Aerosol generating device and method for opening the aerosol generating chamber thereof

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices, and in particular to portable aerosol generating devices, methods for opening the aerosol generating chamber thereof, and manually operated slider structures that can heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than combust, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices or heat-and-burn devices. This type of device typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate containing moist tobacco or other suitable aerosol-generating material, typically to a temperature ranging from 150°C to 300°C. By heating the aerosol substrate, rather than burning or combusting it, an aerosol containing the ingredients desired by the user is released. Furthermore, because the aerosol produced by heating tobacco or other aerosol-generating material typically does not contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant to users, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to users.

[0004] Ensuring that the method of inserting or removing an aerosol-generating article is easy and intuitive for the user is a long-standing need. Typical configurations of housings and buttons for opening devices make them vulnerable to, for example, wet air, dust, everyday liquids, and debris from the consumables. While a common configuration is to provide a cap or cover for the chamber that contains the consumables, conventional designs are difficult to open, prone to breakage over time, and offer little dust resistance because dust and other particles can become lodged in the gap between the cap configuration and the device body. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution that alleviates these problems and has the desired advantages. In particular, it is desirable to provide a portable, compact device that provides improved safety and / or reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: - Housing and - an aerosol-generation chamber configured to receive a substrate and generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generation chamber having an opening at least partially uncovered by the housing; a cover configured to be in a closed position covering the opening or in an open position exposing the opening; an opening mechanism connected to the cover, the opening mechanism including a biasing element that biases the cover toward the open position and a locking element that is configured to releasably lock the cover in the closed position; and Including, the opening mechanism is configured to be in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state; When the opening mechanism is in the covered state, the locking element holds the cover in a closed position, and the opening mechanism can be changed to a partially open state; When the opening mechanism is in an open state, the biasing element holds the cover in an open position, and the opening mechanism is convertible to a partially open state; When the opening mechanism is in the partially open state, the cover is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by force of the biasing element, or from the open position to the closed position by force of a user pressing on the cover until the cover is locked by the locking element. An aerosol generating device is provided.

[0008] The opening mechanism is biased open, but the ability to lock the opening mechanism in a closed position increases the robustness of the cover of the aerosol generating device and makes operation of the cover easy and intuitive.

[0009] In a second aspect of the present disclosure according to the aforementioned aspect, the locking element is further configured to unlock the cover by user manipulation when the cover is in the closed position.

[0010] This configuration prevents the cover from opening unintentionally.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, according to any one of the above aspects, When the opening mechanism transitions from the covered state to the open state, the cover is first moved in a first direction by a user's force so that the cover is unlocked from the closed position, and then moved in a second direction different from the first direction to the open position; When the opening mechanism transitions from the open state to the covered state, the cover moves from the open position to the closed position due to a user force pushing the cover in a third direction, opposite to the second direction, until the cover is locked in the closed position by the locking element.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the above aspects, the cover includes a covering surface configured to cover the aerosol generation chamber when the cover is in a closed position and a sealing surface configured to cover the opening mechanism when the cover is in an open position, and the covering surface is preferably provided on a protrusion of the cover.

[0013] This configuration of the covering surface protects the internal space of the device, especially the opening mechanism, from vapor / dust ingress.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, according to the previous aspect, when the cover is in the open position, the sealing surface forms a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the aerosol-generation chamber around the sealing surface so as to cover the opening mechanism.

[0015] This configuration improves the dustproof performance of the cover, and in particular prevents dust and other particles from being caught in the cover.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the above aspects, the opening mechanism includes a guide track and a first slider engaged with the cover, the first slider configured to slidably engage with the guide track so that the cover can slide between an open position and a closed position.

[0017] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure according to the previous aspect, the locking element is a groove disposed in the guide track.

[0018] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the guide track has a first end and a second end, and when the cover is in the open position, the first slider is held at the first end by a biasing element.

[0019] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure according to the aforementioned aspects, the locking element is disposed on the guide track and at a position between the first end and the second end, such that when the first slider engages with the locking element, the cover is held in the closed position against the force of the biasing element, and when the cover is moved in a first direction, the first slider is moved so as to release the first slider from the locking element and unlock the cover from the closed position.

