CN108652086B - Cigarette case for non-combustion smoking set and non-combustion smoking set equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A cigarette pack for non-combustion smoking articles and a non-combustion smoking article device comprising: a main body having disposed therein a power supply unit configured to store electric power and supply electric power to a non-combustion smoking article, and a control unit configured to control electric power storage and supply of the power supply unit; and a side cover provided with a cavity for receiving a non-combustion smoking article inserted therein; wherein the side cover is laterally movably connected to the body and is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the side cover is closed on the body and an open position in which the side cover allows a user to put in and take out a non-combustion smoking article. The present disclosure improves portability, compactness, and operability of cigarette packs and non-combustion smoking set devices, thereby providing a user with a more convenient use experience and a brand new visual experience.

Description

Cigarette case for non-combustion smoking set and non-combustion smoking set equipment

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of non-combustion smoking articles, and in particular to a cigarette case for a non-combustion smoking article and a non-combustion smoking article device comprising such a cigarette case.

Background

With the continuous rise of the attention to the health, people gradually realize the harm to the body caused by the traditional smoking mode of burning smoke articles to generate smoke for smoking, and therefore, non-burning smoking articles and equipment thereof are developed.

Existing non-combustion smoking article devices typically heat the smoking article to produce smoke for inhalation by a user. Such non-combustion smoking article devices generally comprise two parts: smoking articles (also known as rods) and cigarette boxes. Cigarette packs are used for storing, charging and/or communicating cigarettes and the like.

In existing non-combustion smoking devices, a top cover is usually provided at the top of the pack, and when the smoking device is not in use, the top cover can be opened to place and store the smoking device in the chamber of the pack; when the smoking set is needed, the top cover can be opened to take out the smoking set from the cigarette case.

The portability, compactness and ease of handling of the pack or the entire smoking device have been the goal sought by the manufacturer. Furthermore, in the current market situation of product homogenization, a new competitive point for attracting users, for example, in terms of appearance, is also required.

Disclosure of Invention

In the use of the above-mentioned existing non-combustion smoking device, the applicant has studied that one of the directions of improving portability, compactness and operability thereof is the lid of a cigarette pack, because: the length of the smoking article is generally aligned with the length of the pack, and the lid of the pack (i.e. the lid described above) is positioned on top of the pack along its length, this arrangement of the lid resulting in an increased overall length of the pack. In addition, the provision of some accessory parts associated with the lid (such as connectors, locks, etc.) further leads to an increase in the overall length of the packet.

The present disclosure thus addresses the foregoing needs by proposing a pack for non-combustible smoking articles and a corresponding non-combustible smoking article device. The present disclosure improves portability, compactness, and operability of cigarette packs and non-combustion smoking set devices, providing a more convenient use experience for users. Meanwhile, in terms of appearance, the novel visual experience is provided for the user.

To this end, the present disclosure relates to a cigarette packet for a non-burning smoking article, the cigarette packet comprising: a main body having disposed therein a power supply unit configured to store electric power and supply electric power to a non-combustion smoking article, and a control unit configured to control electric power storage and supply of the power supply unit; and a side cover provided with a cavity for receiving a non-combustion smoking article inserted therein; wherein the side cover is laterally movably connected to the body and is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the side cover is closed on the body and an open position in which the side cover allows a user to put in and take out a non-combustion smoking article.

The cigarette case of the present disclosure is provided with a side cover, a cavity for receiving a smoking set is provided on the side cover, and when the side cover is opened, the side cover moves laterally outwards to be opened, so that the smoking set is conveniently put in and taken out. The structure eliminates the arrangement of the top cover and some accessory parts related to the top cover, reduces the total length of the cigarette case along the length direction, improves the portability, the compactness and the operability of the cigarette case and the non-combustion smoking set equipment, and provides a brand new use experience and visual experience for users.

In one embodiment, the side cover is pivotally connected to the main body by a pivot.

In an embodiment, when the side cover is opened, the side cover is pivoted laterally outwardly to an open position such that the longitudinal direction of the side cover is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the main body.

