Aerosol inhalation device and aerosol generating system

Abstract

An aerosol inhalation device includes: a housing; a receiving portion having an opening and receiving consumable material for heating the consumable material; a cover portion movable between a first position completely covering the opening and a second position opening the opening, allowing the consumable material to be inserted; and a sealing member configured to seal the opening between the receiving portion and the cover portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Aerosol inhalation devices for generating aerosols without burning materials are conventionally known. For example, these aerosol inhalation devices include a movable cover for covering at least a portion of an opening through which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted (see, for example, PTL 1 and 2). Citation List

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] PTL 1: JP 2022-527088 A

[0005] PTL 2: JP 2022-551379 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] If foreign matter (such as dust or water droplets) seeps into the containment portion used to hold the aerosol-generating article, there is a risk of adverse effects (such as reduced heating efficiency). PTL 2 discloses an aerosol-generating device in which the cover includes a resilient seal and a flow channel through which inhalable vapor can flow from the consumable to the nozzle. However, with the aerosol inhalation device using PTL 2, there is a risk of foreign matter seeping in through the flow channel formed in the cover.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol inhalation device or an aerosol generation system that, when the cover portion is in a closed state, more reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the receiving portion.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] One aspect provides an aerosol inhalation device. The aerosol inhalation device includes: a housing; a receiving portion having an opening and receiving consumable material for heating the consumable material; a cover portion movable between a first position completely covering the opening and a second position opening the opening, allowing the consumable material to be inserted; and a sealing member configured to seal the opening between the receiving portion and the cover portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

[0011] The above aspects enable the provision of an aerosol inhalation device that, when the cover portion is closed, more reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the receiving portion.

[0012] The cover portion can be configured to move between a first position and a second position by sliding.

[0013] In this case, aerosol inhalation devices can become more compact and less prone to damage.

[0014] The cover portion may include a first edge portion, which, when the cover portion is in the first position, overlaps with the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material; the receiving portion may include a second edge portion defining the opening; and the sealing member may be positioned on the first edge portion or the second edge portion.

[0015] In this configuration, the first and second edge portions are structurally easily accessible, thus facilitating a highly airtight seal between the cover and the receiving portion. Furthermore, the aerosol inhalation device can be made compact, and a simple structure can be easily achieved.

[0016] The sealing member can be positioned on the first edge portion of the cover portion, and the sealing member and the cover portion can be integrally formed.

[0017] In this case, the separation of the sealing member from the cover portion can be prevented.

[0018] The receiving portion may include a mating surface that contacts or engages with the cover portion via the sealing member when the cover portion is in the first position; and the mating surface may be tilted relative to the direction of movement of the cover portion when the cover portion reaches the first position.

[0019] In this case, a smooth seal between the receiving part and the cover part can be promoted.

[0020] The mating surface can be tilted relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material, such that the mating surface and the cover portion face each other in the direction of movement.

[0021] In this case, friction between the sealing member and the receiving or cover portion facing the sealing member is prevented, and a smooth seal between the receiving and cover portions can be further promoted.

[0022] The cover portion may include a first engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material; and the housing may include a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion when the cover portion is in the first position, thereby restricting movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

[0023] In this configuration, when the cover is closed, displacement of the cover in the direction of insertion of the consumable material can be prevented, thereby achieving a more secure seal between the receiving part and the cover.

[0024] A first biasing member can be further provided, which is used to bias the cover portion in the direction of movement of the cover portion when the cover portion reaches the first position.

[0025] In this case, the closed portion of the cover can provide an even stronger seal.

[0026] The cover portion can be configured to move between the first position and the second position by rotation, and the aerosol inhalation device can further include a fixing portion for securing the cover portion at the first position.

[0027] In this configuration, the rotatable cover can be stably kept closed, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving section.

[0028] The fixed part may include a sliding element.

[0029] In this case, the aerosol inhalation device can be compactly formed and has a simple structure, and the opening / closing of the rotating cover section can be easily managed by sliding movement.

[0030] The fixing portion can be configured to move in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material. The fixing portion may include a sliding end portion configured to contact the cover portion in the second position. The sliding end portion may have a tapered portion that narrows in the moving direction of the fixing portion, and the inner surface of the tapered portion in the insertion direction may be inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0031] In this case, according to the principle of leverage, the distance from the fulcrum to the point of action is extended, so the cover part can be moved with a smaller force through the fixed part.

[0032] The fixing portion may include a second engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material, and the housing may include a second engaged portion configured to engage with the second engaging portion when the cover portion is in the first position and to restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

[0033] In this case, when the fixing part is in the fixed position, the displacement of the cover part and the fixing part in the insertion direction can be suppressed when they are in the closed state, thereby achieving a more secure seal between the receiving part and the cover part.

[0034] The fixing portion can be configured to rotate integrally with the cover portion and can be configured to slide between a third position and a fourth position, in which the fixing portion protrudes further in the radial direction from the axis of rotation of the cover portion than in the third position; and the housing may include a third engaged portion configured to engage with the fixing portion when the cover portion is in the first position and restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction of the consumable material.

[0035] In this case, displacement of the cover portion in the insertion direction when it is in the closed state can be suppressed, thereby achieving a more secure seal between the receiving portion and the cover portion.

[0036] A second biasing member may be further provided for biasing the cover portion to the second position, and the cover portion may be configured to be movable by rotation when biased to the second position by the second biasing member.

[0037] In this case, the fixed part can be operated, thereby simplifying the user's operation, such as allowing the cover part to be opened and closed without directly operating the cover part.

[0038] On the other hand, an aerosol generation system is provided, which includes the aforementioned aerosol inhalation device and the aforementioned consumable materials.

[0039] The above aspects enable the provision of an aerosol generation system that, when the cover portion is closed, more reliably prevents foreign matter from entering the containment portion. Attached Figure Description

[0040] [ Figure 1 [Illustration 1] is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to a first embodiment.

[0041] [ Figure 2 [Image] is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover portion in the closed state.

[0042] [ Figure 3 [This is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover in the open position.]

