Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising: a device body (50) comprising a heating element (54) for heating a consumable to generate an aerosol therefrom, and further comprising a first arm (104) extending parallel to an axis of the aerosol-generating device (1), the axis passing through the heating element (54); a cap-like device (51) comprising a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) for moving the cap-like device (51) relative to the heating element (54) along an axial direction between a closed position in which the heating element (54) is covered by the cap-like device (51) and a cleaning position in which the heating element (54) is exposed for cleaning; and a spring element (98) for biasing the cap-like device (51) into the closed position and / or the cleaning position, wherein the spring element (98) comprises a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap-like device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) coupled to the first arm (104).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to EP24157777.4, filed on February 15, 2024, the contents and elements of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0003] A typical aerosol generating device may include a power supply, an aerosol generating unit driven by the power supply, and an aerosol precursor, which is aerosolized by the aerosol generating unit to produce an aerosol. The aerosol precursor may include leaf material and / or other substances heated by the aerosol generating unit.

[0004] Known aerosol generating devices may require manual cleaning of the aerosol generating unit from time to time. For example, residues of aerosol precursors may need to be removed from the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating unit). This may require proximity to the aerosol generating unit.

[0005] Despite significant efforts invested in the research and development of aerosol generating equipment, further improvements are still needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a main body and a cap-shaped device.

[0007] In some examples, the device body includes an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosols from consumables, and also includes a first arm extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the aerosol generating device. Optionally, the cap-shaped device includes a first cavity (or first channel) slidably receiving the first arm for moving the cap-shaped device relative to the device body and / or the aerosol generating unit along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device optionally includes a spring element for biasing the cap-shaped device to a closed position and / or an open position. In an example, the spring element includes a first attachment portion attached to the cap-shaped device and a second attachment portion coupled to the arm.

[0008] Thus, the first arm serves a dual function: supporting the cap-shaped device on the device body and providing support or anchoring for the second attachment portion of the spring element. Therefore, the first arm also participates in biasing the cap-shaped device relative to the device body (e.g., to provide a bistable arrangement of the cap-shaped device on the device body). This eliminates the need for a device to attach the spring element to the device body, which might be located near the heating element of the aerosol generating unit or within the heating chamber. Both of these options would make cleaning the aerosol generating unit (e.g., the heating element) and / or the heating chamber more difficult, making coupling the spring element to the first arm a simplified method for cleaning the heating element and / or the heating chamber.

[0009] The aerosol generating device can be configured to generate aerosols from consumables including precursors. The device body and / or aerosol generating device may include an aerosol generating unit, a power supply (e.g., a battery) for supplying power to the aerosol generating unit, and / or a controller for controlling the power supply to the aerosol generating unit.

[0010] The aerosol generating unit may include a heating element for heating consumables to thereby generate aerosols. The heating element may extend parallel to the axial direction. For example, the heating element includes a rod extending parallel to the axial direction and therefore parallel to the first arm. The heating element may be arranged in a heating chamber. In the closed position, the heating element may be covered by a cap-like device, and in the open position, the heating element may be exposed for cleaning.

[0011] The first arm can be strong enough to provide support for the movement of the cap-shaped device along it. For example, the first arm is made of a sufficiently rigid material and / or has sufficient thickness to support the cap-shaped device on the device body. The first arm can serve as a linear guide or rail to allow the cap-shaped device to move along the axial direction. The first arm can be sufficiently rigid to prevent the cap-shaped device from moving perpendicular to the axial direction and / or the longitudinal axis of the first arm.

[0012] The main body of the device may include an elongated body. The longitudinal axis of the first arm may be parallel to the axial direction of the main body of the device. Similarly, in the closed position and / or open position, the longitudinal axis of the first cavity may be parallel to the axial direction of the main body of the device.

[0013] The first arm may have a smooth outer surface along the axial direction, allowing it to be slidably inserted into the first cavity. The first arm may lack hooks and / or protrusions that could prevent the cap-like device from moving along it. Similarly, the first cavity may have a smooth inner wall along the axial direction, allowing the first arm to be slidably inserted into it. The first cavity may also lack hooks and / or protrusions that could prevent the cap-like device from moving along it.

[0014] The cap-shaped device can move along the first arm of the device body between a closed position and an open position, where these positions can be the endpoints of the cap-shaped device's movement along the first arm. In both the closed and open positions, the first arm can be positioned within the first cavity. Compared to the open position, in the closed position, the first arm can be fully or partially inserted into the first cavity. Therefore, in the open position, the first arm can only be partially inserted into the first cavity.

[0015] The open position can include a cleaning position, in which the aerosol generating unit (e.g., heating element) is partially or fully exposed for cleaning. Additionally, moving from the closed position to the open position helps the user remove used consumables. In this case, the aerosol generating unit (e.g., heating element) may be partially or fully exposed for cleaning, or it may not be exposed at all.

[0016] In the open position, there may be a gap between the lower end of the cap-shaped device and the adjacent upper end of the device body. In the open position, the user can access the space between the cap-shaped device and the device body. For example, in the open position (i.e., the cleaning position), the heating element can be accessed, for example, to clean the heating element. Thus, in the cleaning / open position, the heating element can be partially or completely exposed.

[0017] In the closed position, the cap-shaped device can abut and / or directly contact the device body, for example, so that there is no gap between the device body and the cap-shaped device. In the closed position, the heating element may not be accessible to the user, but is completely covered by the cap-shaped device and the device body.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may include a bistable configuration corresponding to an open position and a closed position. Movement between the open and closed positions (and vice versa) may correspond to a linear movement of the cap-shaped device along the first arm.

[0019] The spring element can be configured to hold, retain, and / or maintain the cap-shaped device in a closed or open position. To this end, the spring element is configured to bias the cap-shaped device towards the open and / or closed position. Biasing towards the open position can provide support for removing used consumables.

[0020] The aerosol generating apparatus may also include a retaining device for holding, retaining, and / or maintaining the cap-shaped device in a closed position. The retaining device can be provided for tightly sealing the heating chamber, for example, for maintaining tight contact between the cap-shaped device and the device body. Therefore, the retaining device can help provide an airtight seal between the cap-shaped device and the device body. For example, a spring element can bias the cap-shaped device to the closed position, and once the cap-shaped device is in the closed position, the retaining device clamps and / or secures the cap-shaped device.

[0021] The securing device may include a releasable snap-fit ​​connection and / or one or more magnets. For example, a cap-shaped device includes: a first magnet that interacts with a metal portion of the cap-shaped device; or a second magnet disposed on the cap-shaped device to provide an attractive force between the cap-shaped device and the device body. The first magnet, the metal portion, and / or the second magnet may be positioned such that the attractive force is strong only when the cap-shaped device is in the closed position.