In an embodiment, the side cover comprises a closed bottom and an open top, the pivot being located at the closed bottom or at an intermediate portion between the closed bottom and the open top of the side cover.

In an embodiment, the side cover and the main body are connected by a sliding rail mechanism, and the side cover is configured to be opened by the sliding rail mechanism in an outward straight line manner.

In one embodiment, the slide rail mechanism includes a guide slot on one of the body and the side cover and a corresponding guide bar on the other of the body and the side cover, the guide bar configured to slide within the guide slot.

In one embodiment, the slide rail mechanism includes a fixed slide rail mounted on the main body and a movable slide rail mounted on the side cover, the movable slide rail configured to slide on the fixed slide rail.

In one embodiment, the side cover includes a closed bottom and an open top through which the non-combustion smoking article is placed into or removed from the cavity of the side cover.

In an embodiment, the side cover has a substantially inverted η -shaped cross section or a substantially U-shaped cross section.

In one embodiment, the cigarette case further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the side cover in a locked state, preventing the side cover from being accidentally opened.

In an embodiment, the locking mechanism is a push button structure or a ball spring structure or a magnet assembly.

In an embodiment, the cigarette case further comprises a rail structure for guiding movement of the side cover.

In one embodiment, the rail structure includes a protrusion disposed on one of the main body and the side cover and an arc-shaped groove disposed on the other of the main body and the side cover, the protrusion being configured to be slidable within the arc-shaped groove.

In one embodiment, the box further comprises a booster structure for boosting movement of the side cover relative to the body.

In one embodiment, the power assisting structure is an elastic member disposed between the side cover and the main body.

In one embodiment, the elastic member is a spring.

In one embodiment, the box further comprises a torsion spring disposed on the pivot for assisting movement of the side cover relative to the main body.

In one embodiment, a damping element is provided at the pivot shaft, the damping element providing resistance when the side cover is opened and closed to buffer the opening and closing speed of the side cover.

In an embodiment, the side cover is provided with features for facilitating gripping by a user.

In an embodiment, the feature for facilitating gripping by a user comprises a textured surface or a recess capable of engaging a user's finger.

In an embodiment, the locking mechanism is a push button structure comprising a push button that can be pushed and sprung, a link, one end of which is connected to the push button, and the other end of which is provided with an inclined surface configured to interact with the inclined surface of the locking member, the locking member being configured to move in the longitudinal direction of the packet by this interaction.

In one embodiment, the locking member is provided with a return spring and a locking portion configured to releasably engage with a mating locking portion of the side cover to lock the side cover.

In one embodiment, the pivot is in the form of a single pin or two pins.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a magnet assembly comprising a first magnet and a second magnet configured to be attracted to each other to hold the side cover in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the box further comprises a third magnet and a fourth magnet configured to be able to engage each other to hold the side cover in the open position.

In an embodiment, a damping barrier is provided between the first magnet and the second magnet and/or between the third magnet and the fourth magnet.

The present disclosure also relates to a non-combustion smoking article device comprising a smoking article and a pack as described above, the smoking article being configured to be received within the pack.

Features, advantages and details of the respective embodiments, as well as various additional embodiments, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the respective embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings listed below. Furthermore, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

Drawings

The present disclosure is further described below with reference to the drawings and examples, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like or identical elements throughout the drawings and the description thereof.

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a non-combustion smoking article device according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the non-combustion smoking device shown in fig. 1 with the side cover open.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a non-combustion smoking article device according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the non-combustion smoking device of fig. 3 with the side cover open.

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a non-combustion smoking article device according to a third example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the non-combustion smoking device of fig. 5 with the side cover open.

Detailed Description

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In this disclosure, for purposes of explanation only, various systems, methods, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the drawings, but not all features of an actual system, method, structure and device, such as well known functions or structures, are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary detail. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers 'or users' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a determination of the actual implementation is complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The terms and phrases used in this disclosure should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those terms and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. The consistent usage of terms or phrases in this disclosure is not intended to imply a special definition of the terms or phrases, i.e., a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special definition, such a special definition is expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

Unless the context requires otherwise, in the present disclosure, the words "comprise" and variations such as "comprising" and "comprises" will be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, i.e. as "comprising but not limited to".

