Aerosol generating device and method for opening aerosol generating chamber thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (1) comprising: a housing (11); an aerosol-generating chamber (12) configured to receive a substrate to generate an aerosol and having an opening at least partially uncovered by the housing; a cover (13) configured to be in a closed position covering the opening or in an open position exposing the opening; an opening mechanism (14) engaged with the lid and including a biasing element (146) biasing the lid toward the open position, and a locking element (1452) configured to releasably lock the lid in the closed position; the opening mechanism is configured to be in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a portable aerosol generating device, a method for opening an aerosol generating chamber thereof, and a manually operable slider configuration. Such a device can heat, rather than burn, tobacco or other suitable aerosol matrix materials by conduction, convection, and / or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Background Art

[0002] As an alternative to using traditional tobacco products, the popularity and use of devices with reduced or modified risk (also known as vaporizers) have increased rapidly in recent years. A variety of different devices and systems are available that heat or raise the temperature of an aerosol generating matrix without burning it to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0003] Commonly used devices with reduced or modified risk are heat matrix aerosol generating devices or heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol matrix that typically contains moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosol generating materials to a temperature generally in the range of 150°C to 300°C. The aerosol released by heating the aerosol matrix but not burning or charring it includes the components sought by the user. In addition, the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other aerosol generating materials generally does not include the burnt or bitter tastes that may be unpleasant to the user and are generated by combustion and charring. Therefore, the matrix does not require sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0004] There has been a long-standing need to ensure that the manner of inserting or removing an aerosol generating article is simple and intuitive for the user. Common arrangements for the housing and buttons for opening the device make the device vulnerable to, for example, moist air, dust, liquids in daily life, and debris from consumables. A common arrangement is to provide a lid or cover for the chamber containing the consumable article, but traditional structures make it difficult to open, prone to cracking over time, and provide little dust protection as dust, etc. may get trapped in the gap between the lid arrangement and the device body.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution to alleviate these problems and have the desired advantages. In particular, it is desirable to provide a portable and compact device with improved safety and / or reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device that solves some or all of the above problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0008] - a housing,

[0009] - an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a substrate to generate an aerosol and having an opening at least partially uncovered by the housing,

[0010] - a cover configured to be in a closed position covering the opening or an open position exposing the opening,

[0011] - an opening mechanism connected to the cover and including a biasing element that biases the cover towards the open position and a locking element configured to releasably lock the cover in the closed position;

[0012] The opening mechanism is configured to be in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state; wherein,

[0013] when the opening mechanism is in the covered state, the locking element holds the cover in the closed position and the opening mechanism can be converted to the partially open state,

[0014] when the opening mechanism is in the open state, the biasing element holds the cover in the open position and the opening mechanism can be converted to the partially open state, and

[0015] when the opening mechanism is in the partially open state, the cover is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by the force of the biasing element or from the open position to the closed position by the force of the user pushing the cover until the cover is locked by the locking element.

[0016] The arrangement where the opening mechanism is biased to stay open but can be locked in the closed position increases the robustness of the cover of the aerosol generating device and makes the operation of the cover simple and intuitive.

[0017] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, the locking element is further configured to unlock the cover by the operation of the user when the cover is in the closed position.

[0018] This arrangement can prevent accidental opening of the cover.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects,

[0020] When the opening mechanism transitions from the covering state to the opening state, the lid is first moved in a first direction by the user's force such that the lid is unlocked from the closed position and then moved in a second direction different from the first direction to the open position; and

[0021] When the opening mechanism transitions from the open state to the covering state, the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position by the user's force pushing the lid in a third direction opposite to the second direction until the lid is locked in the closed position by the locking element.

[0022] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, the lid includes a covering surface and a sealing surface, the covering surface being configured to cover the aerosol generating chamber when the lid is in the closed position, and the sealing surface being configured to cover the opening mechanism when the lid is in the open position; wherein, preferably, the covering surface is provided on a protrusion of the lid.

[0023] By this arrangement of the covering surface, the internal space of the device, in particular the opening mechanism, is protected against the entry of vapor / dirt.

[0024] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, when the lid is in the open position, the sealing surface and the surrounding surface of the aerosol generating chamber form a seamless surface around the sealing surface to cover the opening mechanism.

[0025] This arrangement improves the dust-proof performance of the lid, in particular preventing dust and the like from winding around the lid.

[0026] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, the opening mechanism includes a guide rail and a first slider, the first slider being engaged with the lid and configured to slidably engage with the guide rail such that the lid can slide between the open position and the closed position.

[0027] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, the locking element is a groove arranged on the guide rail.

[0028] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the guide rail has a first end and a second end, and when the lid is in the open position, the first slider is held at the first end by the biasing element.

