Aerosol suction device

Abstract

An aerosol inhalation device comprises a housing and a cap. The housing has a first end and a second end, the second end having a slidable cover. The cap is configured such that, in a state in which the cap is attached to the second end of the housing, a second force applied to the cap in a first direction will remove the cap from the second end. The cover is configured such that, in a state in which the cap is attached to the second end, a third force is applied to the cover in the first direction as a result of the second force being applied to the cap in the first direction. The third force is less than the first force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol inhalation devices for generating aerosols without burning materials are conventionally known. An aerosol inhalation device includes: a mouthpiece through which aerosols are inhaled; and a cap for protecting the mouthpiece (e.g., see PTL 1). Citation List

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] PTL 1: CN 108143010 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0006] The cap can be magnetically attached to a distal end to prevent it from being lost during use of the aerosol inhaler, as disclosed in PTL1. Here, the aerosol inhaler has a cover for opening / closing a space containing a cartridge or battery, and it is conceivable that the cap is attached to the cover. In this case, there is a risk that the cover may be opened due to an accidental force applied to the cap. The risk of the cover being accidentally opened exists when the cap, covering any part (not just the mouthpiece), is attached to the cover to open / close a space that may contain any component of the aerosol inhaler.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to prevent the cover from being opened accidentally.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] According to a first aspect, an aerosol inhalation device is provided. The aerosol inhalation device includes a housing having a first end and a second end different from the first end; and a cap attachable to the housing to cover / remove from the housing. The housing has a slidable cover at the second end. The cap, having been removed from the first end, is configured to be detachably attached to the second end. The cover is configured to open by sliding along a first direction due to a first force applied to it. The cap is configured such that, while attached to the second end, a second force applied to it along the first direction removes the cap from the second end. The cover is configured such that, while attached to the second end, a third force is applied to it along the first direction due to the second force applied to it. The third force is less than the first force.

[0010] According to the first aspect, even if a second force sufficient to remove the cap from the second end is applied to the cap in the first direction, a third force less than the first force will be applied to the cover, thus making it possible to suppress the accidental opening of the cover.

[0011] One of the cap and the cover may include a magnet, while the other of the cap and the cover may include a magnet or a ferromagnet, and the cap that has been removed from the first end may be configured to be detachably attached to the second end by means of the magnets or the magnets and ferromagnets attracting each other by magnetic force.

[0012] In this case, the cap can be easily attached to / removed from the second end of the housing by the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0013] The third force may include the force generated by the attraction between these magnets or magnets and ferromagnets through magnetic force.

[0014] In this case, at least part of the third force is generated by the magnetic force of the magnet, but since the third force is less than the first force, it can suppress the accidental opening of the cover.

[0015] The cap and cover may include magnets.

[0016] In this case, both the cap and the cover include magnets, so the magnets attract each other by their respective polarities, and the cap can be easily attached to a predetermined position at the second end.

[0017] The third force may include the force generated by the sliding of the cap relative to the cover.

[0018] In this case, at least part of the third force is generated by sliding friction, but since the third force is less than the first force, it can prevent the cover from opening accidentally.

[0019] With the cap attached to the second end, the cap can essentially conceal the cover.

[0020] In this case, when the cap is attached to the second end, it can prevent the user from directly touching and opening the cover.

[0021] The housing may have a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, the cover may have a sliding portion that slides along the first direction and may be configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion along the first direction, the fixed portion may have a first protrusion protruding toward the sliding portion, and the sliding portion may be configured to contact the first protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

[0022] In this configuration, when the sliding portion of the cover slides along the first direction, the resistance provided by the first protrusion is applied to the sliding portion, thus inhibiting the sliding portion from sliding along the first direction and thereby preventing the cover from opening. In other words, the first protrusion increases the first force required to open the cover, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0023] The housing may have a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover may have a sliding portion that slides along the first direction and may be configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion along the first direction. The sliding portion may have a second protrusion protruding toward the fixed portion, and the fixed portion may be configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