In the present disclosure, descriptions of the terms "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "a particular example," or "some examples," etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, step, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, steps, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

As used in this disclosure, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include one or more referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is meant to include "and/or" in a generic sense unless expressly specified and limited otherwise. For the purposes of this description, a phrase in the form of "a or B" means "(a), (B) or (a and B)". For the purposes of this description, a phrase in the form of "at least one of A, B or C" means "(a), (B), (C), (a and B), (a and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C)".

Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like, are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defining "a first", "a second", etc. may include one or more of the feature, either explicitly or implicitly. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, unless explicitly defined otherwise.

All directional indicators in this disclosure, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., are used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc., between the components at a particular pose (typically the pose as shown in the drawings) that if changed will change accordingly.

In the present disclosure, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled," "connected," "attached," "affixed," and the like are to be construed broadly and may be, for example, fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected; can be mechanically or electrically connected; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and can be communication between two elements. The specific meaning of the terms in the present disclosure may be understood by those skilled in the art according to the specific circumstances.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

A non-combustion smoking set apparatus provided in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated with reference to fig. 1-2. The smoking set device generally comprises two parts: smoking set 102 and cigarette pack 100. The smoking article 102, also referred to as a tobacco rod, is particularly a heated non-combustion smoking article, and in particular relates to an electrically heated non-combustion smoking article. Such smoking articles are in the form of substantially conventional cigarettes. The cigarette packet is used for storing, charging and/or transmitting data to the smoking set.

The configuration of the packet is shown in figure 1 simply, in which the relevant elements are not drawn to scale, and elements not relevant to the present disclosure are omitted for reasons of simplicity and clarity of illustration. The cigarette pack 100 comprises a main body and a side cover 101, the main body may comprise a housing 110, and a control unit 107 and a power supply unit 106 are arranged in the housing 110. The body may also include a base (not shown) within the housing 110 that provides support for the control unit 107 and the power supply unit 106. Of course, the housing and base may be integrally formed as a one-piece component.

The housing 110 may also be provided with an interface (not shown) that may be used to wire-connect to an external power source, for example, to charge the power unit 106 using a cable. The interface may also be used to connect wirelessly (e.g., inductively, etc.) to an external power source. The interface, whether wired or wireless, may also be connected to an external computer or portable telephone for unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission, such as downloading updated software from the outside, and transmitting information about the pack and/or smoking set to the outside.

The control unit 107 is electrically connected to the interface and the power supply unit 106. The electrical connection here means that data transmission or power transmission is enabled.

The power supply unit 106 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium manganese battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a combination thereof. The power supply unit 106 is configured to store enough power to be able to charge the smoking article battery multiple times before it is needed to charge itself.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape, although any other shape is possible, such as substantially square in shape or an oblong shape with an oval or oblate cross-section. The housing 110 has a top wall, a bottom wall opposite the top wall, and a side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall, and the aforementioned side cover 101 may be formed as a part of the side wall when closed. A cavity for receiving a smoking set 102 inserted therein is provided in the side cover 101, and a contact 105 is provided at the bottom of the cavity, the contact 105 being electrically connected to a control unit 107 for connection with the smoking set 102 inserted therein via a corresponding contact 104 of the smoking set 102.

The contacts 105 and 104 shown in fig. 1 are schematic and the number thereof may be set according to actual needs, for example, a plurality, for example four or five, of contacts 105 and a corresponding plurality, for example four or five, of contacts 104 may be provided. The contacts may be circular contacts or spring tabs or fingers, although other suitable forms are contemplated. The contacts 105 and 104 may be configured to ensure reliable contact, for example, by a magnetic pull-in device, a vacuum pull-in device, or by a top of the case being pressed against.

