WO2023070364A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023070364A1
WO2023070364A1 PCT/CN2021/126671 CN2021126671W WO2023070364A1 WO 2023070364 A1 WO2023070364 A1 WO 2023070364A1 CN 2021126671 W CN2021126671 W CN 2021126671W WO 2023070364 A1 WO2023070364 A1 WO 2023070364A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
generating device
longitudinally extending
extending groove
upper housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/126671
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Wensi Fu
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority to PCT/CN2021/126671 priority Critical patent/WO2023070364A1/fr
Publication of WO2023070364A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023070364A1/fr

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cover element and a sliding mechanism.
  • aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system.
  • Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device comprising a battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and the heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating article may comprise a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as loose tobacco.
  • aerosol-generating devices heat aerosol-forming substrates to a sufficiently high temperature for generating an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
  • These aerosol-generating devices normally include a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating article is normally inserted into the cavity via an opening in the top of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating devices typically also include air inlets for providing air-flow path through the device and hence the aerosol-generating articles.
  • These devices are typically portable, hand-held devices and are required to be compact.
  • Residue or debris from aerosol-forming articles deposits in the cavity of the aerosol-generating devices over time. This residue or debris can accidentally leave the aerosol-generating device, thereby unintentionally contaminating the outside of the device, for example pockets in which the aerosol-generating devices are transported.
  • the cavity of an aerosol-generating device can accumulate dust and dirt from the external environment. If said cavity is contaminated, the proper functioning of the aerosol-generating device may be compromised, thereby compromising a user’s experience when the aerosol generating device is in use.
  • the aerosol-generating article may be received within a heater chamber in the aerosol-generating device.
  • Some aerosol-generating devices may comprise a sliding cover element that a user may slide over an aperture of the heater chamber when the aerosol-generating device is not being used.
  • the cover element should be opened and closed by a user before and after each experience helping to ensure the protection of the cavity from external contaminants as well as the protection of the outside of the device from the potential residue and debris build-up from inside the cavity. Frequent opening and closing of the cover element may induce, over time, some wearing of the materials and may cause the opening and closing mechanism to fail or the device to be aesthetically compromised. For example, repeated use of a sliding cover element may result in the cover element scratching or scraping a surface of the aerosol-generating device, which may render the device unsightly.
  • an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and a cover element.
  • the housing comprises an upper housing surface; and the cover element comprises a lower cover surface facing the upper housing surface.
  • the cover element is coupled to the upper housing surface by a sliding mechanism to allow relative movement of the cover element between a first position and a second position.
  • the lower cover surface is maintained in separation from the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism comprises a first longitudinally extending groove recessed in one of the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism further comprises a first guide element protruding from the other of the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface.
  • Separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface is maintained at a distance of at least 0.1 mm when the first guide element is engaged with the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface is maintained at a distance of at least 0.1 mm when the cover element is actuated between its first position and its second position.
  • an aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, the housing comprising an upper housing surface; and a cover element comprising a lower cover surface facing the upper housing surface.
  • the cover element may be coupled to the upper housing surface by a sliding mechanism to allow relative movement of the cover element between a first position and a second position, the lower cover surface being maintained in separation from the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism may comprise a first longitudinally extending groove recessed in the lower cover surface; and a first guide element protruding from the upper housing surface, such that separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface is maintained at a distance of at least 0.1 mm when the first guide element is engaged with the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may be designed to operate through at least 10,000 open and close cycles, for example at least 25,000 cycles, or at least 50,000 cycles.
  • an aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, the housing comprising an upper housing surface; and a cover element comprising a lower cover surface facing the upper housing surface.
  • the cover element may be coupled to the upper housing surface by a sliding mechanism to allow relative movement of the cover element between a first position and a second position, the lower cover surface being maintained in separation from the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism may comprise a first longitudinally extending groove recessed in the upper housing surface; and a first guide element protruding from the lower cover surface, such that separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface is maintained at a distance of at least 0.1 mm when the first guide element is engaged with the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the cover element is used to conceal or protect a feature or element of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the upper housing surface may comprise a widget.
  • the term “widget” refers to a feature or element of an aerosol-generating device, in particular a feature or element that involves or facilitates user interaction with the aerosol-generating device.
  • the cover element may be arranged to at least partially conceal the widget when disposed in the first position and to at least partially reveal the widget when disposed in the second position.
