JP2024509994A - Aerosol generator with a cover element having a cavity - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a housing (2) having an opening (4) adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a cover adapted to move relative to the housing (2) between a closed position and an open position. Regarding the aerosol generating device (1) comprising an element (3), in the closed position the cover element (3) at least partially covers the opening (4) and in the open position the opening (4) at least partially covers the opening (4). The cover element (3) forms a cover element cavity (10), the guide element (14) projects from the housing (2), and the guide element (14) forms a cover element cavity (10). can be accepted. The invention further relates to a method for opening and closing an opening (4) of an aerosol generator (1) and a method for assembling a cover element (3) on a housing (2) of an aerosol generator (1).
[Selection diagram] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device with a cover element. The invention also relates to a method of opening and closing an opening of an aerosol generating device and a method of assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device.

One type of aerosol generation system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known hand-held electrically operated smoking systems generally include an aerosol generator that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use in an aerosol-generating device. Equipped with a generator. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol-generating device is configured such that the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. when inserted into or disposed about the aerosol-forming substrate. In an alternative electrically actuated smoking system, the aerosol-generating article may include a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as an uncontained cigarette.

In known electrically operated smoking systems, an aerosol-generating article may be received within a heater chamber of an aerosol-generating device. Some aerosol generators may include a sliding cover element that a user can slide over the opening of the heater chamber when the aerosol generator is not in use. However, if the sliding cover element is accidentally opened when the aerosol generator is not in use, dirt and foreign matter can contaminate the heater chamber and damage the heater.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover element. Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of the aerosol generator without the top cap of the cover element. 1 shows a partial perspective view of the aerosol generator without cover element and guide element; FIG. Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the bottom of the cover element, the guide element and the elastic element; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the guide element. 1 shows a partially cross-sectional perspective view of an aerosol generator.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. An aerosol generating device is provided comprising: in a closed position, a cover element at least partially covers the opening; and in an open position, the opening is at least partially uncovered. Preferably, the opening is completely covered by the cover element in the closed position. Preferably, the opening is not completely covered in the open position. The cover element defines a cover element cavity, and the guide element projects from the housing and is received within the cover element cavity. In particular, the guide element is partially arranged within the cover element cavity. The guide element preferably engages the inner surface of the cover element cavity. Preferably, the cover element cavity opens only on the side of the cover element facing the housing. The cover element may allow a compact sliding mechanism for opening and closing the opening. In particular, the guide element is invisible to the consumer and is not exposed to damage or contamination.

The cover element may be adapted for movement between a closed position and an open position along the first path. The first path may be lateral or have at least a component lateral to the aerosol generating device. The first path may be straight or curved. The lateral direction may be vertical or have components perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The long axis direction may be the main extension direction of the aerosol generator, ie, the direction in which the aerosol generator has its maximum length. In an upright orientation of the aerosol generator, the longitudinal direction may be the height direction and the lateral direction may be the horizontal direction. The lateral direction may be perpendicular to the width direction of the aerosol generator. In the following expressions regarding "upper" and "lower", the major axis direction is the height direction.

The aerosol-generating article may be inserted longitudinally through the opening of the aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article abuts the stop element or end surface of the heating chamber, the mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article may project longitudinally from the heating chamber.

The guide element may be adapted to apply a restraining force towards the housing on the cover element, at least when the cover element is in the closed position. This makes it possible to pull the cover element towards the housing. Clearance tolerances between the cover element and the housing can be minimized. Ingress of dust and other contaminants between the cover element and the housing may be reduced or avoided.

The cover element may include a sealing element that contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is placed in the closed position. In particular, a sealing element may be provided in the sealing recess or on the lower side of the cover element facing the housing. The upper surface of the housing in contact with the sealing element is preferably at least partially complementary to the lower surface of the cover element and is preferably substantially flat. The force exerted by the guide element on the cover element towards the housing may improve the sealing efficiency.

The guide element may be elastically biased in a direction towards the housing. Preferably, the elastic bias is provided by an elastic element, which may be part of or engage the guide element. The guide element may be pulled longitudinally downward by the elastic element.

The guide element may be pulled longitudinally downward by the elastic element. Alternatively or additionally, the guide element may be pushed longitudinally downward in addition to or instead of being pulled. The elastic element may act downwardly on the guide element. The elastic element may be a spring-loaded plate. The elastic element may be arranged inside the cover element. The resilient element may be attached to the top surface of the housing. The elastic element may engage the guide element from above and from within the cover element.