[0022] In some examples, the cap-shaped device includes an abutment portion. Optionally, in the open position, a spring element biases the abutment portion toward a bridging element.

[0023] The abutment portion is configured to prevent the cap-shaped device from potentially moving along the first arm beyond the open position. For example, the abutment portion prevents the cap-shaped device from sliding beyond the open position (when viewed from the closed position). Therefore, the spring element is configured to bias or press the cap-shaped device toward the abutment portion in the open position. Furthermore, the spring element is configured to bias or press the cap-shaped device toward the device body in the closed position.

[0024] The spring element may include one or more springs (e.g., two springs). The spring element may be made of an elastically deformable material, such as metal. When the cap-like device is located between the open and closed positions, the spring element may elastically deform. When the cap-like device is located in the open or closed position, the spring element may not elastically deform or may deform less elastically. Therefore, the spring element provides a force that, when the cap-like device is positioned between the open and closed positions, causes the cap-like device to move along the first arm to the closed or open position.

[0025] The user needs to overcome a biasing force provided by the spring element to move the cap-like device from the open position to the closed position and / or vice versa. For example, if the user moves the cap-like device from the open position to the closed position, the user needs to overcome the force generated by the elastic deformation of the spring element to push the cap-like device. Once the cap-like device reaches the intermediate position (at which point the force generated by the spring element may reach its maximum), the remaining movement from the intermediate position to the closed position can be supported by the force generated by the spring element, because the spring element is then configured to generate a force for moving the cap-like device from the intermediate position to the closed position. Therefore, the force generated by the spring element may initially impede the movement of the cap-like device until the intermediate position is reached. After the intermediate position, the force generated by the spring element can move the cap-like device in the direction of movement from the intermediate position to the closed position. In this way, the spring element provides a bistable arrangement of the cap-like device relative to the device body.

[0026] A similar explanation applies to the movement of the cap-shaped device from the closed position to the open position.

[0027] The first attachment portion can be directly attached to the cap-shaped device, such as to the cap-shaped base of the cap-shaped device. For example, the cap-shaped device includes an attachment pin, to which the first attachment portion is attached. The first attachment portion and / or the second attachment portion may include a ring or hook. Providing an attachment pin simplifies the attachment of two or more springs. The number of springs used in the spring elements allows for variation in the force provided by the spring elements.

[0028] The second attachment portion can be indirectly attached to the first arm. This means that other components are coupled between the first arm and the spring element, such as the bridging elements outlined below. However, the force used to support the spring element on the device body acts on the first arm. The first arm can be considered as the anchor point of the spring element.

[0029] The first arm can protrude from the device body, allowing it to be inserted into the first cavity for attaching the cap-shaped device to the device body. Optionally, there is little or no play between the first arm and the first cavity, preventing the cap-shaped device from moving or swinging in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm. This can be achieved by slidably inserting the first arm into the first cavity such that the inner wall of the first cavity contacts the first arm on a large-area contact surface.

[0030] For example, the first arm and the first cavity have a shape in a cross-sectional view (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first arm) that prevents the cap-like device from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the first arm. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first cavity and / or the first arm is not circular but elongated. The cross-sectional shape of the first arm and the first cavity can be elliptical, ellipsoidal, rectangular, or a variation thereof. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the first arm and the first cavity have a corresponding minimum diameter / thickness and a corresponding maximum diameter / thickness, which can be perpendicular to the minimum diameter / thickness. The maximum diameter / thickness can be 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, or 200% longer than the minimum diameter / thickness. This difference between the maximum diameter / thickness and the minimum diameter / thickness can help prevent the cap-like device from rotating relative to the device body about the longitudinal axis of the first arm.

[0031] The shape of the first cavity can be considered to conform to the shape of the first arm, for example, to provide a linear guide. To reduce the sway or play between the first cavity and the first arm in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first arm, the distance between the inner wall of the first cavity and the outer surface of the first arm can be reduced and / or the inner wall of the first cavity can contact the outer surface of the first arm, for example, in its extended region. This increases the friction between the first cavity and the first arm, which can be compensated for or reduced by a friction-reducing device. Therefore, this disclosure can provide a means for attaching a cap-shaped device to the body of an aerosol generating device with minimal or reduced play while allowing smooth and easy movement of the cap-shaped device and the device body between a closed position and an open position.

[0032] The friction-reducing device can be considered as any device that reduces friction between the first arm and the first cavity. For example, the friction-reducing device includes materials disposed on the outer surface of the first arm and / or the inner wall of the first cavity, which have an inherently low coefficient of friction (e.g., compared to the materials used to manufacture the first arm and / or the first cavity). Furthermore, the friction-reducing device may include areas of the outer surface of the first arm and / or the inner wall of the first cavity that have undergone further processing (e.g., polishing, covering with a friction-reducing layer, etc.) compared to other areas of the first arm and / or the first cavity.

[0033] The friction-reducing device may be partially or wholly disposed on the outer surface of the first arm and / or the inner wall of the first cavity. For example, the friction-reducing device may be disposed on the area where the outer surface of the first arm contacts the inner wall of the first cavity when the first arm is inserted into the first cavity.

[0034] The first friction-reducing device may include grooves and / or ribs. Ribs may be provided by elongated protrusions projecting from a flat surface. In another embodiment, a groove in the flat surface may provide ribs flush with the adjacent surface. Furthermore, the above examples of ribs and grooves may be combined such that the ribs protrude from the flat surface and the grooves are recessed relative to the flat surface.

[0035] Ribs and / or grooves may extend in the axial direction of the first arm and / or the first cavity. Thus, the ribs and / or grooves extend in the direction in which the cap-shaped device moves relative to the device body, which is considered to reduce friction.

[0036] The first arm can be made of a rigid material, such as metal, rigid plastic, or reinforced plastic. The first cavity can also be made of a plastic material, which may not be as rigid as the material used to manufacture the first arm. The cap-shaped chassis may include the first cavity.

[0037] In some examples, the device body includes a second arm, which optionally extends parallel to the first arm and optionally has a heating element disposed therebetween. Additionally, the cap-like device optionally includes a second cavity (or second channel) that slidably receives the second arm between a closed position and an open position.

[0038] In other words, the cap-shaped device may also include a second cavity. Optionally, the device body also includes a second arm. Furthermore, the second cavity is optionally configured to slidably house the second arm for moving the cap-shaped device relative to the device body in an axial direction.

[0039] Thus, the presence of two arms increases the stability of the attachment method between the device body and the cap-shaped device. The aforementioned optional embodiments, features, and / or characteristics of the first arm and / or the first cavity device can be equally applied to the second arm, the second cavity, and / or the second friction-reducing device.

[0040] In addition to the first arm, a second arm is provided to improve the stability of attaching the cap-shaped device to the device body. Specifically, rotational forces (e.g., those around the longitudinal axis of the first and second arms or the axial direction of the device body) can be absorbed by the second arm. Furthermore, by providing the second arm and the second cavity, clearance and / or sway between the first cavity and the first arm can be reduced.