[0024] In this configuration, when the sliding portion of the cover slides along the first direction, the resistance provided by the fixed portion is applied to the second protrusion of the sliding portion, thus inhibiting the sliding portion from sliding along the first direction and preventing the cover from opening. In other words, the first force required to open the cover is increased by the second protrusion, thereby better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0025] The housing may have a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, the cover may have a sliding portion that slides along the first direction and may be configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion along the first direction, the fixed portion may have a first protrusion protruding toward the sliding portion, the sliding portion may have a second protrusion protruding toward the fixed portion, and the first protrusion may be configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

[0026] In this configuration, when the sliding portion of the cover slides along the first direction, the resistance provided by the first protrusion of the fixed portion is applied to the second protrusion of the sliding portion, thus inhibiting the sliding portion from sliding along the first direction and preventing the cover from opening. In other words, the first force required to open the cover can be increased by the first and second protrusions, thereby better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0027] The housing may have a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, the cover may have a sliding portion that slides along the first direction and may be configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion along the first direction, the fixed portion may have an abutting portion that abuts against the sliding portion, the abutting portion may include a rubber member, and the sliding portion may be configured to contact the abutting portion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

[0028] In this configuration, when the sliding portion of the cover slides along the first direction, the frictional resistance provided by the rubber member of the abutment portion is applied to the sliding portion, thus inhibiting the sliding portion from sliding along the first direction and thereby preventing the cover from opening. In other words, the rubber member increases the first force required to open the cover, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0029] The sliding portion can be configured to engage with the rubber component when the sliding portion slides in a first direction.

[0030] In this configuration, when the sliding portion of the cover slides along the first direction, the frictional resistance and elastic force provided by the rubber component of the fixed portion are applied to the sliding portion, thus inhibiting the sliding portion from sliding along the first direction and preventing the cover from opening. In other words, the rubber component increases the first force required to open the cover, thereby better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0031] The housing may have a receiving portion for containing consumable materials, a fixing portion may be disposed on the cover and may include a rubber member, and the rubber member of the fixing portion may define a portion of the receiving portion.

[0032] In this case, a portion of the receiving part is defined by a rubber member of the fixing part, thus simplifying the structure defining the receiving part. Furthermore, since the fixing part, including the rubber member, is provided on the cover, the receiving part can be opened / closed by opening / closing the cover, further simplifying the structure for opening / closing the receiving part.

[0033] The cover may have a biasing member for biasing the sliding portion in a second direction.

[0034] In this configuration, the cover can be biased to the closed position by the biasing member, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover. In other words, the biasing member increases the initial force required to open the cover, thereby better preventing accidental opening.

[0035] The rubber components of the offset member and the abutment portion can be configured to exert a reaction force on the cover in a second direction when a force is applied to the cover in a first direction.

[0036] In this configuration, the cover can be biased to the closed position by the biasing member and the rubber member, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover. In other words, the biasing member and the rubber member can increase the initial force required to open the cover, thereby better preventing accidental opening of the cover.

[0037] The first force can be at least 1.1 times the third force.

[0038] In this situation, there is a sufficient difference between the first and third forces to better suppress the accidental opening of the cover. Attached Figure Description

[0039] [ Figure 1 [This is a schematic front view of an aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment.]

[0040] [ Figure 2 [This is a schematic front view of the aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment during use.]

[0041] [ Figure 3 [Illustration] is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment during use.

[0042] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 3 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap and the housing including the cover shown.

[0043] [ Figure 5 [ ] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap and the housing including the cover according to another embodiment.

[0044] [ Figure 6 [ ] is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap and the housing including the cover according to another embodiment.

[0045] [ Figure 7 ] is from Figure 6 Side view of the housing and cap, as shown by arrow 7-7. Embodiments of the present invention

[0046] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding parts are assigned the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will not be given.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of an aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic front view of the aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment during use. Figure 3This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aerosol inhalation device according to an embodiment during use. The aerosol inhalation device 100 of this embodiment is configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, which will be described later. Furthermore, the aerosol inhalation device 100 may be a flavor inhaler that contains a flavor in the aerosol source, or that passes the aerosol generated by the aerosol source through a flavor source to provide flavor to the user.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 100 includes: a housing 110 having a first end E1 and a second end E2 different from the first end E1; and a cap 120 attachable to the housing 110 to cover the first end E1 / removable from the housing. In the depicted example, the second end E2 is the end opposite to the first end E1, but this is not limiting, and the second end E2 can be any end other than the first end E1. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 110 may include a mouthpiece 130 at the first end E1. In the depicted example, the cap 120 is therefore configured to cover and protect the mouthpiece 130. This is not limiting, and the cap 120 may be configured to cover any portion, not just the mouthpiece 130. The user can inhale aerosols and / or flavors from the mouthpiece 130 when using the aerosol inhalation device 100.