[0020] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure according to the aforementioned aspects, the opening mechanism includes a second slider engaged with the cover, the second slider configured to slidably engage with the guide track, the second slider configured to be a rotation point for the first slider when the first slider moves away from or engages with the locking element.

[0021] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the second slider is positioned at an end of the cover closest to the center of the opening of the aerosol generation chamber when the cover is in the open position.

[0022] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the opening mechanism includes a rigid element, a first slider is provided on the rigid element at a first end of the rigid element, a second slider is provided on a second end of the rigid element, and the rigid element is connected to the cover.

[0023] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure according to the aforementioned aspects, the first slider is spaced apart from the second slider so that the second slider does not fall into the groove when the second slider moves along the guide track.

[0024] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the aforementioned aspects, the cover includes a protrusion including the second slider, and the sealing surface is provided on the protrusion.

[0025] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure according to the sixth to twelfth aspects, the housing includes a sliding surface, the cover is configured to slide along the sliding surface, and the guide track is arranged so that a portion of the trajectory of the first slider is substantially parallel to the outline of the sliding surface.

[0026] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the above aspects, the cover forms a seamless surface with a peripheral surface of the housing around the cover when the cover is in the closed position.

[0027] This arrangement provides the advantage of preventing the ingress of material or dust.

[0028] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the above aspects, the locking element includes a sensor arranged to stop at least one function of the device when the sensor detects engagement of the release mechanism with the locking element.

[0029] This configuration improves the safety of using the device.

[0030] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure according to any one of the above aspects, the device further includes an LED light arranged to indicate a locked state of the cover.

[0031] With this configuration, the user easily knows whether the cover is locked in place.

[0032] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a method of opening an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding aspects, comprising the step of depressing a cover of the aerosol generating device to unlock a locking element that locks the cover in a closed position.

[0033] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lid of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3b] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an opening mechanism and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an opening mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the opening mechanism in a covered state and the cover in a closed position. [Figure 4b] 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening mechanism of the embodiment of FIG. 4(a) when the opening mechanism is in a partially open state, in particular when the locking element is unlocked. [Figure 4c] 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic cross-sectional views of the track of the opening mechanism of the embodiment of FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), with the opening mechanism in an open state and the cover in an open position. [Figure 5a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a guide track according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the release mechanism in a covered state. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the track of the embodiment of FIG. 5(a) with the opening mechanism transitioning from a covered state to a partially open state. [Figure 5c] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the track of the embodiment of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) with the lid in a partially open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In describing the present invention, terms of orientation and positional relationship, such as "one end," "another end," "other end," "outside," "inside," "upper," "lower," "upper," "top," "bottom," "horizontal," "coaxial," "center," "length," and "distance," are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are merely for the convenience of describing and simplifying the description of the present invention. Specifically, the terms of orientation and positional relationship should be understood as if the aerosol generating device 1 is in an upright (vertical) position and / or as if the center of the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12 is the central point or reference. Otherwise, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention should be understood according to the specific circumstances that make the most technical sense to those skilled in the art.

[0037] As an overview of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows the aerosol generating device 1 with some of its subassemblies. FIGS. 2-6 show further details of some of the subassemblies. For ease of understanding and brevity, certain features shown in the drawings are not described in detail, and certain features are omitted entirely. As used herein, the terms "aerosol generating device," "e-cigarette," or "electronic cigarette system" may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol, including a smoking aerosol, to a user.

[0038] Aerosol generating device Referring to FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, a portable aerosol generating device 1 has a generally elongated shape with a lid portion 111 (i.e., the top portion of the figure) into which consumables can be inserted, and a main portion 112 (i.e., the bottom portion of the figure) opposite the lid portion 111 for holding the device by hand. The aerosol generating device 1 may also have any other shape as long as it is sized to fit the subassemblies and consumables. The housing 11 can be formed of any suitable material or layer of material. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a housing subassembly 11, which is shown as "transparent" (indicated by dashed edges) that houses the various subassemblies of the aerosol generating device 1. Additionally, the aerosol generating device 1 includes within the housing 11 an aerosol generation chamber subassembly 12, a cover subassembly 13, an opening mechanism 14, a power supply subassembly (preferably a LiPo battery) 16, and an internal chassis 18 subassembly of the device that secures most of the other subassemblies together. The illustrated embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 of the present invention is schematic and may be combined with other elements omitted here for simplicity, such as aerosol inlets and outlets, input devices (e.g., control buttons), PCBs, operator or computer modules, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0039] The lid 111 sits on top with a cover 13 for a user to open and close an inlet or opening to the aerosol generation chamber 12 for dispensing consumables to be heated in the heating chamber. A snap fit connector or other type of attachment means may be provided in the lid 111 for attachment to the main part 112.