[0043] [ Figure 4 [Illustration 1] shows a perspective view of the cover portion according to the first embodiment.

[0044] [ Figure 5 [Image 1] is a side view showing the cover portion according to the first embodiment.

[0045] [ Figure 6[This is a plan view of an aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover in the open position.]

[0046] [ Figure 7 ]yes Figure 6 The view of section 7-7 in the diagram.

[0047] [ Figure 8 [This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aerosol inhalation device according to the second embodiment, showing the cover portion in the closed state.]

[0048] [ Figure 9 [This is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover in the open position.]

[0049] [ Figure 10 [Image] is a plan view of an aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover portion in the closed state.

[0050] [ Figure 11 [ ] is a perspective view showing the cover portion according to the second embodiment.

[0051] [ Figure 12 [ ] is a perspective view showing the fixed part according to the second embodiment.

[0052] [ Figure 13 [Illustration] is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a variant example of an aerosol inhalation device according to the second embodiment.

[0053] [ Figure 14 [This is a perspective view of an aerosol inhalation device according to a third embodiment.]

[0054] [ Figure 15 [Image] is a side cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover portion in the closed state.

[0055] [ Figure 16 [This is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device, showing the cover in the open position.]

[0056] [ Figure 17 [This is a side cross-sectional view of the cover portion, showing the fixed portion in the third position.]

[0057] [ Figure 18 [This is a perspective view of the cover portion, showing the fixed part in the fourth position.] Detailed Implementation

[0058] 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.

[0059] First Embodiment

[0060] Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an aerosol generation system 100 according to a first embodiment. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generation system 100 includes: a consumable material 110, and an aerosol inhalation device 120 for heating the consumable material 110. The consumable material 110 is an aerosol generating article that includes a flavor source and is configured such that heating produces a flavored aerosol. The aerosol inhalation device 120 may be a flavor inhaler for a user to inhale the flavor.

[0061] The aerosol inhalation device 120 includes a housing 200, a cover portion 300, and a receiving portion 400 for receiving consumable material 110. The receiving portion 400 includes an opening 201. The consumable material 110 is inserted into the receiving portion 400 through the opening 201. The consumable material 110 contained in the receiving portion 400 is heated by a heating unit 40, which will be described later. Thus, the receiving portion 400 is configured to receive the consumable material 110 in order to heat the consumable material 110. Here, "receiving consumable material 110" includes receiving at least a portion of the consumable material 110.

[0062] For ease of description, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system can be applied to the figures described in this specification. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis is vertically upward, the XY plane is arranged to transversely to the aerosol inhalation device 120 in the horizontal direction, and the Y-axis is arranged to extend from the front surface of the aerosol inhalation device 120 to the rear surface of the aerosol inhalation device 120. The Z-axis direction can also refer to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 contained in the receiving portion 400. Furthermore, the X-axis direction can also refer to the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. The Y-axis direction can also refer to the direction of the shorter side of the device in a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. It should be noted that the shape of the aerosol inhalation device 120 is not particularly limited, as long as the cover portion 300 and the receiving portion 400 can be disposed therein, and the aerosol inhalation device can also have, for example, a rod-shaped shape.

[0063] In this embodiment, the consumable material 110 includes a flavor source (such as tobacco) capable of producing a puffable flavor and has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in a longitudinal direction. The flavor source included in the consumable material 110 is not particularly limited and may include at least one of natural materials (such as plant materials) and flavoring agents. The consumable material 110 may include a filler material obtained by shredding plant materials (such as tobacco leaves) or by processing such materials into sheet form. Such filler materials may be wrapped in paper. For example, the consumable material 110 may be a tobacco stick. The consumable material 110 may be cylindrical, columnar with a polygonal cross-section, flat, or capsule-shaped. It should be noted that there is no particular limitation on the form of the consumable material 110, which may be, for example, a cartridge containing a liquid (which includes the flavor source).

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the consumable material 110 may include an insertion end 111 inserted into the aerosol inhalation device 120 and a mouthpiece end 112 serving as a suction nozzle. Air inhaled by the user may be introduced into the consumable material 110 from or near the insertion end 111, may flow across the consumable material 110 toward the mouthpiece end 112, and may then be introduced into the user's mouth. There are no particular limitations on the airflow path in the aerosol generation system 100, which may have a counter-current airflow path or a bottom-flow airflow path. A counter-current airflow path is configured such that air is introduced into the aerosol inhalation device 120 from the gap in the opening 201 between the consumable material 110 and the receiving portion 400, and then the air flows toward the insertion end 111. The bottom-flow airflow path is configured such that air is introduced into the aerosol inhalation device 120 from an air inlet port (not shown) provided in the housing 200, etc., and air is introduced into the housing 400 from the bottom portion of the housing portion 400 (near the insertion end 111 of the consumable material 110 in its housing state).

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120 includes a power supply unit 10 and a control unit 20. The power supply unit 10 may include a battery for storing the electricity used by the aerosol inhalation device 120. For example, the battery is a lithium-ion battery. The battery may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0066] The control unit 20 is configured with a CPU (central processing unit) and memory, and controls the operation of the aerosol inhalation device 120. For example, the control unit 20 starts heating the consumable material 110 in response to a user's operation on an input device (not shown), such as a button or touch panel, and stops heating the consumable material 110 once a given time has elapsed. When the number of inhalation actions by the user has exceeded a fixed value, the control unit 20 can stop heating the consumable material 110, even if a given time has not elapsed since the start of heating the consumable material 110. For example, inhalation actions are detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0067] Alternatively, the control unit 20 may initiate heating of the consumable material 110 in response to the start of the suction action and terminate heating of the consumable material 110 in response to the end of the suction action. When a given time has elapsed from the start of the suction action, the control unit 20 may terminate heating of the consumable material 110, even if the suction action has not yet been completed.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120 includes a heating unit 40. The heating unit 40 may be a heater disposed within the aerosol inhalation device 120. The heater may include a heating wire. The heater can heat the consumable material 110 from the outside (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown in the diagram), or the consumable material 110 can be heated from the inside (as in the case of a needle-type or blade-type heater). There are no particular limitations on the form of the heating unit 40. The heating unit 40 can be an induction coil for inductively heating a sensor contained in the consumable material 110, a sensor installed inside the receiving portion 400, or a sensor forming at least a portion of the receiving portion 400.

