with respect to the housing. The button may be detached with respect to the membrane. The button may be detached with respect to the housing and the membrane. The button and the membrane may be provided without a fixed connection between each other. The button and the housing may be provided without a fixed connection between each other. There may be no fixed connection between the button and one or both of the housing and the membrane. The button may be configured to move with respect to one or both of the housing and the membrane.

The membrane may be formed as a sheet. The membrane may be formed as a flat sheet. A surface of the button may be pressed against a flat surface of the membrane, when the button is pressed.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a switch. Pressing the button may operate the switch. The button and the switch may be provided on opposing sides of the membrane. The membrane may separate the button from the switch. The button may be configured to act on the switch indirectly via at least the membrane. The switch may be connected to or be part of an electronic circuitry of the aerosol-generating device. The switch may be provided on or be connected to a printed circuit board of the aerosol-generating device. The membrane may be configured to prevent foreign matter entering the through-hole in the housing from reaching the electronic circuitry or the printed circuit board.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for actuating a switch of an aerosol-generating device. A button is moved from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position, in particular along a pressing direction of the button. A membrane of the aerosol-generating device is deformed by the movement of the button. A switch is actuated by the movement of the button. The switch is provided on the opposite side of the membrane than the button.

Since the switch is provided on the opposite side of the membrane than the button, the membrane may protect the switch and surrounding electronic circuitry from foreign matter entering the aerosol-generating device at the location of the button. Since the membrane is deformed by the movement of the button, the membrane may be provided in the path of movement of the button between the button and the switch without impairing the ability to actuate the switch by moving the button.

The step of deforming the membrane may comprise elastically deforming the membrane.

The membrane may be configured to act on the button to support a return motion of the button from the activated position into the resting position, in particular due to potential energy stored in the membrane due to elastic deformation of the membrane.

The membrane may be formed as a flat sheet. During the step of moving the button from the resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into the activated position, a surface of the button may be pressed against a flat surface of the membrane. The step of deforming the membrane may comprise deforming the flat surface of the membrane.

The membrane may be transparent or translucent. Light generated on a first side of the membrane may pass through the membrane to be visible on a second, opposing side of the membrane. Light may be generated inside the aerosol-generating device on a first side of the membrane opposite to the button, and pass through the membrane towards the button.

The button may be detached with respect to the membrane. The button may move laterally on the membrane. The membrane may not hold the button against a movement of the button towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device.

The button may be at least partially provided within a through-hole of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The membrane may seal the through-hole.

The membrane may be fixed to the housing, in particular to an inner surface of the housing. The membrane may be fixed to the housing by any one or more of: an adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or a frame of the aerosol-generating device, or the membrane being two-shot molded to the housing.

The step of moving the button may comprise moving the button in a direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the membrane.

The aerosol-generating device used in the method may be the aerosol-generating device according any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a membrane for sealing a through-hole of a housing of an aerosol-generating device, wherein a button of the aerosol-generating device is movable in the through-hole. The membrane may be further used to support the button in its position in the through-hole.

The button may be configured to move with respect to the membrane. The button may be detached with respect to the membrane.

The aerosol-generating device in which the membrane is used may be the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects. The use of the membrane may comprise steps of the method according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular steps of the method according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh aspects.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a button and at least one light source. The button has an outer side facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device. The button has an inner side facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. The at least one light source is provided within the aerosol-generating device. The button comprises a button main body and a button light guide embedded in the button main body. The button light guide comprises at least one light entry surface on the inner side of the button. The button light guide comprises a light emission surface on the outer side of the button. The at least one light entry surface may be configured to receive light from the at least one light source. The light emission surface may be configured to emit the light from the at least one light source. The button light guide may be adapted to guide light from the at least one light entry surface on the inner side of the button to the light emission surface on the outer side of the button.

Since the button light guide is embedded in the button main body, light may be emitted through the button. Providing the button light guide embedded in the button main body may be preferred as compared to providing a light guide that is separate from the button. Providing a light guide that is separate from the button would potentially lead to the requirement of providing an additional opening in a housing of the aerosol-generating device through which the light guide is visible. Such additional opening in the housing would potentially provide an entry point through which foreign matter, in particular liquid, may enter the aerosol-generating device.

The at least one light source may comprise at least one light emitting diode (LED), or one or more LEDs. The at least one light source may be at least one light emitting diode (LED), or one or more LEDs.

The light emission surface may be flush with a surface of the button main body at the outer side of the button. The light emission surface may be recessed with respect a surface of the button main body surrounding the light emission surface. The light emission surface may protrude from a surface of the button main body surrounding the light emission surface.

The light emission surface may form a part of a surface of the button on the outer side of the button. The surface of the button on the outer side of the button may be accessible to be touched by a user in order to press the button in the pressing direction. The light emission surface may be accessible from outside to be touched by a user pressing the button.

The button light guide and the button main body may be integrally formed. If the button light guide and the button main body are integrally formed, entry of foreign matter between the button main body and the button light guide may be prevented. For example, the button main body may be formed around the button light guide in a molding step, such as an injection molding step. For example, the button light guide may be formed within the light guide body in a molding step, such as an injection molding step.

The at least one light entry surface and the light emission surface may be arranged on the button as desired, thus facilitating obtaining desired lighting patterns on the outer side of the button and allowing for an increased freedom of positioning the at least one light source within the device.

The at least one light entry surface may be offset from the light emission surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

The at least one light source may be offset from the light emission surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. Thus, it is not required that the at least one light source is provided directly downstream of (or underneath) the light emission surface with respect to the pressing direction.

The at least one light source may comprise a plurality of light sources. The at least one light entry surface may comprise a plurality of light entry surfaces. Each of the plurality of light entry surfaces may be configured to receive light from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources. Providing a plurality of light sources and a corresponding plurality of light entry surfaces may allow implementing different lighting schemes of the light emission surface by controlling the light sources accordingly. The plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light of the same wavelength or the same wavelength range or may be configured to emit light of different wavelengths or different wavelength ranges. One or more light source of the plurality of light sources may be configured to emit light of a different color than another one or more light source of the plurality of light sources.

The button light guide may comprise a plurality of light transfer portions. Each of the plurality of light transfer portions may connect a corresponding one of the plurality of light entry surfaces with the light emission surface. Each of the plurality of light sources may emit light to be emitted through the light emission surface. Different light transfer portions may connect to different sections of the light emission surface. Thus, light from different light sources may be emitted through different sections of the light emission surface.

At least one of the light transfer portions may be inclined with respect to the pressing direction. One or more inclined light transfer portions may facilitate free positioning of the light entry surfaces and the light emission surface on the button.

A spatial light intensity distribution over the light emission surface may be different depending on which one or more of the plurality of light sources is activated. Different spatial light intensity distributions may indicate different operating states of the aerosol-generating device. Different spatial light intensity distributions may indicate different information to a user.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more light sources of the at least one light source. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more light sources of the at least one light source individually in groups. The controller may be configured to selectively activate one or more light sources of the at least one light source in dependence of an operating parameter of the aerosol-generating device. The operating parameter of the aerosol-generating device may be a charging state of a battery of the aerosol-generating device, or a state of a progression of a usage session of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a high number of activated light sources may indicate a high battery charge and a lower number of activated light sources may indicate a lower battery charge. In another example, a high number of activated light sources may indicate a low or high quantity of progress through a usage session and a lower number of activated light sources may indicate a high or low quantity of progress through a usage session, respectively. The controller may be configured to control the number of activated light sources such that the number of activated light sources is proportionate to a charging state of a battery of the aerosol-generating device.

The light emission surface may have an elongated shape, in particular a line shape. The light emission surface may be a single, cohesive surface. Sections of the light emission surface connected to different light transfer portions may be arranged one behind the other along a main extension direction of the light emission surface. By increasing the number of activated light sources, an illuminated length of the light emission surface may be increased.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a switch. Pressing the button in the pressing direction may operate the switch. The button may be configured to move to operate the switch. The at least one light entry surface may be positioned at the inner side of the button laterally offset with respect the switch.

The switch may be provided downstream of the light emission surface with respect to the pressing direction. The switch may be provided underneath the light emission surface with respect to the pressing direction. The switch may be provided centrally below the light emission surface with respect to the pressing direction. The switch may be provided downstream of the button with respect to the pressing direction. The switch may be provided below the button with respect to the pressing direction.