[0040] The aerosol-generation chamber 12 includes a cylindrical portion defining an interior space for receiving a consumable (not shown), a heater (not shown) disposed near or around the cylindrical portion to provide heat to the aerosol-generation chamber 12, and an opening (aperture) disposed on the "top" side of the cylindrical portion, the opening (aperture) being at least partially uncovered by the housing. In other words, the opening exposes the interior space of the aerosol-generation chamber 12 for receiving (fully or partially) the consumable in the consumable insertion direction. Although referred to as a "cylindrical portion," it will be understood that any shape, such as a square or triangle, may be used.

[0041] Although not shown, the consumable item that can be inserted into the aerosol-generating chamber 12 can be any commercially available consumable item, such as an aerosol base containing nicotine, or a cartridge having a mouthpiece, and a container containing a consumable liquid having an aerosol-forming substance.

[0042] The cover 13 is positioned to cover the aerosol generation chamber 12, more specifically, the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12, after use or to enclose consumables. To provide better dust protection, the cover 13 is preferably configured to form a seamless surface with the surrounding surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the lid 111) around the cover when the cover 13 completely covers the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12. To facilitate opening the cover 13, an opening mechanism 14 is attached to the cover 13. The opening mechanism 14 includes a slider cart 141 (partially hidden in FIG. 1 for clarity and visibility of other components) having a first slider 142 and a second slider 143, and a guide track 1451 that functions as a slider rail along which the sliders 141 and 142 slide so that the cover 13 can slide between an open position and a closed position. In other words, at least one of sliders 142 and 143 is configured to slidably engage guide track 1451 so that cover 13 can slide between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the opening of aerosol generation chamber 12 is blocked by cover 13 to prevent consumables or substances such as moisture and, in particular, dust from entering aerosol generation chamber 12. In the open position, the opening and interior space of aerosol generation chamber 12 are open and exposed, and the opening of aerosol generation chamber 12 provides access to the interior space of aerosol generation chamber 12 from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, a spacing element or insulating element may be provided within aerosol generation chamber 12 at the opening of aerosol generation chamber 12 to enhance thermal insulation.

[0043] The opening mechanism 14 also includes a biasing element 146 and a locking element 1452. The biasing element 146 is configured to continually urge the slider cart and cover 13 toward the open position. The biasing element 146 helps ensure that the aerosol generation chamber 12 remains open during use. The locking element 1452 is configured to releasably lock the cover 13 in a closed position. The locking element 1452 helps ensure that the heating chamber 12 is covered when the device 1 is not in use. The lid 111, and more specifically the cover 13 and the opening mechanism 14, are described in more detail below.

[0044] Lid (cover, covering piece, opening mechanism, and locking element) 2 is an exploded view of the lid 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of understanding and viewing of the other components, the biasing element 146 is hidden in FIGS. 4(a)-5(c).