One of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, where the protrusion and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position. In particular, the guide element includes a protrusion and the cover element includes a first recess, where the protrusion and the first recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position. The cover element may be held in a closed position, reducing the possibility of accidental opening.

In particular, the required release force on the cover element along the first path starting from the closed position and beginning to slide is determined by the geometry of the projections and recesses and the restraining force. Preferably, the release force from the closed position is at least twice, preferably at least five times, the release force at an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. In particular, the release force in the intermediate position is determined by the static friction between the cover element and the housing.

When the cover element reaches the closed position, the protrusion and the recess engage so that the consumer feels a tactile response, in particular a click.

one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a projection and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, where the projection and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position . In particular, the guide element includes a protrusion and the cover element includes a second recess, the protrusion and the second recess engaging each other when the cover element is in the open position. The cover element can be held in the open position, reducing the possibility of accidental closing. It is preferred that the release force from the open position is at least twice, preferably at least five times, the release force at an intermediate position between the open and closed positions.

One of the cover element and the guide element may include a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element may include a first recess and a second recess, wherein the cover element When the cover element is in the closed position, the projection and the first recess engage each other, and when the cover element is in the open position, the projection and the second recess engage each other.

One of the cover element and the guide element may include a recess and the other of the cover element and the guide element may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the cover element and the guide element may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The recess and the first projection engage each other when the element is in the closed position, and the recess and the second projection engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

When the cover element reaches the open position, the protrusion and the recess engage so that the consumer feels a tactile response, in particular a click.

In particular, the cover element may be provided with two recesses at the same position along the first path and on opposite sides in the width direction. The guide element may include two protrusions at the same position along the first path and on opposite sides in the width direction.

The guide element may be adapted to force the protrusion into the recess. In particular, the force pushing the protrusion into the recess is a reaction force to the restraining force pushing the guide element towards the housing. Thus, three functions are provided: holding the cover element closely to the housing, fixing the cover element in the closed or open position, and providing tactile feedback when the cover reaches the closed or open position.

The guide element may include legs extending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and the resilient element may engage the legs inside the housing. The elastic element may be placed completely inside the housing. This reduces the possibility of breaking the elastic elements and improves the appearance and cleanability of the device. In particular, the elastic element presses the leg towards the inside of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the legs themselves may be elastic elements.

The elastic element may be a latch spring. In particular, the latch spring may be formed as a bent sheet metal part. Alternatively, the latch spring may be formed as a helical wire spring. This allows relatively high elastic forces, long durability and requires little space for elastic elements.

The resilient element may be disposed within a spring cavity within the housing, the spring cavity having an opening and the leg extending through the opening. The spring cavity may be closed hermetically against the inner compartment of the housing. The inner compartment may contain control electronics, a heater or batteries. This may prevent liquid or dust entering the spring cavity through the opening from moving further into the inner compartment within the device and potentially causing damage.

The spring cavity may be integrally formed within the cap of the housing. To improve assembly, the spring cavity may be closed by a lower closing part, such as a bottom wall. The lower closing part may be sealed against the side walls of the spring cavity with a sealing element. The sealing element may be a gasket. The sealing element may seal the spring cavity against an inner compartment of the device, which may in particular contain control electronics. The opening of the spring cavity corresponds in shape to the cross-section of the leg, thus minimizing clearances.

The elastic element may include a head, the head being received within the cover element cavity of the cover element, the head having a width greater than the width of the legs. The head may be arranged such that the main extension of the head is perpendicular to the width direction, particularly the lateral direction, perpendicular to the first path. At least one protruding portion of the head may project widthwise across the legs and may engage the cover element. The protruding portions may be provided on both sides of the head in the width direction.

The cover element may include a guide slot on a surface adjacent to the housing from which the legs of the guide element extend, and the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot. In particular, the head engages the inner surface of the cover element cavity on either side of the guide slot. The cross-section of the head in the width direction may correspond to the required tolerances to the cross-section of the cover element cavity in the width direction.

The cover element may include a bottom part and a top cap, and the cover element cavity is formed between the top cap and the bottom part. The bottom may be a flat bottom plate. Preferably, a guide slot is provided at the bottom. The top cap may have a concave surface defining the cover element cavity. Assembling the cover element from at least two parts, a top cap and a bottom part, allows an efficient assembly operation. The top cap may be fixed to the bottom, in particular by adhesive, form-fitting, especially snap-fitting, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the cover element may be only one piece. In this case, the head is preferably inserted into the guide slot in a first orientation and then rotated into engagement with the inside of the cover element cavity.