The switch may be provided laterally offset from a projection of the light emission surface along the pressing direction. The switch may be provided outside of a projection of the light emission surface along the pressing direction. A distance along a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction between the switch and a projection of the light emission surface along the pressing direction may be greater than a distance along a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction between the light source and a projection of the light emission surface along the pressing direction. The switch may be positioned radially outside the light source, with the pressing direction of the switch at a central position of the switch being considered the axial direction. The switch may be provided laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an actuation unit. Pressing the button in the pressing direction may operate the switch via the actuation unit. The actuation unit may be configured to move to actuate the button. The button may engage the actuation unit directly or indirectly to operate the actuation unit to actuate the switch. The actuation unit may be provided downstream of (or underneath) the button with respect to the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be provided between the switch and the button.

The actuation unit may be provided between the at least one light source and the button.

The actuation unit may have at least one light passage. The at least one light passage may be configured to let light from the at least one light source pass through the at least one light passage to the button. The at least one light passage may be formed as a through-hole in the actuation unit. The at least one light passage may be formed as a transparent or translucent section of the actuation unit.

The at least one light passage may comprise plural light passages. Each light passage may be configured to let light from a corresponding light source of the at least one light source pass through the actuation unit. A distinct light passage may be formed in the actuation unit for each light source.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a source light guide. The source light guide may be provided below the button with respect to the pressing direction. The source light guide may be provided downstream of the button with respect to the pressing direction. The source light guide may be configured to guide light from the at least one light source towards the at least one light entry surface of the button light guide. The source light guide may compensate for an offset between the position of the at least one light source and the position of the at least one light entry surface. The source light guide may increase the possible locations for installing the at least one light source within the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the at least one light source may be positioned so as not to interfere with a movement of the button in the pressing direction.

The button may be configured to move with respect to the source light guide. The button may be provided in detached manner with respect to the source light guide.

The source light guide may comprise a plurality of light channels. Each light channel may be configured to guide light from a corresponding one of the at least one light sources to a corresponding one of the at least one light entry surfaces.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a switch assembly with a switch and an actuation unit. Pressing the button in the pressing direction may operate the switch via the actuation unit through an opening of the source light guide. Due to the opening of the source light guide and due to the actuation unit, the button may operate the switch even though the source light guide is provided underneath the button.

The opening of the source light guide may be provided at a position that lies underneath a central position of the button with respect to the pressing direction.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a membrane. The membrane may be provided between the button and the source light guide. The membrane may extend between the button and the actuation unit. The membrane may be provided between the button and the actuation unit. The membrane may seal a through-hole of a housing of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the button is at least partially provided in the through-hole. The membrane may be sealed to an inner surface of the housing to prevent foreign matter, in particular liquid, from entering an inside of the aerosol-generating device through the through-hole. The membrane may be elastically deformable.

At least two button light guides may be embedded in the button main body, such that at least two distinct light emission surfaces are arranged on the outer side of the button.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol-generating device. Light is guided from at least one light source within the aerosol-generating device towards a button of the aerosol-generating device through a source light guide. The button is moved along a pressing direction from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position, thereby actuating a switch within the aerosol-generating device. The switch is actuated through an opening of the source light guide.

Actuating the switch through an opening of the source light guide may enable a compact and responsive arrangement of the switch. For example, the switch may be positioned centrally below the button for efficient actuation of the switch, while the source light guide may still facilitate guiding light to desired positions of the button.

The source light guide may be provided below the button with respect to the pressing direction. The source light guide may be provided underneath the button with respect to the pressing direction. The source light guide may be provided downstream of the button with respect to the pressing direction.

The switch may be provided at the opposing side of the source light guide from the button.

The step of moving the button may comprise moving the button with respect to at least one of the source light guide and the switch.

The switch may be actuated by the button via an actuation unit. The actuation unit may protrude through the opening of the source light guide. The actuation unit may protrude through the opening of the source light guide from a side of the switch. The actuation unit may be configured to be moved or to be deformed by the button to actuate the switch. The actuation unit may be provided between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may at least partially or fully cover the switch, when seen from the direction of the button.

The step of moving the button may comprise deforming a membrane provided between the button and the light source. The membrane may be elastically deformed. The membrane may seal a through-hole of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The button may be provided in the through-hole.

The aerosol-generating device operated according to the method may be the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a light guide for guiding light from a light source to a button, while actuating a switch via an opening in the light guide.

The light guide may be a source light guide.

The light guide, the button, and the light source may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

The use of the light guide may comprise steps of the method according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular steps of the method according to any one of the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh aspects.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a housing and a button. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is at least partially arranged in the through-hole. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. Centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. The centering parts are configured to center the button in the through-hole.

The centering parts may improve a tactile experience, when pressing the button. The centering parts may reduce a tendency of the button to move in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The centering parts may center the button in the through-hole in a plane of motion perpendicular to the pressing direction. Due to being centered by the centering parts, an outward appearance of the button in the through-hole may be improved. The centering parts may reduce or prevent jamming of the button in the through-hole.

The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may connect the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the housing. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, alone or in combination with one or more additional wall portions of the housing, may connect the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the housing. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may delimit the through-hole in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may extend in parallel to the pressing direction. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may circumferentially extend around the through-hole. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may extend fully around the through-hole. The wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may be a wall portion delimiting the entirety of the through-hole, or a wall portion delimiting a part of the through-hole.

The lateral surface of the button may extend in parallel to the pressing direction. The lateral surface of the button may connect an outer side of the button facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device and an inner side of the button facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device. The lateral surface of the button may face the wall portion of the housing de-limiting the through-hole. The lateral surface of the button may be parallel to the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

A gap may be provided between the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole and the lateral surface of the button.

The button may be detached from the housing. The button may be configured to move in the through-hole. The button may be provided in the through-hole without a fixed connection be-tween the button and the housing. The housing and the button may be separate parts.

The centering parts may be formed as centering protrusions. The centering protrusions may be formed at one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing de-limiting the through-hole. The centering parts may be formed as centering protrusions of the housing. The centering parts may be formed as centering protrusions of the button.

The centering parts may be integral parts of the housing or integral parts of the button. The centering parts may be fixedly attached to the button or fixedly attached to the housing. The centering parts may be integrally formed with the housing or with the button via two-shot molding.

The centering parts may be detached from the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. The centering parts may be configured to move relative to the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

The centering parts may extend towards the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. The centering parts may extend towards the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing generally in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

The centering parts may be configured to engage the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. Engagement between the centering parts and the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may provide for a minimum distance between the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole at the position of the centering parts.

The other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may be shaped as a plane surface bent around an axis parallel to the pressing direction. The other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may be devoid of any local shape features.

The other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may comprise centering recesses. The centering parts may be configured to be at least partly received in the centering recesses. The centering parts may be configured to protrude into the centering recesses. Movement of the button within the through-hole may be limited by one or more centering parts being received in one or more corresponding centering recesses. A centering recess may be provided for each centering part. Each of the centering parts may form a pair with a corresponding centering recess. The centering part and the centering recess of a pair may face each other.

The centering parts may be configured to limit an area of contact between the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, or to prevent contact between the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

The centering parts may be configured to stabilize a position of the button within the through-hole. The centering parts may limit a movement of the button in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

The centering parts may be configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole. The centering parts may be configured to limit rotation of the button about an axis parallel to the pressing direction. The centering parts may be configured to at least substantially maintain an orientation of the button in the through-hole. The centering parts may comprise an elastomeric material. The centering parts may be formed of an elastomeric material. An elastomeric material of the centering parts may dampen a shock generated by a contact between the centering parts and the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. The elastomeric material may reduce a risk of the centering parts being damaged, in particular being damaged by mechanical engagement with other parts.

The other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may comprise an elastomeric material or may, fully or in part, be formed of an elastomeric material. For example, the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole may be coated with an elastomeric material.

The centering parts may comprise plural centering parts. The centering parts may comprise at least two centering parts, or at least four centering parts, or at least six centering parts, or at least seven centering parts, or at least eight centering parts, or at least ten centering parts, for example.