[0041] The first arm and the second arm may extend parallel to each other. Similarly, the first cavity and the second cavity may extend parallel to each other. The aerosol generating unit and / or heating element may be arranged between the first arm and the second arm and may extend parallel to the first arm and / or the second arm. The first arm and the first cavity may be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the second arm and the second cavity, respectively.

[0042] The first arm and / or the second arm can form an integral assembly with the base portion. The first arm and / or the second arm can protrude from the base portion. Additionally, the heating element can protrude from the base portion. The first arm, the second arm, the base portion, and / or the heating element can form a continuous outer surface, for example, without protrusions, depressions, steps, etc. If the cap-shaped device is completely removed from the device body, the first arm, the second arm, the base portion, and / or the heating element can be exposed or accessible to the user. Furthermore, in the open position, the first arm, the second arm, the heating element, and various parts of the base portion can be exposed and / or accessible to the user.

[0043] In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a bridging element that bridges the first arm and the second arm. Optionally, a second attachment portion is attached to the bridging element. In some embodiments, when viewed from the side, the bridging element bridges the first arm and the second arm (with an aerosol generating unit (e.g., a heating element)) across the heating element. Optionally, the second attachment portion is integrally formed with the bridging element. The bridging element may include a through-hole adjacent to the second attachment portion. The arrangement of the through-hole can facilitate the fabrication of the bridging element and the second attachment portion, for example, by injection molding.

[0044] In this way, the spring element can be anchored to the first arm and / or the second arm. Therefore, attachment pins or other devices for attaching the spring element to the device body can be provided on the bridging element and do not need to be provided on the first arm, the second arm, and / or other parts of the device body. This simplifies the manufacture of the device body because any protrusions for attaching the spring element can be provided on the bridging element, which is a separate component and therefore can be manufactured separately. For example, a better forming angle can be provided by the bridging element compared to a cap-shaped base (because the bridging element can be formed as a separate component). This improves the retention of the spring element on the bridging element and therefore on the device body.

[0045] A bridging element can provide a bridge between the first and second arms. Therefore, a portion of the bridge extends between the first and second arms. The bridging element can be supported solely by the first and second arms. The bridging element can span the heating element. In this case, the axial position of the bridging element overlaps with the axial extension of the heating element.

[0046] In a cross-sectional view, the bridging element may have a U-shape. The bridging element may include a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion and / or the second end portion may be angled toward the intermediate portion, for example, at 90°. When the bridging element is attached to the first arm and the second arm, the intermediate portion may extend between the first arm and the second arm. The first end portion and the second end portion include means for attaching the bridging element to the second arm and the first arm, respectively.

[0047] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a device body and a cap-shaped device. In some examples, the device body includes an aerosol generating unit for generating aerosol from a consumable, and further includes a first arm and a second arm extending in an axial direction parallel to the aerosol generating apparatus. Optionally, the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart on opposite sides of a heating element. Furthermore, optionally, the cap-shaped device includes a first cavity (or first channel) slidably receiving the first arm and a second cavity (or second channel) slidably receiving the second arm, for moving the cap-shaped device relative to the device body and / or the aerosol generating unit in an axial direction between a closed position and an open position, in which the heating element is covered by the cap-shaped device. In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a bridging element that, when viewed from the side, bridges the first arm and the second arm (with the heating element disposed therebetween), optionally across the heating element.

[0048] The bridging element may include a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein optionally, the first end portion is attached to a first arm and the second end portion is attached to a second arm.

[0049] The alternative embodiments, features, and / or characteristics described in conjunction with the first aspect can also be applied to the second aspect.

[0050] In some examples, the aerosol generating apparatus of the second aspect further includes a spring element for biasing the cap-shaped device to a closed position and / or an open position (e.g., for providing a bistable arrangement of the cap-shaped device along the first and second arms). Optionally, the spring element includes a first attachment portion attached to the cap-shaped device and a second attachment portion attached (directly) to a bridging element.

[0051] The above-described alternative embodiments, features, and / or characteristics of the bridging element and / or spring element can also be applied to this example.

[0052] In some examples, the spring element is configured to provide a bistable biasing force to bias the cap device to a closed or open position. Thus, if no external force is applied to the cap device (e.g., a force to move the cap device along the first and second arms), the cap device is in the closed or open position.

[0053] In some examples, the bridging element is attached to the first and second arms via a snap-fit ​​connection. This provides a simple and / or reliable connection between the bridging element and the first and second arms. Alternatively or additionally, the bridging element can be attached to the first and second arms using mechanical fasteners (such as screws). This ensures that the bridging element is securely and firmly attached to the first and second arms. The bridging element can be attached to the first and second arms during the manufacture of the aerosol generating device.

[0054] The bridging element may include means for achieving a snap-fit ​​connection at a first end portion and / or a second end portion. The bridging element may provide a flexible assembly for the snap-fit ​​connection, and the first and / or second arms may be made rigid or inflexible. Therefore, when attaching the bridging element using a snap-fit ​​connection, the first and / or second arms may be unable to move. This can be helpful because the first and second arms support the cap-like device, and any movement of the first and / or second arms could cause the cap-like device to swing or have play relative to the device body.

[0055] In some examples, the first end portion and / or the second end portion are barbed. This allows for the formation of hooks that are integral with the bridging element. This simplifies the manufacture of the bridging element. The first end portion and / or the second end portion may each contain one or more barbed elements, such as two barbed elements.

[0056] The first and / or second end portions may include a thickening or protrusion having a triangular shape in a cross-sectional view of the bridging element. The thin end of the thickening or protrusion may overlap with the end of the first and / or second end portions. The thick end of the thickening or protrusion may provide an abutment to prevent the bridging element from being removed from the first and second arms. The thickening or protrusion may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second end portions (such that they face away from each other) or on the inner surfaces of the first and second end portions (such that they face each other).

[0057] The first end portion and / or the second end portion may include recesses or channels formed in the respective surfaces of the first end portion and / or the second end portion. The recesses or channels may include multiple recesses or channels, such as two recesses or channels. By providing recesses or channels in the surfaces of the first end portion and / or the second end portion, heat transfer between the bridging element and the first arm and the second arm can be reduced.

[0058] In some examples, the first end portion is inserted into a first slot in the first arm, and / or the second end portion is inserted into a second slot in the second arm. This allows the bridging element to be attached to the first and second arms in a simple manner.

[0059] The first slot and / or the second slot can be through holes in the first arm and / or the second arm, respectively. The first slot and / or the second slot can be elongated, defining a length direction that can be parallel to the axial direction of the device body or the longitudinal direction of the first arm and / or the second arm, respectively. The length of the slot (i.e., the dimension of the slot in the length direction) can correspond to the width of the bridging element (i.e., the width of the first end portion and the second end portion). When the bridging element is attached to the first arm and the second arm, the first arm and the second arm are arranged between the middle portion of the bridging element and the thickened or raised end.