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cap 120, which has been removed from the first end E1 of the housing 110, is configured to be detachably attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110. This prevents the cap 120 from being lost when the user uses the aerosol inhaler 100.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 100 includes a battery 10, a control unit 20, and an aerosol generating section 30 for generating aerosols. The battery 10 stores electricity for use by the aerosol inhalation device 100. For example, the battery 10 is a lithium-ion battery. The battery 10 may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0051] The aerosol generating portion 30 (corresponding to an example of the containing portion) can be configured to contain a first cartridge 32. In the depicted example, the first cartridge 32 can be, for example, a container for containing a liquid aerosol source. The first cartridge 32 may further include a flavor source such as nicotine. In another embodiment, the first cartridge 32 can be a matrix containing a flavor source (such as tobacco capable of producing a smokeable flavor). The flavor source contained in the first cartridge 32 is not particularly limited and may include at least one of natural materials (such as plant materials) and flavoring agents. The first cartridge 32 may include a filling material obtained by chopping plant materials such as tobacco leaves or processing such materials into sheet form. Such a filling material can be wrapped in paper. For example, the first cartridge 32 can be a tobacco stick.

[0052] The aerosol generating section 30 includes a heating unit (not depicted) for heating at least one of the aerosol source and flavor source in the first cartridge 32. The heating unit may be a heater disposed in the aerosol inhalation device 100. The heater may include a wick for absorbing a liquid aerosol source and a heating wire for heating the aerosol source held by the wick. Furthermore, when the first cartridge 32 is a tobacco stick, the heater may be a pin-type or blade-type heater. There are no particular limitations on the form of the heating unit. The heating unit may be an induction coil for inductively heating a sensor contained in the first cartridge 32. Alternatively, the heating unit may be a microwave radiation source that heats a microwave absorbent, such as water or glycerin, contained in the first cartridge 32.

[0053] The control unit 20, configured with a CPU and memory, controls the operation of the aerosol inhalation device 100, including the aerosol generating section 30. For example, the control unit 20 begins heating the aerosol source or flavor source in the first cartridge 32 in response to a user's operation, and terminates heating the aerosol source or flavor source once a given time has elapsed. The control unit 20 may also terminate heating the aerosol source or flavor source in the first cartridge 32 when the number of inhalations by the user has exceeded a fixed value, even if a given time has not elapsed since the start of heating the aerosol source or flavor source. For example, inhalation actions are detected by a sensor (not depicted).

[0054] Alternatively, the control unit 20 may begin heating the aerosol source or flavor source in the cartridge 32 in response to the start of the inhalation action, and may terminate the heating of the aerosol source or flavor source in response to the end of the inhalation action. The control unit 20 may terminate the heating of the aerosol source or flavor source even if the inhalation action has not yet been completed, once a given time has elapsed since the start of the inhalation action.