[0029] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, the locking element is arranged on the guide rail and at a position between the first end and the second end, such that when the first slider engages with the locking element, the cover is held in the closed position against the force of the biasing element, and when the cover moves in the first direction, the first slider is moved in such a way that the first slider can be released from the locking element to unlock the cover from the closed position.

[0030] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, the opening mechanism includes a second slider, which engages with the cover and is configured to slidably engage with the guide rail. When the first slider moves from or engages with the locking element, the second slider is configured to be at the pivot point of the first slider.

[0031] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the previous aspects, the second slider is arranged at one end of the cover, and when the cover is in the open position, this end is closest to the center of the opening of the aerosol generating chamber.

[0032] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the previous aspects, the opening mechanism includes a rigid element. The first slider is provided on the first end of the rigid element and the second slider is provided on the second end of the rigid element, and the rigid element is connected to the cover.

[0033] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, the first slider is away from the second slider such that when the second slider moves along the guide rail, the second slider does not fall into the groove.

[0034] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the previous aspects, the cover includes a protrusion having the second slider, and the sealing surface is provided on the protrusion.

[0035] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the sixth to twelfth aspects, the housing includes a sliding surface, the cover is configured to slide along the sliding surface, and the guide rail is arranged such that a part of the trace of the first slider is substantially parallel to the contour of the sliding surface.

[0036] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover and the surrounding surface of the housing form a seamless surface around the cover.

[0037] The advantage of this arrangement is that it can prevent materials or dust from entering.

[0038] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, the locking element includes a sensor arranged to stop at least one function of the device once the sensor detects the engagement of the opening mechanism and the locking element.

[0039] This arrangement improves the safety of using the device.

[0040] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, according to any of the above aspects, the device further includes an LED light arranged to indicate the locked state of the lid.

[0041] This arrangement allows the user to easily understand whether the lid is locked in place.

[0042] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for opening an aerosol generating device according to any of the previous aspects, the method including the step of pushing down the lid of the aerosol generating device to unlock a locking element that locks the lid in the closed position.

[0043] Preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0044] Figure 1 : is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 : is an exploded view of a closure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3(a): is a schematic view of a closure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3(b): is a schematic view of a part of an opening mechanism and a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4(a): is a schematic cross-sectional view of an opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opening mechanism is in a covered state and the lid is in a closed position;

[0049] Figure 4(b): is a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening mechanism of the embodiment of Figure 4(a), wherein the opening mechanism is in a partially open state, especially when the locking element is unlocked;

[0050] Figure 4(c): is a schematic cross-sectional view of a guide rail of the opening mechanism of the embodiments of Figures 4(a) and 4(b), wherein the opening mechanism is in an open state and the lid is in an open position;

[0051] Figure 5(a): is a schematic cross-sectional view of a guide rail according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opening mechanism is in a covered state;

[0052] Figure 5(b): is a schematic cross-sectional view of the guide rail of the embodiment of Figure 5(a), where the opening mechanism is transitioning from the covered state to the partially open state; and,

[0053] Figure 5(c): is a schematic cross-sectional view of the guide rail of the embodiments of Figures 5(a) and 5(b), where the closure is in the partially open state. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship terms "one end", "the other end", "the other side", "outer side", "inner side", "upper part", "lower part", "above", "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "coaxial", "center", "length", "distance", etc. are all based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Specifically, the orientation or positional relationship terms should be understood as the aerosol generating device 1 being in its upright position (from top to bottom) and / or taking the center of the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 as the center point or reference. Alternatively, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention should be understood according to the specific situation that is most technically significant to those skilled in the art.

[0056] As an overview of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 the aerosol generating device 1 and some of its sub-components are shown. Figure 2 Figures 1 to 6 show more details of some sub-components. For the sake of understanding and brevity, some features shown in the accompanying drawings are not described in detail, and some features have been completely omitted. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device", "electronic cigarette" or "e-cigarette" may include an electronic cigarette system configured to deliver an aerosol (including an aerosol for smoking) to a user.

[0057] - Aerosol Generating Device

[0058] Refer to Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the portable aerosol generating device 1 has a generally elongated shape with a closed portion 111 (i.e., the upper portion in the figure) and a main portion 112 (i.e., the lower portion in the figure) opposite the closed portion 111 for holding the device in the hand, into which the consumable can be inserted from the closed portion. The aerosol generating device 1 can also be of other shapes as long as its size is suitable for the sub-components and the consumable. The housing 11 can be formed of any suitable material or layer of materials. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a housing sub-component 11, which is shown as "transparent" (shown with a dashed edge), accommodating a plurality of different sub-components of the aerosol generating device 1. Further, within the housing 11, the aerosol generating device 1 includes an aerosol generating chamber sub-component 12, a lid sub-component 13, an opening mechanism 14, a power supply sub-component (preferably a LiPo battery) 16, and an internal chassis 18 sub-component of the device that holds most of the other sub-components together. The illustrated embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 of the present invention is schematic, and other elements (such as an aerosol inlet and outlet, an input device (e.g., a control button), a PCB, an operation module, or a computer module) that are omitted here for the sake of brevity can be combined, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0059] The closure 111 is located at the top, where the lid 13 is used to open and close the inlet or opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 for the user to supply the consumable to be heated in the heating chamber. A snap-fit connector, or other type of attachment device, can be provided in the closure 111 to attach to the main portion 112.