The plural centering parts may be distributed around a circumference of the through-hole or a circumference of the button. The centering parts may be symmetrically distributed around a circumference of the through-hole or a circumference of the button. The centering parts may be asymmetrically distributed around the circumference of the through-hole or the circumference of the button. Intervals between adjacent centering parts may be identical for all centering parts. Intervals between adjacent centering parts may be different for at least some centering parts. Gaps between the housing and the button may be provided between adjacent centering parts.

The centering parts may comprise one or more pairs of centering parts. Centering parts of a pair of centering parts may be positioned opposite to each other. Centering parts of a pair of centering parts may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the button. Centering parts of a pair of centering parts may limit a movement of the button between each other.

The centering parts may in sum extend over no more than 50 percent, or no more than 30 percent, or no more than 20 percent, or no more than 10 percent, or no more than 5 percent of a circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. In the remaining percentage of the circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, gaps between adjacent centering parts may be provided. The centering parts may reduce a contact area between the housing and the button, which may reduce friction between the button and the housing.

The centering parts may in sum extend over at least 1 percent, or at least 3 percent, or at least 5 percent, or at least 10 percent, or at least 15 percent, or at least 20 percent of a circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

An individual centering part may extend over no more than 1 percent, or no more than 3 percent, or no more than 5 percent, or no more than 10 percent of a circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. An individual centering part may extend over at least 0.1 percent, or at least 0.5 percent, or at least 1 percent, or at least 3 percent, or at least 5 percent, or at least 10 percent of a circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

The centering parts may extend from the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole by between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters, or by between 1 millimeter and 15 millimeters, or by between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or by between 5 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or by between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters. The indicated ranges may describe an extension towards the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole. The indicated ranges may refer to an extension in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

A form-fit between the housing and the button may be provided. The form-fit may be con-figured to retain the button in the through-hole against the button falling out of the through-hole towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device.

The form-fit may comprise one or more retaining protrusions of the housing. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend into the through-hole. The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may extend into the through-hole further than the centering parts. The centering parts may be provided downstream of (or underneath) the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing with respect to the pressing direction. The centering parts may be provided at the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole downstream of (or below) the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing with respect to the pressing direction.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may cover the centering parts so that the centering parts are not visible from outside the aerosol-generating device.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may comprise a single retaining protrusion of the housing.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the housing may comprise a circumferential protrusion. The circumferential protrusion may extend into the through-hole fully around a circumference of the through-hole.

The form-fit may comprise one or more retraining protrusions of the button. The one or more retaining protrusions of the button may be configured to engage the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing.

The one or more retaining protrusions of the button may comprise a single retaining protrusion of the button. The single retaining protrusion of the button may extend around a full circumference of the button.

A surface of the one or more retaining protrusions of the button that faces against the pressing direction may be configured to engage a surface of the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing that faces along the pressing direction. Engaging surfaces of the at least one retaining protrusions of the button and of the least one retaining protrusions of the housing may be parallel to each other. Engaging surfaces of the at least one retaining protrusions of the button and engaging surfaces of the at least one retaining protrusions of the housing may extend perpendicular to the pressing direction. The lateral surface of the button may be part of the at least one retaining protrusions of the button.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a membrane. The membrane may be fixed to the housing. The membrane may extend across the through-hole. The membrane may be fixed to an inner surface of the housing. The membrane may seal the through-hole.

The membrane may be provided downstream of the button with respect to the pressing direction. The membrane may be provided downstream of the centering parts with respect to the pressing direction.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a button of an aerosol-generating device. A button provided at least partially within a through-hole of a housing of an aerosol-generating device is pressed to move the button from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position. The button is centered in the through-hole with centering parts provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

In the activated position, the button may actuate a switch of the aerosol-generating device. In the resting position, the button may not activate the switch. The button may be moved from the resting position into the activated position by pressing the button in a pressing direction.

The centering parts may stabilize a position of the button within the through-hole.

The centering parts may be configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole.

A membrane of the aerosol-generating device may be deformed by the movement of the button, in particular by the movement of the button from the resting position into the activated position.

The aerosol-generating device used in the method may be the aerosol-generating device according any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of centering parts to center a button in a through-hole provided in a housing of an aerosol-generating device. The centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

The centering parts may be used to limit a rotation of the button in the through-hole. The centering parts may be used to limit a rotation of the button about an axis that is parallel to the pressing direction of the button.

The aerosol-generating device in which the centering parts are used may be the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

The use may comprise steps of the methods according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular steps of the methods according any one of the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh aspects.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing, a button, a switch, and an actuation unit. The housing has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface. The button is at least partially arranged in the through-hole. The button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction. Pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

The actuation unit may act as an intermediary between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may transmit a force from the button to the switch. When the button is pressed, at least a part of the pressing force may be transmitted to the switch via the actuation unit. When the button is pressed, at least a part of the pressing force may be directed or redirected by the actuation unit towards the switch.

The actuation unit may be detached from the button. The actuation unit and the button may be separate parts. The actuation unit and the button may be configured for a relative motion between each other.

The actuation unit may be detached from the switch. The actuation unit and the switch may be separate parts. The actuation unit and the switch may be configured for a relative motion between each other.

The actuation unit may be provided between the switch and the button. The actuation unit may bridge at least a part of a distance between the button and the switch. The actuation unit may allow for the switch and the button to be arranged at a distance from each other.

The actuation unit may be formed as a plate or as a platform. A plate-shaped or platform-shaped actuation unit may be resistant to damage. A main extension plane of the actuation unit may be at least generally perpendicular to the pressing direction. A main extension plane of the actuation unit may be at least generally perpendicular to the pressing direction at least in a resting position of the switch.

The actuation unit may be configured to carry out a tilting motion when the button is pressed in the pressing direction. The button may be configured to cause a tilting motion of the actuation unit upon being pressed. When the button is pressed, the button may move in a direction towards the actuation unit. When being pressed, the button may directly or indirectly engage the actuation unit.

The tilting motion of the actuation unit may be a tilting motion about an axis that is perpendicular to the pressing direction. The tilting motion may comprise one side of the actuation unit moving more towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device than another portion of the actuation unit. The portion of the actuation unit that moves more towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device may actuate the switch.

The actuation unit may directly or indirectly engage the switch to operate the switch.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise at least one guide pin. The at least one guide pin may extend into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuation unit. The at least one guide hole may extend through the actuation unit at least generally in parallel to the pressing direction of the button. The at least one guide pin may be fixedly provided within the aerosol-generating device. The at least one guide pin may be provided on a printed circuit board of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one guide pin may extend through a printed circuit board of the aerosol-generating device. Engagement between the at least one guide pin and the corresponding at least one guide hole may limit a lateral motion of the actuation unit in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be secured in its position by the at least one guide pin extending into the corresponding at least one guide hole. The at least one guide pin may be received in the corresponding at least one guide hole in a manner that allows the actuation unit to move to operate the switch, when the button is pressed. The at least one guide hole may fully or partially extend through the actuation unit. The at least one guide hole may extend through the actuation unit in a direction that is at least generally parallel to the pressing direction.

The at least one guide hole may comprise a circular cross-section. The at least one guide hole may comprise an elliptical cross-section.

The at least one guide pin may have an elliptical cross-section. The at least one guide pin may have a circular cross-section.

The at least one guide pin may have an elliptical cross-section and the corresponding at least one guide hole may have a circular cross-section or an elliptical cross-section. The at least one guide pin may have a circular cross-section and the corresponding at least one guide hole may have a circular cross-section or an elliptical cross-section.

The at least one guide pin may be laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction. The at least one guide pin may be laterally offset from a center of the actuation unit.

When the button is pressed, a portion of the actuation unit that is distal with respect to a position of the at least one guide hole may move farther towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device than a region of the actuation unit adjacent to the at least one guide hole.

The at least one guide pin and the switch may be provided at opposing halves of the actuation unit.

The switch may be laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction. The switch may be laterally offset from a projection of a center of the actuation unit along the pressing direction.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a damper. The damper may be con-figured to act against a motion of the actuation unit towards the switch. The damper may cause a resistance of the button that is felt by a user pressing the button. The damper may at least partly define a force that is required to be applied on the button to activate the switch.

The damper may be configured to provide at least part of a restoring force returning the button against the pressing direction, when the button is released.

The actuation unit may be provided between the damper and the button. The actuation unit may be in contact with the damper.

The damper may be provided on the same side of the actuation unit as the switch. The damper may be laterally offset from the switch.