[0055] The aerosol inhalation device 100 may further include a receiving portion 34 located downstream of the aerosol generating portion 30. The receiving portion 34 may contain a second cartridge 36. For example, the second cartridge 36 may be a capsule containing a solid flavor source, such as powder. Alternatively, the second cartridge 36 may be any cartridge containing a solid flavor source. The aerosol inhalation device 100 may also include a heating unit for heating the flavor source contained in the second cartridge 36. The second cartridge 36 and the receiving portion 34 may be omitted from the aerosol inhalation device 100, in which case the aerosol source or flavor source generated by the first cartridge 32 can be directly supplied to the user via the mouthpiece 130.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 100 includes a cover 40. In the depicted example, the cover 40 is configured to open / close the aerosol generating section 30. Specifically, when the first cartridge 32 is replaced, the cover 40 can be opened to remove the used first cartridge 32. Furthermore, by placing a new first cartridge 32 in the aerosol generating section 30 and closing the cover 40, the first cartridge 32 is held in such a way that the aerosol source or flavor source contained in the first cartridge 32 can be heated.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the cap 120 includes a top plate portion 123 and a side wall portion 122 extending from the top plate portion 123. One of the cap 120 and the cover 40 includes a magnet, while the other of the cap 120 and the cover 40 includes a magnet or ferromagnetic material, and, as... Figure 3 As shown, the cap 120, which has been removed from the first end E1, is preferably detachably attached to the second end E2 because these magnets or magnets and ferromagnets attract each other by magnetic force. In this case, the cap 120 can be easily attached to / removed from the second end E2 of the housing 110 by the magnetic force of the magnets. It should be noted that the magnets or ferromagnets can be provided on the parts of the housing 110 other than the cover 40.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, cap 120 includes magnet 124, and cover 40 includes magnet 42. That is, cap 120 and cover 40 include magnets 124 and 42, respectively. In this case, both cap 120 and cover 40 include magnets, so magnets 124 and 42 attract each other by their respective polarities, and cap 120 can be easily attached to a predetermined position at the second end E2.

[0059] Furthermore, when the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2, such as Figure 3As shown, the cap 120 preferably substantially conceals the cover 40. In this case, when the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2, it can prevent the user from directly touching and opening the cover 40. As indicated herein, "substantially conceals the cover 40" includes concealing it to the extent that it prevents the user from directly touching the cover 40.

[0060] The cover 40 will be described in detail below. Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap 120 and the housing 110, the housing including... Figure 3 The cover 40 is shown. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the housing 110 includes a side wall 110a, a bottom wall 110b, and a cover 40. Figure 4 In the example shown, with the cap 120 attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110, a portion of the cap 120 is in contact with the cover 40. Specifically, the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2 with the top plate portion 123 of the cap 120 in contact with the cover 40.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 40 is configured to open due to a first force applied to it along the first direction d1, causing it to move along the first direction d1. Furthermore, the cap 120 is configured to be removed from the second end E2 when a second force is applied to it along the first direction d1. It should be noted that, for example, this second force can be adjusted by adjusting the magnetic force of at least one of the magnets, magnet 124, and magnet 42. The cap 120 is simply attached to the second end E2 by magnets 124 and 42, such that the cap 120 can be removed from the second end E2 by applying a force in any direction (not just the first direction d1).

[0062] The cover 40 is configured such that, with the cap 120 attached to the second end E2, a third force is applied to the cover 40 along the first direction d1 because a second force is applied to the cap 120 along the first direction d1. That is, when the cap 120 is removed, a third force is applied to the cover 40 along the first direction d1. Here, the third force is less than the first force. In this way, even if a second force sufficient to remove the cap 120 from the second end E2 is applied to the cap 120 along the first direction d1, a third force less than the first force will be applied to the cover 40, thus preventing accidental opening of the cover 40. The first force is preferably at least 1.1 times the third force. In this case, there is a sufficient difference between the first and third forces, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover 40. It should be noted that the first force can be adjusted by changing the spring constant of the bias member 43, which will be described later, or by, for example, by modifying the design of other structural parts of the cover 40. In addition, the third force can be adjusted by adjusting the magnetic force of at least one of the magnetic body, magnet 124 and magnet 42, or by adjusting the size of the contact area between the cap 120 and the cover 40 or the size of the coefficient of friction at the contact portion between the cap 120 and the cover 40.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, cover 40 includes magnet 42, and cap 120 includes magnet 124; therefore, the third force includes the force generated by the attraction between magnet 42 and magnet 124. Additionally, when magnet 124 or magnet 42 is disposed on one of cap 120 and cover 40, and a ferromagnetic object is disposed on the other of cap 120 and cover 40, the third force may also include the force generated by the attraction between magnet 124 or magnet 42 and the ferromagnetic object. Thus, at least a portion of the third force is generated by the magnetic force of magnet 124 and magnet 42, but since the third force is less than the first force, accidental opening of cover 40 can be prevented.

[0064] In addition, Figure 4 In the example shown, with the cap 120 attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110, a portion of the cap 120 is in contact with the cover 40. Therefore, the third force may include the force generated by the sliding of the cap 120 relative to the cover 40. In this case, at least a portion of the third force is generated by sliding friction, but since the third force is less than the first force, accidental opening of the cover 40 can be prevented.