[0060] The aerosol generating chamber 12 includes a cylindrical unit defining an internal space for accommodating a consumable (not shown), a heater (not shown) arranged near or around the cylindrical unit to supply heat to the aerosol generating chamber 12, and an opening (orifice) arranged on the "upper" side of the cylindrical unit and at least partially uncovered by the housing. In other words, the opening exposes the internal space of the aerosol generating chamber 12 (fully or partially) to receive the consumable along the insertion direction of the consumable. Although named a "cylindrical unit", it should be understood that any shape, such as square and triangular shapes, can be used.

[0061] Although not shown in the figure, the consumable that can be inserted into the aerosol generating chamber 12 can be any consumable available on the market, such as an aerosol matrix with nicotine, or a cartridge having a mouthpiece and a container (accommodating a consumable liquid with an aerosol-forming substance).

[0062] The cover member 13 is arranged to cover the aerosol - generating chamber 12 (more specifically, the opening of the aerosol - generating chamber 12) after use, or for enclosing the consumable. For better dust - proof performance, the cover member 13 is preferably configured to form a seamless surface around the cover with the surrounding surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the closure member 111) when the cover member 13 completely covers the opening of the aerosol - generating chamber 12. To facilitate opening of the cover member 13, an opening mechanism 14 is attached to the cover member 13. The opening mechanism 14 includes a slider carrier 141 (partially hidden in Figure 1 for better understanding and viewing of other components), which has a first slider 142 and a second slider 143; and a guide rail 1451 that serves as a slide rail along which the sliders 141 and 142 slide, such that the cover member 13 can slide between an open position and a closed position. In other words, at least one of the sliders 142 and 143 is configured to slidably engage with the guide rail 1451, such that the cover member 13 can slide between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the opening of the aerosol - generating chamber 12 is blocked by the cover member 13, so that materials (such as consumables or moisture, especially dust) cannot enter the aerosol - generating chamber 12. In the open position, the opening and the internal space of the aerosol - generating chamber 12 are open and exposed, and the opening of the aerosol - generating chamber 12 provides a passage for entering its internal space from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, a spacer element or a heat - insulating element may be provided at the opening of the aerosol - generating chamber 12 to increase the heat insulation of the aerosol - generating chamber 12.

[0063] The opening mechanism 14 further includes a biasing element 146 and a locking element 1452. The biasing element 146 is configured to constantly push the slider carrier and the cover member 13 to the open position. This helps to ensure that the aerosol - generating chamber 12 remains open during use. The locking element 1452 is configured to releasably lock the cover member 13 in the closed position. This helps to ensure that the aerosol - generating chamber 12 is covered when the device 1 is not in use. Hereinafter, the closure member 111 (more specifically, the cover member 13 and the opening mechanism 14) will be explained in detail.

[0064] - The closure member (cover member, covering member, opening mechanism, and locking element)

[0065] Figure 2 is an exploded component view of the closure member 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For better understanding and viewing of other components, in Figures 4(a) to 5(c) the biasing element 146 is hidden.

[0066] The closed part 111 has a mounting mechanism 1111, a closure opening 1112, and a passage 1113. The mounting mechanism 1111 is arranged to mount the closed part 111 to the main part 112 of the aerosol generating device 1 so as to form a complete housing 11. The closure opening 1112 is arranged such that access to the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 is enabled. In some preferred embodiments, the closure opening 1112 is the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12. At least a part of the lid 13 (i.e., the linking part 131 or the covering part 133 of the lid 13) is arranged to extend into the passage such that, by interacting with the lid 13, the user can move the lid 13 along the passage 1113. Preferably, the lid 13 can form a seamless surface with the surrounding surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the closure 111) around the lid 13 when the lid 13 is in the closed position. In other words, the size and shape of the outer part 132 of the lid 13 are determined such that, in the open position, the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 is substantially uncovered, preferably completely uncovered, thus allowing material to enter the aerosol generating chamber 12; and in the closed position, the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 is completely covered and the passage leading to the aerosol generating chamber is blocked, thus preventing material from entering the aerosol generating chamber 12.