  • the widget may comprise one or more elements selected from the list consisting of a button, a light source, or an opening to a cavity.
  • movement of the cover element may conceal or reveal a user operable button, such that a user is protected from inadvertently operating the button when the cover element is positioned to conceal the button.
  • the widget may be an opening to a cavity for receiving and heating an aerosol-generating article, and movement of the cover element may cover and uncover the opening.
  • An aerosol-generating article may be inserted through the opening of the aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating article is at least partially arranged in a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
  • a mouth-end portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude from the opening.
  • a widget is considered to be part of the upper housing surface.
  • the separation between the lower cover surface and any widget is at least 0.1 mm.
  • Separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface may be maintained at a distance of at least 0.2 mm when the first guide element is engaged with the first longitudinally extending groove, for example at a distance of at least 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm.
  • a greater separation may reduce the effectiveness of the cover element, for example by allowing unwanted particles to enter a cavity of the aerosol-generating device.
  • Separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface may be maintained at a distance of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, for example, between 0.2 mm and 0.9 mm, for example between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm, or between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm.
  • a distance that the first guide element protrudes may exceed the depth by which the first longitudinally extending groove is recessed by at least 0.1 mm, for example by 0.2 mm, or 0.3 mm, or 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm.
  • the separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface may be effected.
  • the first guide element may be a longitudinally extending rail configured for sliding engagement with the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the first guide element may comprise a tongue for sliding engagement with the longitudinally extending groove.
  • the tongue may have a shaped cross-sectional profile and the longitudinally extending groove may have a corresponding shaped profile for engagement with the tongue.
  • the tongue may have a substantially semi-circular cross-sectional profile, or a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile, or a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile.
  • Movement of the cover element back and forth between its first position and second position is preferably a linear movement.
  • the movement occurs in the direction defined by the longitudinally extending groove.
  • Engagement between the first guide element and the first longitudinally extending groove may constrain the cover element to movement along an axis defined by the direction of the longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a second longitudinally extending groove recessed in the lower cover surface and a second guide element protruding from the upper housing surface, the second longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a second longitudinally extending groove recessed in the upper housing surface and a second guide element protruding from the lower cover surface, the second longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • a second longitudinally extending groove and corresponding guide element may improve control of the separation of the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a third longitudinally extending groove recessed in the lower cover surface and a third guide element protruding from the upper housing surface, the third longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprises a third longitudinally extending groove recessed in the upper housing surface and a third guide element protruding from the lower cover surface, the third longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a fourth longitudinally extending groove recessed in the lower cover surface and a fourth guide element protruding from the upper housing surface, the fourth longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a fourth longitudinally extending groove recessed in the upper housing surface and a fourth guide element protruding from the lower cover surface, the fourth longitudinally extending groove being parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprises a third guide element protruding from the upper housing surface.
  • the third guide element may protrude from the upper housing surface and engage with a portion of the lower cover surface. That is, the third guide element may not be associated with a groove recessed in the lower cover surface, but may engage directly with a portion of the lower cover surface. Such a guide element may provide an increased control of the separation between the lower cover surface and the upper housing surface.
  • the sliding mechanism may further comprise a fourth guide element protruding from the upper housing surface.
  • the fourth guide element may protrude from the upper housing surface and engage with a portion of the lower cover surface.
  • the cover element may comprises a base layer and an upper layer joined to the base layer.
  • the base layer may have a thickness defined between an upper base layer surface and a lower base layer surface.
  • the lower base layer surface is the lower cover surface.
  • a longitudinal slot may be defined through the thickness of the base layer.
  • a lower opening of the longitudinal slot may be defined in the lower cover surface, an upper opening of the longitudinal slot being defined in the upper base layer surface, and first and second side walls may be defined between the upper opening and the lower opening.
  • a longitudinal direction of the slot may be parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove.
  • the longitudinal slot may be defined in a recess in the upper base layer such that the upper opening of the longitudinal slot is of greater width than the lower opening of the longitudinal slot.
  • First and second upward facing ledges may be defined in the first and second sidewalls of the slot. The first and second upward facing ledges may be configured to engage a lower guide surface of a guide, the guide being fixed relative to the housing.
  • the guide may be removably attachable to the housing.
  • the guide may be used to attach the cover element to the housing.
  • the guide may be configured to retain the cover element in a position in which the first guide element is engaged with the first longitudinal groove.