[0065] The housing 110 has a fixed portion 44 that does not move along a first direction d1 or a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1. Figure 4In the example shown, the fixing portion 44 is provided on the cover 40, but this is not limiting, and the fixing portion 44 can also be provided on a portion of the housing 110 that is not the cover 40. In addition, the cover 40 has a sliding portion 45 that slides along a first direction d1, and is configured to open by the sliding portion 45 sliding along the first direction d1 due to a first force applied to the sliding portion 45 along the first direction d1.

[0066] In the depicted example, the fixed portion 44 is generally a plate-shaped member and is pivotally attached to the housing 110 near one end by means of a pivot axis 48. Furthermore, the fixed portion 44 includes a torsion spring 49 arranged to bias the cover 40 in the opening direction (the direction in which the cover 40 separates from the housing 110) about the pivot axis 48. The sliding portion 45 is generally a plate-shaped member and includes the aforementioned magnet 42. The sliding portion 45 is arranged substantially parallel to the fixed portion 44. The sliding portion 45 includes an engaging portion 45a that engages with a engaged portion 110c disposed on a sidewall 110a of the housing 110. In the depicted example, the engaged portion 110c is a recess, and the engaging portion 45a is a protrusion engaging within the recess. This is not limiting, and the engaged portion 110c and the engaging portion 45a can be engaged with each other by any force, such as magnetic force, adhesive force, or frictional force. In the depicted example, the sliding portion 45 slides along the first direction d1, thereby disengaging the engaging portion 45a from the engaged portion 110c, and thus the fixed portion 44 and the sliding portion 45 pivot about the pivot axis 48 by means of a torsion spring 49, causing the cover 40 to open. This is not limiting, and a so-called sliding cover configuration can also be adopted, in which the fixed portion 44 is disposed on the housing 110 instead of the cover 40, and the cover 40 simply opens the aerosol generating portion 30 by sliding the sliding portion 45 along the first direction d1.

[0067] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 44 preferably further includes an abutting portion 47 that abuts against the sliding portion 45. The abutting portion 47 may include, for example, a rubber member. The sliding portion 45 is configured to contact the abutting portion 47 when the sliding portion 45 slides along the first direction d1. In this case, when the sliding portion 45 of the cover 40 slides along the first direction d1, the frictional resistance provided by the rubber member of the abutting portion 47 is applied to the sliding portion 45, and thus the sliding portion 45 can be inhibited from sliding along the first direction d1, thereby inhibiting the opening of the cover 40. In other words, the rubber member can increase the first force required to open the cover 40, thus better inhibiting the accidental opening of the cover 40. For example, the rubber member may include silicone rubber or any other elastic member.

[0068] More specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the abutment portion 47 may form a first protrusion protruding toward the sliding portion 45. The sliding portion 45 may be configured to contact the abutment portion 47 (first protrusion) when it slides along the first direction d1. In this case, when the sliding portion 45 of the cover 40 slides along the first direction d1, the resistance provided by the first protrusion is applied to the sliding portion 45, and thus the sliding portion 45 can be inhibited from sliding along the first direction d1, thereby inhibiting the cover 40 from opening. In other words, the first force required to open the cover 40 can be increased by the first protrusion, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover 40. The abutment portion 47 is not limited to a rubber member and may be formed of any material such as resin or metal. Furthermore, the abutment portion 47 may be a flat portion that does not protrude toward the sliding portion 45.