[0060] In some examples, the bridging element is biased into an engaged state. The bridging element can be flexible / elastically deformable or at least more flexible than the first and / or second arm. In this way, the bridging element itself provides the flexible component necessary for any snap-fit ​​connection.

[0061] When the first end portion and the second end portion are inserted into the first slot and the second slot respectively, depending on which side the thickening or protrusion is arranged on the first end portion and the second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion can be bent facing each other or back to each other.

[0062] In some examples, the bridging element is made of a material that is more rigid than the material used to manufacture the cap-shaped device, the first arm, and / or the second arm. This allows for a secure attachment or fixation of the spring element to the cap-shaped device (via the bridging element).

[0063] The bridging element can be made of a resiliently deformable material, such as reinforced plastic. For example, glass fiber or other fibers can be used to reinforce the bridging element. Meanwhile, in some examples, the bridging element needs to be flexible to provide a snap-fit ​​connection. Furthermore, making the bridging element rigid ensures that the snap-fit ​​connection between the bridging element and the first and second arms will not accidentally loosen. Additionally, by using a rigid material to manufacture the bridging element, it can be made thin, allowing it to be fitted within a cap-like device, such as within a cap-like base and cap-like housing. The bridging element can be made more flexible than the first and / or second arms by making it thinner than the first and / or second arms. The bridging element can be essentially a plate-like element; specifically, the first end portion, the second end portion, and / or the middle portion can be plate-like (except for the barbed sections).

[0064] In some examples, the cap-shaped device includes a first slit and a second slit. Optionally, a first end portion is movable in the first slit, and an abutment portion is the end of the first slit. Furthermore, optionally, a second end portion is movable in the second slit, and an abutment portion is the end of the second slit. Thus, by using a bridging element, the cap-shaped device can be stopped in the open position along the movement of the first and second arms.

[0065] The first and / or second cut can be a slot or through-hole in the cap-shaped device, such as in a cap-shaped base. Optionally, the first cut is an elongated through-hole in the wall of the first cavity, and / or the second cut is an elongated through-hole in the wall of the second cavity. When the bridging element is attached to the first and second arms, a first end portion can extend through or be located in the first cut, and a second end portion can extend through or be located in the second cut. Thus, portions of the cap-shaped device, such as portions of the cap-shaped base, can be arranged between the first arm and the intermediate portion of the bridging element, and between the second arm and the intermediate portion of the bridging element.

[0066] The bridging element can be a device for movably attaching a cap-shaped device (e.g., a cap-shaped base) to a device body. For example, the cap-shaped base can be disposed on a first arm and a second arm. At this point, the cap-shaped base can be completely removed from the device body. Once the bridging element is attached to the first arm and the second arm (through a first cut and / or a second cut), the cap-shaped base can no longer be completely removed from the device body, but can only move between a closed position and an open position. The bridging element may include a recessed portion that engages or abuts against a portion of the cap-shaped device when it is in the open position. By providing the recessed portion of the bridging element, the cap-shaped device and its components can have a greater range of movement between the open and closed positions.

[0067] When the cap-shaped device is moved between a closed position and an open position, portions of the bridging element (e.g., a first end portion and / or a second end portion) can move along a first cut and a second cut, respectively. Therefore, although the bridging element extends through portions of the cap-shaped device (e.g., the first and second cuts), the first and second cuts allow the cap-shaped device to move relative to the device body.

[0068] The first and / or second cuts can be elongated, defining a cut length direction parallel to the axial direction of the device body and / or the longitudinal direction of the first and / or second arms. The lower ends of the first and second cuts (e.g., closer to the ends of the first and second cuts of the cap-like device than the upper ends) can provide a stop or limit for movement of the cap-like device from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the lower ends of the first and second cuts can form abutment portions. In other words, in the open position, the first and / or second end portions abut against or contact the lower ends of the first and / or second cuts, respectively. The dimensions of the first and / or second cuts in the cut length direction can define the length between the open and open positions.

[0069] The upper ends of the first and second cuts (the corresponding opposite ends of the first and second cuts along their length) can also provide a stop or limit for the movement of the cap-like device from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, the upper ends of the first and second cuts can form another abutment portion. In other words, in the closed position, the first and / or second end portions abut against or contact the upper ends of the first and / or second cuts, respectively.

[0070] However, in the closed position, the device body may also form a stop or limiting element. In this case, in the closed position, the first and second end portions of the bridging element may not contact the upper ends of the first and second cuts, respectively.

[0071] In some examples, in the closed position of the bistable arrangement, the spring element biases the cap-shaped device toward or toward the device body. Thus, the cap-shaped device can be held or maintained in the closed and / or open position by the spring element.

[0072] This disclosure may also relate to an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating apparatus and consumables described herein. If the consumables come into contact with a heating element, the consumables can be heated by the heating element.

[0073] The foregoing overview is provided to summarize some examples to offer a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the foregoing features should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Furthermore, the foregoing and / or subsequent examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, unless such combination is expressly prohibited or excluded. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Various aspects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numerals denote the same elements.

[0075] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram illustrating an example aerosol generating device.

[0076] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The system block diagram shows an example implementation of an aerosol generating device configured to generate aerosols from solid precursors.

[0077] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an example implementation of the device.

[0078] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic exploded view of an example implementation of the device.

[0079] Figure 5 It includes heating elements. Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the arm portion of the device.

[0080] Figure 6 It shows one without a heating element. Figure 5 Various views of the arm portion.

[0081] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 Various views of the hat-shaped chassis of the equipment.

[0082] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of the bridging elements of the device.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of the alternative bridging element. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Before describing several examples of implementing this disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific construction details or process steps illustrated in the following description and drawings. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon understanding this disclosure that the systems, apparatuses, and / or methods described herein can be embodied in different ways and / or practiced or implemented in various alternative ways.

[0085] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in conjunction with the currently disclosed inventive concept shall have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and known techniques and procedures may be performed in accordance with conventional methods well known in the art and described in various general and more specific references that may be cited and discussed in this specification.

[0086] Any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0087] Based on this disclosure, all examples of implementing this disclosure can be made and performed without extensive experimentation. While specific examples have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the systems, devices, and / or methods described herein, as well as the steps or sequence of steps of those methods, without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive idea. All such similar substitutions and modifications that are apparent to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the inventive idea as defined by the appended claims.

[0088] The term “a / an” used in the claims and / or description can mean “a”, as well as “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more”. Therefore, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a / an” and “the”, and all singular terms, include plural indicators. Similarly, plural terms should include the singular form unless the context requires otherwise.