  • the guide may comprise a plate, for example a substantially rectangular plate.
  • the plate may have comprise the lower guide surface, an upper guide surface and first and second longitudinally extending side walls. Lower engagement portions of the lower guide surface may engage with the first and second upward facing ledges, thereby retaining the cover element in engagement with the housing.
  • the first and second upward facing ledges may be profiled so as to reduce points of contact with the lower engagement portions.
  • a plurality of upwardly extending protrusions may be defined on the first and second upward facing ledge.
  • the lower engagement portions may be profiled so as to reduce points of contact with the first and second upward facing ledges.
  • a plurality of downward extending protrusions may be defined on the lower engagement portions.
  • At least a portion of longitudinal side walls of the longitudinal slot may be parallel with the first longitudinally extending groove, and may be configured to engage with side engagement portions of the guide. While the first longitudinally extending groove and the corresponding first guide element should constrain the movement of the cover element, additional constraint may be provided by engagement between side walls of the longitudinal slot and the guide.
  • the guide may be configured to have two points of contact with the longitudinal side walls of the longitudinal slot, one point of contact with a first longitudinal side wall and one point of contact with a second longitudinal side wall.
  • the guide may be configured to have four points of contact with the longitudinal side walls of the longitudinal slot, two points of contact with a first longitudinal side wall and two points of contact with a second longitudinal side wall.
  • the lower cover surface is formed from a polymer, for example a polymer with high dimensional stability and stiffness, for example a wear resistant polymer, for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) .
  • a polymer with high dimensional stability and stiffness for example a wear resistant polymer, for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) .
  • HMPE high molecular polyethylene
  • PETP polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the entire base layer may be formed from a polymer, for example a polymer with high dimensional stability and stiffness, for example a wear resistant polymer, for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
  • a polymer for example a polymer with high dimensional stability and stiffness
  • a wear resistant polymer for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
  • the base layer is formed from polyoxymethylene (POM) .
  • POM polyoxymethylene
  • the upper housing surface may be formed from a first material and the first guide element may be formed from a second material different to the first material.
  • the housing surface may be formed from a material that has optimal manufacturing properties or aesthetic properties, while the first guide element, and any subsequent guide element, may be formed from a hard wearing material suitable for use in a sliding and bearing role.
  • the lower cover surface may be formed from a first material and the first guide element may be formed from a second material different to the first material.
  • the first guide element may be formed from a polymer with high dimensional stability and stiffness, for example a wear resistant polymer, for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) , preferably from polyoxymethylene (POM) .
  • a wear resistant polymer for example a polymer selected from the list consisting of a polyacetal, a polyamide, high molecular polyethylene (HMPE) , polyethylene terephthalate (PETP) , and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) , preferably from polyoxymethylene (POM) .
  • HMPE high molecular polyethylene
  • PETP polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the guide may be a plate of material, preferably a plate of material with high stiffness and strength.
  • the guide may be a ceramic material, or a metallic material.
  • the guide may conveniently be formed from a stainless steel.
  • the upper layer of the cover element may be a cosmetic cap fastened to the base layer to hide elements of the cover element such as the slot defined through the base layer.
  • the upper layer may provide a surface configured for tactile engagement with a user.
  • the upper layer may be designed to feel pleasant to the touch.
  • the cover element may be biased from the first position towards the second position. That is, a force may act to urge the cover element towards the second position.
  • the cover element may be biased from the second position towards the first position.
  • the cover element is configured to be bistable in both the first position and the second position. That is, the cover element may be configured to remain in the first position or the second position, but not in any position between the first position and the second position.
  • a torsional spring may be arranged to act between the housing and the cover element to provide bistability of the cover element in both the first and second positions.
  • the torsional spring may be configured to be in a maximal compressed state when the cover element is in the first position and in a maximal relaxed state when the cover element is in the second position.
  • a biasing force from the torsional spring urges the cover element towards either the first position or the second position.
  • the sliding mechanism may comprise the first longitudinally extending groove and a second longitudinally extending groove, arranged in parallel in the lower cover surface.
  • a corresponding first guide element and second guide element may be arranged as first and second guide rails protruding from the upper housing surface for engagement with the first and second longitudinally extending grooves.
  • the first and second longitudinally extending grooves may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the cover element.
  • the longitudinal axis of the cover element extends in the direction of sliding between the first position and the second position.
  • the first and second longitudinally extending grooves may be arranged asymmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the cover element.