[0067] To protect the opening mechanism 14, as Figure 2 shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the covering part 133 is preferably provided as a spacer between the opening mechanism 14 and the aerosol generating chamber 12, thereby preventing material or dust from entering the internal space of the device 1, especially the opening mechanism. The covering part 133 is a separate component that can be fixed to the lid 13 (as Figure 2 shown) or a protrusion integrated with the lid 13 (as shown in FIG. 3(a)). When the lid 13 is in the closed position, the covering part 133 is preferably arranged at the end of the lid 13 close to the opening. Preferably, the covering part 133 has a generally L-shaped side view. The horizontal covering surface 1332 of the covering part 133 is configured to cover the aerosol generating chamber 12 when the lid 13 is in the closed position, preferably being in contact with as Figures 4(a) to 4(c)A curved surface adapted to the curved shape of the locus of the guide rail 1451 shown. The vertical sealing surface 1331 is configured to cover the opening mechanism 14 when the cover 13 is in the open position, preferably a flat surface as shown in FIG. 3(a). Preferably, the size of the sealing surface 1331 is determined such that when the cover 13 is in the open position, it forms a (seamless) surface with the peripheral surface of the inner wall of the aerosol generating chamber 12 around the sealing surface, so as to cover the opening mechanism and other parts of the device 1. More preferably, the sizes of the horizontal covering surface and the vertical covering surface 1331, 1332 are determined such that the opening mechanism 14 is completely separated from the chamber 12. Thus, the covering 133 prevents the entry of materials or dust and reduces the conduction of heat from the chamber 12 to the internal space of the device 1, especially the opening mechanism 14. Preferably, an air gap is provided within the covering 133 to reduce the transfer of heat from the chamber 12 to the opening mechanism 14. To further improve heat insulation, the covering 133 is made of a heat insulating material (such as a fibrous or foamed material, for example, flannelette). Any other heat insulating device may also be used herein.

[0068] As explained above, the cover 13 is arranged outside the housing 11 and can thus interact with the user to be able to slide relative to the housing 11 between at least a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover 13 blocks the opening so that articles or dust cannot enter the aerosol generating chamber 12. In the open position, the opening is uncovered to allow entry into the aerosol generating chamber 12 from the outside. In other words, the cover 13 is configured to generally traverse a virtual plane or a virtual curved surface formed by the closure opening 1112. The cover 13 engages with the opening mechanism 14. More specifically, the cover 13 is connected to the opening mechanism 14 via the link portion 131 of the cover or the covering 133. As the cover 13 moves, the slider carrier 141 moves accordingly. Preferably, the link portion 131 or the covering 133 is attached to the slider carrier 141 by using, for example, a screw 149 or other types of attachment means. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the slider carrier 141 is fixed or hinged to the covering 133, specifically, to the end of the slider carrier 141 having the second slider 143.

[0069] The guide rail 1451 is located in the guide rail sub-assembly 145, which is fixed to the closure 1111, for example, by screws. Preferably, the guide rail sub-assembly 145 includes two guide rails 1451, which are enclosed to the top and bottom of the guide section by material, and the guide section extends along both sides (i.e., the first end and the second end) of the guide rail sub-assembly 145. The guide rail sub-assembly 145 preferably has a U shape, such that there is an empty space between the two guide sections where the carriage 124 can be placed within the guide rail sub-assembly 145, and the sliders 142 and 143 of the carrier 141 are located in the guide sections between the two guide sections. Preferably, the track or trace of the guide rail 1451 is substantially linear, preferably an arc-shaped structure, such that when the guide rail 1451 moves and slides on the biasing element 146, a force with a substantially constant or linear magnitude is applied to the biasing element. The track of the guide rail 1451 has a length defined by a first end and a second end, the first end facing away from or far from the opening (center), and the second end being closer to the opening (center), and the sliders 142 and 143 can slide between them along the first end and the second end. Preferably, the housing 11 (closure 111) has a sliding surface, which is arranged on the closure 111 and has a contour at least partially parallel to the plane defined by the opening. Preferably, when the cover 13 slides along the sliding surface, the guide rail 1451 is arranged such that a part of the track of the first slider is substantially parallel to at least a part of the contour of the sliding surface or has the same shape as it.

[0070] The biasing element 146 (a spring element in the aerosol generating device 1 of the present embodiment) is configured to bias the cover 13 to move to the open position. The spring element 146, more specifically the helical compression spring, can be deformed from the relaxed position (i.e., the open position of the cover 13) to the unstable position (i.e., the closed position of the cover 13). The spring 146 applies a compressive force or an extension force along the longitudinal axis defined by the two ends of the rigid guide rod 147 of the opening mechanism 14, and the spring 146 is mounted around the rigid guide rod. The force applied by the spring 146 depends on the deformation, and the magnitude of the applied force increases as the magnitude of the deformation from the relaxed position increases.

