Aerosol generating device with a cover element having a cavity

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (1) comprising a housing (2) having an opening (4) adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, and a cover element (3) adapted to move relative to the housing (2) between a closed position and an open position, where in the closed position the cover element (3) at least partially covers the opening (4) and in the open position the opening (4) is at least partially uncovered, the cover element (3) defines a cover element cavity (10), a guide element (14) protruding from the housing (2), the guide element (14) being received within the cover element cavity (10). The present invention further relates to methods for opening and closing the opening (4) of the aerosol generating device (1), and to methods for assembling the cover element (3) on the housing (2) of the aerosol generating device (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a cover element. The present invention also relates to a method for opening and closing an opening in an aerosol generating device, and to a method for assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems generally include an aerosol generating device that includes a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol generating device is inserted into or disposed around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aerosol generating article may include a capsule that contains an aerosol-forming substrate, such as loose tobacco. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In known electrically operated smoking systems, an aerosol-generating article may be received within a heater chamber of an aerosol generating device. Some aerosol generating devices may include a sliding cover element that a user can slide over an opening of the heater chamber when the aerosol generating device is not in use. However, if the sliding cover element is accidentally opened when the aerosol generating device is not in use, debris or foreign objects may contaminate the heater chamber and damage the heater. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1]1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover element. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a partial perspective view of an aerosol generating device without the top cap of the cover element. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective view of an aerosol generating device without a cover element and a guide element. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a partial perspective view of the bottom of the cover element, the guide element and the elastic element. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 1 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, in which in the closed position the cover element at least partially covers the opening and in which in the open position the opening is at least partially uncovered. Preferably, the opening is fully covered by the cover element in the closed position. Preferably, the opening is fully uncovered in the open position. The cover element forms a cover element cavity, and the guide element projects from the housing and is received in the cover element cavity. In particular, the guide element is partially located in the cover element cavity. The guide element preferably engages with an inner surface of the cover element cavity. Preferably, the cover element cavity only opens at the side of the cover element facing the housing. The cover element may enable a compact sliding mechanism for opening and closing the opening. In particular, the guide element is not visible to the consumer and is not exposed to damage or contamination.

[0006] The cover element may be adapted for movement between a closed position and an open position along a first path. The first path may be lateral or may have at least a component in the lateral direction of the aerosol generating device. The first path may be straight or curved. The lateral direction may be vertical or may have a component perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. The longitudinal direction may be the main extension direction of the aerosol generating device, i.e. the direction in which the aerosol generating device has its maximum length. In an upright orientation of the aerosol generating device, the longitudinal direction is the height direction and the lateral direction may be horizontal. The lateral direction may be perpendicular to the width direction of the aerosol generating device. The following designations of "upper" and "lower" refer to the longitudinal direction as the height direction.

[0007] The aerosol-generating article may be inserted longitudinally through an opening in the aerosol generating device such that the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article abuts a stop element or end surface of the heating chamber, an oral end portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude longitudinally from the heating chamber.

[0008] The guide element may be adapted to exert a restraining force on the cover element toward the housing, at least when the cover element is in the closed position, thereby allowing the cover element to be pulled toward the housing. Clearance tolerances between the cover element and the housing may be minimized. Ingress of dust and other contaminants between the cover element and the housing may be reduced or avoided.

[0009] The cover element may comprise a sealing element which contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is arranged in the closed position. In particular, the sealing element may be provided in a sealing recess or on an underside of the cover element facing the housing. The upper side of the housing in contact with the sealing element is preferably at least partially complementary to the underside of the cover element and is preferably substantially flat. A force exerted by a guide element on the cover element towards the housing may improve sealing efficiency.

[0010] The guide element may be resiliently biased in a direction towards the housing. Preferably, the resilient bias is provided by a resilient element, which may be part of or engage with the guide element. The guide element may be pulled longitudinally downwards by the resilient element.

[0011] The guide element may be pulled downwards in the longitudinal direction by the elastic element. Alternatively or additionally, the guide element may be pushed downwards in the longitudinal direction in addition to or instead of being pulled. The elastic element may act downwards on the guide element. The elastic element may be a spring-loaded plate. The elastic element may be arranged inside the cover element. The elastic element may be attached to the upper surface of the housing. The elastic element may engage the guide element from above, from within the cover element.