The side cover 101 comprises a closed bottom, provided with said contacts 105, and an open top through which the smoking set 102 is put into or taken out of the cavity of the side cover. In the embodiment shown, the side cover 101 has a substantially inverted η -shaped cross section, which on the one hand ensures a reliable support of the smoking article 102 and on the other hand can fit snugly with the housing 110 to form a complete closed cavity and save material. Of course, the side covers may also form a generally U-shaped cross section.

In the illustrated embodiment, the side cover 101 is pivotally connected to the main body, such as to the housing 110 or the base. For example, as shown, the side cover 101 may be connected to the housing or base by a pivot 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot 103 is in the form of a single pin. Alternatively, the pivot may be two shaft pins located on both sides of the side cover. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the side cover may be connected to the main body by a hinge, such as a hinge. The pivot 103 may be located at the closed bottom of the side cover 101 or may be located at an intermediate portion between the closed bottom and the open top of the side cover 101.

The side cover 101 is configured to be pivotable between a closed position (as shown in fig. 1) in which the side cover 101 is closed on the housing 110 and cooperates with the housing 110 to form a complete enclosed cavity. When it is desired to open the side cover, the side cover 101 is pivoted laterally outwardly about the pivot 103 to an open position (as shown in fig. 2) such that the longitudinal direction of the side cover 101 is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110, thereby exposing the top of the side cover 101, which allows a user to place or remove the smoking set 102.

As used herein, "longitudinal direction" refers to the vertical direction of the case when in use, and generally refers to the longitudinal direction of the case. For smoking articles, "longitudinal direction" refers to the length direction of the smoking article. The corresponding "lateral direction or transverse direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the "longitudinal direction". In an embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the smoking article is parallel to the longitudinal position of the pack when the smoking article is placed in the pack and in the closed position.

It should be noted that fig. 2 is merely illustrative. For example, fig. 2 schematically shows the relative positional relationship between the side cover and other components in the open position, but in the open position, the electrical connection between the contact 105 and the control unit 107 may be achieved using a flexible cable, taking into account the positional change of the contact 105. To minimize cable length variation, the cable is preferably positioned near pivot 103 (this is not shown in fig. 2). The electrical connection used may be similar to the electrical connection of a screen and a host in a flip-top portable phone or notebook computer.

In an embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided for locking the side cover 101 in a locked state, preventing the side cover from being accidentally opened. The locking mechanism may be disposed between the side cover 101 and the housing 110 or the base. The locking mechanism may be a push button structure or a ball spring structure or a magnet assembly, etc., but may of course be any other type of locking mechanism. For example, in this embodiment, a lock mechanism in the form of a button structure is shown as an example, which includes a button 108 that can be pressed and sprung, a link 109, and a lock 111. The button 108 is connected to one end of a link 109, and the other end of the link 109 is provided with an inclined surface that can interact with an inclined surface of a lock 111. The locking member 111 is configured to be movable up and down in the longitudinal direction of the pack. The locking piece 111 is further provided with a return spring 112 and a locking portion configured to be releasably engaged with a mating locking portion of the side cover to lock the side cover. The return spring 112 is used to return the lock 111. Referring to fig. 1, the button 108 is in a sprung state, and the locking portion of the locking member engages with the mating locking portion of the side cover, thereby locking the side cover 101 in the closed position; when the button 108 is pressed, see fig. 2, the button actuates the link 109 in the horizontal direction, the inclined surface of the link interacts with the inclined surface of the locking piece 111, so that the locking piece 111 moves downward in the longitudinal direction, thereby disengaging the locking portion of the locking piece 111 from the locking portion of the side cover 101, thereby releasing the locking of the side cover, allowing the side cover to pivot outwardly relative to the housing. In the illustrated locking mechanism, when the user releases the button 108, the locking piece 111 is returned under the force of the return spring 112, and the link 109 and the button 108 move together in the horizontal direction under the interaction of the two inclined surfaces, and the button springs up. In closing the side covers, the user needs to press the button 108 first and then release the button after the side covers are in place. Of course, other forms of locking members may be used so that automatic locking is achieved while closing the side covers without requiring a user to operate a button.