[0089] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive, the term "or" in this disclosure (including the claims) is used to indicate inclusive "and / or". For example, the condition "A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0090] As used in this specification and claims, the words “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or “containing” (and any of their respective forms, such as “comprise” and “comprises,” “have” and “has,” “includes” and “include,” or “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, undescribed elements or method steps.

[0091] Unless otherwise expressly stated as incompatible, or if the physical or other aspects of the embodiments, examples, or claims prevent such combinations, features of the examples disclosed herein and features of the claims may be integrated in any suitable arrangement, particularly in a manner that produces beneficial effects. This is not limited to any specified benefit, and rather, may derive from “after-the-fact” benefits. That is, the combination of features is not limited by the form described, and in particular not by the form of dependencies (e.g., numbering) in the examples, embodiments, or claims. Furthermore, this also applies to phrases such as “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” etc., which are merely stylistic forms of wording and should not be construed as limiting the following features to the individual embodiments, but rather as limiting them to all other instances of the same or similar wording. That is, a reference to “a,” “an,” or “some” embodiments may be a reference to any one or more and / or all embodiments disclosed, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, similarly, a reference to “this” embodiment may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Moreover, all references to one or more embodiments or examples should not be construed as not limiting the claims.

[0092] This disclosure can be better understood in light of the following explanation, in which all terms used separated by "or" are used interchangeably: As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" (or "electronic cigarette (e-cigarette)") can be a device configured to deliver an aerosol to a user for inhalation. If the device is intended to replace a conventional combustible smoking product, it may also be referred to as a "smoking replacement device." As used herein, a combustible "smoking product" can refer to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other articles that produce smoke (an aerosol comprising solid particles and gases) by heating to above a thermal decomposition temperature (typically by combustion and / or pyrolysis). The aerosol produced by the device can contain aerosols with a particle size of 0.2 to 7 micrometers, or less than 10 micrometers, or less than 7 micrometers. This particle size can be achieved by controlling one or more of the following: heater temperature; cooling rate when vapor condenses into an aerosol; flow characteristics, including turbulence and velocity. The aerosol generation of the aerosol generating device can be controlled by input devices. The input device can be configured to be user-activated and can include, for example, an actuator (e.g., an actuation button) and / or an airflow sensor, or take the form of an actuator and / or an airflow sensor.

[0093] Each occurrence of an aerosol generating device producing aerosol and sustaining it for a period of time (which can be variable) can be referred to as an "activation" of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be arranged to allow the amount of aerosol delivered to the user at each activation to be varied (unlike delivering a fixed dose of aerosol), for example, by activating the aerosol generating unit of the device and sustaining it for a variable time, such as based on the intensity / duration of inhalation by the user through the flow path of the device (to replicate the effect of inhaling conventional combustible smoking products).

[0094] Aerosol generating devices can be portable. As used herein, the term "portable" may mean that the device is used while being held by a user.

[0095] As used herein, an “aerosol generating system” can be a system that includes: an aerosol generating device and, where appropriate, other circuitry / components associated with the function of that device, such as one or more external devices and / or one or more external components (where “external” is intended to mean the exterior of the aerosol generating device).

[0096] As used herein, “external device” and “external component” may include one or more of the following: a charging device; a mobile device (which may be connected to an aerosol generating device, for example, via a wireless or wired connection); a network-based computer (e.g., a remote server); a cloud-based computer; or any other server system.

[0097] An example aerosol generation system could be a system for managing aerosol generating equipment. Such systems could include, for example, mobile devices, web servers, and aerosol generating equipment.

[0098] As used herein, "aerosol" can include a precursor suspension comprising one or more of the following: solid particles; droplets; or gas. The suspension may be present in a gas, including air. Aerosols may generally refer to / include vapors herein. Aerosols may include one or more components of a precursor.

[0099] As used herein, a "precursor" may include one or more of the following: liquid; solid; gel; loose leaf material; other substances. Precursors may be processed by the aerosol generation unit of an aerosol generating apparatus to produce an aerosol. Precursors may include one or more of the following: active ingredient; carrier; flavoring agent. Active ingredients may include one or more of the following: nicotine; caffeine; non-pharmaceutical formulations, such as those not intended to treat a disease or physiological dysfunction in humans. Active ingredients may be carried by a carrier, which may be a liquid, including propylene glycol and / or glycerin. The term "flavoring agent" may refer to a component that provides taste and / or aroma to a user. Flavoring agents may include one or more of the following: ethyl vanillin (vanilla); menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil); or others. Precursors may include a matrix, such as reconstituted tobacco, for carrying one or more of the following: active ingredient; carrier; flavoring agent.

[0100] As used herein, a “storage section” can be a portion of a device suitable for storing precursors. Depending on how the precursors are implemented as defined above, the storage section can be implemented as a reservoir for holding fluids or a carrier for solid materials.

[0101] As used herein, "flow path" can refer to a path or closed passage through an aerosol generating device, for example, for delivering aerosols to a user. A flow path can be arranged to receive aerosols from an aerosol generating unit. When referring to a flow path, upstream and downstream can be defined with respect to the direction of flow within the flow path; for example, an outlet is downstream of an inlet.

[0102] As used herein, "delivery system" can refer to a system for delivering aerosols to a user. A delivery system may include nozzles and flow paths.

[0103] As used herein, “flow” can refer to a flow path. A flow can include aerosols generated from precursors. A flow can include air, which can be introduced into the flow path by suction.

[0104] As used in this article, a user's "inhalation" (or "inhalation" or "extraction") may refer to the expansion of the user's lungs and / or mouth to create a pressure drop, which causes airflow through the flow path.

[0105] As used herein, "aerosol generating unit" can refer to a device configured to generate aerosols from precursors. An aerosol generating unit may include units for directly generating vapor from precursors (e.g., heating systems or other systems) or units for directly generating aerosols from precursors (e.g., atomizers including ultrasonic systems, gas flow expansion systems that carry droplets of precursors in a gas flow without the use of electrical energy, or other systems). Multiple aerosol generating units may be present in an aerosol generating device to generate various aerosols (e.g., generated from various different aerosol precursors).

[0106] As used herein, "heating system" can refer to an arrangement of at least one heating element operable to aerosolize a precursor upon heating. The at least one heating element can be resistive to generate heat through an electric current flowing therethrough. The at least one heating element can be arranged as a sensor to generate heat upon penetration by an alternating magnetic field. The heating system can be configured to heat the precursor to below 300 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Celsius, including non-combustible materials.