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aerosol inhalation device 120, showing the cover portion 300 in both the closed and open states. In the depicted example, the area surrounding the opening 201 of the receiving portion 400 is integrally formed with the housing 200. In other words, a through-hole in the housing 200 constitutes the opening 201, and the inner wall or inner wall surface defining the through-hole forms part of the receiving portion 400. There are no particular limitations on the material of the housing 200, which may include resins (such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, or polyetheretherketone (PEEK)) or metals (such as aluminum).

[0070] There are no particular limitations on the shape of the receiving portion 400, as long as the receiving portion internally defines a space for placing the consumable material 110. The receiving portion 400 preferably includes a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the consumable material 110. There are no particular limitations on the material of the receiving portion 400, which may include, for example, resin (such as PC, ABS, or PEEK) or metal (such as aluminum). It should be noted that the receiving portion 400 may also be a chamber that is not integrally formed with the housing 200.

[0071] The receiving portion 400 has a central axis AX1. The central axis AX1 is considered the major axis of the receiving portion 400, passing through the center of the space occupied by the consumable material 110 in its received state. However, when the receiving portion 400 is longer in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 than in the insertion direction (parallel to the Z-axis), it is assumed that the central axis AX1 extends in the insertion direction. Unless otherwise explicitly stated below, the side of the aerosol inhalation device 120 where the opening 201 is provided in the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 (positive Z-axis side) will be referred to as the "outer side," and the bottom portion side of the receiving portion 400 (negative Z-axis side) will be referred to as the "inner side." Furthermore, when simply given as "insertion direction," this refers to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover portion 300 is configured to move between a first position P1 covering the opening 201 and a second position P2 opening the opening 201, allowing the consumable material 110 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the cover portion 300 is configured to move linearly. Figure 2 In the diagram, the point where the cover portion 300 moves in the X-axis direction is schematically indicated by arrow A1. In this embodiment, from the perspective of making the aerosol inhalation device 120 compact and less prone to damage, the cover portion 300 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 by sliding. It should be noted that there are no particular restrictions on the movement path of the cover portion 300, and the direction of movement can vary.

[0073] like Figure 3As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120 includes a sealing member 90. The sealing member 90 is configured to seal the opening 201 between the receiving portion 400 and the cover portion 300 when the cover portion 300 is in a first position P1. If foreign matter (such as dirt, dust, or water droplets) penetrates into the receiving portion 400, there is a risk of adverse effects (such as decreased heating efficiency). Treatments and mechanisms for waterproofing the outer surface of the housing in aerosol inhalation devices have been proposed, but better waterproofing of the receiving portion 400 has not been widely discussed. In this embodiment, when the cover portion 300 is closed, i.e., when the aerosol inhalation device 120 is not in use, the sealing member 90 better prevents foreign matter from entering the receiving portion 400.

[0074] From the same perspective, the first position P1 is preferably a position where the cover portion 300 completely covers the opening 201. For example, the cover portion 300 preferably does not have a through hole that allows communication between the receiving portion 400 and the outside of the aerosol inhalation device 120, and the cover portion 300 preferably does not include a mouthpiece having a flow path that allows communication between the interior of the receiving portion 400 and the exterior of the aerosol inhalation device 120.

[0075] The sealing member 90 preferably comprises a sealing material, and more preferably a resilient sealing material. In the depicted example, the sealing member 90 is an annular gasket. There are no particular limitations on the material of the sealing member 90, and the sealing member 90 may comprise rubber, such as silicone rubber. From the perspective of ease of deformation under pressure, the Shore A hardness of the sealing member 90 is preferably 20 or greater. From the perspective of enhancing airtightness with flexibility, the Shore A hardness is preferably 60 or less, and more preferably 40 or less.

[0076] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the cover portion 300 may include a first edge portion 310 and a first base portion 320. When the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the first edge portion 310 overlaps with the receiving portion 400 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable material 110. In the depicted example, when the receiving portion 400 and the first edge portion 310 are projected onto the XY plane along the Z-axis, the projected receiving portion 400 and the first edge portion 310 have an overlapping area. In the depicted example, the first base portion 320 is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the movement direction of the cover portion 300, and the first edge portion 310 is formed on one end side (negative X-axis side) of the first base portion 320 in the movement direction. The first edge portion 310 and the first base portion 320 may be integrally formed. The cover portion 300 is preferably configured such that when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the first edge portion 310 engages with the receiving portion 400 via the sealing member 90.

[0077] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the receiving portion 400 may include a second edge portion 420 that defines an opening 201 therein into which the consumable material 110 is inserted. The second edge portion 420 may be the outer edge portion of the receiving portion 400 in the insertion direction of the consumable material 110.

[0078] The sealing member 90 can be positioned on either the first edge portion 310 or the second edge portion 420. Since the first edge portion 310 and the second edge portion 420 are structurally easily accessible, this facilitates a highly airtight seal between the cover portion 300 and the receiving portion 400, allowing the aerosol inhalation device 120 to be made compact and also contributing to a simple structure. In the depicted example, the sealing member 90 is formed on the first edge portion 310 of the cover portion 300.

[0079] In this embodiment, the sealing member 90 and the cap portion 300 are preferably integrally molded. This method can help prevent the sealing member 90 from separating from the cap portion 300. From the same perspective, or from the perspective of reducing manufacturing labor, the sealing member 90 and the cap portion 300 are preferably formed by two-injection molding. For example, the resin cap portion 300 and the silicone sealing member 90 can be integrally formed by two-injection molding.

[0080] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the receiving portion 400 may include a mating surface 425. Furthermore, the first edge portion 310 of the cover portion 300 may include a cover portion mating surface 315 that mates with the mating surface 425. When the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the mating surface 425 contacts the cover portion mating surface 315 or mates with the cover portion mating surface 315 via the sealing member 90. When the cover portion 300 is in the second position P2, the mating surface 425 moves away from the cover portion 300.