In an embodiment, the side cover may be provided with features for facilitating gripping by a user, such as a textured surface formed by a plurality of protrusions or depressions, recesses capable of engaging a user's fingers, a handle, or the like.

In an embodiment, a rail structure (not shown) for guiding the pivoting of the side cover may be provided. The rail structure may include a protrusion disposed on the side cover and an arc-shaped groove disposed on the housing or the base, the protrusion sliding within the arc-shaped groove. Alternatively, the rail structure may include an arc-shaped groove provided on the side cover and a protrusion provided on the housing or the base.

In an embodiment, a booster structure is also included for assisting in pivoting of the side cover 101 relative to the housing 110 or base. For example, the assistance structure may be an elastic component disposed between the side cover and the housing or the base body, which is configured to automatically spring the side cover when opened, thereby assisting the opening of the side cover and improving user experience. In addition, the elastic member can also play a role in buffering the impact of the side cover on the housing when closed. Preferably, the resilient member is located outside the side cover at the bottom of the side cover (e.g., one end of the resilient member abuts the bottom of the side cover and the other end is secured to the housing or base), more preferably at a location remote from the pivot 103. Optionally, the elastic component is a spring. In a preferred embodiment, the spring is a torsion spring provided on the pivot 103, the torsion spring having two legs, one of which abuts the side cover and the other against the housing or base.

In one embodiment, a damping element may be provided at the pivot 103, which provides resistance as the side cover opens and closes, to buffer the opening and closing speed of the side cover.

In an embodiment, the casing 110 may further include a key, and the key is electrically connected to the control unit 107 and is used for inputting a control signal to the control unit 107 to control the cigarette packet.

It is further contemplated that one or more indicators may be provided on the pack to indicate the amount of power remaining in the power unit 106 in the pack and/or to indicate the state of charge (e.g., full) of the smoking article 102, as desired.

The control unit 107 of the cigarette pack as described above may be configured to receive the relevant information and transform the received information to generate an output. The control unit may comprise any type of computing device, computer, computing circuit, or any type of processor or processing circuit capable of executing a series of instructions stored in memory. The control unit may include a plurality of processors and/or a multi-core Central Processing Unit (CPU) and may include any type of processor, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, or the like. The control unit may also include a memory to store data and/or algorithms to execute a series of instructions.

A non-combustion smoking set apparatus provided in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated with reference to fig. 3-4. The construction of the non-combustion smoking set device is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment, only the differences being described herein. In this second exemplary embodiment, the side cover 101 of the cigarette case 200 is connected with the main body (e.g., the case 110 or the base) by a slide rail mechanism, and the side cover 101 is configured to be opened straight outward by the slide rail mechanism. In the embodiment shown, the slide rail mechanism comprises a guide slot 203 on the main body and a corresponding guide bar 201 on the side cover 101, the guide bar 201 being configured to slide within the guide slot 203 to open and close the side cover 101. Alternatively, the guide grooves may be provided on the side covers, and the mating guide strips correspondingly provided on the main body.

In a variant embodiment, the sliding rail mechanism comprises a fixed sliding rail mounted on the main body and a movable sliding rail mounted on the side cover, the movable sliding rail being configured to be able to slide on the fixed sliding rail. The side cover of this construction resembles a drawer.

In addition to the differences described above, the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also include components generally similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment, such as a locking mechanism, features to facilitate grasping by a user, and the like, which are not described in detail herein.

In particular, one example of a boost structure is shown in FIGS. 3-4. The booster structure includes a coil spring 202 provided at a lower section of the side cover 101, one end of which is fixed to the main body, and the other end of which abuts against an outer surface of the side cover 101. When the side cover is closed, the spring 202 is compressed to store energy; when the side cover is opened, the spring 202 applies stored energy to the side cover in a force manner to assist in opening the side cover. In addition, the spring 202 also serves as a buffer when the side cover is closed.