[0069] Furthermore, the sliding portion 45 may have a second protrusion 46 projecting toward the fixed portion 44, instead of the abutting portion 47 forming the first protrusion, and the fixed portion 44 may be configured to contact the second protrusion 46 when the sliding portion 45 slides along the first direction d1. In this case, when the sliding portion 45 of the cover 40 slides along the first direction d1, the resistance provided by the fixed portion 44 is applied to the second protrusion 46 of the sliding portion 45, and thus the sliding portion 45 can be inhibited from sliding along the first direction d1, thereby inhibiting the opening of the cover 40. In other words, the first force required to open the cover 40 can be increased by the second protrusion 46, thus better preventing accidental opening of the cover 40. The second protrusion 46 can be formed of any material, such as rubber, resin, or metal.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the abutting portion 47 preferably forms a first protrusion, and the sliding portion 45 preferably also includes a second protrusion 46. The first protrusion is configured to contact the second protrusion 46 when the sliding portion 45 slides along a first direction d1. In this case, when the sliding portion 45 of the cover 40 slides along the first direction d1, the resistance provided by the first protrusion of the fixing portion 44 is applied to the second protrusion 46 of the sliding portion 45, and thus the sliding portion 45 can be inhibited from sliding along the first direction d1, thereby inhibiting the opening of the cover 40. In other words, the first force required to open the cover 40 can be increased by the first protrusion and the second protrusion 46, thus better suppressing the accidental opening of the cover 40.

[0071] When the abutment portion 47 includes a rubber member, the sliding portion 45 is preferably configured to engage with the rubber member of the abutment portion 47 when the sliding portion 45 slides along the first direction d1. In this case, when the sliding portion 45 of the cover 40 slides along the first direction d1, the frictional resistance and elastic force provided by the rubber member of the fixing portion 44 are applied to the sliding portion 45, and thus the sliding portion 45 can be inhibited from sliding along the first direction d1, thereby inhibiting the opening of the cover 40. In other words, the first force required to open the cover 40 can be increased by the rubber member, thus better suppressing the accidental opening of the cover 40.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the fixing portion 44 is disposed on the cover portion 40, the fixing portion 44 preferably includes a rubber member, and the rubber member of the fixing portion 44 preferably defines a portion of the aerosol generating portion 30. In this case, a portion of the aerosol generating portion 30 is defined by the fixing portion 44, which is part of the cover 40, thus simplifying the structure defining the aerosol generating portion 30. Furthermore, since the fixing portion 44, including the rubber member, is disposed on the cover 40, the aerosol generating portion 30 can be opened / closed by opening / closing the cover 40, thus further simplifying the structure for opening / closing the aerosol generating portion 30.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 40 preferably has a biasing member 43 for biasing the sliding portion along the second direction d2. In this case, the cover 40 can be biased to the closed position by the biasing member 43, thus better suppressing accidental opening of the cover 40. In other words, the biasing member 43 can increase the first force required to open the cover 40, thus better suppressing accidental opening of the cover 40.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the biasing member 43 is a helical spring. The sliding portion 45 includes a rod-shaped helical spring attachment portion 45b for attaching to the biasing member 43. The fixed portion 44 includes a rod-shaped helical spring attachment portion 44a for attaching to the biasing member 43. The helical spring attachment portions 45b and 44a are inserted into the corresponding ends of the biasing member 43. Thus, the sliding portion 45 and the fixed portion 44 are connected via the biasing member 43.

[0075] When the abutment portion 47 includes a rubber component, such as Figure 4As shown, the biasing member 43 and the rubber member of the abutment portion 47 are preferably configured such that when a force is applied to the cover 40 in the first direction d1, a reaction force is applied to the cover 40 in the second direction d2. In this case, the cover 40 can be biased to the closed position by the biasing member 43 and the rubber member, thus better suppressing accidental opening of the cover 40. In other words, the first force required to open the cover 40 can be increased by the biasing member 43 and the rubber member, thus better suppressing accidental opening of the cover 40.

[0076] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap 120 and the housing 110 including the cover 40 according to another embodiment. Figure 5 In the example shown, the sidewall 110a of the housing 110 extends beyond the bottom wall 110b and the cover 40. Therefore, with the cap 120 attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110, the cap 120 will not contact the cover 40, as... Figure 5 As shown. In Figure 5 In the example shown, similar to Figure 4 In the example shown, the cover 40 is configured such that, when the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2, since a second force is applied to the cap 120 along the first direction d1, a third force is applied to the cover 40 along the first direction d1, and the third force is less than the first force.

[0077] However, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the third force includes the force generated by the attraction between magnet 124 or magnet 42 and the ferromagnet, but does not include the force generated by the sliding of cap 120 relative to cover 40. Similarly, in this case, a third force smaller than the first force is applied to cover 40, thus preventing accidental opening of cover 40.