[0081] The mating surface 425 is preferably inclined relative to the direction of movement of the cover portion 300. When the direction of movement of the cover portion 300 changes, i.e., when the movement of the cover portion 300 is non-linear, the mating surface 425 is preferably inclined relative to the direction of movement of the cover portion 300 when the cover portion reaches the first position P1. The mating surface 425 is preferably inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110, such that the mating surface 425 and the cover portion 300 face each other in the direction of movement of the cover portion 300. In the illustrated example, the mating surface 425 is inclined from the XY plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) so as to face the positive X-axis direction side. In other words, the mating surface 425 is inclined such that the outward-pointing normal vector of the mating surface 425 in the insertion direction faces the cover portion 300 when the cover portion approaches the first position P1. If the mating surface 425 of the receiving portion 400 is parallel to the direction of movement of the cover portion 300, the resulting configuration will cause the sealing member 90 to be in a sealed state when the cover portion 300 is moving parallel to the sealed surface, and the sealing member 90 will therefore rub against the mating surface 425, making a smooth seal difficult. In this embodiment, the inclined mating surface 425 facilitates a smooth seal with the cover portion 300.

[0082] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The figures show a perspective view and a side view of the cover portion 300, respectively. The mating surface 315 of the cover portion is preferably substantially parallel to the mating surface 425. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first edge portion 310 of the cover portion 300 has a protruding portion 313 projecting in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement, and the cover portion mating surface 315 is preferably formed on the front side of the protruding portion 313 in the direction of movement. This facilitates a smooth seal between the cover portion mating surface 315 and the receiving portion 400. Figure 5 As shown, the cover portion 300 includes an outer surface 340. The outer surface 340 may be a surface outside the first edge portion 310 and the first base portion 320 in the insertion direction. It should be noted that the front and rear portions of the cover portion 300 are defined by a front side and a rear side, with the front side being the first position P1 side along the movement direction and the rear side being the second position P2 side.

[0083] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the cover portion 300 may include a first engaging portion 311. (As illustrated...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 200 may include a first engaged portion 211, and the first engaged portion 311 may be configured to engage with the first engaged portion 211 when the cover portion 300 is in a first position P1.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a plan view of the aerosol inhalation device 120, showing the cover portion 300 in the open position. (As shown) Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first engaging portion 311 protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. In the depicted example, the first engaging portion 311 protrudes in the direction of movement of the cover portion 300. When the cover portion reaches the first position P1, the first engaging portion 311 is arranged on the front surface of the cover portion 300 in the direction of movement of the cover portion 300. The first engaging portion 311 may be a protrusion forming the end of the first edge portion 310. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the first engaging portion 311 may include a first opposing surface 81 facing the engaged portion 211 in the insertion direction. The first opposing surface 81 may extend substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0085] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first engaged portion 211 may be a step or recess formed on the inner surface of the housing 200. The first engaged portion 211 is configured to engage with the first engagement portion 311 when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, and to restrict the movement of the cover portion 300 along the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. The first engaged portion 211 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first engagement portion 311. For example, when the first engagement portion 311 is a protrusion, the first engaged portion 211 may be a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion. Figure 2 As shown, when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the first engaged portion 211 may include a second opposing surface 82 facing the first opposing surface 81 of the first engaged portion 311 in the insertion direction. By adopting this configuration, displacement of the cover portion 300 in the insertion direction can be suppressed, for example, when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the cover portion 300 may rise towards the outside of the aerosol inhalation device 120. By suppressing displacement in the insertion direction, the cover portion 300 in the closed state can be more stably sealed by the sealing member 90.

[0086] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120 may include a first biasing member 500. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1, the first biasing member 500 is configured to bias the cover portion 300 in the direction of movement of the cover portion 300 when the cover portion 300 reaches the first position P1. This biasing causes further compression of the sealing member 90, allowing the cover portion 300 in the closed state to seal more securely. The first biasing member 500 can be configured to contact the surface of the cover portion 300 inside the first base portion 320. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first biasing member 500 may include a spring.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover portion 300 may include a biasing portion 321 and a pressing portion 322 formed on the inner surface 329 of the first base portion, which is the inner surface of the first base portion 320. The biasing portion 321 is configured to be biased by the first biasing member 500 when the cover portion 300 is in the first position P1. Figure 4 As shown, the biasing portion 321 may be a step or recess formed on the inner surface 329 of the first base portion. The biasing portion 321 preferably has an inclined surface for the first biasing member 500 to bias the biasing portion 321 in the direction of movement. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first biasing member 500 is configured to bias the inclined surface of the biasing portion 321 such that the cover portion 300 is biased in the direction of movement by a component of the force applied to the inclined surface parallel to the direction of movement. The biasing portion 321 serves as a step or recess, which prevents the cover portion 300 from shifting from the first position P1 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0088] The compression portion 322 is configured to be compressed by the first biasing member 500 when the cover portion 300 is in the second position P2. Figure 4 As shown, the pressing portion 322 may be a recess formed in the inner surface 329 of the first base portion. In the second position P2, the cover portion 300 is biased outward in the insertion direction by pressure applied to the pressing portion 322 from the first biasing member 500, but the outward movement of the cover portion 300 in the insertion direction can be limited by the contact between the ribs 331A, 331B (described later) and the housing 200. The pressing portion 322, being a recess, allows for the suppression of displacement of the cover portion 300 from the second position P2 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover portion 300 may include a track portion 330. The track portion 330 includes a track that guides movement by the inner wall of the housing 200. Figure 4 As shown, the track section 330 may include a pair of tracks 330A and 330B. (As...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, tracks 330A and 330B may each include ribs 331A and 331B, which protrude substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 and the movement direction of the cover portion 300 toward both sides of the cover portion 300. Ribs 331A and 331B are configured to contact the housing ribs 231 (formed on the inner surface of the housing 200) Figure 2 This restricts the outward movement of the cover portion 300 in the insertion direction.