The cover element may include at least one guide projection guided along a guide surface within the housing. In particular, the two guide projections are arranged on both sides of the cover element in the width direction. In particular, two guide surfaces are provided within the housing and extend along the first path. Preferably, the guide surface is arranged on the side wall at the top of the housing. The side wall may extend at least partially along the first path and may project longitudinally, in particular in the region of the guide surface. The guide surface preferably extends along the first path and is curved or straight in a direction perpendicular to the first path.

In an alternative embodiment, the cover element may include at least one guide protrusion guided into a guide recess in the housing. In particular, the two guide projections are arranged on both sides of the cover element in the width direction. In particular, two guide recesses are provided within the housing and extend along the first path. Preferably, the guide recess is arranged in the side wall at the top of the housing. The side wall may extend at least partially along the first path and may project longitudinally, in particular in the region of the guide recess. The guide recess may be a guide slot in the side wall.

The guide protrusion may be rigid. In an alternative embodiment, the guide protrusion may be elastic in order to compensate for tolerances, in particular to accommodate variations in the gap. The guide projection may be formed as a blade spring. A guide projection may be considered elastic if its most protruding end is displaced by more than the thickness of the guide projection when subjected to a restraining force. Otherwise, the guide protrusion may be considered rigid. The most protruding end of the guide projection can be displaced by more than twice, in particular by more than five times, the thickness of the guide projection when subjected to a restraining force.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the first aspect of the invention, according to any of the embodiments described herein. The aerosol generation system also includes an aerosol generation article that includes an aerosol forming substrate. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include a cigarette plug. Tobacco plugs are powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. It may include one or more pieces or sheets. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule containing, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively or additionally, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating the tobacco plug.

If the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of sheets. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. A homogenized sheet of tobacco material is formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of the tobacco leaf lamina and the tobacco leaf stem. Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material may be made of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. may include one or more of the following. The homogenized sheet of tobacco material may contain one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco endogenous binders) or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e. , tobacco extrinsic binders), or combinations thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized sheet of tobacco material contains tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and Other additives may also be included, including but not limited to combinations. A homogenized sheet of tobacco material is produced by casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface and drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized sheet of tobacco material. Preferably, the tobacco material is formed by a casting process of the type that generally involves casting the sheet of tobacco material and removing the homogenized sheet of tobacco material from the support surface.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 millimeters to approximately 100 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 13 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters long, but can have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

The diameter of the tobacco plug may be approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 40 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of opening and closing an opening in an aerosol generating device, the opening being adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, the cover element being configured such that the opening is at least partially Between an uncovered open position and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening, it is moved along the first path, particularly transversely to the opening. The cover element moves relative to the guide element, which pulls the cover element toward the housing at least in the closed position. Therefore, the tolerance clearance between the cover element and the housing can be reduced, which can improve the closure of the opening. Preferably, the opening is completely covered by the cover element in the closed position.

In particular, the cover element includes a sealing element that contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is placed in the closed position.

In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a projection and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the projection and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position. match.

In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a projection and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the projection and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position. match.

The guide element may be elastically movable in a direction different from the first path when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open position and the closed position. Thus, by increasing the elastic potential of the elastic element, the reaction force to the movement along the first path can be changed along the movement of the cover element relative to the guide element. Thus, a tactile response may be provided in certain positions, in particular in the open position, in the closed position, or in the open and closed positions. Furthermore, the cover element can be held in an open position, a closed position, or an open and closed position against undesired movement.

The guide element may pull the cover element toward the housing throughout the movement between the open and closed positions. Thus, the clearance between the cover element and the housing may be maintained to a minimum throughout the movement, and the movement of the cover element outside the first path is such that it allows accurate guidance of the cover element. May be reduced.

The tensile force of the guide element can press the at least one guide projection of the cover element against the wall of the guide recess in the housing. Guide projections may be provided on the sides of the cover element. In particular, the guide recess is arranged in the protruding side wall of the housing. Preferably, the guide recesses may be arranged on both sides of the cover element. The guide recess extends in particular along the first path.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the cover element moves relative to the guide element and closes the opening in the housing with improved sealing properties while elastically moving the cover element towards the housing of the aerosol generator. Provided is the use of a guide element for pushing.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention the bottom of the cover element arranged on the top surface of the housing, then the legs of the guide element are inserted through the bottom guide slot into the opening of the spring cavity in the housing, and the elastic element arranged in the spring cavity engages with the notch in the leg. do. The leg is thus fixed by a form that fits into the spring cavity. The head of the guide element can engage the top surface of the bottom so that the bottom is slidably mounted on the top surface of the housing. The elastic element can pull the bottom towards the housing.