[0045] The lid 111 has an attachment mechanism 1111, a lid opening 1112, and a channel 1113. The attachment mechanism 1111 is arranged to attach the lid 111 to the main part 112 of the aerosol generating device 1 to form a complete housing 11. The lid opening 1112 is arranged to allow access to the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12. In some preferred embodiments, the lid opening 1112 is the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12. At least a portion of the cover 13 (i.e., the connecting portion 131 or the covering piece 133 of the cover 13) is arranged to protrude into the channel, so that by interacting with the cover 13, a user can move the cover 13 along the channel 1113. Preferably, the cover 13 can form a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the lid 111) around the cover 13 when the cover 13 is in the closed position. In other words, the outer portion 132 of the cover 13 is sized and shaped so that in the open position, the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12 is substantially uncovered, preferably completely uncovered, thereby allowing material to enter the aerosol generation chamber 12, and in the closed position, the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12 is completely covered, blocking access to the aerosol generation chamber 12 and thereby preventing material from entering the aerosol generation chamber 12.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3(a), and 3(b), a covering piece 133 is preferably provided as a partition for the opening mechanism 14 and the aerosol-generation chamber 12 to protect the opening mechanism 14, thereby preventing materials or dust from entering the device 1, particularly the interior space of the opening mechanism. The covering piece 133 is a separate piece that can be fixed to the cover 13, as shown in FIG. 2, or a protrusion that is integrated with the cover 13, as shown in FIG. 3(a). The covering piece 133 is preferably disposed at the end of the cover 13 near the opening when the cover 13 is in the closed position. Preferably, the covering piece 133 has a generally L-shape in side view. A horizontal covering surface 1332 of the covering piece 13 is configured to cover the aerosol-generation chamber 12 when the cover 13 is in the closed position, and is preferably a curved surface that matches the curved shape of the trajectory of the guide track 1451, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c). The vertical sealing surface 1331 is configured to cover the opening mechanism 14 when the cover 13 is in the open position, and is preferably a flat surface as shown in FIG. 3( a). Preferably, the sealing surface 1331 is sized to form a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the inner wall of the aerosol-generation chamber 12 around the sealing surface, covering the opening mechanism and other components of the device 1 when the cover 13 is in the open position. More preferably, both the vertical covering surface 1331 and the horizontal covering surface 1332 are sized to completely separate the opening mechanism 14 from the chamber 12. Thus, the covering piece 133 prevents the intrusion of materials or dust and reduces heat conduction from the chamber 12 to the internal space of the device 1, particularly the opening mechanism 14. Preferably, an air gap is provided within the covering piece 133, thereby reducing heat transfer from the chamber 12 to the opening mechanism 14. To further improve thermal insulation, the covering piece 133 is made of an insulating material such as a fibrous material or a foam material, e.g., wool. Any other insulating means may also be used for the covering strip 133 .

[0047] As described above, the cover 13 is disposed on the exterior of the housing 11 and is available for user interaction such that it is slidably movable relative to the housing 11 between at least a closed position in which the cover 13 blocks the opening so that articles or dust cannot enter the aerosol-generation chamber 12, and an open position in which the opening is uncovered to allow access to the aerosol-generation chamber 12 from the exterior. In other words, the cover 13 is configured to generally traverse an imaginary plane or curved surface formed by the lid opening 1112. The cover 13 is engaged with the opening mechanism 14. More specifically, the cover 13 connects to the opening mechanism 14 via its connecting portion 131 or covering piece 133. Movement of the cover 13 causes the slider cart 141 to move accordingly. Preferably, the connecting portion 131 or covering piece 133 is attached to the slider cart 141 using, for example, screws 149 or other types of attachment means. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3( b ), the slider cart 141 is fixed or hinged to the covering piece 133 , specifically to the end of the slider cart 141 having the second slider 143 .

[0048] The guide track 1451 is located within a guide track subassembly 145 that is secured to the lid 1111, for example, by screws. Preferably, the guide track subassembly 145 includes two guide tracks 1451 with material surrounding the top and bottom of the guide sections, and the two guide tracks 1451 extend along opposite sides (i.e., the first and second ends) of the guide track subassembly 145. The guide track subassembly 145 preferably has a U-shape such that there is an open space between the two guide sections that allows the carriage 124 to be positioned within the guide track subassembly 145 between the two guide sections with the sliders 142 and 143 of the cart 141 positioned within the guide sections. Preferably, the trajectory or path of the guide track 1451 is substantially linear, preferably an arcuate configuration such that a substantially constant or linear force is applied to the biasing element 146 as the guide track 1451 moves and slides thereover. The path of the guide track 1451 has a length defined by a first end that is distant or far from (the center of) the opening and a second end that is closer to (the center of) the opening, and the sliders 142 and 143 can slide along the path between the first end and the second end. Preferably, the housing 11 (lid 111) has a sliding surface, the sliding surface is disposed on the lid 111, and has an outline, at least a portion of which is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the opening. Preferably, the guide track 1451 is disposed so that, when the cover 13 slides along the sliding surface, a portion of the path of the first slider is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the outline of the sliding surface or has the same shape as that of the sliding surface.