[0078] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap 120 and the housing 110 including the cover 40 according to another embodiment. Figure 7 From Figure 6 Side view of housing 110 and cap 120 as shown by arrow 7-7. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the cap 120 is attached to the housing 110 by means of magnets 42 and 124, or ferromagnets. Conversely, in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the cap 120 has a protrusion 62 extending along a first direction d1 and a second direction d2, and the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110 by receiving the protrusion 62 in a recessed portion 61 formed in the housing 110. Furthermore, in the state where the cap 120 is attached to the second end E2 of the housing 110, the cap 120 is in contact with the cover 40.

[0079] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example shown, with the cap 120 attached to the second end E2, the protrusion 62 slides in the groove portion 61 due to a second force applied to the cap 120 along the first direction d1, thereby removing the cap 120 from the second end E2. At this time, a third force is applied to the cover 40 along the first direction d1, which is less than the first force.

[0080] However, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the third force includes the force generated by the sliding of the cap 120 relative to the cover 40, but does not include the force generated by the attraction between the magnet 124 or magnet 42 and the ferromagnetic material. Similarly, in this case, a third force smaller than the first force is applied to the cover 40, thus preventing accidental opening of the cover 40. It should be noted that a recessed portion 61 may be formed in the cap 120, and a protrusion 62 may be formed on the housing.

[0081] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept disclosed in the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any shape or material not directly stated in the specification or drawings is also within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, provided that it exhibits the function and effect of the present invention.

[0082] The following section provides for many aspects disclosed in this specification. (1)

[0084] An aerosol inhalation device, comprising:

[0085] A housing having a first end and a second end different from the first end, and

[0086] A cap that can be attached to the housing to cover the first end / removed from the housing, wherein,

[0087] The housing has a sliding cover at the second end.

[0088] The cap, which had been removed from the first end, was configured to be detachably attached to the second end.

[0089] The cover is configured to open by sliding along the first direction due to a first force applied to it in that direction.

[0090] The cap is configured such that, when the cap is attached to the second end, applying a second force along the first direction will remove the cap from the second end.

[0091] The cover is configured such that, with the cap attached to the second end, since a second force is applied to the cap in the first direction, a third force is also applied to the cover in the first direction.

[0092] The third force is less than the first force. (2)

[0094] As disclosed in (1), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0095] One of the cap and the cover includes a magnet, while the other of the cap and the cover includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic material, and

[0096] The cap that has been removed from the first end is configured to be detachably attached to the second end by means of the magnets or magnets and ferromagnets attracting each other by magnetic force. (3)

[0098] As disclosed in (2), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0099] The third force includes the force generated by the attraction between these magnets or magnets and ferromagnets through magnetic force. (4)

[0101] As disclosed in (2) or (3), in which,

[0102] The caps and covers include magnets. (5)

[0104] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (4) of the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0105] The third force includes the force generated by the sliding of the cap relative to the cover. (6)

[0107] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (5), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0108] With the cap attached to the second end, the cap essentially conceals the cover. (7)

[0110] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (6), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0111] The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0112] The cover has a sliding portion that slides in a first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding in the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion in the first direction.

[0113] The fixed part has a first protrusion that protrudes toward the sliding part.

[0114] The sliding portion is configured to contact the first protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction. (8)

[0116] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (6), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0117] The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0118] The cover has a sliding portion that slides in a first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding in the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion in the first direction.

[0119] The sliding portion has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the fixed portion, and

[0120] The fixed portion is configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides in the first direction. (9)

[0122] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (6), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0123] The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0124] The cover has a sliding portion that slides in a first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding in the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion in the first direction.

[0125] The fixed part has a first protrusion that protrudes toward the sliding part.

[0126] The sliding portion has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the fixed portion, and

[0127] The first protrusion is configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction. (10)

[0129] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (6), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0130] The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along a first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0131] The cover has a sliding portion that slides in a first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding in the first direction due to a first force applied to the sliding portion in the first direction.

[0132] The fixed part has an abutting part that abuts against the sliding part.

[0133] The contact portion includes rubber components, and

[0134] The sliding portion is configured to contact the abutting portion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction. (11)

[0136] As disclosed in (10), the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0137] The sliding portion is configured to engage with the rubber component when the sliding portion slides in a first direction. (12)

[0139] As disclosed in (11), the aerosol inhalation device, in which,

[0140] The housing has a receiving portion for holding consumable materials.