Thereafter, the top cap may be placed on the bottom so that a cover element cavity is formed, and the head of the guide element is placed within the cover element cavity. The guide element is therefore no longer visible and protected.

Before inserting the leg into the spring cavity, the elastic element may be positioned within the spring cavity, and the spring cavity may then be closed with the closure part. The closure part may be a lower closure part, in particular a bottom wall. A sealing element, such as a gasket, may be placed between the lower closing portion of the spring cavity and the side wall. The closing portion may be located on an opposite side of the spring cavity than the opening.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an aperture, the aperture being adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, and a cover element, the aperture being at least partially covered. and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening, the cover element being adapted to move in a first direction relative to the opening, the cover element moving relative to the guide element. and the guide element is adapted to pull the cover element toward the housing at least into the closed position.

A device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention may be used according to the method of the third aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention may be carried out in any of its embodiments by using the apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention. The use of the guide element according to the fourth aspect of the invention is carried out by using the method steps from the method according to the third aspect of the invention with the device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention. It's okay. The assembly method according to the fifth aspect may be used to assemble a device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.

The features of any one or more of these examples may be combined with the features of any one or more of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

Example 1:
a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article; and a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position; at least partially covering the opening; in the open position, the opening is at least partially uncovered, the cover element forms a cover element cavity, a guide element projects from the housing, and the guide element extends within the cover element cavity; An aerosol generator that can be used in
Example 2:
The aerosol generating device of Example 1, wherein the cover element may be adapted to move between a closed position and an open position along a first path that is transverse to the aerosol generating article.
Example 3:
Aerosol generating device according to example 1 or 2, wherein the guide element is adapted to apply a restraining force towards the housing on the cover element, at least when the cover element is in the closed position.
Example 4:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the cover element includes a sealing element in contact with the housing and extending around the opening when the cover element is placed in the closed position. .
Example 5:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the guide element is elastically biased in a direction towards the housing.
Example 6:
Examples 1 to 1, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, and the protrusion and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position. 5. The aerosol generator according to any one of 5.
Example 7:
Examples 1 to 1, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, and the protrusion and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position. 6. The aerosol generator according to any one of 6.
Example 8:
One of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a first recess and a second recess, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the second recess are provided. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the first recess engages each other and the protrusion and the second recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position.
Example 9:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the guide element is adapted to force the protrusion into the recess.
Example 10:
Aerosol generator according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the guide element comprises legs, the legs extend from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and the elastic element engages the legs inside the housing. .
Example 11:
The aerosol generator according to Example 11, wherein the elastic element is a latch spring.
Example 12:
A resilient element is disposed within a spring cavity within the housing, the spring cavity has an opening, the leg extends through the opening of the spring cavity, and the spring cavity is hermetically closed to an inner compartment of the housing. , the aerosol generator according to Example 10 or 11.
Example 13:
13. The aerosol generating device of example 12, wherein the guide element comprises a head, the head is received within the cover element cavity, and the head has a width greater than the width of the legs.
Example 14:
Aerosol generation according to example 13, wherein the cover element comprises a guide slot on a surface adjacent to the housing from which the legs of the guide element extend, and the head engages the inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot. Device.
Example 15:
The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the cover element comprises a bottom part and a top cap, and the cover element cavity is formed between the top cap and the bottom part.
Example 16:
Aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the cover element comprises at least one guide protrusion guided into a guide recess in the housing.
Example 17:
An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, the aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.
Example 18:
The opening is adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article, and the cover element is arranged between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening. A method for opening and closing an opening of an aerosol generating device, wherein the cover element is moved relative to the guide element, the guide element pulling the cover element towards the housing into at least a closed position.
Example 19:
19. The method of example 18, wherein the cover element forms a cover element cavity and the guide element is received within the cover element cavity.
Example 20:
20. The method of example 18 or 19, wherein the cover element includes a sealing element that contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is placed in the closed position.
Example 21:
Examples 18 to 18, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, and the protrusion and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the closed position. 20. The method according to any one of 20.
Example 22:
Examples 18 to 18, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, and the protrusion and the recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position. 20. The method according to any one of 20.
Example 23:
The cover element is moved along a first path, and when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open position and the closed position, the guide element is moved in a direction different from the first path. 21. The method of any one of Examples 18-20, wherein the method moves elastically.
Example 24:
24. A method according to any one of Examples 18 to 23, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element towards the housing throughout the movement between the open and closed positions.
Example 25:
25. The method according to any one of examples 18 to 24, wherein the tensile force of the guide element forces the at least one guide protrusion of the cover element against the wall of the guide recess in the housing.
Example 26:
Use of the guide element to elastically press the cover element towards the housing of the aerosol generator, closing the opening of the housing with improved sealing properties while the cover element is moving relative to the guide element. .
Example 27:
A method of assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generator, in particular as described in any one of Examples 1 to 17 or 30, comprising:
- placing the bottom part of the cover element on the top surface of the housing of the aerosol generator;
- inserting the leg of the guide element into the opening of the spring cavity in the housing through the guide slot in the bottom such that the elastic element disposed in the spring cavity engages the notch in the leg; Method.
Example 28:
28. The method of assembly according to example 27, further comprising placing a top cap on the bottom such that a cover element cavity is formed, and wherein the head of the guide element is placed within the cover element cavity.
Example 29:
29. The assembly method of example 27 or 28, further comprising positioning the elastic element within the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure portion.
Example 30:
The opening is adapted to receive the aerosol-generating article, and the cover element is arranged between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening. the cover element is adapted to move in a first direction relative to the opening, and the cover element is adapted to move relative to the guide element, the guide element pulling the cover element toward the housing toward at least a closed position. an aerosol generating device comprising an opening adapted to