[0071] The traveler 1471 is mounted on (around) the rigid guide rod 147. Specifically, the traveler 1471 is arranged to move in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of the rigid guide rod 147. The biasing element 146 is connected to (interacts with) the traveler 1471 such that the traveler 1471 can move along the rigid guide rod 147 by the force applied by the biasing element 146.

[0072] Specifically, the slip ring 1471 is arranged such that the slip ring can compress the biasing element 146 when moving along the longitudinal axis of the rigid guide rod 147. More specifically, one end of the spring 146 (i.e., the rod connection end 1461) is mounted on the rigid guide rod 147 (i.e., the hinge end 1472) or other parts of the aerosol generating device 1, and thus remains in position relative to the aerosol generating device 1. The other end of the spring 146 is mounted to the slip ring 1471. The slip ring 1471 engages with the carrier 141 (directly or indirectly). In this document, the slip ring 1471 is hinged to the carrier 141. The (hinged) end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 is attached (in this embodiment, directly or indirectly hinged) to the housing 11, i.e., the closure 111 of the aerosol generating device 1 or another fixed subassembly, and thus remains in position relative to the aerosol generating device 1. Therefore, when guiding the carrier 141 to move along the guide rail 1451, the other end of the rigid guide rod 147 moves, more specifically rotates, within the aerosol generating device 100 around the hinge end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 together with the biasing element 146 and the slip ring 1471, where the hinge end 1472 is the rotation point.

[0073] The slip ring 1471 generally includes a hollow portion arranged to move along the outer side of the rigid guide rod 147. In some embodiments, the rigid guide rod 147 is a hollow rod, and the slip ring 1471 is arranged to move inside the rigid element. The slip ring 1471 can also be deformable and can be arranged to compress or expand as it interacts with the rigid guide rod 147. Specifically, the slip ring 147 is arranged to move longitudinally along the rigid guide rod 147. The spring 146 is arranged to interact with the slip ring 1471 when the slip ring 1471 moves along the rigid guide rod 147 to compress or release the spring 146. When the end of the spring 146 that engages with the slip ring 147 (i.e., the engagement end) is in an unstable position on the guide rail 1451, there is a net force on the engagement end of the spring 146, such that the spring 146 and the cover 13 are biased towards a stable position (i.e., the open position). In some embodiments, the slip ring 1471 and / or the rigid guide rod 147 includes a limiting mechanism (not shown) that limits the extent to which the slip ring 1471 can move longitudinally along the rigid guide rod 147; this can prevent the slip ring 1471 from separating from the rigid guide rod 147 and / or can limit the extent to which the spring 146 can deform.

[0074] In addition, the spring 146 is arranged such that at substantially each position between the closed position and the open position of the cover member 13, the deformation component of the spring 146 and the force component exerted by the spring 146 are in the direction of movement of the cover member 13. The spring 146 is arranged such that when the cover member 13 is in the open position, this force component resists movement away from the open position. The spring 146 is further arranged such that the deformation component of the spring 146 and the force component exerted by the spring 146 are transverse to the direction of movement of the cover member 13; the effect of this force component is to force the engaging end of the spring 146 against one side of the slip ring 1471. This results in a smooth sliding opening movement of the cover member 13, which is pleasing to the user.

[0075] With this arrangement, when the cover member 13 moves away from the closed position to the open position, the biasing element 146 gradually relaxes, such that the biasing element 146 resists the displacement of the cover member 13 moving away from the closed position to the open position. When the slider 142 is located at the first end of the guide rail 1451, the cover member is in the open position and the spring 146 is in the relaxed position. Although referred to as the "relaxed position", it should be understood that the spring 146 can still be compressed to some extent, so the spring 146 still exerts a small force. The cover member cannot move further anyway and remains in its open position because the movement of the slider 142 is stopped by the first end of the guide rail 1451, and / or the linking part 131 (or the covering part 133) of the cover member is stopped by the edge of the closure member 111 or the housing 11.

[0076] To hold the cover member 13 in the closed position, one or more locking elements 1452 are provided to releasably lock the cover member in the closed position. Preferably, the locking element 1452 is a groove, notch or recess on the guide rail 1451 arranged between the first end and the second end of the guide rail 1451, such that once the first slider 143 of the guiding carrier 141 reaches the locking element 1452, the slider 142 drops into and engages with the locking element 1452, such that the guiding carrier 141 is locked in place and the spring 146 is compressed. Preferably, the groove 1452 is arranged at the center point of the guide rail 1451. Alternatively, the locking element 1452 can have an extension or protrusion of the guide rail 1451 that can lock the slider 1452.