A non-combustion smoking set apparatus provided in accordance with a third example embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated with reference to fig. 5-6. The construction of the non-combustion smoking set device is substantially similar to the first exemplary embodiment, only the differences being described herein.

In this third exemplary embodiment, the side cover 101 of the cigarette case 300 is pivotably connected to the main body, e.g., to the housing 110 or base, by a pivot 303. In the example shown, the pivot 303 is in the form of two pins on either side of the side cover. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pivot may be in the form of a single pin (similar to fig. 1, in which case the single pin is arranged so as to avoid interference with the inserted smoking article 102), or the side cover may be connected to the main body by a hinge, such as a hinge. Preferably, as shown, the pivot 303 may be located at an intermediate portion between the closed bottom and the open top of the side cover 101. Of course, the pivot 303 may also be located at the closed bottom of the side cover 101.

In the example shown, the cartridge 300 is provided with a magnet assembly instead of the button structure in the first exemplary embodiment. As shown, the magnet assembly includes two pairs of magnets, namely, a first magnet 308 and a second magnet 309 capable of attracting each other and a third magnet 311 and a fourth magnet 312 capable of attracting each other, which are disposed at the open top and the closed bottom of the side cover, respectively. The first and third magnets 308 and 311 are fixedly mounted to the side cover 101, while the second and fourth magnets 309 and 312 are fixedly mounted to a body (e.g., a housing or a base of the body) and are opposite the first and third magnets 308 and 311, respectively.

The side cover 101 is configured to be pivotable about a pivot 303 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, as shown in fig. 5, the side cover 101 is closed on the housing 110 and cooperates with the housing 110 to form a complete closed cavity; the first magnet 308 and the second magnet 309 are attracted together to hold the side cover 101 in the closed position. When it is desired to open the side cover 101, the user applies a force to the side cover 101 to overcome the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets 308, 309, thereby pivoting the side cover 101 laterally outwardly about the pivot 303 to an open position, as shown in fig. 6, such that the longitudinal direction of the side cover 101 is at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110, exposing the top of the side cover 101, so that the user can place or remove the smoking set 102; the third and fourth magnets 311, 312 become attracted together to hold the side cover 101 in the open position shown in fig. 6, preventing free movement after the side cover is opened. During this opening process, the magnetic attraction between the third magnet 311 and the fourth magnet 312 can also function to assist in opening the side cover.

In a variant embodiment, only the first magnet 308 and the second magnet 309 may be provided for holding the side cover 101 in the closed position. While in the open position, the bottom of the side cover 101 abuts against the body (e.g., the housing or base of the body) directly or indirectly through a damping element, thereby preventing free movement when the side cover 101 is opened.

In addition to the differences described above, the third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also include components substantially similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment, such as features to facilitate gripping by a user, guide rails, assist structures, damping elements, etc., which are not described in detail herein. Alternatively, in the present embodiment, the damping element may also be provided between the first magnet 308 and the second magnet 309 and/or between the third magnet 311 and the fourth magnet 312, for example a damping barrier made of an elastic material.

The present disclosure may include any feature or combination of features disclosed herein either implicitly or explicitly or any generalisation thereof, and is not limited to any of the defined ranges as set forth above. Any of the elements, features, and/or structural arrangements described herein may be combined in any suitable manner.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosure may be modified and practiced in various ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings of this disclosure. For example, the above-described method steps may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (28)

1. A cigarette pack for non-burning cigarettes, the pack comprising:

a main body having disposed therein a power supply unit configured to store electric power and supply electric power to a non-combustion smoking article, and a control unit configured to control electric power storage and supply of the power supply unit; and

a side cover provided with a cavity for receiving a non-combustion smoking article inserted therein;

wherein the side cover is laterally movably connected to the body and is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the side cover is closed on the body and an open position in which the side cover allows a user to put in and take out a non-combustion smoking article; and is also provided with

Wherein the pack is configured for storing, charging and/or data transmission of the non-combustion smoking article, a contact (105) being provided at the bottom of the cavity of the side cover, the contact (105) being electrically connected to the control unit and configured for electrical connection with the non-combustion smoking article by means of a corresponding contact (104) of the non-combustion smoking article inserted therein.