[0049] The biasing element 146, which in this embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 is a spring element, is configured to bias the cover 13 to move to the open position. The spring element 146, more specifically a coil compression spring, can be deformed away from a relaxed position (i.e., the open position of the cover 13) to an unstable position (i.e., the closed position of the cover 13). The spring 146 exerts a compressive or tensile force along a longitudinal axis defined by (the two ends of) a rigid guide rod 147 of the opening mechanism 14, around which the spring 146 is attached. The force exerted by the spring 146 depends on the deformation, with the magnitude of the exerted force increasing as the magnitude of the deformation from the relaxed position increases.

[0050] Traveler 1471 is mounted on (around) rigid guide rod 147. Specifically, traveler 1471 is positioned to move longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of rigid guide rod 147. Biasing element 146 is connected to (interacts with) traveler 1471 such that traveler 1471 can move along rigid guide rod 147 due to forces exerted by biasing element 146.

[0051] Specifically, the traveler 1471 is positioned so that it can compress the biasing element 146 when it moves along the longitudinal axis of the rigid guide rod 147. More specifically, one end of the spring 146 (i.e., the rod connection end 1461) is attached to the rigid guide rod 147 (i.e., the hinged end 1472) or other part of the aerosol generation device 1, thereby holding it in place relative to the aerosol generation device 1. The other end of the spring 146 is attached to the traveler 1471. The traveler 1471 is engaged (directly or indirectly) with the cart 141. Here, the traveler 1471 is hingedly connected to the cart 141. The (hinged) end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 is attached (directly or indirectly, in this embodiment hinged) to the housing 11, i.e., the lid 111 or another fixed subassembly of the aerosol generation device 1, thereby holding it in place relative to the aerosol generation device 1. Thus, as the guide cart 141 moves along the guide track 1451, the other end of the rigid guide rod 147 moves, or more specifically rotates, together with the biasing element 146 and the traveler 1471 within the aerosol generation device 100 around the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147, with the hinged end 1472 being the point of rotation.

[0052] The traveler 1471 typically comprises a cavity that is positioned to move along the outside of the rigid guide rod 147. In some embodiments, the rigid guide rod 147 is a hollow rod, and instead, the traveler 1471 is positioned to move inside the rigid guide rod. The traveler 1471 may also be deformable and may be positioned to compress or expand when interacting with the rigid guide rod 147. Specifically, the traveler 147 is positioned to move longitudinally along the rigid guide rod 147. The spring 146 is positioned to interact with the traveler 1471 as it moves along the rigid guide rod 147 to compress or release the spring 146. When the end of the spring 146 engaged with the traveler 147 (i.e., the engagement end) is in an unstable position on the guide track 1451, a net force is applied to the engagement end of the spring 146, resulting in a biasing of the spring 146 and the cover 13 toward a stable position (i.e., the open position). In some embodiments, the traveler 1471 and / or the rigid guide rod 147 include a limiting mechanism (not shown) that limits the extent to which the traveler 1471 can move longitudinally along the rigid guide rod 147, which may prevent the traveler 1471 from separating from the rigid guide rod 147 and / or limit the extent to which the spring 146 can be deformed.

[0053] Additionally, spring 146 is positioned such that at substantially every position of cover 13 between the closed and open positions, a component of the deformation of spring 146 and a component of the force exerted by spring 146 are in the direction of movement of cover 13. Spring 146 is positioned such that when cover 13 is in the open position, this component of the force resists movement away from the open position. Spring 146 is further positioned such that a component of the deformation of spring 146 and a component of the force exerted by spring 146 are transverse to the direction of movement of cover 13. This force component acts to press the engagement end of spring 146 against the side of traveler 1471. This results in a smooth sliding open movement of cover 13 that is comfortable for the user.

[0054] With this configuration, the biasing element 146 relaxes (gradually) as the cover 13 moves away from the closed position toward the open position so as to resist displacement of the cover 13 away from the closed position toward the open position. When the slider 142 is at the first end of the guide track 1451, the cover is in the open position and the spring 146 is in the relaxed position. Although referred to as the "relaxed position," it will be understood that a smaller force is still exerted by the spring 146 because the spring 146 may still be compressed to some extent. The cover is not, in any case, capable of further movement and remains in its open position when the movement of the slider 142 is stopped by the first end of the guide track 1451 and / or when the coupling portion 131 (or covering piece 133) of the cover is stopped by the edge of the lid 111 or housing 11.