[0077] Preferably, the opening mechanism is arranged such that once the lid reaches the closed position, the first slider 143 can be automatically locked by the locking element 1452. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the rigid guide rod 147 is arranged such that the end of the rigid guide rod 147 hinged to the housing 11 (i.e., the hinged end 1472) is "above" a portion of the rigid guide rod 147 engaged with the slip ring 1471. In other words, the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 is closer to the opening than the portion of the rigid guide rod 147 engaged with the slip ring 1471. When the slip ring 1471 moves along the rigid guide rod 147, the rotation range of the rigid guide rod 147 is defined such that the slip ring 1471 is always in a "lower" position relative to the hinged end 1472 and is in a farther or more distant position relative to the opening compared to the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147. The biasing element 146 is arranged on the side of the rigid guide rod 147 where the rigid guide rod 147 engages with the slip ring 1471, and preferably is arranged between the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 and the slip ring 1471. Alternatively, the biasing element 146 is a tension spring arranged at an end opposite to the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147. In this way, when the (slip ring-connected) end 1462 of the biasing element 146 and the slip ring 1471 move along the rigid guide rod 147, the direction of the force exerted by the biasing element 146 always has a force component in the "downward" direction in the direction of the closed position or in the direction of the open position. For example, the component force is in the direction away from the opening (center) of the aerosol generating device 1. Accordingly, the locking element 1452 is arranged on the "lower" side of the guide rail 1451 (the longitudinal side of the two longitudinal sides of the guide rail 1451 that is farther from the opening position). In this way, due to the "downward" component force of the biasing element 146, once the lid 13 reaches the closed position, the first slider 142 automatically engages with the locking element 1452.

[0078] To unlock the guide carrier 141 from the locking element 1452, another (pair of) sliders 143 (second slider or second pair of sliders), preferably a pin or cylinder-shaped protrusion similar to the first slider 142 (first slider or first pair of sliders), is provided close to the other sliders 142. Both the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 engage with the guide rail 1451. The first slider 142 and the second slider 143 are preferably arranged at both ends of the guide carrier 141. The first slider 142 is arranged at a position of the carrier 141 farther from the opening, and the second slider 143 is arranged at a position of the carrier 141 closer to the opening. In other words, the second slider 143 is arranged on or near the cover member 133. In this way, once the cover member 13 reaches the closed position, the first slider 142 automatically engages with the locking element 1452, and the second slider 143 becomes the pivot point of the guide carrier 141. Specifically, the distance between the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 (center) is less than the track length of the guide rail 1451. Preferably, the distance between the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 is greater than the distance between the locking element 1452 and the first end of the guide rail 1451, so that when the second slider 143 moves along the guide rail 1451, the second slider 1 does not engage with the locking element 1452. More preferably, the distance between the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 is approximately equal to the distance between the locking element 1452 and the second end of the guide rail 1451, so that when the first slider 142 engages with the locking element 1452, the second slider 143 is located at the position of the second end of the guide rail 1451, making the rotation of the carrier 141 more stable.

[0079] - Operation process of the cover member and the opening mechanism

[0080] Refer to Figures 4(a) to 5(c) , which shows the components of the opening mechanism 14 when the opening mechanism 14 is in each of the covering state, the open state, or the partially open state.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the cover member 13 is shown in the closed position and the opening mechanism 14 is in the covered state. In this position, the cover member 13 covers the opening of the aerosol generating device 1 and forms a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the closure member 111). The horizontal covering surface 1332 of the covering member 133 protects the opening mechanism 14 and separates the opening mechanism from the aerosol generating chamber 12. The vertical sealing surface 1331 is preferably flush with the inner wall of the aerosol generating chamber 12. The opening mechanism 14 is arranged such that when the cover member 13 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the locking element 1452 locks and holds the opening mechanism (the first slider 142) in place and resists the biasing force of the biasing element 146 (not shown) and the movement of the cover member 133 away from the closed position. In the present embodiment, the biasing element 146 includes a helical compression spring (not shown); the slip ring connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 is compressed by the slip ring 1471, and the slip ring is held in place together with the guiding carrier 141. The slip ring 1471 is in its position closest to the articulated end 1472 of the rigid guiding rod 147. The compression force from the slip ring 147 is applied to the biasing element 146 and is aligned with the axis of the rigid guiding rod 147. The "downward" component of the force of the biasing element 146 holds the first slider 142 within the locking element 1452. The second slider 143 is at the second end of the guide rail 1451 and is pivotally engaged with the guide rail 1451 (at the second end).