  • parallel grooves are of the same depth, or that parallel guide elements protrude by the same amount, it may be desirable in some circumstances for parallel longitudinally extending grooves and corresponding guide elements to have dimensions that differ from one another.
  • the cover element may, for example, be tilted in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis.
  • the lower cover surface of the cover element is maintained in separation from the upper housing surface of the housing. It is preferable that motion of the cover element is substantially restricted to a single degree of freedom.
  • a three dimensional object may be defined by its dimensions in x, y, and z directions, that is, by the object’s dimensions along its x- axis, y-axis, and z-axis.
  • Such an object has six degrees of freedom of movement. These degrees of freedom of movement are; linear motion along the x-axis, linear motion along the y-axis, linear motion along the z-axis, rotational movement around the x-axis, rotational movement around the y-axis, and rotational movement around the z-axis.
  • the movement of the cover element is substantially constrained to a single degree of freedom of movement. If the direction between the first position and the second position is deemed to be a direction along the x-axis of the cover element, it is preferred that the cover element is substantially constrained in its movement along the y-axis (perpendicular to the x-axis and in the same plane) , the z-axis (perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis) , rotationally around the x-axis (roll) , rotationally around the y-axis (pitch) , and rotationally around the z-axis (yaw) .
  • Movement of the cover element between the first position and the second position is preferably a linear movement.
  • the linear movement is preferably in a direction parallel to the first longitudinally extending groove. That direction may be described as along the x-axis of the cover element.
  • the sliding mechanism is preferably configured to allow motion in a single linear degree of freedom, while constraining motion in the remaining two linear degrees of freedom and all three rotational degrees of freedom.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater or heater assembly.
  • a heater assembly may comprise a first heater casing comprising an air inlet, a second heater casing comprising an aerosol outlet, and a heating chamber for heating an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the heating chamber may be in fluid communication with both the air inlet and aerosol outlet to define the airflow path through the heater assembly.
  • An opening into the heating chamber may be a widget in the upper housing surface. The opening into the heating chamber may be protected by the cover element.
  • the heating chamber may comprise a tubular heating chamber.
  • the tubular heating chamber may have a tubular wall thickness of between 0.05 millimetres and 1.00 millimetres, preferably between 0.05 millimetres and 0.50 millimetres and more preferably about 0.10 millimetres.
  • the heating chamber may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, a ceramic or metal or metal alloy.
  • a suitable material is stainless steel.
  • the heater assembly may comprise at least one electric heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the heater assembly may comprise a plurality of electric heating elements.
  • the electric heating element or elements may be arranged around or circumscribe an external surface of the heating chamber.
  • the electric heating element or elements may be arranged around or circumscribe an internal surface of the heating chamber.
  • the electric heating element or elements may be part of, or integral to, the heating chamber.
  • the electric heating element or elements may comprise an electrically resistive material.
  • Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide) , carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material.
  • Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics.
  • suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides.
  • suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.
  • suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium-titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold-and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal TM , Kanthal TM and other iron-chromium-aluminium alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys.
  • the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.
  • the one or more heating elements may be formed using a metal or metal alloy having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. Heating elements formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.
  • the heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material or substrate.
  • the heating element may be deposited in or on a flexible carrier material or substrate.
  • the heating element may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic or glass or polyimide film.
  • the heating element may be sandwiched between two insulating materials.
  • the heater assembly may comprise a flexible heating element arranged around or circumscribing an external surface of the heating chamber.
  • the flexible heating element may have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-forming substrate provided in the aerosol-generating article.
  • the heating chamber may be longer than the heating element.
  • the heating chamber may have at least one end portion which is not covered or circumscribed by the heating element.
  • An end portion may be provided at both ends of the heating chamber which is not covered or circumscribed by the heating element.
  • the end portion or portions may act as spacer portions to prevent direct contact between the heating element and other components of the heater assembly.
  • the end portion or portions may each have a length of less than 2 millimetres, preferably less than 1 millimetre and preferably about 0.5 millimetres.
  • the spacer portions will be at a lower temperature during heating than the portion of the heating chamber covered or circumscribed by the heating element.
  • the spacer portions may comprise the funnel-shaped end portions or the stepped end portions.
  • the housing may locate a heater assembly and a power supply for supplying electrical power to the heater assembly.
  • the aerosol-generating device may define the airflow path between an aerosol-generating device inlet and an aerosol-generating device outlet.