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in an upright orientation in FIG. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover element 3 slidably arranged on the housing 2 along a first path in the transverse direction 100. The housing 2 mainly extends in the height direction 200 in the longitudinal direction, and its extension in the width direction 300 is relatively small.

In its closed position, the cover element 3 covers the opening 4 of the heating chamber 5, as shown in FIG. In the open position, the cover element 3 allows a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article to be inserted through the opening 4 of the heating chamber 5. The mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article typically projects above the opening 4 such that when the aerosol-generating article is heated within the heating chamber 5, the aerosol-generating article is substantially consumable like a cigarette. It can be done.

The housing 2 has a top surface 6 along which the cover element 3 can be slid. Furthermore, the housing 2 includes an edge portion 7 encompassing the top surface 6. The edge portion 7 projects in the longitudinal direction 200 beyond the upper surface 6 forming a side wall at the upper part of the housing 2 . In the closed position, the cover element 3 is arranged adjacent to the edge part 7 on one side in the lateral direction 100. In the open position, the cover element 3 is arranged on the opposite edge section 7 in the lateral direction 100.

In FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view of the cover element 3 is shown. The cover element 3 comprises a top cap 8 arranged on and connected to the bottom 9 . The top cap 8 is fixed to the bottom 9. Between the bottom part 9 and the top cap 8 a cover element cavity 10 is provided. The guide slot 11 extends in the lateral direction 100 of the bottom part 9. A first recess 12 and a second recess 13 are provided adjacent opposite ends of the guide slot 11 . In particular, an aligned pair of first recesses 12 and an aligned pair of second recesses 13 are provided on either side of the guide slot 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the guide element 14 is arranged on the housing 2. In particular, the guide element 14 is elastically movable in the height direction 200. The guide element 14 is pulled downwards in the longitudinal direction 200 by an elastic element 15 in the form of a latch spring, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the guide element 14 pulls the cover element 3 towards the housing 2. In particular, the guide element 14 is partially arranged within the spring cavity 16 of the housing 2. The elastic element 15 is placed completely within the spring cavity 16.

The guide element 14 comprises a head 17 arranged in the cover element cavity 10 of the cover element 3. Guide element 14 further includes a leg 18 located at least partially within spring cavity 16 . A notch 19 is formed in the leg 18. The elastic element 15 engages the notch 19 and applies an elastic force in the downward longitudinal direction 200, pulling the guide element 14 towards the inside of the spring cavity 16.

As shown in FIG. 6, a protrusion 20 is provided on the underside of the head 17 of the guide element 14. The protrusion 20 engages the first recess 12 of the cover element 3 when the cover element 3 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. When the cover element 3 is in the open position, the projection 20 of the guide element 14 engages in the second recess 13. During the sliding movement between the closed and open positions, the protrusion 20 slides along a sliding surface 21 that extends parallel to and adjacent to the guide slot 11 on the bottom 9 of the cover element 3 . Engagement of the protrusion 20 in the recess 12 or 13 provides a tactile response in the form of a click, confirming to the consumer that the cover element 3 has reached the open or closed position.