[0090] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The view of section 7-7 schematically shows a section parallel to the YZ plane of the aerosol inhalation device 120. Figure 7 This is a simplified diagram showing the negative X-axis side viewed from the positive X-axis side of the first biasing member 500. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the upper surface of the rib 331A protruding laterally from track 330A and the housing rib 231A are configured to face each other in the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. When the upper surface and the housing rib 231A are in contact, the outward movement of the cover portion 300 in the insertion direction is suppressed. Similarly, the upper surface of the rib 331B protruding laterally from track 330B and the housing rib 231B are configured to face each other in the insertion direction. Therefore, the outward movement of the cover portion 300 in the insertion direction is limited by the three-point contact between the first engaging portion 311, rib 331A, and rib 331B and the housing 200, and the cover portion 300 in the closed state can be more stably sealed by the sealing member 90.

[0091] Second Embodiment

[0092] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aerosol inhalation device 120A according to the second embodiment, showing the cover portion 300A in the closed state. Figure 9 This is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device 120A, showing the cover portion 300A in the open state. Figure 10 This is a plan view showing the aerosol inhalation device 120A. (See attached image.) Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120A includes a housing 200, a cover portion 300A, a receiving portion 400A for containing consumable material 110, and a fixing portion 600.

[0093] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cover portion 300A is configured to move between a first position P1 covering the opening 201 and a second position P2 opening the opening 201, allowing the consumable material 110 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the cover portion 300A is configured to move by rotation. Figure 9 In the diagram, the direction of rotation of the cover portion 300A is schematically indicated by arrow A2. In this embodiment, from the perspective of stably holding the rotatable cover portion 300A in the first position P1 and preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving portion 400A, the fixing portion 600 is configured to fix the cover portion 300A in the first position P1.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the mating surface 425A of the receiving portion 400A can be a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110, but there is no particular limitation thereto, and the mating surface 425A can be configured according to the position of the cover portion 300A or the rotation range of the cover portion 300A, etc.

[0095] like Figure 10 As shown, when the cover portion 300A is in the first position P1, the fixing portion 600 in the fixed position P10 can completely cover the outer side of the cover portion 300A in the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. It should be noted that the fixing portion 600 can also cover a portion of the cover portion 300A in the first position P1 that is on the outer side in the insertion direction, as long as the fixing portion 600 can fix the cover portion 300A.

[0096] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the cover portion 300A. The cover portion 300A includes a cover portion body 301. The cover portion body 301 may be plate-shaped. The cover portion mating surface 315 is the surface of the cover portion body 301 that contacts or mates with the mating surface 425A of the receiving portion 400A when the cover portion 300A is in the first position P1. In the depicted example, the sealing member 90 is arranged on the cover portion mating surface 315, but the sealing member 90 may also be arranged on the mating surface 425A of the receiving portion 400A. The cover portion 300A is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis AX2.

[0097] like Figure 11 As shown, the cover portion 300A may include a second biasing member 350 and a rotation axis 360. The second biasing member 350 is configured to bias the cover portion 300A from a first position P1 to a second position P2. The second biasing member 350 may include a torsion coil spring. In the depicted example, the torsion coil spring of the second biasing member 350 is wound around an outer circumferential surface of the rotation axis 360 extending in the direction of the rotation axis AX2. The torsion coil spring is attached at one end to the cover portion body 301 and is configured to bias the cover portion body 301 for rotation about the rotation axis AX2.

[0098] The force by which the second biasing member 350 biases the cover portion 300A to the second position P2 is set at a level that prevents the cover portion 300A from being moved from the fixed portion 600 to the first position P1 by user operation. Accordingly, the cover portion 300A is configured to be able to rotate while being biased to the second position P2 by the second biasing member 350. Therefore, the operation of setting the cover portion 300A to the open state can be simplified.

[0099] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the fixing portion 600 is configured to move between a fixed position P10 for fixing the cover portion 300A to a first position P1 and a non-fixed position P20 where the cover portion 300A is not fixed. The non-fixed position P20 is preferably a position of the fixing portion 600 where the cover portion 300A can open the opening 201, allowing the consumable material 110 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 600 is configured to move linearly. In the depicted example, the fixing portion 600 is configured to move in the X-axis direction, which intersects the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. Figure 8 In the diagram, the direction of movement of the fixed portion 600 in the Y-axis direction is schematically indicated by arrow A3. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 600 includes a slider configured to move between a fixed position P10 and a non-fixed position P20 by sliding, from an angle facilitating the opening and closing of the rotating cover portion 300A. It should be noted that there are no particular restrictions on the movement path of the fixed portion 600, and the movement does not need to be linear.

[0100] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 600 is configured to bias the cover portion 300A toward the receiving portion 400A in the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 by pressing the surface of the cover portion 300A on the side opposite to the cover portion mating surface 315, which is in the first position P1. Therefore, the sealing member 90 is pressed in the insertion direction, thereby improving airtightness and further suppressing the entry of foreign matter into the receiving portion 400A.

[0101] The second biasing member 350 of the cover portion 300A can be configured to move the cover portion 300A from a first position P1 to a second position P2 by biasing when the fixed portion 600 is in the non-fixed position P20. This achieves the following configuration: when the fixed portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the cover portion 300A is in a closed state, and when the fixed portion 600 is in the non-fixed position P20, the cover portion 300A moves to the second position P2 without user operation of the cover portion 300A. In this case, the user can easily open / close the cover portion 300A by operating the fixed portion 600 without direct operation of the cover portion 300A.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the fixed part 600. (Example) Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the fixing portion 600 may include a sliding end portion 610 and a second base portion 620. When the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the sliding end portion 610 overlaps with the receiving portion 400A and the cover portion 300A in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the consumable material 110. In the depicted example, the second base portion 620 is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the moving direction of the fixing portion 600, and the sliding end portion 610 is formed on one end side (negative X-axis side) of the second base portion 620 in the moving direction. The sliding end portion 610 and the second base portion 620 may be integrally formed.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the sliding end portion 610 of the fixed portion 600 in the fixed position P10 is preferably configured to contact the cover portion 300A in the first position P1. The depicted example shows the following configuration: the inner surface of the sliding end portion 610 in the insertion direction contacts the surface of the cover portion 300A opposite to the mating surface 315 of the cover portion, and the sliding end portion 610 restricts the movement of the cover portion 300A in the insertion direction.