[0012] One of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, where the protrusion and the recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position. In particular, the guide element includes a protrusion and the cover element includes a first recess, where the protrusion and the first recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position. The cover element may be retained in the closed position, reducing the possibility of accidental opening.

[0013] In particular, the required release force on the cover element along the first path starting from the closed position and beginning to slide is determined by the geometric shape and the restraining forces of the projections and recesses. Preferably, the release force from the closed position is at least twice, preferably at least five times, the release force of an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. In particular, the release force in the intermediate position is determined by the static friction between the cover element and the housing.

[0014] When the cover element reaches the closed position, the protrusions and recesses engage such that the consumer feels a tactile response, in particular a click.

[0015] One of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, where the protrusion and the recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the open position. In particular, the guide element comprises a protrusion and the cover element comprises a second recess, where the protrusion and the second recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the open position. The cover element can be held in the open position to reduce the possibility of accidental closure. It is preferred that the release force from the open position is at least two times, preferably at least five times, the release force of an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position.

[0016] One of the cover element and the guide element may include a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element may include a first recess and a second recess, where the protrusion and the first recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position and where the protrusion and the second recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the open position.

[0017] One of the cover element and the guide element may include a recess and the other of the cover element and the guide element may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, where the recess and the first protrusion engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position and where the recess and the second protrusion engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

[0018] When the cover element reaches the open position, the protrusions and recesses engage such that the consumer feels a tactile response, in particular a click.

[0019] In particular, the cover element may comprise two recesses at the same position along the first path and on either side in the width direction, and the guide element may comprise two protrusions at the same position along the first path and on either side in the width direction.

[0020] The guide element may be adapted to press the protrusion into the recess. In particular, the force with which the protrusion is pressed into the recess is a counter force against a restraining force which pushes the guide element towards the housing. Thus, three functions are provided: to hold the cover element closely to the housing, to secure the cover element in the closed or open position, and to provide tactile feedback when the cover has reached the closed or open position.

[0021] The guide element may comprise a leg, the leg extending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and the elastic element may engage the leg inside the housing. The elastic element may be located completely inside the housing. This reduces the chance of the elastic element being broken and improves the appearance and cleanability of the device. In particular, the elastic element presses the leg towards the inside of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the leg itself may be the elastic element.

[0022] The resilient element may be a latch spring. In particular, the latch spring may be formed as a bent sheet metal part. Alternatively, the latch spring may be formed as a helical wire spring, which allows for a relatively high resilience, long durability, and requires little space for the resilient element.

[0023] The resilient element may be disposed within a spring cavity in the housing, the spring cavity having an opening through which the legs extend. The spring cavity may be hermetically closed to an inner compartment of the housing. The inner compartment may contain control electronics, a heater, or a battery. This may prevent liquid or dust that enters the spring cavity through the opening from migrating to the inner compartment further within the device and potentially causing damage.

[0024] The spring cavity may be integrally formed in the cap of the housing. To improve assembly, the spring cavity may be closed by a lower closure part, such as a bottom wall. The lower closure part may be sealed with a sealing element against the side wall of the spring cavity. The sealing element may be a gasket. The sealing element may seal the spring cavity against an inner compartment of the device, which may in particular contain the control electronics. The opening of the spring cavity corresponds in its shape to the cross section of the leg, thus minimizing clearance.

[0025] The elastic element may comprise a head, the head being received in the cover element cavity of the cover element, the head having a width greater than the width of the legs. The head may be arranged such that a main extension of the head is perpendicular to a width direction perpendicular to the first path, in particular to the transverse direction. At least one protruding portion of the head may protrude in the width direction over the legs and may engage with the cover element. The protruding portions may be provided on either side of the head in the width direction.

[0026] The cover element may comprise a guide slot in a surface adjacent to the housing through which the legs of the guide element extend, the head engaging an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot. In particular, the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity on both sides of the guide slot. The cross section of the head in the width direction may correspond to the required tolerance for the cross section of the cover element cavity in the width direction.

[0027] The cover element may comprise a bottom and a top cap, the cover element cavity being formed between the top cap and the bottom. The bottom may be a flat bottom plate. Preferably, a guide slot is provided in the bottom. The top cap may have a concave surface that limits the cover element cavity. Assembling the cover element from at least two parts, namely the top cap and the bottom, allows an efficient assembly operation. The top cap may be fixed to the bottom, in particular by adhesive, form-fitting, in particular by snap-fitting, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the cover element may be only in one piece. In this case, the head is preferably inserted into the guide slot in a first orientation and then rotated to engage with the inside of the cover element cavity.