The damper may be provided centrally below the actuation unit. The damper may be pro-vided centrally below the button. One or both of the actuation unit and the button may be centrally supported by the damper. The damper may be provided laterally offset from a projection of a center of the actuation unit along the pressing direction. The damper may be provided laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction.

The damper may support one or both of the actuation unit and the button, when the button is pressed.

The damper may comprise an elastic material. The damper may be formed of an elastic material. The elastic material may be a foam material. The elastic material may comprise a rubber material. The elastic material may be a rubber material.

The damper may be compressed, when the button is pressed. Compression of the damper may facilitate a movement of the actuation unit towards the switch. After being compressed, the damper may re-extend, in particular due to its elasticity. Be re-extending, the damper may supporting a return motion of one or both of the actuation unit and the button.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a printed circuit board. The actuation unit may be provided between the printed circuit board and the button. The switch may be pro-vided on the printed circuit board. A main extension direction of the printed circuit board may be at least generally perpendicular to the pressing direction. The damper may be provided on the printed circuit board. The damper may be provided on the printed circuit board laterally offset with respect to the switch. The printed circuit board may support the damper. The damper may be fixed to the printed circuit board. The damper may be attached to the printed circuit board, in particular by an adhesive or by glue.

A membrane may be provided between the actuation unit and the button. The membrane may seal the through-hole. The button may be configured to engage the actuation unit indirectly via the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may be omitted and the button may optionally directly contact the actuation unit.

The actuation unit may have at least one light channel. The at least one light channel may be configured to let light from at least one light source pass through the actuation unit to the button. The at least one light channel may fully extend through the actuation unit. The at least one light channel may be formed as a through-hole of the actuation unit. The at least one light channel may extend at least generally in parallel to the pressing direction. The at least one light channel may extend at least generally in parallel to the pressing direction, when the button is in a resting position.

The at least one light source may be provided downstream of the actuation unit with respect to the pressing direction. The actuation unit may be provided between the at least one light source and the button. The at least one light source may be provided on the printed circuit board. The at least one light source may be laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction. The at least one light source may be provided centrally below the button.

The switch may be farther laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction than the at least one light source. The at least one light source may be pro-vided between the switch and the damper.

The at least one light channel may comprise a plurality of light channels. The at least one light source may comprise a plurality of light sources. One or more light sources may be provided below a corresponding one of the light channels.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for actuating a switch of an aerosol-generating device. An actuation unit is provided within the aerosol-generating device. By moving a button from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position, a tilting motion of the actuation unit is caused, there-by actuating a switch provided within the aerosol-generating device via the actuation unit.

Moving the button from the resting position into the activated position may comprise moving the button in a pressing direction.

The tilting motion may be a tilting motion about an axis that is at least generally perpendicular to the pressing direction.

A membrane of the aerosol-generating device may be deformed by the movement of the button. The membrane may seal a through-hole of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The button may be provided at least partially within the through-hole.

The membrane may be positioned between the actuation unit and the button. The button may engage the actuation unit indirectly via the membrane. The membrane may separate the actuation unit from the button.

During the tilting motion of the actuation unit, the actuation unit may be guided by at least one guide pin extending into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuation unit. The actuation unit may be guided on the at least one guide pin with sufficient play to allow for the tilting motion.

A part of the actuation unit opposite the guide hole may contact the switch to actuate the switch.

The button may be returned to the resting position by a damper. The actuation unit may be provided between the damper and the button.

The aerosol-generating device may be the aerosol-generating device according any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of an actuation unit provided below a button and carrying out a tilting motion to actuate a switch provided within an aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device in which the actuation unit is used may be the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects.

The use may comprise steps of the methods according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular steps of the methods according any one of the second, fifth, eighth, or eleventh aspects.

The aerosol-generating device of any one of the aspects described herein may be a handheld electronic device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an insertion opening for an aerosol-generating article, in particular a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be at least partially inserted into the insertion opening to allow for generation of aerosol for consumption by a user.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating mechanism to heat aerosol-generating substances in the aerosol-generating article. The heating mechanism may be an electronic heating mechanism. The heating mechanism may be powered by a battery of the aerosol-generating device, in particular by a rechargeable battery of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may work according to the heat-not-burn principle. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to generate aerosol from e-liquid.

According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects described herein, in particular the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the first, fourth, seventh, or tenth aspects. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to release aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be at least partially received in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may comprise aerosol-generating material configured to release aerosol upon being heated. The aerosol-generating material may comprise tobacco material.

Features described with respect to any one of the aspects described herein may be combined with, or transferred to any one of the other aspects. The statement that an item or a connection between items is “waterproof” as used herein may include that at least the requirements of IPX7 are fulfilled by the item or by the connection between items.

The expression “a plurality” as used herein may be interpreted as meaning “at least two” or “two or more.”

A lateral direction as referred to herein means a direction that is perpendicular to the pressing direction of the button. If a first item is laterally offset from a second item, there is no overlap between the first item and the second item in a viewing direction that is parallel to the pressing direction of the button. It is, however, not necessary (although possible) that a displacement between the first item and the second item is exclusively in the direction perpendicular to the pressing direction. The displacement between the first item and the second item may also have a component parallel to the pressing direction.

The expression that one item is “detached” with respect to another item as used herein does not exclude that the two items may be in contact with each other. One item being detached with respect to another item, however, excludes the two items being fixedly connected to each other.

The statement that one item is “configured to move” with respect to another item as used herein does not exclude that the items move together or in unison. In particular, in normal operation, the two items may move together. However, an item “configured to move” with respect to another item has the capability to be moved with respect to the other item and may not be fixed to the other item. One item being moved with respect to another item does not require (but may nevertheless comprise) actual movement of the item, but also encompasses the situation that the item remains still and the other item is moved (relative movement between the items). For example, if the button is configured to move with respect to the membrane in any of the claims, examples or aspects described herein, the button and the membrane may still move in unison during operation of the device. The button is, however, capable of movement with respect to the membrane. However, this capability may be restricted by the fact that both the button and the membrane are restricted in their movements with respect to the device. This restriction indirectly also restricts the movement of the button and the membrane with respect to each other.

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

Example Ex1: Aerosol-generating device, comprising:a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface;a button at least partially arranged in the through-hole; anda membrane fixed to the housing and extending across the through-hole.

Example Ex2: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1, wherein the membrane is waterproof.

Example Ex3: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the membrane is transparent or translucent.

Example Ex4: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the membrane is fixed to the inner surface of the housing.

Example Ex5: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein a recessed area is provided at the inner surface of the housing, and wherein the membrane is fixed to the inner surface of the housing within the recessed area.

Example Ex6: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5, wherein the through-hole is provided in the recessed area, in particular provided centrally in the recessed area.

Example Ex7: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the membrane closes the through-hole.

Example Ex8: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing fully around the through-hole.

Example Ex9: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing by at least one of: an adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or the membrane being two-shot molded to the housing.

Example Ex10: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the membrane is sealed to the housing by a frame of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex11: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex10, wherein a surface of the membrane that is overlapped by the button is free of adhesive.

Example Ex12: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the membrane has an outer surface facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device and an inner surface facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the button faces the outer surface of the membrane.

Example Ex13: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the membrane is formed of or comprises an elastic material, in particular silicone rubber.

Example Ex14: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the membrane is configured to be elastically deformed when the button is pressed.

Example Ex15: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the membrane is configured to act on the button to support a return motion of the button from an activated position of the button into a resting position of the button.

Example Ex16: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex15, wherein a form-fit is provided between the housing and the button.

Example Ex17: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex16, wherein the form-fit is configured to retain the button in the through-hole against the button falling out of the through-hole towards an outside of the aerosol- generating device.

Example Ex18: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the form-fit comprises one or more retaining protrusions of the housing, wherein the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing extend into the through-hole.

Example Ex19: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex18, wherein the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing comprise a circumferential protrusion extending into the through-hole fully around a circumference of the through-hole.

Example Ex20: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex19, wherein the form-fit comprises one or more retaining protrusions of the button, wherein preferably the one or more retaining protrusions of the button are configured to engage the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing.

Example Ex21: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the button is detached with respect to the membrane.

Example Ex22: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex21, wherein the button is detached with respect to the housing.

Example Ex23: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the membrane is formed as a flat sheet.