[0082] The second slider 143 serves as the pivot point, with the rigid guide rod 147 and the cover member on both sides of the lever. Thus, to unlock the locking element 1452 to transfer the cover member 13 from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIGS. 4(b), 5(b) and 5(c), when the cover member is in the open position, in the "downward" direction, i.e., a direction different from the sliding direction of the cover member 13 and more specifically substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction, the user vertically clicks or pushes the cover member 13 (more specifically, the end of the cover member 13 closer to the opening). Accordingly, the first slider 142 rotates around the second slider 143 and moves upward (i.e., in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the cover member 13 pushed downward by the user). In other words, by using the second slider 143 as the rotation point or pivot point, the first slider 142 is lifted by the force applied by the user to the cover member 13 in the downward direction. Further, the biasing element 146, the rigid guide rod 147 and the slip ring 1471 rotate as the first slider 142 of the carrier 141 rotates. Preferably, the force provided by the user to the cover member 13 in the downward direction needs to be maintained until the first slider 142 is completely disengaged from the locking element 1452. Through the contact between the first slider 142 and the upper longitudinal side of the guide rail 1451, the user can feel the resistance and then realize that the force applied to the cover member can be released. Alternatively, the locking element 1452 is arranged in a certain shape, for example, a curved shape on its cover member, such that with just a slight click on the cover member 13, the first slider 142 can smoothly slide out of the locking element 1452. Finally, when the user removes the force, since the opening mechanism 14 is unlocked, the biasing force of the biasing element 146 is released and used to move or slide the cover member 12 to the open position.

[0083] In this way, the opening mechanism is transferred to a partially open state, with the cover member 13 in a temporary or intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The biasing element 146 applies a certain force to move the cover member 13 to the open position in the substantially horizontal sliding direction. The horizontal covering surface and the vertical covering surfaces 1331, 1332 protect the opening mechanism 14 and separate the opening mechanism from the aerosol generating chamber 12.

[0084] Specifically, when the opening mechanism 14 is released from the locking element 1452, the compressive force applied to the biasing element 146 is released. Accordingly, the biasing element 146 applies a force that is consistent with the axis defined by the rigid guide rod 147. In the case where the slip ring connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 moves along the rigid guide rod 147 away from the rod connection end 1461 of the biasing element 146, the slip ring 1471 is correspondingly driven by the biasing force applied thereto, and thus moves along the rigid guide rod 147, away from the hinge end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147, and towards the other end of the rigid guide rod 147 opposite to the hinge end 1472. This causes the carrier 141 engaged with the slip ring 1471 to move along the rigid guide rod 147, and thus the carrier 141 drives the cover 13 to the open position along the sliding surface via the connection with the link portion 131 or the cover member 133.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4(c), the cover 13 then moves to its open position. Preferably, when the first slider 142 reaches the first end of the guide rail 1451, the second slider 143 is in a position between the locking element 1452 and the second end of the guide rail 1451. In this position, the cover 13 is blocked by a stopper, which is preferably an opening, the housing 11, or the edge of the first end of the guide rail 1451. Accordingly, the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12 is exposed, preferably completely exposed, thereby providing a passage from the outside to the internal space. The vertical covering surface 1333 of the cover member 133 protects the opening mechanism 14 and separates the opening mechanism from the aerosol generating chamber 12, preferably forming a seamless surface with the surface of the inner wall of the chamber 12 around the vertical covering surface.

[0086] Conversely, in order to close the opening of the aerosol generating chamber 12, that is, to move the cover 13 from the open position to the closed position, the user applies a certain force to the cover 13, which is used to move the cover 13 towards the closed position, that is, along a sliding direction opposite to the sliding direction in which the cover 13 is driven by the biasing mechanism when opening the cover 13.

[0087] Specifically, the user applies a force to the cover member 13 to move the cover member 13 from the open position to the closed position along a generally horizontal direction. The force of the user is initially resisted by the biasing element 146, such that when the user releases the cover member before the cover member 13 reaches the locking position (where the first slider 142 engages with the locking element 1452), the cover member 13 returns to the open position. When the user applies a force to the cover member 13, the carrier member 141 connected to the cover member 13 drives the sliding ring 1471 to move along the rigid guide rod 147. Thus, the force applied by the biasing element 146 through the sliding ring 1471 is compressed, and the sliding ring connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 moves along the rigid guide rod 147 towards the rod connection end 1461. When the user continues to apply a force to the cover member 13, the cover member finally moves to the locking position. Once the first slider 142 of the carrier member 141 reaches the locking element, the downward component force applied by the biasing element 146 causes the first slider 142 of the carrier member 141 to engage with the locking element 1452, that is, to fall into the locking element. The user realizes that the cover member 13 is locked by sensing the upward movement of the cover member 13 and thus can remove the force applied to the cover member. Finally, the guiding carrier member 141 is locked in place and the spring 146 is compressed. Preferably, the second slider 143 also reaches the second end of the guide rail 1451. As the transition to the locking position occurs, when the first slider 142 moves downward (i.e., falls into the locking element 1452), the cover member (acting as the other side of the lever of the rigid guide rod 147) is lifted or moves along an upward direction (different from the sliding direction of the cover member 13, specifically generally perpendicular). Accordingly, the cover member 13 forms a seamless surface around the cover with the surrounding surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the closure member 111) when the cover member completely covers the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12.