[0028] The cover element may comprise at least one guide projection, which is guided along a guide surface in the housing. In particular, two guide projections are arranged on either side in the width direction of the cover element. In particular, two guide surfaces are provided in the housing, which extend along a first path. Preferably, the guide surface is arranged on a side wall at the top of the housing. The side wall extends at least partially along the first path and may protrude in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the region of the guide surface. The guide surface preferably extends along the first path and is curved or straight in a direction perpendicular to the first path.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the cover element may comprise at least one guide protrusion, which is guided in a guide recess in the housing. In particular, two guide protrusions are arranged on either side in the width direction of the cover element. In particular, two guide recesses are provided in the housing, extending along the first path. Preferably, the guide recess is arranged in a side wall at the top of the housing. The side wall may extend at least partially along the first path and may protrude in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the region of the guide recess. The guide recess may be a guide slot in the side wall.

[0030] The guide protrusion may be rigid. In an alternative embodiment, the guide protrusion may be elastic to compensate for tolerances, in particular to accommodate gap variations. The guide protrusion may be formed as a blade spring. The guide protrusion may be considered elastic if its most protruding end is displaced more than the thickness of the guide protrusion when subjected to a restraining force. Otherwise, the guide protrusion may be considered rigid. The most protruding end of the guide protrusion may be displaced more than twice the thickness of the guide protrusion when subjected to a restraining force, in particular more than five times.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention according to any of the embodiments described herein. The aerosol generation system also comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate which, when heated, releases a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0032] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0033] When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems, and alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco intrinsic binders), or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco extrinsic binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglomerating the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the homogenized tobacco material sheet is formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry including particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the supporting surface.

[0034] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters in length, but may have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0036] The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 mm.The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0037] The tobacco plug may have a diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for opening and closing an opening in an aerosol generating device, the opening being adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, and a cover element being moved along a first path, in particular transversely relative to the opening, between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening. The cover element moves relative to a guide element, which pulls the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position. Thus, the tolerance clearance between the cover element and the housing can be reduced, which can improve closure of the opening. Preferably, the opening is fully covered by the cover element in the closed position.

[0040] In particular, the cover element includes a sealing element that contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is disposed in the closed position.

[0041] In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, where the protrusion and the recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

[0042] In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, where the protrusion and the recess engage with each other when the cover element is in the open position.

[0043] The guide element may resiliently move in a direction different from the first path when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open and closed positions. Thus, by increasing the elastic potential of the elastic element, a reaction force against the movement along the first path may be varied along the movement of the cover element relative to the guide element. Thus, a tactile response at a particular position may be provided, in particular the open position, the closed position, or the open and closed positions. Furthermore, the cover element may be held in the open position, the closed position, or the open and closed positions against undesired movement.

[0044] The guide element may pull the cover element towards the housing throughout its movement between the open and closed positions, such that clearance between the cover element and the housing may be maintained at a minimum throughout the movement and movement of the cover element outside of the first path may be reduced to allow for precise guidance of the cover element.

[0045] The pulling force of the guide element can press at least one guide protrusion of the cover element against a wall of a guide recess in the housing. The guide protrusion may be provided on a side surface of the cover element. In particular, the guide recess is arranged in a protruding side wall of the housing. Preferably, the guide recess may be arranged on both sides of the cover element. The guide recess extends in particular along the first path.

[0046] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a guide element to elastically urge a cover element towards a housing of an aerosol generating device while the cover element moves relative to the guide element to close an opening in the housing with improved sealing properties.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device, in particular according to the first aspect of the present invention, the bottom of the cover element is placed on the top surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device, and then the legs of the guide element are inserted through the guide slots of the bottom into the openings of the spring cavities in the housing, and the elastic elements placed in the spring cavities engage with the notches of the legs. The legs are thus fixed by the form fitting into the spring cavities. The heads of the guide elements can engage with the top surface of the bottom, so that the bottom is slidably mounted on the top surface of the housing. The elastic elements can pull the bottom towards the housing.