[0107] As used herein, "consumable" can refer to a unit that includes a precursor. A consumable may include an aerosol generating unit, for example, which may be arranged as a cartomizer. A consumable may include a mouthpiece. A consumable may include an information carrying medium. For liquid or gel implementations of the precursor (e.g., e-liquids), the consumable may be referred to as a "capsule," "cartridge," or "e-liquid consumable." The capsule / cartridge may include a storage portion for storing the precursor, such as a reservoir or tank. For solid material implementations of the precursor (e.g., tobacco or reconstituted tobacco formulations), the consumable may be referred to as a "stick," "packaging," or "heat-not-burn consumable." In heat-not-burn consumables, the mouthpiece may be implemented as a filter, and the consumable may be arranged to carry the precursor. The consumable may be implemented as a dose or pre-filled quantity of material, including loose leaf products.

[0108] As used herein, “information-carrying medium” can include one or more arrangements for storing information on any suitable medium. Examples include: computer-readable media; radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders; codes that encode information, such as optical codes (e.g., barcodes or QR codes) or mechanically readable codes (e.g., bits encoded by the presence or absence of a cutout through which pins or readers can be inserted).

[0109] As used herein, “heat-not-burn” (or “HNB” or “heated precursor”) can refer to a heated precursor (typically tobacco) that does not burn or does not undergo substantial combustion (i.e., a limited portion of the precursor (including less than 5% of the total volume) may experience localized combustion).

[0110] refer to Figure 1 Example aerosol generating device 1 includes a power supply 2 for supplying electrical energy. Aerosol generating device 1 includes an aerosol generating unit 4 driven by the power supply 2. The power supply 2 may include a power supply in the form of a battery and / or an electrical connection to an external power source. Aerosol generating device 1 includes a precursor 6, which, in use, is aerosolized by the aerosol generating unit 4 to generate an aerosol. Aerosol generating device 1 includes a delivery system 8 for delivering the aerosol to a user.

[0111] It can realize electrical circuits ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) to control the interoperability of the power supply 4 and the aerosol generating unit 6.

[0112] In a variant example not shown, the power supply 2 can be omitted because, for example, an aerosol generating unit implemented as an atomizer with airflow expansion may not require a power supply.

[0113] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The device 1 is implemented in a manner in which the aerosol generating device 1 is configured to generate aerosols through a heating non-combustion process.

[0114] In this example, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body 50 and consumables 70.

[0115] In this example, the device body 50 includes a power supply 4 and a heating system 52. The heating system 54 includes at least one heating element 54. The device body 50 may additionally include electrical circuitry 56, memory 58, wireless interface 60, and any one or more other components 62.

[0116] Electrical circuit 56 may include processing resources for controlling one or more operations of the main body 50, for example, based on instructions stored in memory 58.

[0117] The wireless interface 60 can be configured to communicate wirelessly with external (e.g., mobile) devices, such as via Bluetooth.

[0118] Other components 62 may include, for example, an actuator, one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user, and / or a charging port (see example...). Figure 3 ).

[0119] The device body 50 is configured to engage with the consumable 70 such that at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 penetrates into the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70. In use, the user can activate the aerosol generating device 1 so that the heating system 52 of the device body 50 heats the solid precursor 6 of the consumable 70 by conducting heat transfer through at least one heating element 54 (without burning it) to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0120] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An example implementation of the aerosol generator 1.

[0121] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the consumable 70 can be implemented as a rod, which is engaged with the device body 50 by inserting the rod into a hole at the top end 53 of the device body 50, thereby allowing at least one heating element 54 of the heating system 52 to penetrate into the solid precursor 6.

[0122] The consumable 70 includes a solid precursor 6 near the device body 50 and a filter away from the device body 50. The filter serves as the mouthpiece of the consumable 70 and thus as the mouthpiece of the entire device 1. The solid precursor 6 may be a reconstituted tobacco formulation.

[0123] In this example, at least one heating element 54 is a rod-shaped element with a circular transverse profile. Other heating element shapes are possible; for example, at least one heating element 54 may be blade-shaped (with a rectangular transverse profile) or tubular (e.g., with a hollow transverse profile).

[0124] In this example, the aerosol generating device 1 also includes a cap-shaped device 51. In use, the cap-shaped device 51 engages at the top 53 of the device body 50. Although from... Figure 3 It is not obvious, but the cap-shaped device 51 is movable relative to the main body 50. Specifically, the cap-shaped device 51 is slidable and can slide along the axial direction of the device main body 50, which can coincide with or be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first arm 104.

[0125] The device body 50 may also include an actuator 55 on the outer surface of the body 50. In this example, the actuator 55 has the form of a button.

[0126] The device body 50 may also include a user interface device configured to convey information to a user. Here, the user interface device is implemented as a plurality of lights 57, which may be configured, for example, to illuminate when the device 1 is activated and / or to indicate the charging status of the power supply 4. Other user interface devices are possible, for example, conveying information to the user in a tactile or auditory manner.

[0127] The device body 50 may also include an airflow sensor that detects airflow in the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., caused by a user inhaling through consumable 70). This can be used, for example, to count the number of suction ports.

[0128] In this example, the consumable 70 includes a flow path that transports the aerosol generated by at least one heating element 54 to the nozzle of the consumable 70.

[0129] In this example, the aerosol generating unit 4 is provided by the heating system 52 described above, and the delivery system 8 is provided by the flow path and nozzle of the consumable 70 described above.

[0130] refer to Figures 4 to 9 This shows another example of aerosol generating device 1. Apart from the following differences, Figures 4 to 9 Aerosol generating equipment 1 includes and Figure 3 The same optional features, characteristics and / or embodiments as the aerosol generating device 1.

[0131] Figures 4 to 9 The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body 50 and a cap-shaped device 51. The cap-shaped device 51 includes a cap-shaped housing 80, a cap-shaped base 82, and / or a nozzle element 84. The main body 50 includes a bridging element 86, an arm portion 88, a heating element 54, a housing 90, a front cover 92, and / or a rear cover 94. The aerosol generating device 1 may also include a cleaning tool 96 and / or a spring element 98.

[0132] The cap-shaped base 82 of the cap-shaped device 51 can be a one-piece component made of plastic material. For example, the cap-shaped base 82 can be formed in a single processing step. The cap-shaped base 82 can be considered as a chassis for supporting the nozzle element 84 and the cap-shaped housing 80.

[0133] If available Figure 7 As can be better seen, the cap-shaped base 82 includes a first cavity 100 and / or a second cavity 102. In the closed position, the first cavity 100 and / or the second cavity 102 are elongated and extend parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50. The first cavity 100 and / or the second cavity 102 are configured to receive the first arm 104 and / or the second arm 106 of the arm portion 88, respectively. Thus, in the closed position, the first arm 104 is located within the first cavity 100, and the second arm 106 is located within the second cavity 102.

[0134] A first arm 104 and / or a second arm 106 are provided to support the cap-shaped device 51 on the device body 50. Therefore, the first arm 104 and / or the second arm 106 have sufficient strength to support the cap-shaped device 51 on the device body 50. The cap-shaped device 51 is supported on the device body 50 by the interaction between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 and the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. For example, the shapes of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102 are configured, for example, to fit snugly against the first arm 104 and / or the second arm 106, such that only minimal clearance exists, thus the cap-shaped device 51 is tightly fitted to the device body 50.