  • the airflow path may comprise the airflow path defined through the heater assembly.
  • the power supply may be any suitable power supply, for example a DC voltage source.
  • the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery.
  • the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate or a Lithium-Polymer battery.
  • the aerosol-generating device is preferably a handheld aerosol-generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold between the fingers of a single hand.
  • the aerosol-generating device may further comprise control circuitry configured to control a supply of electrical power to the heater assembly.
  • the control circuitry may comprise a microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control.
  • the control circuitry may comprise further electronic components.
  • the control circuitry may comprise any of: sensors, switches, display elements.
  • Power may be supplied to the heater assembly continuously following activation of the device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis.
  • the power may be supplied to the heater assembly in the form of pulses of electrical current, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM) .
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the housing may contain the heater assembly, power supply, and control circuitry.
  • the housing may comprise an opening for receiving an aerosol-generating article, for example an opening in the upper housing surface.
  • the housing may comprising an air inlet.
  • the housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.
  • suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene.
  • PEEK polyetheretherketone
  • the material is preferably light and non-brittle.
  • an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above.
  • the aerosol-generating system also comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • aerosol-generating article refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plug of tobacco.
  • the tobacco plug may comprise one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of: tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.
  • the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the tobacco plug.
  • the tobacco plug may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed prior to, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.
  • the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.
  • the homogenised tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet.
  • the homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis.
  • the homogenised tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.
  • Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems; alternatively or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders, that is tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders, that is tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco.
  • sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise other additives including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibres, aerosol-formers, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof.
  • Sheets of homogenised tobacco material are preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material and removing the sheet of homogenised tobacco material from the support surface.
  • the aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between approximately 30 millimetres and approximately 100 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 13 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug.
  • the mouthpiece may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.
  • the mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug.
  • the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimetres in length, but can have a length of between approximately 5 millimetres to approximately 10 millimetres.
  • the tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimetres.
  • the tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimetres.
  • the diameter of the tobacco plug may be between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 12 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating article has a total length of between approximately 40 millimetres and approximately 50 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of approximately 7.2 millimetres.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of the aerosol-generating device without the cover element and guide element
  • Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of a base layer of the cover element
  • Figure 4 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the base layer of the cover element
  • Figure 5 is a schematic bottom plan view of the base layer of the cover element
  • Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view showing a section of the upper housing surface of the aerosol generating device
  • Figure 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the cover element and a portion of the upper housing surface
  • Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled cover element and a portion of the upper housing surface
  • Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating device.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cover element and a portion of the upper housing surface of the second embodiment
  • Figure 11 illustrates an upper portion of the second embodiment of the aerosol-generating device with the cover element removed.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the upper portion of the second embodiment of the aerosol-generating device with the base layer of the cover element attached, but the upper layer of the cover element removed.
  • the aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover element 3 slidably arranged on the housing 2 along a first path between an open position and a closed position.
  • the aerosol-generating device can be described as having an x-axis extending in the direction of the first path 100, a y-axis 300 perpendicular to the x-axis and in the same plane, and a z-axis 200 perpendicular to both the x-axis 100 and the y-axis 300.
  • the housing 2 extends predominantly along the z-axis 200 and has its comparatively smallest extension along the y-axis 300.
  • the cover element 3 In its closed position, the cover element 3 covers the aperture 4 of a heating chamber 5 (as seen in figure 2) . In the open position, the cover element 3 enables a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article to be inserted through the aperture 4 into the heating chamber 5. A mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article typically protrudes over the aperture 4, and when the aerosol-generating article is heated in the heating chamber 5, the aerosol-generating article may be consumed substantially like a cigarette.
  • the housing 2 comprises an upper housing surface 6 along which the cover element 3 may be slidingly moved.
  • the housing upper surface is formed from polypropylene (PP) .
  • the housing 2 comprises an edge portion 7 which encompasses the upper housing surface 6.
  • the edge portion 7 protrudes in the z-axis 200 over the upper housing surface 6 forming side walls at the top of the housing 2.
  • the cover element 3 In the closed position, the cover element 3 is arranged adjacent to the edge portion 7 at one side in the transverse direction 100. In the open position, the cover element 3 is arranged at the edge portion 7 at the opposite side in the transverse direction 100.
  • the cover element comprises a base layer 400 and an upper layer 410 joined to the base layer.