[0048] The top cap may then be placed on the bottom so that a cover element cavity is formed, and the head of the guide element is placed within the cover element cavity, thus making the guide element no longer visible and protected.

[0049] Prior to inserting the legs into the spring cavity, the elastic element may be positioned in the spring cavity, which may then be closed with a closure part. The closure part may be a lower closure part, in particular a bottom wall. A sealing element, such as a gasket, may be arranged between the lower closure part and a side wall of the spring cavity. The closure part may be arranged on an opposite side of the spring cavity than the opening.

[0050] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device including an opening adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, a cover element adapted to move in a first direction relative to the opening between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening, the cover element adapted to move relative to a guide element, the guide element adapted to pull the cover element towards the housing at least to the closed position.

[0051] The apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention may be used with the method of the third aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention may be carried out in any of its embodiments by using the apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention. The use of the guide element according to the fourth aspect of the invention may be carried out by using method steps from the method according to the third aspect of the invention with the apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention. The assembly method according to the fifth aspect may be used to assemble the apparatus according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention.

[0052] The invention is defined in the claims, however the following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples.

[0053] Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0054] Example 1: An aerosol generating device comprising a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, and a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cover element at least partially covers the opening and in the open position the opening is at least partially uncovered, the cover element forms a cover element cavity, and a guide element protrudes from the housing and is received within the cover element cavity. Example 2: 2. An aerosol generating device as described in example 1, wherein the cover element can be adapted to move between a closed position and an open position along a first path that is lateral to the aerosol-generating article. Example 3: 3. An aerosol generating device as described in example 1 or 2, wherein the guide element is adapted to exert a restraining force towards the housing on the cover element at least when the cover element is in the closed position. Example 4: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element contacts the housing and includes a sealing element extending around the opening when the cover element is disposed in the closed position. Example 5: 5. An aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the guide element is resiliently biased in a direction towards the housing. Example 6: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element has a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element has a recess, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the recess engage with each other. Example 7: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, and when the cover element is in the open position, the protrusion and the recess engage with each other. Example 8: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element has a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element has a first recess and a second recess, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the first recess engage with each other, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the second recess engage with each other. Example 9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the guide element is adapted to push the protrusion into the recess. Example 10: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the guide element comprises a leg, the leg extending from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and the elastic element engaging the leg on the inside of the housing. Example 11: 12. The aerosol generating device of embodiment 11, wherein the elastic element is a latch spring. Example 12: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 10 or 11, wherein the elastic element is disposed within a spring cavity in the housing, the spring cavity has an opening, the legs extend through the opening of the spring cavity, and the spring cavity is airtightly closed against the inner compartment of the housing. Example 13: 13. The aerosol generating device of embodiment 12, wherein the guide element comprises a head, the head being received within the cover element cavity, the head having a width greater than the width of the legs. Example 14: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the cover element has a guide slot on a surface adjacent to the housing through which the legs of the guide element extend, and the head engages with an inner surface of the cover element cavity adjacent the guide slot. Example 15: 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element comprises a bottom portion and a top cap, the cover element cavity being formed between the top cap and the bottom portion. Example 16: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the cover element comprises at least one guide protrusion that is guided into a guide recess in the housing. Example 17: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 14 and an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 18: A method for opening and closing an opening in an aerosol generating device, wherein the opening is adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, and a cover element is moved between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening, the cover element moving relative to a guide element, the guide element pulling the cover element toward the housing at least to the closed position. Example 19: 20. The method of example 18, wherein the cover element defines a cover element cavity, and the guide element is received within the cover element cavity. Example 20: 20. The method of example 18 or 19, wherein the cover element includes a sealing element that contacts the housing and extends around the opening when the cover element is disposed in the closed position. Example 21: 21. The method of any one of Examples 18-20, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element includes a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element includes a recess, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the recess engage with each other. Example 22: 21. The method according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, and when the cover element is in the open position, the protrusion and the recess engage with each other. Example 23: 21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the cover element moves along a first path, and the guide element moves elastically in a direction different from the first path when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open position and the closed position. Example 24: 24. The method of any one of embodiments 18-23, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element toward the housing throughout its movement between the open and closed positions. Example 25: 25. The method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 24, wherein the pulling force of the guide element presses at least one guide protrusion of the cover element against a wall of a guide recess in the housing. Example 26: Use of a guide element to resiliently press the cover element towards the housing of the aerosol generating device, closing the opening in the housing with improved sealing properties while the cover element is moving relative to the guide element. Example 27: A method for assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device, particularly as described in any one of Examples 1 to 17 or 30, comprising the steps of: - placing a bottom portion of the cover element on a top surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device; - inserting a leg of the guide element through the bottom guide slot and into the opening of the spring cavity in the housing such that the elastic element disposed in the spring cavity engages with the notch in the leg. Example 28: 28. The method of assembly of example embodiment 27, further comprising the step of placing the top cap over the bottom to form a cover element cavity, the head of the guide element being positioned within the cover element cavity. Example 29: 29. The method of assembly of example 27 or 28, further comprising positioning an elastic element within the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure portion. Example 30: 1. An aerosol generating device including an opening adapted to receive an aerosol generating article, a cover element adapted to move in a first direction relative to the opening between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening, and the cover element adapted to move relative to a guide element, the guide element adapted to pull the cover element toward the housing at least to the closed position.