[0055] To maintain the cover 13 in the closed position, one or more locking elements 1452 are provided to releasably lock the cover in the closed position. Preferably, the locking elements 1452 are grooves, notches, or recesses in the guide track 1451, and are located between the first and second ends of the guide track 1451 so that when the first slider 143 of the guide cart 141 reaches the locking elements 1452, the slider 142 drops into and engages the locking elements 1452, locking the guide cart 141 in place and compressing the spring 146. Preferably, the groove 1452 is located at the center point of the guide track 1451. Alternatively, the locking elements 1452 may comprise an extension or protrusion of the guide track 1451 that can lock the slider 1452.

[0056] Preferably, the opening mechanism is arranged so that the first slider 143 can be automatically locked by the locking element 1452 when the cover reaches the closed position. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the rigid guide rod 147 is arranged so that the end of the rigid guide rod 147 hinged to the housing 11 (i.e., the hinged end 1472) is "above" the portion of the rigid guide rod 147 that engages with the traveler 1471. In other words, the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 is closer to the opening than the portion of the rigid guide rod 147 that engages with the traveler 1471. The range of rotation of the rigid guide rod 147 is limited so that as the traveler 1471 moves along the rigid guide rod 147, the traveler 1471 is always in a "down" position relative to the hinged end 1472 and is in a position away or farther from the opening compared to the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147. The biasing element 146 is disposed on the side of the rigid guide rod 147 where the rigid guide rod 147 engages the traveler 1471, preferably between the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 and the traveler 1471. Alternatively, the biasing element 146 is a tension spring disposed on the end of the rigid guide rod 147 opposite the hinged end 1472. In this way, as the (traveler-connected) end 1462 of the biasing element 146 and the traveler 1471 move along the rigid guide rod 147, the direction of the force exerted by the biasing element 146 always has a "downward" force component, either toward the closed position or toward the open position. For example, the force component is in a direction away from (the center of) the opening of the aerosol generating device 1. Thus, the locking element 1452 is located on the "bottom" side of the guide track 1451 (the longitudinal side of the guide track 1451 that is farther from the opening) so that, once the cover 13 reaches the closed position, the first slider 142 automatically engages with the locking element 1452 due to the "downward" force component of the biasing element 146.

[0057] To unlock the guide cart 141 from the locking element 1452, another (pair) slider 143 (second slider or second slider pair), preferably a pin or cylindrical protrusion similar to the first slider 142 (first slider or first slider pair), is provided next to the other slider 142. Both the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 engage with the guide track 1451. The first slider 142 and the second slider 143 are preferably arranged at two ends of the guide cart 141. The first slider 142 is arranged at a position of the cart 141 farther away from the opening, and the second slider 143 is arranged at a position of the cart 141 closer to the opening. In other words, the second slider 143 is arranged on or near the covering piece 133. In this way, when the cover 13 reaches the closed position, the first slider 142 automatically engages with the locking element 1452, and the second slider 143 becomes a pivot point for the guide cart 141. Specifically, the distance between the (center of) the first slider 142 and the (center of) the second slider 143 is shorter than the track length of the guide track 1451. Preferably, the distance between the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 is greater than the distance between the locking element 1452 and the first end of the guide track 1451, so that the second slider 143 does not engage with the locking element 1452 when it moves along the guide track 1451. More preferably, the distance between the first slider 142 and the second slider 143 is approximately equal to the distance between the locking element 1452 and the second end of the guide track 1451, so that when the first slider 142 engages with the locking element 1452, the second slider 143 is at the position of the second end of the guide track 1451, which may result in more stable rotation of the cart 141.