Example Ex24: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex23, further comprising a switch, wherein the button and the switch are provided on opposing sides of the membrane, and wherein pressing the button operates the switch.

Example Ex25: Method for actuating a switch of an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of:moving a button from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position;deforming a membrane of the aerosol-generating device by the movement of the button; andactuating a switch by the movement of the button, the switch being provided on the opposite side of the membrane than the button.

Example Ex26: Method according to Example Ex25, wherein the step of deforming the membrane comprises elastically deforming the membrane.

Example Ex27: Method according to Example Ex25 or Ex26, wherein the membrane is configured to act on the button to support a return motion of the button from the activated position into the resting position.

Example Ex28: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex27, wherein the membrane is formed as a flat sheet.

Example Ex29: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex28, wherein the membrane is transparent or translucent.

Example Ex30: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex29, wherein the button is detached with respect to the membrane.

Example Ex31: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex30, wherein the button is at least partially provided within a through-hole of a housing of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the membrane seals the through-hole.

Example Ex32: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex31, wherein the membrane is fixed to the housing, in particular by at least one of: an adhesive, or vibration welding, or laser welding, or a frame of the aerosol-generating device, or the membrane being two-shot molded to the housing.

Example Ex33: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex32, wherein the step of moving the button comprises moving the button in a direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the membrane.

Example Ex34: Method according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex33, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex35: Use of a membrane for sealing a through-hole of a housing of an aerosol-generating device, wherein a button of the aerosol-generating device is moveable in the through-hole.

Example Ex36: Use according to Example Ex35, wherein the membrane is further used to support the button in its position in the through hole.

Example Ex37: Use according to Example Ex35 or Ex36, wherein the button is configured to move with respect to the membrane.

Example Ex38: Use according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex37, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex39: Aerosol-generating device, comprising:a button with an outer side facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device and an inner side facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; andat least one light source provided within the aerosol-generating device;wherein the button comprises a button main body and a button light guide embedded in the button main body; andwherein the button light guide comprises at least one light entry surface on the inner side of the button and a light emission surface on the outer side of the button.

Example Ex40: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, further comprising:at least one light source provided within the aerosol-generating device;wherein the button has an outer side facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device and an inner side facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction;wherein the button comprises a button main body and a button light guide embedded in the button main body; andwherein the button light guide comprises at least one light entry surface on the inner side of the button and a light emission surface on the outer side of the button.

Example Ex41: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the at least one light entry surface is configured to receive light from the at least one light source, and the light emission surface is configured to emit the light from the at least one light source.

Example Ex42: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex41, wherein the light emission surface forms a part of a surface of the button on the outer side of the button, the surface of the button on the outer side of the button being accessible to be touched by a user to press the button in the pressing direction.

Example Ex43: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex42, wherein the at least one light entry surface is offset from the light emission surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

Example Ex44: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex43, wherein the at least one light source is offset from the light emission surface in a direction perpendicular to the pressing direction.

Example Ex45: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex44, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein the at least one light entry surface comprises a plurality of light entry surfaces, and wherein each of the plurality of light entry surfaces is configured to receive light from a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources.

Example Ex46: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex45, wherein the button light guide comprises a plurality of light transfer portions, and wherein each of the plurality of light transfer portions connects a corresponding one of the plurality of light entry surfaces with the light emission surface.

Example Ex47: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex46, wherein at least one of the light transfer portions is inclined with respect to the pressing direction.

Example Ex48: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex45 to Ex47, wherein a spatial light intensity distribution over the light emission surface is different depending on which one or more of the plurality of light sources is activated.

Example Ex49: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex48, further comprising a controller configured to selectively activate one or more light sources of the at least one light source in dependence of an operating parameter of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex50: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex49, wherein the light emission surface has an elongate shape, in particular a line shape.

Example Ex51: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex50, further comprising a switch, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch.

Example Ex52: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex51, wherein the switch is provided underneath the light emission surface with respect to the pressing direction.

Example Ex53: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex51 or Ex52, wherein the switch is provided laterally offset from a projection of the light emission surface along the pressing direction.

Example Ex54: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex53, wherein the switch is provided laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction.

Example Ex55: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex54, further comprising an actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

Example Ex56: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex55, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the at least one light source and the button.

Example Ex57: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex55 or Ex56, wherein the actuation unit has at least one light passage configured to let light from the at least one light source pass through the at least one light passage to the button.

Example 58: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex57, further comprising a source light guide provided below the button with respect to the pressing direction and configured to guide light from the at least one light source towards the at least one light entry surface of the button light guide.

Example Ex59: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex58, wherein the button is configured to move with respect to the source light guide.

Example Ex60: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex58 or Ex59, wherein the source light guide comprises a plurality of light channels, and wherein each light channel is configured to guide light from a corresponding one of the at least one light sources to a corresponding one of the at least one light entry surface.

Example 61: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 58 to Ex60, further comprising a switch assembly with a switch and an actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit through an opening of the source light guide.

Example Ex62: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex58 to Ex61, wherein a membrane is provided between the button and the source light guide.

Example Ex63: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex97 to Ex62, wherein at least two button light guides are embedded in the button main body, such that at least two distinct light emission surfaces are arranged on the outer side of the button.

Example Ex64: Method for operating an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of:guiding light from at least one light source within the aerosol-generating device towards a button of the aerosol-generating device through a source light guide; andmoving the button along a pressing direction from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position, thereby actuating a switch within the aerosol-generating device;wherein the switch is actuated through an opening of the source light guide.

Example Ex65: Method according to Example Ex64, wherein the source light guide is provided below the button with respect to the pressing direction.

Example Ex66: Method according to Example 64 or 65, wherein the switch is provided at the opposing side of the source light guide than the button.

Example Ex67: Method according to any one of Examples 64 to 66, wherein the step of moving the button comprises moving the button with respect to at least one of the source light guide and the switch.

Example Ex68: Method according to any one of Examples 64 to 67, wherein the switch is actuated by the button via an actuation unit, the actuation unit protruding through the opening of the source light guide.

Example Ex69: Method according to any one of Examples 64 to 68 wherein the step of moving the button comprises deforming a membrane provided between the button and the source light guide.

Example Ex70: Method according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex69, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex71: Use of a light guide for guiding light from a light source to a button, while actuating a switch via an opening in the light guide.

Example Ex72: Use according to Example Ex71, wherein the light guide, the button, and the light source are part of an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex73: Aerosol-generating device, comprising:a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface; anda button at least partially arranged in the through-hole, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction;wherein centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, the centering parts being configured to center the button in the through-hole.

Example Ex74: Aerosol-generating device, according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24,wherein the button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; andwherein centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, the centering parts being configured to center the button in the through-hole.

Example Ex75: Aerosol-generating device, according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex63, further comprising:a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface;wherein the button is at least partially arranged in the through-hole; andwherein centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole, the centering parts being configured to center the button in the through-hole.

Example Ex76: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex75, wherein the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole connects the outer surface of the housing and the inner surface of the housing.

Example Ex77: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex76, wherein the button is detached from the housing.

Example Ex78: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex77, wherein the centering parts are formed as centering protrusions at the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex79: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex78, wherein the centering parts are detached from the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex80: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex79, wherein the centering parts extend towards the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex81: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex80, wherein the centering parts are configured to engage the other one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex82: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex81, wherein the centering parts are configured to stabilize a position of the button within the through-hole.

Example Ex83: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex82, wherein the centering parts are configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole.

Example Ex84: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex83, wherein the centering parts comprise an elastomeric material or are formed of an elastomeric material.

Example Ex85: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex84, wherein the centering parts comprise plural centering parts distributed around a circumference of the though-hole or a circumference of the button.

Example Ex86: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex85, wherein the centering parts comprise one or more pairs of centering parts, wherein centering parts of a pair of centering parts are positioned opposite to each other.