[0055] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0056] An aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in an upright orientation in Figure 1. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover element 3 slidably arranged on the housing 2 along a first path in a lateral direction 100. The housing 2 extends mainly in a longitudinal height direction 200 and has a relatively small extension in a width direction 300.

[0057] In its closed position, the cover element 3 covers an opening 4 of the heating chamber 5, as shown in Figure 4. In the open position, the cover element 3 allows a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article to be inserted through the opening 4 of the heating chamber 5. A mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article typically protrudes above the opening 4, and once the aerosol-generating article is heated in the heating chamber 5, the aerosol-generating article may be consumed substantially like a cigarette.

[0058] The housing 2 comprises an upper surface 6 along which the cover element 3 can slide. Furthermore, the housing 2 comprises an edge portion 7 which encompasses the upper surface 6. The edge portion 7 projects in a longitudinal direction 200 beyond the upper surface 6 which forms a side wall at the top of the housing 2. In the closed position, the cover element 3 is disposed adjacent to the edge portion 7 on one side of the lateral direction 100. In the open position, the cover element 3 is disposed on the edge portion 7 on the opposite side of the lateral direction 100.

[0059] In Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the cover element 3 is shown. The cover element 3 comprises a top cap 8, which is arranged on and connected to a bottom part 9. The top cap 8 is fixed to the bottom part 9. Between the bottom part 9 and the top cap 8 a cover element cavity 10 is provided. A guide slot 11 extends in a lateral direction 100 of the bottom part 9. A first recess 12 and a second recess 13 are provided adjacent opposite ends of the guide slot 11. In particular, an aligned pair of first recesses 12 and an aligned pair of second recesses 13 are provided on either side of the guide slot 11.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 3, the guide element 14 is arranged on the housing 2. In particular, the guide element 14 is elastically movable in a height direction 200. The guide element 14 is pulled downwards in a longitudinal direction 200 by an elastic element 15 in the form of a latch spring, as shown in Fig. 5, such that the guide element 14 pulls the cover element 3 towards the housing 2. In particular, the guide element 14 is partially arranged in a spring cavity 16 of the housing 2. The elastic element 15 is completely arranged in the spring cavity 16.

[0061] The guide element 14 includes a head 17 that is disposed within the cover element cavity 10 of the cover element 3. The guide element 14 further includes a leg 18 that is at least partially disposed within the spring cavity 16. A notch 19 is formed in the leg 18. The resilient element 15 engages the notch 19 and exerts a resilient force in a downward longitudinal direction 200, pulling the guide element 14 toward the inside of the spring cavity 16.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, a protrusion 20 is provided on the underside of the head 17 of the guide element 14. The protrusion 20 engages with the first recess 12 of the cover element 3 when the cover element 3 is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 3. When the cover element 3 is in the open position, the protrusion 20 of the guide element 14 engages with the second recess 13. During the sliding movement between the closed and open positions, the protrusion 20 slides along a sliding surface 21, which extends adjacent to and parallel to the guide slot 11 on the bottom 9 of the cover element 3. The engagement of the protrusion 20 in the recess 12 or 13 provides a tactile response in the form of a click, confirming to the consumer that the cover element 3 has reached the open or closed position.