[0135] The cap-shaped chassis 82 also includes a heating chamber 108 for receiving the heating element 54 in the closed position. The axis of the heating chamber 108 coincides with or is coaxial with the axis of the heating element 54. The heating chamber 108 is sized to receive consumables 70. The heating chamber 108 can be closed by a suction nozzle element 84. The heating chamber 108 can be part of the delivery system 8.

[0136] The cap-shaped base 82 may further include a first cut 128 and a second cut 130, which are elongated through holes in the cap-shaped base 82. Optionally, the first cut 128 is an elongated through hole in the wall of the first cavity 100, and the second cut 130 is an elongated through hole in the wall of the second cavity 102. The lengths of the first cut 128 and the second cut 130 are parallel to the axial direction of the device body 50 and / or the longitudinal direction of the first arm 104 and the second arm 106, respectively.

[0137] The suction element 84 may typically have the shape of a wheel or disc and be rotatably supported by a cap-shaped base 82. For example, the cap-shaped base 82 may include a bearing 110 that includes opposing through holes in the cavity housing the suction element 84. The suction element 84 may include a shaft (e.g., a pin) that inserts into the through hole of the bearing 110. Thus, the suction element 84 can be rotated, for example, by a user. The suction element 84 includes an air passage 112, which may have the same diameter as the heating chamber 108. The air passage 112 may be part of the delivery system 8.

[0138] In the open position of the nozzle element 84, the air passage 112 is coaxial with the heating chamber 108, so the consumable 70 can be inserted into the heating chamber 108 through the air passage 112. In the closed position of the nozzle element 84, the nozzle element 84 blocks the heating chamber 108. The nozzle element 84 can be moved from the closed position to the open position and vice versa by rotating it. In the closed position of the nozzle element 84, the air passage 112 can have a 90° angle compared to the open position.

[0139] The cap-shaped base 82 may further include a first spring attachment portion 114 for attaching the first attachment portion 98a of the spring element 98 to the cap-shaped base 82 and thus to the cap-shaped device 51. The spring element 98 may also be attached to the device body 50 to provide a bistable configuration of the cap-shaped device 51 relative to the device body 50. The other end of the spring element may include a second attachment portion 98b, which may be attached to a second spring attachment portion 116 disposed on a spring bridging element 86. The first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116 may be pins protruding from the cap-shaped base 82 and the bridging element 86, respectively. The first attachment portion 98a and the second attachment portion 98b may include hooks or loops that are attached to the pins of the first spring attachment portion 114 and the second spring attachment portion 116, respectively.

[0140] Bridging element 86 couples spring element 98 to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106, and thus to the device body 50. Spring element 98 acts between the cap-shaped device 51 and the device body 50. Figure 4 As shown, spring element 98 may include two identical springs.

[0141] The bridging element 86 can be made of reinforced plastic material and attached to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. For example, it can be... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As can be better seen in the diagram, the bridging element 86 may include a first end portion 86a, a second end portion 86b, and an intermediate portion 86c connecting the first end portion 86a to the second end portion 86b. The bridging element 86 may have a U-shape in a cross-sectional view. The first end portion 86a and the end portion 86b may have barbs.

[0142] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 The alternative to bridge element 86' shown is bridge element 86'. Figure 8In addition to the features of the bridging element 86 shown, the bridging element 86' also includes a through hole 87 located within the intermediate portion 86c adjacent to the second spring attachment portion 116. Both the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b of the bridging element 86' are barbed. Each of the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b of the bridging element 86' includes two barbed elements 89a and 89b. Each of the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b of the bridging element 86' includes a corresponding through hole 91 configured to receive a mechanical fastening device, such as a screw, to attach the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b to the first arm 104 and the second arm 106, respectively. Each of the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b includes two channels 93 formed in the surfaces of the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b to reduce heat transfer between the bridging element 86' and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. The middle portion 86c of the bridging element 86' includes a recessed portion 95 that engages or abuts against a portion of the cap-shaped device 51 when the cap-shaped device 51 is in the open position.

[0143] If available Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be better seen, the first arm 104 includes a first slot 104a into which a first end portion 86a of the bridging element 86 can be inserted. The second arm 106 includes a second slot 106a into which a second end portion 86b of the bridging element 86 can be inserted. The bridging element 86 may be made of an elastically deformable material, and its shape is such that when the first end portion 86a is inserted into the first slot 104a of the first arm 104 and the second end portion 86b is inserted into the second slot 106a of the second arm 106, the bridging element 86 forms a snap-fit ​​connection. Therefore, the bridging element 86 needs to undergo elastic deformation to attach the bridging element 86 to or remove the bridging element 86 from the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.

[0144] In the closed position (at Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the cap-shaped device 51 abuts against the device body 50, and the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 are fully inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. In the closed position, the cap-shaped device 51 covers the heating element 54, thus preventing the user from accessing the heating element 54. In the closed position, the heating chamber 108 can completely surround the heating element 54. If the suction element 84 is in the open position, the consumable 70 can be inserted into the heating chamber 108 via the suction element 84.

[0145] In the cleaning position (which is an example of the open position), the cap-shaped device 51 is positioned further away from the device body 50 compared to the closed position. This can be achieved by sliding the cap-shaped base 82 or the cap-shaped device 51 along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. In the cleaning position, the user can access the heating element 54, for example, to clean the heating element 54. The first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be partially located within the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. However, the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 may be fully inserted into the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively, such that the first arm 104 and the second arm 106 can still support the cap-shaped device 51 on the device body 50. The spring element 98 biases the cap-shaped device 51 to the closed or cleaning position. The bridging element 86 can provide a stop or abutment portion against which the cap-shaped device 51 (optionally, the cap-shaped base 82) abuts in the cleaning position.

[0146] As the cap-shaped device 51 moves between the closed position and the clean position, the first end portion 86a and the second end portion 86b move within the first cut 128 and the second cut 130, respectively. In the clean position, the first end portion 86a abuts against the lower end of the first cut 128, and the second end portion 86b abuts against the lower end of the second cut 130. Therefore, the lower ends of the first cut 128 and the second cut 130 form an abutting portion that restricts the cap-shaped device 51 from moving beyond the clean position from the closed position.

[0147] The cap-shaped housing 80 of the cap-shaped device 51 covers the cap-shaped base 82 and / or partially covers the nozzle element 84. The cap-shaped housing 80 may be made of a metallic material and may be made of the same material as the device housing 90. Therefore, in the closed position, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a continuous outer surface because there is no gap between the cap-shaped housing 80 and the device housing 90. The cap-shaped housing 80 may be attached to the cap-shaped base 82 by a snap-fit ​​connection. In both the open and closed positions, the nozzle element 84 may protrude from both the cap-shaped base 82 and the cap-shaped housing 80.