[0088] When the cover member 13 is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device 1 can be stowed, and the cover member 13 prevents materials or dust from entering the device 1. The locking element 1452 locks the opening mechanism 14 in the covered state and keeps the cover member 13 in the closed position to prevent the cover member 13 from moving due to inadvertent contact with other objects. When the cover member 13 is in the open position, the aerosol generating device 1 can be used because the biasing element 146 holds the cover member 13 in place, and the user can insert or remove the consumable from the aerosol generation chamber 12 for consumption.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, a sensor is arranged in the locking element 1452. Once the sensor senses that the opening mechanism 14 engages with the locking element 1452, the heating function of the aerosol generating device 1 stops.

[0090] In another preferred embodiment, an LED light is arranged to indicate the locking state of the cover member 13.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1), comprising: - a housing (11), - an aerosol generating chamber (12) configured to receive a substrate to generate an aerosol and having an opening at least partially uncovered by the housing (11), - a cover member (13) configured to be in a closed position covering the opening or in an open position exposing the opening, - an opening mechanism (14) engaged with the cover member (13) and including a biasing element (146) biasing the cover member (13) towards the open position and a locking element (1452) configured to releasably lock the cover member (13) in the closed position; the opening mechanism (14) is configured to be in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state; wherein, when the opening mechanism (14) is in the covered state, the locking element (14) holds the cover member (13) in the closed position and the opening mechanism (14) can be converted to the partially open state, when the opening mechanism (14) is in the open state, the biasing element (1451) holds the cover member (13) in the open position and the opening mechanism (14) can be converted to the partially open state, and when the opening mechanism (14) is in the partially open state, the cover member (13) is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by the force of the biasing element (1451), or from the open position to the closed position by the force of the user pushing the cover member (13) until the cover member is locked by the locking element.

2. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, the locking element is further configured to unlock the cover member by the operation of the user when the cover member is in the closed position.

3. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the opening mechanism transitions from the covered state to the open state, the cover member first moves along a first direction by the force of the user such that the cover member is unlocked from the closed position, and then moves along a second direction different from the first direction to the open position; and when the opening mechanism transitions from the open state to the covered state, the cover member moves from the open position to the closed position by the force of the user pushing the cover member along a third direction opposite to the second direction until the cover member is locked in the closed position by the locking element.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the cover member includes a covering surface and a sealing surface, the covering surface is configured to cover the aerosol generating chamber when the cover member is in the closed position, and the sealing surface is configured to cover the opening mechanism when the cover member is in the open position; preferably, when the cover member is in the open position, the sealing surface and the surrounding surface of the aerosol generating chamber form a seamless surface around the sealing surface to cover the opening mechanism.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening mechanism includes a guide rail and a first slider, which is engaged with the cover and configured to slidably engage with the guide rail such that the cover can slide between the open position and the closed position.

6. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, the locking element is a groove arranged on the guide rail.

7. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, the guide rail has a first end and a second end, when the cover is in the open position, the first slider is held at the first end by the biasing element; and preferably, the locking element is arranged on the guide rail and at a position between the first end and the second end such that when the first slider engages with the locking element, the cover is held in the closed position against the force of the biasing element, and when the cover moves in the first direction, the first slider moves in such a way that the first slider can be released from the locking element to unlock the cover from the closed position.

8. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, the opening mechanism includes a second slider, which is engaged with the cover and configured to slidably engage with the guide rail, and when the first slider moves from or engages with the locking element, the second slider is configured to be at the pivot point of the first slider.

9. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, the second slider is arranged at one end of the cover, and when the cover is in the open position, this end is closest to the center of the opening of the aerosol generating chamber.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, the opening mechanism includes a rigid element, the first slider is arranged on the first end of the rigid element and the second slider is arranged on the second end of the rigid element, and the rigid element is connected to the cover, preferably connected to a part of the cover providing the seamless surface according to claim 4 or 5.

11. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein, there is a distance between the first slider and the second slider such that when the second slider moves along the guide rail, the second slider does not fall into the groove.

12. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 11 and claim 3 or 4, wherein, the cover includes a protrusion having the second slider, and the sealing surface is arranged on the protrusion.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein, the housing includes a sliding surface, the cover is configured to slide along the sliding surface, and the guide rail is arranged such that a part of the trace of the first slider is substantially parallel to the contour of the sliding surface.

14. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover and the surrounding surface of the housing form a seamless surface around the cover.

15. A method for opening an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of pushing down a lid of the aerosol generating device to unlock a locking element that locks the lid in the closed position.

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