Example Ex87: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex86, wherein the centering parts in sum extend over no more than 50 percent, or no more than 30 percent, or no more than 20 percent, or no more than 10 percent, or no more than 5 percent of a circumference of the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex88: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex89, wherein the centering parts extend from the one of the lateral surface of the button and the wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole by between 1 millimeter and 20 millimeters, or by between 1 millimeter and 15 millimeters, or by between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or by between 5 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or by between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

Example Ex89: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex88, wherein a form-fit between the housing and the button is provided, wherein the form-fit is configured to retain the button in the through-hole against the button falling out of the through-hole towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex90: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex89, wherein the form-fit comprises one or more retaining protrusions of the housing, wherein the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing extend into the through-hole.

Example Ex91: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex90, wherein the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing comprise a circumferential protrusion extending into the through-hole fully around a circumference of the through-hole.

Example Ex92: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex89 to Ex91, wherein the form-fit comprises one or more retaining protrusions of the button, wherein preferably the one or more retaining protrusions of the button are configured to engage the one or more retaining protrusions of the housing.

Example Ex93: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex92, further comprising a membrane fixed to the housing and extending across the through-hole.

Example Ex94: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex93, wherein the membrane is provided downstream of the button with respect to the pressing direction.

Example Ex95: Method for operating a button of an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of:pressing a button provided at least partially within a through-hole of a housing of an aerosol-generating device to move the button from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position; andcentering the button in the through-hole with centering parts provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex96: Method according to Example Ex95, wherein the centering parts stabilize a position of the button within the through-hole.

Example Ex97: Method according to Example Ex95 or Ex96, wherein the centering parts are configured to limit rotation of the button within the through-hole.

Example Ex98: Method according to any one of Examples Ex95 to Ex97, further comprising deforming a membrane of the aerosol-generating device by the movement of the button.

Example Ex99: Method according to any one of Examples Ex95 to Ex98, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex100: Use of centering parts to center a button in a through-hole provided in a housing of an aerosol-generating device, wherein the centering parts are provided at one of a lateral surface of the button and a wall portion of the housing delimiting the through-hole.

Example Ex101: Use according to Example Ex100, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex102: Aerosol-generating device, comprising:a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface;a button at least partially arranged in the through-hole, the button being configured to be pressed in a pressing direction;a switch; andan actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

Example Ex103: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, further comprising:a switch; andan actuation unit;wherein the button is configured to be pressed in a pressing direction; andwherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

Example Ex104: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex39 to Ex63, further comprising:a housing having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a through-hole connecting the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the button is at least partially arranged in the through-hole;a switch; andan actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

Example Ex105: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex73 to Ex94, further comprising:a switch; andan actuation unit, wherein pressing the button in the pressing direction operates the switch via the actuation unit.

Example Ex106: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex105, wherein the actuation unit is detached from the button.

Example Ex107: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex106, wherein the actuation unit is detached from the switch.

Example Ex108: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex107, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the switch and the button.

Example Ex109: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex108, wherein the actuation unit is formed as a plate or as a platform.

Example Ex110: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex109, wherein the actuation unit is configured to carry out a tilting motion, when the button is pressed in the pressing direction.

Example Ex111: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex110, further comprising at least one guide pin extending into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuation unit.

Example Ex112: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex111, wherein the at least one guide pin has an elliptical cross-section.

Example Ex113: Aerosol-generating device according Example Ex111, wherein the at least one guide pin has a circular cross-section.

Example Ex114: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex111 to Ex113, wherein the at least one guide pin is laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction.

Example Ex115: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex111 to Ex114, wherein the at least one guide pin and the switch are provided at opposing halves of the actuation unit.

Example Ex116: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex115, wherein the switch is laterally offset from a projection of a center of the button along the pressing direction.

Example Ex117: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex116, further comprising a damper configured to act against a motion of the actuation unit towards the switch.

Example Ex118: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex117, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the damper and the button.

Example Ex119: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex117 or Ex118, wherein the damper is provided on the same side of the actuation unit as the switch.

Example Ex120: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex117 to Ex119, wherein the damper is provided centrally below the actuation unit.

Example Ex121: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex117 to Ex120, wherein the damper is provided centrally below the button.

Example Ex122: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex117 to Ex121, wherein the damper is formed of an elastic material, in particular a foam material.

Example Ex123: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex122, further comprising a printed circuit board, the actuation unit being provided between the printed circuit board and the button, wherein the switch is provided on the printed circuit board.

Example Ex124: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex123, wherein a membrane is provided between the actuation unit and the button.

Example Ex125: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex102 to Ex124, wherein the actuation unit has at least one light channel configured to let light from at least one light source pass through the actuation unit to the button.

Example Ex126: Method for actuating a switch of an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of:causing a tilting motion of an actuation unit provided within the aerosol-generating device by moving a button from a resting position towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device into an activated position, thereby actuating a switch provided within the aerosol-generating device via the actuation unit.

Example Ex127: Method according to Example Ex126, further comprising deforming a membrane of the aerosol-generating device by the movement of the button.

Example Ex128: Method according to Example Ex127, wherein the membrane is positioned between the actuation unit and the button.

Example Ex129: Method according to any one of Examples Ex126 to Ex128, wherein during the tilting motion, the actuation unit is guided by at least one guide pin extending into a corresponding at least one guide hole in the actuation unit.

Example Ex130: Method according to Example Ex129, wherein a part of the actuation unit opposite the guide hole contacts the switch to actuate the switch.

Example Ex131: Method according to any one of Examples Ex126 to Ex130, further comprising returning the button to the resting position by a damper, wherein the actuation unit is provided between the damper and the button.

Example Ex132: Method according to any one of Examples Ex126 to Ex131, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example Ex132: Use of an actuation unit provided below a button and carrying out a tilting motion to actuate a switch provided within an aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex133: Use according to Example Ex132, wherein the aerosol-generating device is the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125.

Example 134: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, or Examples Ex39 to Ex63, or Examples Ex73 to Ex94, or Examples Ex102 to Ex125, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

FIG.1shows an aerosol-generating device1. The aerosol-generating device1is a handheld electronic device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device1comprises a housing5at least partially defining an outer appearance of the aerosol-generating device1. In the illustrated embodiments, the housing5comprises a first housing part7and a second housing part9which are both generally cylindrically shaped and combine to form the housing5.

The aerosol-generating device1comprises an insertion opening3for an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be at least partially inserted into the insertion opening3to allow for generation of aerosol for consumption by a user. Inside the housing5, the aerosol-generating device1comprises an electronic heater mechanism for heating the aerosol-generating article. The electronic heater mechanism is powered by a battery provided inside the housing5. Upon being heated, aerosol-generating substances of the aerosol-generating article form an aerosol for consumption by a user.

The aerosol-generating device1comprises a button11. The button11is accessible from outside the aerosol-generating device1. A user may press the button11to switch the aerosol-generating device1on or off, or to control one or more functions of the aerosol-generating device1.

The aerosol-generating device1shown inFIG.1may be an aerosol-generating device1according to a first embodiment or an aerosol-generating device1according to a second embodiment. From outside, the aerosol-generating device1according to the first embodiment and the aerosol-generating device1according to the second embodiment may look the same. However, there are differences in some inner components between the first and second embodiments. The first embodiment will now be described with reference toFIGS.2to8C.

As can be seen inFIG.2, the button11is provided in a through-hole13of the housing5. The through-hole13extends through the housing5and connects an outer surface15of the housing5and an inner surface17of the housing5. The outer surface15of the housing5may at least partially form an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device1.

The housing5comprises a retaining protrusion19extending into the through-hole13of the housing5along a circumference of the through-hole13. The button11comprises a retaining protrusion21extending laterally from the button11around a circumference of the button11. As shown inFIG.2, the retaining protrusion21of the button11is provided below the retaining protrusion19of the housing5with respect to the pressing direction10of the button11. Thus, the retaining protrusion19of the housing5and the retaining protrusion21of the button11together provide a form-fit preventing the button11from falling out of the through-hole13against the pressing direction10. The button11might also be retained in the through-hole13in different manners. For example, the housing5might have a plain wall delimiting the through-hole13without the retaining protrusion19of the housing5, and the retaining protrusion21of the button11might laterally extend under the housing5to prevent the button11from falling out of the through-hole13against the pressing direction10.