The cover element 3 may be provided with a guide projection 22 on each side in the width direction 300. The guide projection 22 engages a curved surface 23 of the edge portion 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spring cavity 16 in which the elastic element 15 is arranged is closed on its underside by a closing part 24 in the form of a bottom wall. In particular, a gasket or adhesive is provided around the closure part 24 so that the spring cavity 16 is sealed against the housing compartment containing the control electronics.

According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cover element 3 is moved along a first path in the lateral direction 100 from the closed position shown in FIG. It engages with the recess 12 of. The guide element 14 remains stationary during the movement of the cover element 3 so that the projection 20 is disengaged from the first recess 12 . The cover element 3 is then moved such that the sliding surface 21 of the bottom part 9 slides along the projection 20 of the head 17 of the guide element 14 . When the cover element 3 reaches the open position, the protrusion 20 engages the second recess 13, so that the consumer feels a tactile response. In this position, the opening 4 is not completely covered and the consumer may insert a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber 5.

In one embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, first the elastic element 15 in the form of a latch spring is inserted into the spring cavity 16 from below. The spring cavity is then closed by a lower closing part 24 in the form of the bottom wall of the spring cavity 16. Then, in the position shown in FIG. 4, the bottom 9 of the cover element 3 is located on the top surface 6 of the housing 2. The guide element 14 with its legs 18 is inserted through the guide slot 11 and pushed into the spring cavity 16, where the latch spring 15 engages in the notch 19 of the guide element 14. The latch spring 15 pulls the guide element 14 downward such that the head 17 of the guide element 14 is pressed with its projection 20 onto the sliding surface 21 or against one of the pair of recesses 12, 13. Thus, by a simple linear insertion movement, the guide element 14 is secured to the latch spring 15, and the guide element 14 keeps the top surface 6 and bottom 9 of the housing 2 in close contact. The top cap 8 is then fixed to the bottom 9, preferably by snap-in elements. The assembly of the cover element 3 is thus completed.

For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc. are modified in all cases by the term "about." It should be understood that Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases. In this context, the number A is therefore understood as A of A±10%. Within this context, number A may be considered to include numbers that are within a common standard error for the measurement of the property that number A modifies. The number A, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, whereby the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the essential and novel characteristics of the claimed invention You may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that: Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases.

Claims (15)

a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article;
a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position;
in the closed position, the cover element at least partially covers the opening;
in the open position, the opening is at least partially uncovered;
the cover element forming a cover element cavity;
a guide element projects from said housing;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the guide element is received within the cover element cavity. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the guide element is adapted to apply a restraining force towards the housing on the cover element at least when the cover element is in the closed position. one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion, the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a first recess and a second recess, the cover element being in the closed position 3. The protrusion and the first recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position, and the protrusion and the second recess engage each other when the cover element is in the open position. Aerosol generator. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide element comprises a leg, the leg extending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and a resilient element engaging the leg inside the housing. The aerosol generator described in . The resilient element is disposed within a spring cavity within the housing, the spring cavity having an opening, the leg extending through the opening of the spring cavity, and the spring cavity disposed within the housing. 5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating device is closed hermetically to the inner compartment of the . 6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the guide element comprises a head, the head is received within the cover element cavity, and the head has a width greater than the width of the legs. the cover element comprises a guide slot on a surface adjacent to the housing through which the legs of the guide element extend, and the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot; , the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 4 to 6. Aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element comprises a bottom part and a top cap, and the cover element cavity is formed between the top cap and the bottom part. Aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element comprises at least one guide protrusion guided into a guide recess in the housing. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol generation article includes an aerosol forming substrate. A method of closing an opening of an aerosol generator, the method comprising:
the opening is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article;
the cover element is moved between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening;
the cover element is moved relative to the guide element;
The method, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element toward the housing at least into the closed position. the cover element is moved along a first path, and when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open position and the closed position, the guide element 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method moves elastically in a direction different from the path. A method for assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generator, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:
- positioning the bottom of the cover element on the top surface of the housing of the aerosol generator;
- inserting the leg of the guide element into the opening of the spring cavity in the housing through the guide slot in the bottom such that the elastic element disposed in the spring cavity engages a notch in the leg; , including assembly methods. - Assembly method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of arranging a top cap on the bottom such that a cover element cavity is formed, the head of the guide element being arranged within the cover element cavity. Assembly method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of positioning the elastic element in the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure part.

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