[0104] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the slider end portion 610 may include a tapered portion 611. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the slider end portion 610 is preferably configured to contact the cover portion 300A at the second position P2, and more preferably configured such that the tapered portion 611 contacts the cover portion 300A at the second position P2. The tapered portion 611 preferably has a shape that narrows in the moving direction of the fixed portion 600. In the depicted example, when the fixed portion reaches the fixed position P10, the tapered portion 611 is arranged on the front surface of the fixed portion 600 in the moving direction of the fixed portion 600. The tapered portion 611 may form the end of the slider end portion 610.

[0105] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12As shown, the tapered portion 611 may include an inclined surface 613. The inclined surface 613 may be the inner surface of the tapered portion 611 in the insertion direction. The inclined surface 613 is preferably inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. The inclined surface 613 may be substantially parallel to a direction perpendicular to both the insertion and movement directions (Y-axis direction). By adopting this configuration, the fixed portion 600 is configured to be further away from the rotation axis AX2 than when the tapered portion 611 is not present (see...). Figure 11 The contact cover portion 300A is located at position ) such as Figure 9 As shown. Accordingly, based on the lever principle, the distance from the fulcrum (rotation axis AX2) to the point of action is extended, so the cover portion 300A can be moved by the fixed portion 600 with a smaller force, thereby simplifying the operation of closing the cover portion 300A.

[0106] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120A may include a third biasing member 530. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the third biasing member 530 is configured to bias the fixing portion 600 in the insertion direction such that when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the fixing portion 600 will not shift in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. The third biasing member 530 may be configured to contact the surface of the fixing portion 600 inside the second base portion 620. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the third biasing member 530 may include a spring.

[0107] like Figure 12 As shown, the fixing portion 600 may include a first pressing portion 621 and a second pressing portion 622 formed on the inner surface 629 of the second base portion, which is the inner surface of the second base portion 620. The first pressing portion 621 is configured to be pressed by the third biasing member 530 when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10. Figure 12 As shown, the first pressing portion 621 may be a recess formed in the inner surface 629 of the second base portion. In the fixed position P10, the fixed portion 600 is biased outward in the insertion direction by pressure applied to the first pressing portion 621 from the third biasing member 530, but the outward movement of the fixed portion 600 in the insertion direction can be limited by the contact between the ribs 631A, 631B (described later) and the housing 200. The first pressing portion 621, being a recess, prevents the fixed portion 600 from shifting from the fixed position P10 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0108] The second pressing portion 622 is configured to be pressed by the third biasing member 530 when the fixed portion 600 is in the non-fixed position P20. Figure 12 As shown, the second pressing portion 622 may be a recess formed in the inner surface 629 of the second base portion. In the non-fixed position P20, the fixed portion 600 is biased outward in the insertion direction by pressure applied to the second pressing portion 622 from the third biasing member 530, but the outward movement of the fixed portion 600 in the insertion direction can be limited by ribs 631A, 631B (described later). The second pressing portion 622 being a recess makes it possible to suppress the displacement of the fixed portion 600 from the non-fixed position P20 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0109] like Figure 9 As shown, the fixed portion 600 may include a track portion 630. The track portion 630 includes a track that guides movement by the inner wall of the housing 200. Figure 12 As shown, the track section 630 may include a pair of tracks 630A and 630B. (As...) Figure 12 As shown, tracks 630A and 630B may each include ribs 631A and 631B, which protrude substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material 110 and the movement direction of the fixing portion 600 toward both sides of the fixing portion 600. Ribs 631A and 631B are configured to contact the housing ribs 231 formed on the inner surface of the housing 200. Figure 8 This restricts the outward movement of the fixed part 600 in the insertion direction.

[0110] Figure 13 This is a schematic enlarged side cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhalation device 120A according to a variant example of the second embodiment. Figure 13 The fixed portion 600 is shown before reaching the fixed position P10, and the cover portion 300A is fixed at the first position P1 by the fixed portion 600, but the fixed portion 600 is still positioned away from the fixed position P10 in the X-axis direction.

[0111] like Figure 13 As shown, the housing 200 may include a second engaged portion 212, and the fixing portion 600 may include a second engaging portion 612 configured to engage with the second engaged portion 212 when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10. The second engaging portion 612 is preferably included in the tapered portion 611.

[0112] like Figure 13As shown, the second engaging portion 612 protrudes in the X-axis direction, which intersects the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. In the depicted example, the second engaging portion 612 protrudes in the movement direction of the fixing portion 600. When the fixing portion reaches the fixed position P10, the second engaging portion 612 is arranged on the front surface of the fixing portion 600 in the movement direction of the fixing portion 600. The second engaging portion 612 may form the end end of the sliding end portion 610. Figure 13 As shown, when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the second engaging portion 612 may include a first opposing surface 81A facing the second engaged portion 212 in the insertion direction. The first opposing surface 81A may extend substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0113] like Figure 13 As shown, the second engaged portion 212 may be a step or recess formed on the inner surface of the housing 200. The second engaged portion 212 is configured to engage with the second engaging portion 612 when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10 (in other words, when the cover portion 300A is in the first position P1), and to restrict movement of the fixing portion 600 along the insertion direction of the consumable material 110. The second engaged portion 212 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second engaging portion 612. For example, when the second engaging portion 612 is a protrusion, the second engaged portion 212 may be a recess capable of engaging with the protrusion. Figure 13 As shown, when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the second engaged portion 212 may include a second opposing surface 82A facing the first opposing surface 81A of the second engaged portion 612 in the insertion direction. By adopting this configuration, displacement of the fixing portion 600 in the insertion direction can be suppressed, for example, when the fixing portion 600 is in the fixed position P10, the fixing portion 600 may rise towards the outside of the aerosol inhalation device 120A. By suppressing displacement of the fixing portion 600, the cover portion 300A in the closed state can be more stably sealed by the sealing member 90.