  • Figure 3 provides a schematic top plan view of a base layer 300. Directions of the x-axis 100 and y-axis 300 are shown in figure 3.
  • Figure 4 provides a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the base layer 400.
  • Figure 5 provides a schematic bottom plan view of the base layer.
  • the base layer 400 comprises an upper base layer surface 501 and a lower cover surface 502.
  • a longitudinal slot 510 is defined through the base layer 400.
  • the base layer is formed from polyoxymethylene (POM) .
  • the longitudinal slot 510 is defined in a recess 511 in the upper base layer 501.
  • an upper opening 512 of the longitudinal slot has greater length and width dimensions than a lower opening 513 of the longitudinal slot 510.
  • Transverse edges of the longitudinal slot define first and second upwardly facing ledges 521, 522.
  • the first and second upwardly facing ledges 521, 522 define a plurality of raised hemispherical bumps 530.
  • the bumps 530 are arranged linearly along the first and second upwardly facing ledges 521, 522.
  • a first longitudinally extending groove 551 and a second longitudinally extending groove 552 are recessed into the lower cover surface 502.
  • the first and second longitudinally extending grooves are arranged in parallel and extend along the x-
  • Figure 6 is a schematic top plan view showing a section of the upper housing surface 6.
  • a first longitudinally extending guide rail 651 and a second longitudinally extending guide rail 652 are attached to and protrude from the upper housing surface 6.
  • the first and second longitudinally extending guide rails are formed from POM or any other suitably hard wearing material.
  • An anchoring element 660 also projects upwardly from the upper housing surface 6.
  • the anchoring element 660 is fixed to the housing 2 and comprises screw holes 670 that allow a guide element to be fastened to the anchoring element 660.
  • the first longitudinally extending guide rail 651 and the second longitudinally extending guide rail 652 are arranged in parallel and oriented in alignment with the x-axis 100.
  • the spacing of the first and second longitudinally extending guide rails is substantially the same as the spacing between the first and second longitudinally extending grooves recessed into the lower cover surface 502.
  • the first and second longitudinal guide rails are profiled such that they fit into the first and second longitudinal grooves when the cover element is coupled to the housing.
  • the anchoring element is dimensioned to be located within the longitudinal slot 510 of the base layer 400 when the cover element 3 is coupled to the housing 2.
  • Figure 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the cover element 3 and a portion of the upper housing surface 6.
  • the cover element base layer 400 is brought towards the upper housing surface 6 such that the first and second longitudinal guide rails 651, 652 are located within the corresponding first and second longitudinal grooves 551, 552 recessed in the lower cover surface 502.
  • the anchoring element 660 extends through the longitudinal slot 510.
  • a rectangular plate shaped guide element 700 is fixed to the anchoring element 660 by attachment screws.
  • the guide element 700 is formed from a stainless steel.
  • First and second lower engagement portions 721, 722 of the guide element engage with the raised hemispherical bumps 530 defined on the first and second upwardly facing ledges 521, 522. The bumps act to minimize the area of contact between the first and second upwardly facing ledges 521, 522 and the corresponding first and second engagement portions 721, 722 of the guide 700.
  • a cosmetic cover element 410 is joined to the upper portion of the base layer 400 and acts to conceal internal elements of the cover element, for example the guide 700 and any biasing member acting to bias the cover element to an open or a closed position.
  • the guide 700 is fixed to the housing 2 and acts to constrain movement of the cover element 3 in the z-axis.
  • the cover element is, however, free to move linearly along the x-axis 100 only.
  • a difference between the depth of the first and second longitudinally extending grooves 551, 552 and the protrusion height of the corresponding longitudinal guide rails 651, 652 results in a separation (marked as “d” on figure 8) between the lower cover surface 502 and the upper housing surface 6.
  • the cover element is constrained to one degree of freedom of movement by the sliding mechanism and the separation is maintained during use.
  • Figures 9 to 12 illustrate a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating device comprising a slidable cover element.
  • the device is substantially the same as the first embodiment of an aerosol-generating device described with reference to figures 1 to 8.
  • the aerosol-generating device 1001 comprises a housing 1002.
  • An upper housing surface 1006 comprises an opening 1004 to a heating chamber 1005 for receiving an aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating device further comprises a cover element 1003 that is slidable to cover and uncover the opening 1004.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cover element 1003 and a portion of the upper housing surface 1006.