[0058] Cover and opening mechanism operation process Referring to Figures 4(a) to 5(c), the components of the opening mechanism 14 are shown when the opening mechanism 14 is in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state, respectively.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the cover 13 is shown in the closed position, with the opening mechanism 14 in a covering state. In this position, the cover 13 covers the opening of the aerosol generating device 1 and forms a seamless surface with the surrounding surface of the housing 11 (i.e., the lid 111). The horizontal covering surface 1332 of the covering piece 133 protects and spaces the opening mechanism 14 from the aerosol generation chamber 12. The vertical sealing surface 1331 is preferably flush with the inner wall of the aerosol generation chamber 12. The opening mechanism 14 is arranged such that, when the cover 13 is in the closed position, the locking element 1452 locks and holds the opening mechanism (first slider 142) in place, resisting the biasing force of the biasing element 146 (not shown) and movement of the cover 133 away from the closed position, as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this embodiment, the biasing element 146 includes a helical compression spring (not shown), and the traveler connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 is compressed by a traveler 1471, which is held in place with the guide cart 141. The traveler 1471 is located closest to the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147. The compressive force from the traveler 147 is applied to the biasing element 146 and acts along the axis of the rigid guide rod 147. The "downward" component of the force of the biasing element 146 holds the first slider 142 within the locking element 1452. The second slider 143 is at the second end of the guide track 1451 and pivotally engages with (the second end of) the guide track 1451.

[0060] With the second slider 143 acting as a pivot point, the rigid guide rod 147 and the cover function as two sides of a lever. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4(b), 5(b), and 5(c), to unlock the locking element 1452 to transition the cover 13 from the closed position to the open position, the user clicks or pushes the cover 13 vertically, more specifically, the end of the cover 13 that is closer to the opening when the cover is in the open position, in a "downward" direction, i.e., a direction different from the sliding direction of the cover 13, more specifically, a direction substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction of the cover 13. Thus, the first slider 142 rotates around the second slider 143 and moves upward, i.e., in a direction opposite to the movement direction of the cover 13 pushed down by the user. In other words, by using the second slider 143 as a pivot point or pivot point, the first slider 142 is lifted by the user's downward force on the cover 13. The biasing element 146, rigid guide rod 147, and traveler 1471 then rotate as the first slider 142 of the cart 141 rotates. Preferably, the force applied downward by the user to the cover 13 should be sustained until the first slider 142 is fully out of the locking element 1452. Due to contact between the first slider 142 and the upper longitudinal side of the guide track 1451, the user may sense resistance and then realize that the force on the cover can be released. Alternatively, the locking element 1452 may be positioned on the cover 13 in a certain shape, for example, a curved shape, so that the first slider 142 can smoothly slide out of the locking element 1452 with only a slight click. Finally, when the force from the user is removed, the opening mechanism 14 is unlocked, and thus the biasing force from the biasing element 146 is released, acting to move or slide the cover 12 to the open position.

[0061] As such, the opening mechanism 14 is transitioned to a partially open state, with the cover 13 in a temporary or intermediate position between the open and closed positions. The biasing element 146 exerts a force that acts to move the cover 13 in a sliding direction to the open position, which sliding direction is substantially horizontal. Both the vertical covering surface 1331 and the horizontal covering surface 1332 shield the opening mechanism 14 and space it from the aerosol-generation chamber 12.

[0062] Specifically, when the release mechanism 14 is released from the locking element 1452, the compressive force applied to the biasing element 146 is released. Thus, the biasing element 146 exerts a force acting along an axis defined by the rigid guide rod 147. As the traveler connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 moves along the rigid guide rod 147 in a direction away from the rod connection end 1461 of the biasing element 146, the traveler 1471 is correspondingly driven by the biasing force applied thereto and, therefore, moves along the rigid guide rod 147 in a direction away from the hinged end 1472 of the rigid guide rod 147 toward the other end of the rigid guide rod 147 opposite the hinged end 1472. This causes the cart 141 engaged with the traveler 1471 to move along the rigid guide rod 147, and therefore the cart 141 drives the cover 13 along the sliding surface to the open position via the connection with the coupling portion 131 or the covering piece 133.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4(c), the cover 13 is then moved to its open position. Preferably, while the first slider 142 reaches the first end of the guide track 1451, the second slider 143 is in a position between the locking element 1452 and the second end of the guide track 1451. In this position, the cover 13 is stopped by a stopper, which is preferably the edge of the opening, the housing 11, or the first end of the guide track 1451. Thus, the opening of the aerosol-generation chamber 12 is exposed, preferably completely exposed, thereby providing access to the interior space from the outside. The vertical covering surface 1333 of the covering piece 133 protects and spaces the opening mechanism 14 from the aerosol-generation chamber 12 and preferably forms a seamless surface with the surrounding inner wall surface of the chamber 12.