[0141] The fixing part is set on the cover and includes a rubber component, and

[0142] The rubber component of the fixed part defines a portion of the receiving part. (13)

[0144] As disclosed in (11) or (12), in which,

[0145] The cover has a biasing member for biasing the sliding portion in a second direction. (14)

[0147] As disclosed in (13), the aerosol inhalation device, in which,

[0148] The biasing member and the rubber member of the abutment portion are configured to exert a reaction force on the cover in a second direction when a force is applied to the cover in a first direction. (15)

[0150] As disclosed in any one of (1) to (14) of the aerosol inhalation device, wherein,

[0151] The first force is at least 1.1 times the third force.

[0152] List of reference numerals

[0153] 30: Aerosol generation section

[0154] 40: Cover piece

[0155] 42: Magnet

[0156] 43: Offset component

[0157] 44: Fixed part

[0158] 45: Sliding part

[0159] 46: Second protrusion

[0160] 47: Connecting part

[0161] 100: Aerosol Inhalation Device

[0162] 110: Shell

[0163] 120: Hats

[0164] 124: Magnet

[0165] E1: First end

[0166] E2: Second end

[0167] d1: First direction

[0168] d2: Second direction.

Claims

1. An aerosol inhalation device, comprising: A housing having a first end and a second end different from the first end, and A cap that can be attached to the housing to cover the first end / removed from the housing, wherein, The housing has a sliding cover at the second end. The cap that has been removed from the first end is configured to be detachably attached to the second end. The cover is configured to open by sliding along a first direction due to a first force applied to it. The cap is configured such that, while the cap is attached to the second end, when a second force is applied to the cap along the first direction, the cap will be removed from the second end. The cover is configured such that, when the cap is attached to the second end, because the second force is applied to the cap along the first direction, a third force is applied to the cover along the first direction, and The third force is less than the first force.

2. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 1, wherein, One of the cap and the cover includes a magnet, and the other of the cap and the cover includes a magnet or a ferromagnetic material. The cap, which has been removed from the first end, is configured to be detachably attached to the second end by means of the magnets or the magnets and the ferromagnets attracting each other by magnetic force.

3. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 2, wherein, The third force includes the force generated by the attraction between these magnets or the magnet and the ferromagnet through magnetic force.

4. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The cap and cover include these magnets.

5. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The third force includes the force generated by the sliding of the cap relative to the cover.

6. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, With the cap attached to the second end, the cap essentially conceals the cover.

7. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover has a sliding portion that slides along the first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to the application of a first force to the sliding portion along the first direction. The fixed part has a first protrusion that protrudes toward the sliding part, and The sliding portion is configured to contact the first protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

8. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover has a sliding portion that slides along the first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to the application of a first force to the sliding portion along the first direction. The sliding portion has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the fixed portion, and The fixed portion is configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

9. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover has a sliding portion that slides along the first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to the application of a first force to the sliding portion along the first direction. The fixed part has a first protrusion that protrudes toward the sliding part. The sliding portion has a second protrusion that protrudes toward the fixed portion, and The first protrusion is configured to contact the second protrusion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

10. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The housing has a fixed portion that does not move along the first direction or along a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover has a sliding portion that slides along the first direction, and is configured to open by the sliding portion sliding along the first direction due to the application of a first force to the sliding portion along the first direction. The fixed part has an abutting portion that abuts against the sliding part. The abutment portion includes a rubber component, and The sliding portion is configured to contact the abutting portion when the sliding portion slides along the first direction.

11. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The sliding portion is configured to engage with the rubber member when it slides along the first direction.

12. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The housing has a receiving portion for holding consumable materials. The fixing part is provided on the cover and includes the rubber component, and The rubber component of the fixing part defines a portion of the receiving part.

13. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein, The cover has a biasing member for biasing the sliding portion in a second direction.

14. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The biasing member and the rubber member of the abutting portion are configured to apply a reaction force to the cover in the second direction when a force is applied to the cover in the first direction.

15. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The first force is at least 1.1 times the third force.

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