  • the cover element 1003 comprises a base layer 1400 having a lower cover surface 1502.
  • First and second longitudinal grooves 1551, 1552 are recessed in the lower cover surface 1502.
  • the first and second longitudinal grooves 1551, 1552 are configured to mate with first and second tongues 1653, 1654 defined in first and second guide rails 1651, 1652 respectively. Interaction between the first and second longitudinal grooves 1551, 1552 and the first and second longitudinal guide rails 1651, 1652 results in a separation between the lower cover surface 1502 and the upper housing surface 1006 of 0.2 mm.
  • the aerosol-generating device further comprises third and fourth longitudinally extending guides 2651, 2652 protruding from the upper housing surface 1006.
  • the third and fourth longitudinally extending guides do not mate with grooves defined in the lower cover surface, but rather engage with a portion of the lower cover surface1502 to provide additional support to help maintain the separation between the lower cover element and the upper housing surface.
  • a guide plate 1700 is fixed to an anchor element 1660 to retain the cover element 1003 to the housing 1002. Lower surfaces of the guide plate 1700 engage with first and second upwardly facing ledges 1521, 1522 defined in the base layer 1400.
  • An upper layer 1410 of the cover element is attached to the base layer 1400 by adhesive means. The cover element ensures that a user does not see the internal mechanism of the cover element.
  • the base layer 1400 has a maximum thickness of 2.5 mm.
  • the thickness between the lower cover surface 1502 and the first and second upwardly facing ledges 1521, 1522 is 1 mm.
  • Figure 11 is a view of an upper portion of the aerosol-generating device 1001 with the cover element 1003 removed.
  • the first and second guide rails 1651, 1652 can be seen to be arranged in parallel protruding from the upper housing surface 1006.
  • the third and fourth guide elements 2651, 2652 can be seen to be arranged in parallel to each other and to the first and second guide rails.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the upper portion of the aerosol-generating device 1001 with the base layer 1400 of the cover element 1003 attached, but the upper layer 1410 of the cover element removed.
  • the cover element is disposed in an open position allowing access to the opening 1004 defined in the upper housing surface 1006.
  • the base plate 1700 is profiled to minimize contact points with side walls of the longitudinal slot 1510 defined through the base layer 1400.
  • a torsion spring 2000 is arranged to act on both the guide plate 1700 and the base layer 1400 to facilitate bistability of the cover element in both an open position as illustrated in figure 12 and a closed position in which the opening 1004 is covered by the cover element 1003.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un logement comportant une surface supérieure de logement, et un élément couvercle comportant une surface inférieure de couvercle faisant face à la surface supérieure de logement. L'élément couvercle est couplé à la surface supérieure de logement par un mécanisme coulissant pour permettre un mouvement relatif de l'élément de couvercle entre une première et une deuxième position. Le mécanisme coulissant comprend une première rainure s'étendant longitudinale, renfoncée dans la surface inférieure de couvercle ou dans la surface supérieure de logement, et un premier élément de guidage faisant saillie de la surface restante. La séparation entre la surface inférieure de couvercle et la surface supérieure de logement est maintenue à une distance d'au moins 0,1 mm lorsque le premier élément de guidage est en prise avec la première rainure longitudinale. Cette séparation empêche le rayage de la surface supérieure de logement pendant l'actionnement de l'élément couvercle.
PCT/CN2021/126671 2021-10-27 2021-10-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré WO2023070364A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CN2021/126671 WO2023070364A1 (fr) 2021-10-27 2021-10-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CN2021/126671 WO2023070364A1 (fr) 2021-10-27 2021-10-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré

Publications (1)

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WO2023070364A1 true WO2023070364A1 (fr) 2023-05-04

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PCT/CN2021/126671 WO2023070364A1 (fr) 2021-10-27 2021-10-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un élément couvercle à mécanisme coulissant amélioré

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160270438A1 (en) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-22 Alexander M. Jackson Waterless Vacuum Based Smoking Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof
WO2020182755A1 (fr) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2020201531A1 (fr) * 2019-04-04 2020-10-08 Nicoventures Trading Limited Appareil de génération d'aérosol

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160270438A1 (en) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-22 Alexander M. Jackson Waterless Vacuum Based Smoking Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof
WO2020182755A1 (fr) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2020201531A1 (fr) * 2019-04-04 2020-10-08 Nicoventures Trading Limited Appareil de génération d'aérosol

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