[0114] Third Embodiment

[0115] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The figures shown are a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view, illustrating an aerosol inhalation device 120B according to a third embodiment, wherein the cover portion 300B is shown in a closed state. Figure 16 This is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalation device 120B, showing the cover portion 300B in the open position. Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120B includes a housing 200, a cover portion 300B, and a receiving portion 400A.

[0116] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the cover portion 300B is configured to move between a first position P1 covering the opening 201 and a second position P2 opening the opening 201, allowing the consumable material 110 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the cover portion 300B is configured to move by rotation. Figure 16 In the middle, the rotation direction of the cover portion 300B is schematically indicated by arrow A4. For example... Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the cover portion 300B is preferably biased to the second position P2 by the second biasing member 350A. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 600A is provided on the cover portion 300B from the perspective of stably holding the rotatable cover portion 300B in the first position P1 and preventing foreign objects from entering the receiving portion 400A.

[0117] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the fixed portion 600A is configured to rotate integrally with the cover portion 300B. The cover portion 300B includes a cover portion body 301A. The cover portion body 301A can be oriented relative to the rotation axis AX3 of the cover portion 300B (see Figure 1). Figure 18 The shape of the plate extending in the radial direction. In the illustrated example, the fixed portion 600A is a plate-like member configured to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 300B in the radial direction relative to the axis of rotation AX3.

[0118] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover portion 300B, showing the fixed portion 600A in the third position P3. Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the cover portion 300B, showing the fixed portion 600A in the fourth position P4. Figure 18 A sealing member 90 is shown disposed on the inner surface of the cover portion 300B. The sealing member 90 provides a seal between the cover portion 300B and the receiving portion 400A in the first position P1. Figure 17 A cross-section including a fixing portion 600A is shown, perpendicular to the rotation axis AX3 of the cover portion 300B. The fixing portion 600A is preferably configured to slide between a third position P3 and a fourth position P4, in which the fixing portion 600A protrudes further radially relative to the rotation axis AX3 than in the third position P3. The third position P3 is preferably a position where, when the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1, the outer surface of the fixing portion 600A does not face the housing 200 in the insertion direction. The fourth position P4 is preferably a position where the fixing portion 600A protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 300B radially relative to the rotation axis AX3.

[0119] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the housing 200 may include a third engaged portion 213. The third engaged portion 213 may be a recess or step formed on the inner surface of the housing 200. The third engaged portion 213 may be a through-hole formed in the housing 200. Figure 15 As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120B is configured such that when the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1, the fixing portion 600A is in the fourth position P4.

[0120] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the cover portion 300B may include a fourth biasing member 370. The fixing portion 600A is biased to the outer circumferential side in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis AX3 by the fourth biasing member 370. When the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1, the fixing portion 600A is biased by the fourth biasing member 370 so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 300B in a radial direction, and the fixing portion 600A enters a through hole or recess defined by the third engaged portion 213 in the housing 200. The configuration here is such that the first opposing surface 81B (which is the outer surface of the fixing portion 600A in the insertion direction) and the second opposing surface 82B (which is the inner surface of the third engaged portion 213 in the insertion direction) face each other. If the cover portion 300B is displaced outward in the insertion direction, the first opposing surface 81B and the second opposing surface 82B contact each other to ensure that the cover portion 300B cannot move further in the insertion direction. Therefore, the third engaged portion 213 is configured to engage with the fixed portion 600A when the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1, and to restrict movement of the cover portion 300B along the insertion direction. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the cover portion in the first position P1 in the insertion direction.

[0121] like Figure 16 As shown, the fixing portion 600A may include a contact portion 690. For example... Figure 16 As shown, when the cover portion 300B moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, a portion of the housing 200 outside the third engaged portion 213 in the insertion direction can contact the fixing portion 600A. At this time, the fixing portion 600A is configured to contact the portion of the housing 200 at the contact portion 690. Figure 18 As shown, the contact portion 690 has an inclined or curved surface, such that when in contact with the housing 200, the retaining portion 600A is pushed radially toward the axis of rotation AX3. With this configuration, the user can easily rotate the cover portion 300B to the first position P1 by pushing it.

[0122] like Figures 14 to 16As shown, the aerosol inhalation device 120B may include a button 700 for pushing the retaining portion 600A from the fourth position P4 to the third position P3 when the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1. The button 700 is configured to be user-operable. With this configuration, the user can easily release the closed state of the cover portion 300B. When the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1 and secured in the fourth position P4 by the retaining portion 600A, the user presses the button 700 from the outside of the aerosol inhalation device 120B. The pressed button 700 pushes the retaining portion 600A in the fourth position P4 to the third position P3, in other words, to the rotation axis AX3 side in the radial direction, and when the cover portion 300B is in the first position P1, the outer surface of the retaining portion 600A moves to a position where it does not face the second opposing surface 82B of the third engaged portion 213. At this point, the cover portion 300B is biased by the second biasing member 350A and can therefore be rotated to the second position P2. This allows the user to easily move the cover portion 300B from the closed state to the open state by pressing the button 700 without any direct operation of the cover portion 300B. It should be noted that the user can also move the cover portion 300B from the closed state to the open state by directly operating the button 700 and the cover portion 300B, without relying on the second biasing member 350A.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above; however, the invention is not limited to those embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concepts 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 concepts of this invention, provided that it exhibits the functions and effects of the invention.

[0124] According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol inhalation device includes: a housing; a receiving portion having an opening and receiving consumable material for heating the consumable material; a cover portion movable between a first position completely covering the opening and a second position opening the opening, allowing the consumable material to be inserted; and a sealing member configured to seal the opening between the receiving portion and the cover portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

[0125] In a second aspect of the invention according to the first aspect, the cover portion is configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by sliding.

[0126] In a third aspect of the invention according to the second aspect, the cover portion includes a first edge portion that, when the cover portion is in the first position, overlaps with the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material; the receiving portion includes a second edge portion defining the opening; and the sealing member is positioned on the first edge portion or the second edge portion.

[0127] In a fourth aspect of the invention according to the third aspect, the sealing member is positioned on a first edge portion of the cover portion, and the sealing member and the cover portion are integrally formed.