[0063] The cover element 3 may be provided with a guide lug 22 on each side in the width direction 300. The guide lugs 22 engage with a curved surface 23 of the edge portion 7.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the spring cavity 16 in which the elastic element 15 is arranged is closed at its underside by a closure portion 24 in the form of a bottom wall. In particular, a gasket or adhesive is provided around the closure portion 24 so that the spring cavity 16 is sealed against the housing section containing the control electronics.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cover element 3 is moved along a first path in the lateral direction 100 from the closed position shown in Fig. 1, so that the protrusion 20 of the head 17 of the guide element 14 engages with the first recess 12. The guide element 14 remains stationary while the cover element 3 moves, so that the protrusion 20 disengages from the first recess 12. The cover element 3 is then moved such that the sliding surface 21 of the bottom 9 slides along the protrusion 20 of the head 17 of the guide element 14. When the cover element 3 reaches the open position, the protrusion 20 engages with the second recess 13, so that the consumer feels a tactile response. In this position, the opening 4 is not completely covered and the consumer may insert a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber 5.

[0066] In one embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, first the elastic element 15 in the form of a latch spring is inserted from below into the spring cavity 16. The spring cavity is then closed by a lower closure part 24 in the form of a bottom wall of the spring cavity 16. The bottom 9 of the cover element 3 is then located on the top surface 6 of the housing 2, in the state shown in FIG. 4. The guide element 14 is inserted with its leg 18 through the guide slot 11 and is pressed into the spring cavity 16, where the latch spring 15 engages with the notch 19 of the guide element 14. The latch spring 15 pulls the guide element 14 downwards, so that the head 17 of the guide element 14 presses with its projection 20 onto the sliding surface 21 or into one of the pair of recesses 12, 13. Thus, by a simple linear insertion movement, the guide element 14 is fixed to the latch spring 15, which keeps the top surface 6 and the bottom 9 of the housing 2 in intimate contact. The top cap 8 is then fixed to the bottom part 9, preferably by means of snap-in elements. The assembly of the cover element 3 is thus completed.

[0067] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the typical standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. a housing having an opening adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article; a cover element adapted to move relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position; In the closed position, the cover element at least partially covers the opening; In the open position, the opening is at least partially uncovered; the cover element defines a cover element cavity; A guide element projects from the housing; The guide element is received within the cover element cavity; The aerosol generating device, wherein the guide element comprises legs, the legs extending from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and an elastic element engaging the legs inside the housing.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the guide element is adapted to exert a restraining force on the cover element towards the housing at least when the cover element is in the closed position.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion, and the other of the cover element and the guide element comprises a first recess and a second recess, and when the cover element is in the closed position, the protrusion and the first recess engage with each other, and when the cover element is in the open position, the protrusion and the second recess engage with each other.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic element is disposed within a spring cavity in the housing, the spring cavity having an opening, the legs extending through the opening of the spring cavity, and the spring cavity being airtightly closed relative to an inner compartment of the housing.

5. 5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the guide element comprises a head, the head being received within the cover element cavity, the head having a width greater than the width of the legs.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover element has a guide slot on its surface adjacent to the housing through which the leg of the guide element extends, and the head engages with the inner surface of the cover element cavity adjacent the guide slot.

7. 7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cover element comprises a bottom and a top cap, the cover element cavity being formed between the top cap and the bottom.

8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover element includes at least one guide protrusion that is guided into a guide recess in the housing.

9. 9. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

10. 1. A method for closing an opening in a housing of an aerosol generating device, comprising the steps of: the opening is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article; The cover element is moved between an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered and a closed position in which the cover element at least partially covers the opening; the cover element moves relative to the guide element; the guide element pulls the cover element toward the housing to at least the closed position; The method, wherein the guide element comprises legs, the legs extending from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing, and a resilient element engaging the legs on the interior of the housing.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cover element is moved along a first path, and the guide element resiliently moves in a direction different from the first path when the cover element is moved along the first path between the open position and the closed position.

12. A method for assembling a cover element on a housing of an aerosol generating device, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: - placing the bottom of the cover element on the top surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device; - inserting the leg of a guide element through the guide slot in the bottom and into the opening of the spring cavity in the housing so that a resilient element disposed in the spring cavity engages with a notch in the leg.

13. 13. The assembly method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of placing a top cap on said bottom so that a cover element cavity is formed, the head of said guide element being placed in said cover element cavity.

14. The assembly method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the step of positioning the elastic element in the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure part.

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