2. The cigarette packet of claim 1, wherein the side cover is pivotably connected to the body by a pivot.

3. The cigarette packet of claim 2, wherein when the side cover is opened, the side cover pivots laterally outwardly to an open position such that a longitudinal direction of the side cover is at an angle to a longitudinal direction of the body.

4. The cigarette packet of claim 2, wherein the side cover includes a closed bottom and an open top, the pivot being located at the closed bottom or at an intermediate portion between the closed bottom and the open top of the side cover.

5. The cigarette packet of claim 1, wherein the side cover and the body are connected by a slide rail mechanism, the side cover being configured to be opened straight outwardly by the slide rail mechanism.

6. The cigarette pack of claim 5, wherein the slide rail mechanism comprises a guide slot on one of the main body and the side cover and a corresponding guide bar on the other of the main body and the side cover, the guide bar configured to slide within the guide slot.

7. The cigarette pack of claim 5, wherein the slide rail mechanism comprises a fixed slide rail mounted to the body and a movable slide rail mounted to the side cover, the movable slide rail configured to slide on the fixed slide rail.

8. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the side cover includes a closed bottom and an open top through which the non-combustion smoking article is placed into or removed from a cavity of the side cover.

9. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the side cover has a generally inverted η -shaped cross section or has a generally U-shaped cross section.

10. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the side cover in a locked condition preventing accidental opening of the side cover.

11. A pack according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is a push button arrangement or a ball spring arrangement or a magnet assembly.

12. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the packet further comprises a rail structure for guiding movement of the side cover.

13. The cigarette packet of claim 12, wherein the rail structure comprises a protrusion disposed on one of the body and the side cover and an arcuate groove disposed on the other of the body and the side cover, the protrusion being configured to slide within the arcuate groove.

14. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the packet further comprises a booster structure for boosting movement of the side cover relative to the body.

15. The cigarette packet of claim 14, wherein the booster structure is an elastic member disposed between the side cover and the main body.

16. A packet of cigarettes according to claim 15, wherein the resilient member is a spring.

17. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the packet further comprises a torsion spring disposed on the pivot for assisting movement of the side cover relative to the body.

18. A cigarette packet according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein a damping element is provided at the pivot, said damping element providing resistance when the side cover is opened and closed, for damping the opening and closing speed of the side cover.

19. The cigarette packet of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the side cover is provided with features for facilitating gripping by a user.

20. The cigarette packet of claim 19, wherein the feature for facilitating gripping by a user comprises a textured surface or a recess capable of engaging a user's finger.

21. A cigarette packet according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is of a push button construction, comprising a push button that can be pushed and sprung, a link connected at one end to the push button and provided at the other end with an inclined surface configured to interact with the inclined surface of the locking member, the locking member being configured to move in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette packet by this interaction.

22. The cigarette packet of claim 21, wherein the locking member is provided with a return spring and a locking portion configured to releasably engage with a mating locking portion of the side cover to lock the side cover.

23. A cigarette packet according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the pivot is in the form of a single pin or two pins.

24. The cigarette pack of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is a magnet assembly comprising a first magnet and a second magnet configured to be mutually engageable to retain the side cover in a closed position.

25. The cigarette packet of claim 24, wherein the packet further comprises a third magnet and a fourth magnet configured to be able to engage each other to hold the side cover in an open position.

26. A pack according to claim 24, wherein a damping barrier is provided between the first and second magnets.

27. A pack according to claim 25, wherein a damping barrier is provided between the first and second magnets and/or between the third and fourth magnets.

28. A non-combustion smoking article device comprising a non-combustion smoking article and the cigarette pack of any one of claims 1-27, the non-combustion smoking article configured to be received within the pack.