A membrane23is provided below the button11downstream of the button11with respect to the pressing direction10. The membrane23extends in a plane that is perpendicular to the pressing direction10. The membrane23is sealed to the inner surface17of the housing5fully around a circumference of the through-hole13. Thus, the membrane23covers the through-hole13and seals the through-hole13. In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane23is sealed to the inner surface17of the housing5by an adhesive layer25circumferentially surrounding the through-hole13. The adhesive layer25may, for example, be a layer of double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of glue. The membrane23is waterproof. Further, the adhesive layer25attaching the membrane23to the housing5is waterproof and seals the membrane23to the inner surface17of the housing5in a waterproof manner. The membrane23may prevent foreign matter, in particular liquid, such as water, from entering the aerosol-generating device1through a gap between the button11and a wall of the housing5delimiting the through-hole13.

As shown inFIG.2, the button11lies on top of the membrane23. The button11is supported by the membrane23. The membrane23prevents the button11from falling into the aerosol-generating device1along the pressing direction10. The button11is preferably not fixedly attached to the membrane23.

A switch27is provided downstream of the button11and downstream of the membrane23with respect to the pressing direction10. Thus, the membrane23lies between the button11and the switch27. An actuation unit29is provided between the membrane23and the switch27. The actuation unit29extends above the switch27towards the button11.

When the button11is pressed, the button11moves towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device1along the pressing direction10. The membrane23is made of an elastic material and deforms when the button11is pressed along the pressing direction10. Thus, the button11engages the actuation unit29via the membrane23. Due to being acted upon by the button11(via the membrane23), the actuation unit29in turn acts on the switch27to press the switch27. In the first embodiment, the actuation unit29is an elastic element that forms a roof above the switch27. The actuation unit29is elastically deformed by pressing the button11down along the pressing direction10and presses the switch27. However, of course, the actuation unit29may be embodied in alternative manners as an intermediate element between the button11and the switch27.

The switch27is provided on a printed circuit board31of the aerosol-generating device1. The printed circuit board31may be arranged parallel to the length axis of the device1. The length of the printed circuit board31may be parallel to the length axis of the device1. The battery may be parallel to the length axis of the device1. The length of the battery may be parallel to the length axis of the device. The printed circuit board31may be arranged on top of or below the battery in a direction perpendicular to the length axis of the device1. Any one of these arrangements may provide a more compact assembly. Alternatively, the switch29may be connected to an electronic circuitry of the aerosol-generating device1. Pressing the button11and thereby pressing the switch27may, for example, switch on the aerosol-generating device1or may activate a heating function of the aerosol-generating device1, or may switch off the aerosol-generating device1, or may provide an input for controlling any function of the aerosol-generating device1.

FIG.7Ashows an outer side33of the button11that faces towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device1.FIG.7Bshows an inner side35of the button11facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device1. The button11comprises a button main body37and a button light guide39embedded in the button main body37.FIG.7Cshows the button light guide39with the button main body37removed. The button light guide39comprises a light emission surface41on the outer side33of the button11. The light emission surface41is visible through an opening in the button main body37in a view from outside the aerosol-generating device1. The button light guide39further comprises a plurality of light entry surfaces43at the inner side35of the button11. The light entry surfaces43are visible through openings in the button main body37in a view from inside the aerosol-generating device1. The button light guide39further comprises a plurality of light transfer portions45. Each of the light transfer portions45connects a corresponding one of the light entry surfaces43with the light emission surface41.

As can be seen inFIG.2, a source light guide47is provided on the printed circuit board31downstream of (or underneath) the button11and the membrane23with respect to the pressing direction10.FIG.8Ashows the source light guide47in a viewing direction along the pressing direction10.FIG.8Bshows the source light guide47in a viewing direction against the pressing direction10. The source light guide47comprises a source light guide main body49. Further, the source light guide47comprises a plurality of light channels51as illustrated inFIG.8Cwith the source light guide main body49removed.

Light sources53are provided laterally offset from the light emission surface41of the button light guide39. The light sources53are also laterally offset from the light entry surfaces43of the button light guide39. Further, the light sources53are laterally offset from the through-hole13of the housing5. The light sources53are also laterally offset from the button11. The laterally offset positioning of the light sources53may ensure that the light sources53do not interfere with the operation of the button11and the switch27.

Each of the light channels51of the source light guide47extends to a corresponding one of the light sources53. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five light sources53and five corresponding light channels51. The light channels51guide the light of the corresponding light source53to a light output end55of the respective light channel51at the surface of the source light guide47facing towards the button11.

The light output ends55of the light channels51each face a corresponding one of the light entry surfaces43of the button light guide39. The light output ends55of the light channels51face the light entry surfaces43of the button light guide39along the pressing direction10. Thus, light exiting the source light guide47through an output end55of one of the light channels51enters the button light guide39through a corresponding one of the light entry surfaces43.

As can be seen inFIG.7C, the light exit surface41of the button light guide39has an elongate shape, in particular the shape of a line. The light transfer portions45corresponding to the individual light entry surfaces43of the button light guide39connect to the portion of the button light guide39forming the light output surface41at different positions along the main extension direction of the light output surface41. Therefore, light from different light sources53is emitted through the light output surface41of the button light guide39towards an outside of the aerosol-generation device1at different positions along the main extension direction of the output light guide41.

A controller59as schematically shown inFIGS.3to6controls the light sources53. For example, the controller59may individually or in groups activate or deactivate certain light sources53to obtain a certain spatial light intensity distribution over the light emission surface41. In an embodiment, the controller59selectively activates and deactivates the individual light sources53according to a charging state of the battery of the aerosol-generation device1to indicate the charging state to a user. For example, if the battery is full, then all light sources53may be activated such that the entire length of the light emission surface41is illuminated. When the charging state of the battery decreases, a proportional number of light sources53may be deactivated in an order corresponding to the positions at which the light from the light sources53is supplied to the light emitting surface41of the button light guide39. Thus, for a lower charging state of the battery, a reduced length of the light output surface41of the button light guide39may be illuminated. The illuminated length may be proportional to a charging state of the battery.

As shown, for example, inFIGS.2and8A, the source light guide47comprises an opening61. The opening61is located upstream of the switch27with respect to the pressing direction10. The switch27is provided directly below the opening61. The actuation unit29comprises an elastic material and is elastically deformable. The actuation unit29extends through the opening61of the source light guide47to enable the button11to act on the actuation unit29, when being pressed down along the pressing direction10. When the button11is pressed down, the button11deforms the actuation unit29such that the actuation unit29presses the switch27.

FIG.3shows the aerosol-generation device1with the second housing part9and the button11removed in a partial view with a viewing direction along the pressing direction10. The membrane23provided below the button11is visible inFIG.3. As can be seen inFIG.3and inFIG.2, the membrane23may comprise a centering feature63for centering the button11in the through-hole13with respect to a lateral direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering feature63has the form of a wall extending from a surface of the membrane23facing against the pressing direction10. In the illustrated embodiment, the centering feature63fully extends around a circumference of the button11. Alternatively, the centering feature63may comprise two or more separate sections provided at different positions along the circumference of the button11.

FIG.4shows the view ofFIG.3with the membrane23removed. InFIG.4, the source light guide47is visible in the view as shown inFIG.8A.

FIG.5shows the view ofFIG.4with the source light guide47removed. InFIG.5, the light sources53and the actuation unit29are visible. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five light sources53. A first number of light sources53is provided on a first lateral side of the switch27and a second number of light sources53is provided on an opposing second lateral side of the switch27. Providing the light sources53on opposing sides of the switch27may allow to efficiently use the available space on the printed circuit board31.

FIG.6shows the view ofFIG.5with the actuation unit29removed, thus revealing the switch27.

Now, the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.9-13C.

As shown inFIG.9, according to the second embodiment, the button11is provided in a through-hole13of the housing5in a similar manner as in the first embodiment.

The through-hole13extends through the housing5and connects an outer surface15of the housing5and an inner surface17of the housing5. The outer surface15of the housing5may at least partially form an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device1.

The housing5comprises a retaining protrusion19extending into the through-hole13of the housing5along a circumference of the through-hole13. The button11comprises a retaining protrusion21extending laterally from the button11around a circumference of the button11. As shown inFIG.2, the retaining protrusion21of the button11is provided below the retaining protrusion19of the housing5with respect to the pressing direction10of the button11. Thus, the retaining protrusion19of the housing5and the retaining protrusion21of the button11together provide a form-fit preventing the button11from falling out of the through-hole13against the pressing direction10. The button11might be retained in the through-hole13in different manners. For example, the housing5might have a plain wall delimiting the through-hole13without the retaining protrusion19of the housing5, and the retaining protrusion21of the button11might laterally extend under the housing5to prevent the button11from falling out of the through-hole13against the pressing direction10.