[0148] The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may enclose the power supply 4 (e.g., including a battery), electrical circuitry 56, memory 58, wireless interface 60, and / or other components 62. Therefore, they are... Figure 4 Not visible in the center. The front cover 92 may include buttons and / or a user interface (e.g., including one or more LEDs). The front cover 92 and the rear cover 94 may be surrounded by the device housing 90 and / or may be made of plastic material.

[0149] The front cover 92, rear cover 94, and / or device housing 90 may be attached to the arm portion 88, for example, using a snap-fit ​​connection. The arm portion 88 includes a first arm 104, a second arm 106, and / or a base portion 118. The first arm 104, second arm 106, and base portion 118 may be a single, integral assembly, for example, molded from a plastic material. The first arm 104, second arm 106, and heating element 54 may protrude from the base portion 118. The heating element 54 may extend parallel to the first arm 104 and second arm 106. Thus, the heating element 54 is arranged between the first arm 104 and the second arm 106. The base portion 118 may form the top of the device body 50.

[0150] If possible Figure 7 As can be seen, the aerosol generating device 1 also includes a first friction-reducing device 120 and / or a second friction-reducing device 122. Figure 7 In the example, the first friction-reducing device 120 and / or the second friction-reducing device 122 include grooves and ribs (forming a serrated surface morphology) extending along the longitudinal directions of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. Therefore, the first friction-reducing device 120 and / or the second friction-reducing device 122 provide a plurality of discrete contact areas (lines) between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 104, 106. These discrete contact points are spaced apart along the circumferential directions of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively.

[0151] exist Figure 7 In the example, the first friction-reducing device 120 and / or the second friction-reducing device 122 are arranged only on the inner surfaces of the first cavity 100 and the second cavity 102, respectively. The cap-shaped base 82 and the arm portion 88 can be configured such that the first arm 104 presses against the inner surface of the first cavity 100, while the pressure between the outer surfaces of the first cavity 100 is smaller than the pressure between the inner surface of the first cavity 100 and the first arm 104 (e.g., there is a certain clearance between the outer surface of the first cavity 100 and the corresponding surface of the first arm 104). Furthermore, the cap-shaped base 82 and the arm portion 88 can be further configured such that the second arm 106 presses against the inner surface of the second cavity 102, while the pressure between the outer surfaces of the second cavity 102 is smaller than the pressure between the inner surface of the second cavity 102 and the second arm 106 (e.g., there is a certain clearance between the outer surface of the second cavity 102 and the corresponding surface of the second arm 106). This allows the cap-shaped device 51 to be attached to the device body 50 with minimal clearance.

[0152] The first friction-reducing device 120 and the second friction-reducing device 122 reduce friction at the contact areas with the highest pressure between the arms 104, 106 and the cavities 100, 102. This allows the cap-shaped device 51 to move smoothly and easily along the first arm 104 and the second arm 106.

[0153] Other embodiments of the first friction-reducing device 120 and the second friction-reducing device 122 are possible, such as polished surfaces and / or material portions made of a material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0154] The rear housing 92 may include a slot that cooperates with the device housing 90 to provide a channel 124 for the cleaning tool 96. The shape and size of the channel 124 may be configured such that the cleaning tool 96 can be inserted into the channel 124 along its extension direction. The rear housing may include means for removably holding or maintaining the cleaning tool 96 in the channel 124.

[0155] For example, if the cap-shaped device 51 is in the clean position, the cleaning tool 96 can be used to clean the heating element 54. For this purpose, the cleaning tool 96 can be removed from the channel 124 and inserted into the channel 124 after cleaning. The cleaning tool 96 can be a component separate from the aerosol generating device 1.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: The device body (50) includes an aerosol generating unit (4) for generating aerosols from consumables, and also includes a first arm (104) extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the aerosol generating device (1). A cap-shaped device (51) comprising a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) for moving the cap-shaped device (51) relative to the device body (50) along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position, and A spring element (98) is used to bias the cap-shaped device (51) to the closed position and / or the open position. The spring element (98) includes a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap-shaped device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) coupled to the first arm (104).

2. The aerosol generating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device body (50) includes a second arm (106) extending parallel to the first arm (104), and The cap-shaped device (51) includes a second cavity (102) that slidably accommodates the second arm (106) between the closed position and the open position.

3. The aerosol generating device as claimed in claim 2 further includes a bridging element (86) that bridges the first arm (104) and the second arm (106). The second attachment portion (98b) is attached to the bridging element (86).

4. An aerosol generating device, comprising: The device body (50) includes an aerosol generating unit (4) for generating aerosols from consumables, and further includes a first arm (104) and a second arm (106) extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the aerosol generating device (1). A cap-shaped device (51), comprising a first cavity (100) slidably receiving the first arm (104) and a second cavity (100) slidably receiving the second arm (106), for moving the cap-shaped device (51) relative to the device body (50) along the axial direction between a closed position and an open position, and A bridging element (86) that bridges the first arm (104) and the second arm (106).

5. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a spring element (98) for biasing the cap-shaped device (51) to the closed position and / or the open position. The spring element (98) includes a first attachment portion (98a) attached to the cap-shaped device (51) and a second attachment portion (98b) attached to the bridging element (86).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5, wherein the spring element (98) is configured to provide a bistable bias force for biasing the cap-shaped device (51) to the closed position or the open position.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the bridging element (86) is attached to the first arm (104) and the second arm (106) by a snap-fit ​​connection.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the bridging element (86) includes a first end portion (86a) and a second end portion (86b), the first end portion (86a) being attached to the first arm (104) and the second end portion (86b) being attached to the second arm (106).

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first end portion (86a) and / or the second end portion (86b) are barbed.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first end portion (86a) is inserted into a first slot (104) in the first arm (104) and / or the second end portion (86b) is inserted into a second slot (106a) in the second arm (106).

11. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the bridging element (86) is biased to an engaged state.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 11, wherein the cap-shaped device (51) includes an abutment portion. In the open position, the spring element (98) biases the abutting portion toward the bridging element (86).

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 12, wherein, when subordinate to any one of claims 8 to 11, the cap-shaped device (51) comprises a first slit (128) and a second slit (130). The first end portion (86a) is movable within the first cut (128), and the abutting portion is the end of the first cut (128). The second end portion (86b) is movable within the second cut (130), and the abutting portion is the end of the second cut (130).

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 to 13, wherein in the closed position, the spring element (98) biases the cap-shaped device (51) toward the device body (50).

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein the bridging element (86) is made of a material that is more rigid than the material used to manufacture the cap-shaped device (51), the first arm (104), and / or the second arm (106).

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