[0128] In a fifth aspect of the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the receiving portion includes a mating surface that contacts or engages with the cover portion via the sealing member when the cover portion is in the first position; and the mating surface is inclined relative to the direction of movement of the cover portion when the cover portion reaches the first position.

[0129] In a sixth aspect of the invention according to the fifth aspect, the mating surface is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material, such that the mating surface and the cover portion face each other in the direction of movement.

[0130] In a seventh aspect of the invention according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, the cover portion includes a first engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material; and the housing includes a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion when the cover portion is in the first position, thereby restricting movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

[0131] In an eighth aspect of the invention according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, a first biasing member is further provided, which is used to bias the cover portion in the direction of movement of the cover portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

[0132] In a ninth aspect of the invention according to the first aspect, the cover portion is configured to be movable between the first position and the second position by rotation, and the aerosol inhalation device further includes a fixing portion for fixing the cover portion at the first position.

[0133] In a tenth aspect of the invention according to the ninth aspect, the fixed portion includes a sliding member.

[0134] In the eleventh aspect of the tenth aspect of the invention, the fixing portion is configured to move in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material, the fixing portion including a sliding end portion configured to contact the cover portion in the second position, the sliding end portion having a tapered portion that narrows in the moving direction of the fixing portion, and the inner surface of the tapered portion in the insertion direction is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0135] In a twelfth aspect of the invention according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the fixing portion includes a second engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material, and the housing includes a second engaged portion configured to engage with the second engaging portion when the cover portion is in the first position and to restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

[0136] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention according to a ninth or tenth aspect, the fixing portion is configured to be rotatable integrally with the cover portion and to be slidable between a third position and a fourth position, in which the fixing portion protrudes further in the radial direction from the axis of rotation of the cover portion than in the third position; and the housing includes a third engaged portion configured to engage with the fixing portion when the cover portion is in the first position and to restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction of the consumable material.

[0137] In a fourteenth aspect of the invention according to any one of the ninth to thirteenth aspects, a second biasing member is further provided for biasing the cover portion to the second position, and the cover portion is configured to be rotatably movable when biased to the second position by the second biasing member.

[0138] According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation system includes an aerosol inhalation device as described in any of the first to fourteenth aspects, and the aforementioned consumable materials.

[0139] List of reference numerals

[0140] 40: Heating unit

[0141] 81, 81A, 81B: First opposing face

[0142] 82, 82A, 82B: Second opposing face

[0143] 90: Sealing component

[0144] 100: Aerosol Generation System

[0145] 110: Consumable Materials

[0146] 120, 120A, 120B: Aerosol Inhalation Devices

[0147] 200: Housing

[0148] 201: Opening

[0149] 211: First joined portion

[0150] 212: Second joined portion

[0151] 213: Third joined part

[0152] 300, 300A, 300B: Cover section

[0153] 310: First edge portion

[0154] 311: First joint portion

[0155] 315: Mating surface of the cover part

[0156] 350, 350A: Second offset component

[0157] 400, 400A: Containment section

[0158] 420: Second edge portion

[0159] 425, 425A: mating surfaces

[0160] 500: First bias component

[0161] 600, 600A: Fixed parts

[0162] 610: End portion of the sliding component

[0163] 611: Gradual contraction section

[0164] 612: Second joint portion

[0165] AX1: Central axis of the housing section

[0166] AX2, AX3: Rotation axes

[0167] P1: First position

[0168] P2: Second position

[0169] P3: Third Position

[0170] P4: Fourth Position

[0171] P10: Fixed position

[0172] P20: Non-fixed position.

Claims

1. An aerosol inhalation device, comprising: case; A receiving portion having an opening and receiving consumable material for heating the consumable material; The cover portion is movable between a first position that completely covers the opening and a second position that opens the opening, allowing the consumable material to be inserted. as well as A sealing member configured to seal the opening between the receiving portion and the cover portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

2. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 1, wherein, The cover portion is configured to be able to move between the first position and the second position by sliding.

3. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 2, wherein, The cover portion includes a first edge portion that, when the cover portion is in the first position, overlaps with the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material. The receiving portion includes a second edge portion defining the opening, and The sealing member is positioned on the first edge portion or the second edge portion.

4. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 3, wherein, The sealing member is positioned on the first edge portion of the cover portion, and The sealing component and the cover portion are integrally molded.

5. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The receiving portion includes a mating surface that, when the cover portion is in the first position, contacts the cover portion or engages with the cover portion via the sealing member, and When the cover portion reaches the first position, the mating surface is tilted relative to the direction of movement of the cover portion.

6. The aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 5, wherein, The mating surface is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable material, such that the mating surface and the cover portion face each other in the direction of movement.

7. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The cover portion includes a first engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material, and The housing includes a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaged portion when the cover portion is in the first position, and restricts the movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

8. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising: A first biasing member, when the cover portion is in the first position, is used to bias the cover portion in the direction of movement of the cover portion when the cover portion reaches the first position.

9. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The cover portion is configured to move between the first position and the second position by rotation, and The aerosol inhalation device further includes a fixing portion for securing the cover portion at the first position.

10. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The fixed part includes a sliding element.

11. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The fixing part is configured to move in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material. The fixing portion includes a sliding end portion configured to contact the cover portion in the second position, and The end portion of the slider has a tapered portion that narrows in the moving direction of the fixed portion, and the inner surface of the tapered portion in the insertion direction is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

12. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The fixing portion includes a second engaging portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable material, and The housing includes a second engaged portion configured to engage with the second engaged portion when the cover portion is in the first position, and to restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction.

13. The aerosol inhalation device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein, The fixing part is configured to rotate integrally with the cover part and to slide between a third position and a fourth position, in which the fixing part protrudes further radially from the axis of rotation of the cover part than in the third position. The housing includes a third engaged portion configured to engage with the fixed portion when the cover portion is in the first position, and to restrict movement of the cover portion along the insertion direction of the consumable material.

14. The aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising: A second biasing member is used to bias the cover portion to the second position, wherein... The cover portion is configured to be movable by rotation when biased to the second position by the second biasing member.

15. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: The aerosol inhalation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; as well as The aforementioned consumable materials.

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