As in the first embodiment, a membrane23is provided below the button11downstream of the button11with respect to the pressing direction10. The membrane23extends in perpendicular to the pressing direction10. The membrane23is sealed to the inner surface17of the housing5fully around a circumference of the through-hole13. Thus, the membrane23covers the through-hole13and seals the through-hole13. The membrane23is sealed to the inner surface17of the housing5by an adhesive layer25circumferentially surrounding the through-hole13. The adhesive layer25may, for example, be a layer of double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of glue. The membrane23is waterproof. Further, the adhesive layer25attaching the membrane23to the housing5is waterproof and seals the membrane23to the inner surface17of the housing5in a waterproof manner. The membrane23may prevent foreign matter, in particular liquid, such as water, from entering the aerosol-generating device1through a gap be-tween the button11and a wall of the housing5delimiting the through-hole13.

FIG.10shows the aerosol-generation device1with the second housing part9and the button11removed in a partial view with a viewing direction along the pressing direction10. The membrane23provided below the button11is visible inFIG.10. Further, the adhesive layer25is visible inFIG.10.

As shown inFIG.9, the button11lies on top of the membrane23. The button11is supported by the membrane23. The membrane23prevents the button11from falling into the aerosol-generating device1along the pressing direction10. The button11is preferably not fixedly attached to the membrane23.

A switch27is provided on a printed circuit board31provided downstream of the button11and downstream of the membrane23with respect to the pressing direction10. Thus, the mem-brane23lies between the button11and the printed circuit board31with the switch27. The printed circuit board31extends in perpendicular to the pressing direction10.

An actuation unit29is provided between the membrane23and the printed circuit board31. The actuation unit29according to the second embodiment has a plate shape or a platform shape. A main extension direction of the actuation unit29is generally perpendicular to the pressing direction10. The actuation unit29may extend in parallel to the membrane23. The actuation unit29may be provided directly downstream of the membrane23with respect to the pressing direction10.

A damper81is provided on the printed circuit board31. The damper81comprises an elastic material. The damper81may be formed as a block-shaped structure on top of the printed circuit board31. The damper81may be provided downstream of the actuation unit29with respect to the pressing direction10. The damper81may protrude from the printed circuit board31further against the pressing direction10than the switch27.

When the button11is pressed, the button11moves towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device1along the pressing direction10. The membrane23is made of an elastic material and deforms when the button11is pressed along the pressing direction10. Thus, the button11engages the actuation unit29via the membrane23.

Due to the pressing force applied via the button11, a force directed along the pressing direction10acts on the actuation unit29. The damper81counteracts the movement of the actuation unit29along the pressing direction10. This causes the actuation unit29to carry out a tilting motion, wherein a region of the actuation unit29provided above the switch27moves further downward along the pressing direction10than a region of the actuation unit29provided above the damper81. The tilting motion is schematically illustrated by arrow83inFIG.9and by tilting axis84inFIG.11. The tilting motion of the actuation unit29brings the actuation unit29in contact with the switch27, thereby actuating the switch27. Actuating the switch27may, for example, switch on the aerosol-generating device1, or may activate a heating function of the aerosol-generating device1, or may switch off the aerosol-generating device1, or might provide an input for controlling any function of the aerosol-generating device1.

Once the button11is released by the user, the actuation unit29carries out a reverse tilting motion, returning the actuation unit29to its initial position. The return motion of the actuation unit29may be caused, partly or fully, by an elastic force applied by the damper81.

FIG.11shows the view ofFIG.10with the membrane23and the adhesive layer25re-moved. Thus, inFIG.11the actuation unit29can be seen in a top view. The actuation unit29comprises guide holes85extending through the actuation unit29in parallel to the pressing direction10. Guide pins87provided on the printed circuit board31extend into the guide holes85from below. Interaction between the guide holes85and the guide pins87ensures that the actuation unit29remains in place above the damper81and the switch27. The guide pins87are received in the guide holes85with sufficient play to allow for the tilting motion of the actuation unit27.

FIG.12shows the view ofFIG.10with the actuation unit29removed. Thus, the switch27, the damper81and the guide pins87provided on the printed circuit board31are visible inFIG.12. The damper81is provided between the guide pins87and the switch27.

As shown inFIG.12, light sources53are provided on the printed circuit board31below the actuation unit29. In the illustrated embodiment, five light sources53are provided on the printed circuit board31below the actuation unit29. The light sources53may comprise LEDs.

As shown inFIG.11, the actuation unit29comprises light channels89extending through the actuation unit29in parallel to the pressing direction10. In the illustrated embodiments, the actuation unit29comprises four light channels89. Three smaller light channels89are provided above one corresponding light source53each. The fourth, larger light channel89is provided above two corresponding light sources53. Light from the light sources53passes through the light channels89in the actuation unit29towards the button11.

FIG.13Ashows an outer side33of the button11facing towards an outside of the aerosol-generating device1.FIG.13Bshows an inner side35of the button11facing towards an inside of the aerosol-generating device1. The button11comprises a button main body37and a button light guide39embedded in the button main body37.FIG.13Cshows the button light guide39with the button main body37removed. The button light guide39comprises a light emission surface41on the outer side33of the button11. The light emission surface41is visible through an opening in the button main body37in a view from outside the aerosol-generating device1. The button light guide39further comprises a plurality of light entry surfaces43at the inner side35of the button11. The light entry surfaces43are visible through openings in the button main body37in a view from inside the aerosol-generating device1. The button light guide39further comprises a plurality of light transfer portions45. Each of the light transfer portions45connects a corresponding one of the light entry surfaces43with the light emission surface41.

As can be seen inFIG.13C, the light exit surface41of the button light guide39has an elongate shape, in particular the shape of a line. The light transfer portions45corresponding to the individual light entry surfaces43of the button light guide39connect to the portion of the button light guide39forming the light output surface41at different positions along the main extension direction of the light output surface41.

A controller59as schematically shown inFIGS.10to12controls the light sources53. For example, the controller59may individually or in groups activate or deactivate certain light sources53to obtain a certain spatial light intensity distribution over the light emission surface41. For example, the controller59may selectively activate and deactivate the individual light sources53according to a charging state of the battery of the aerosol-generation device1to indicate the charging state to a user. For example, if the battery is full, then all light sources53may be activated such that the entire length of the light emission surface41is illuminated. When the charging state of the battery decreases, a proportional number of light sources53may be deactivated in an order corresponding to the positions at which the light from the light sources53is supplied to the light emitting surface41of the button light guide39. Thus, for a lower charging state of the battery, a reduced length of the light output surface41of the button light guide39may be illuminated. The illuminated length may be proportional to a charging state of the battery.

FIG.14shows a schematic perspective view on the inner side17of the housing5in the region of the through-hole13. The features shown inFIG.14may be implemented in both the first and second embodiments. A recessed area91is provided around the through-hole13. The recessed area91may be delimited by a step93formed in the housing5. The membrane23is attached to the inner surface17of the housing5within the recessed area91.FIG.14also shows centering parts95provided around the through-hole13.

FIG.15shows a sectional view through the housing5at the position of the through-hole13with the button11received in the through-hole13. As shown inFIG.15, the centering parts95are provided at a wall portion97of the housing15delimiting the through-hole13. The centering parts95extend from the wall portion97into the through-hole13. The centering parts95engage a lateral surface99of the button11. By engagement between the centering parts95and the lateral surface99of the button11, rotation of the button11in the through-hole13is limited. Further, engagement between the centering parts95and the lateral surface99of the button11contributes to centering the button11within the through-hole13.

As shown inFIG.14, the centering parts95are provided around the circumference of the through-hole13at intervals. In between neighboring centering parts95, larger gaps are formed between the wall portion97of the housing5and the lateral surface99of the button11.

FIG.16shows an alternative arrangement of the centering parts95. According toFIG.16, the centering parts95are provided at the lateral surface99of the button11and extend outwards towards the wall portion97of the housing5delimiting the through-hole13. The centering parts95limit rotation of the button11in the through-hole13by engagement with the wall portion97of the housing5.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A±10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.