[0064] Conversely, to close the opening of the aerosol generation chamber 12, i.e., to move the cover 13 from the open position to the closed position, the user applies a force to the cover 13 that acts to move the cover 13 toward the closed position, i.e., in a sliding direction opposite to the sliding direction driven by the biasing mechanism when opening the cover 13.

[0065] Specifically, the user applies a force to the cover 13 that moves the cover 13 in a generally horizontal direction from the open position to the closed position. The user's force is initially resisted by the biasing element 146, so that if the user releases the cover 13 before the cover 13 reaches the locked position where the first slider 142 engages with the locking element 1452, the cover 13 will return to the open position. When the user applies a force to the cover 13, the cart 141 connected to the cover 13 drives the traveler 1471 to move along the rigid guide rod 147. The force applied by the traveler 1471 then compresses the biasing element 146, causing the traveler connection end 1462 of the biasing element 146 to move along the rigid guide rod 147 toward the rod connection end 1461. As the user continues to apply force to the cover 13, the cover eventually moves to the locked position. When the first slider 142 of the cart 141 reaches the locking element, the downward force exerted by the biasing element 146 acts to engage the first slider 142 of the cart 141 with, i.e., drop into, the locking element 1452. The user recognizes that the cover 13 is locked by sensing the lifting movement of the cover 13 and can then remove the force from the cover. Eventually, the guide cart 141 is locked in place and the spring 146 is compressed. Preferably, the second slider 143 also reaches the second end of the guide track 1451. Upon transitioning to the locked position, the cover, which serves as the other side of the lever of the rigid guide rod 147, is lifted or moved in an upward direction different from the sliding direction of the cover 13, specifically, substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction of the cover 13, as the first slider 142 moves downward, i.e., drops into the locking element 1452. Thus, the cover 13 forms a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the housing 11 (ie, the lid 111) around the cover when the cover completely covers the opening of the aerosol-generation chamber 12.

[0066] When the cover 13 is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device 1 can be stored and the cover 13 prevents the intrusion of materials or dust into the device 1. The locking element 1452 locks the opening mechanism 14 in the covered state and locks the cover 13 in the closed position, preventing the cover 13 from moving due to unintentional contact with other objects. When the cover 13 is in the open position, the biasing element 146 holds the cover 13 in place so that the aerosol generating device 1 can be used and a user can insert or remove consumables into or from the aerosol generating chamber 12 for consumption.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, a sensor is disposed within the locking element 1452, and the heating function of the aerosol generating device 1 is stopped when the sensor detects that the opening mechanism 14 has engaged with the locking element 1452.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment, an LED light is positioned to indicate the locked status of the cover 13.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1), comprising: a housing (11); an aerosol-generation chamber (12) configured to receive a substrate and generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generation chamber (12) having an opening at least a portion of which is not covered by the housing (11); a cover (13) configured to be in a closed position covering the opening or in an open position exposing the opening; an opening mechanism (14) engaged with the cover (13), the opening mechanism (14) including a biasing element (146) that biases the cover (13) toward the open position and a locking element (1452) configured to releasably lock the cover (13) in the closed position; Including, the opening mechanism (14) is configured to be in a covered state, an open state, or a partially open state; When the opening mechanism (14) is in the covered state, the locking element (14) holds the cover (13) in the closed position, and the opening mechanism (14) can be changed to the partially open state; When the opening mechanism (14) is in the open state, the biasing element (1451) holds the cover (13) in the open position, and the opening mechanism (14) can be changed to the partially open state; When the opening mechanism (14) is in the partially open state, the cover (13) is configured to move from the closed position to the open position by a force of the biasing element (1451), or from the open position to the closed position by a force of the user pushing the cover (13) until the cover is locked by the locking element. Aerosol generating device (1).

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the locking element is further configured to unlock the cover upon operation by the user when the cover is in the closed position.

3. When the opening mechanism transitions from the covered state to the open state, the cover first moves in a first direction by the force of the user so that the cover is unlocked from the closed position, and then moves in a second direction different from the first direction to the open position; When the opening mechanism transitions from the open state to the covered state, the cover moves from the open position to the closed position due to the user's force pushing the cover in a third direction, opposite to the second direction, until the cover is locked in the closed position by the locking element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover includes a covering surface configured to cover the aerosol generation chamber when the cover is in the closed position and a sealing surface configured to cover the opening mechanism when the cover is in the open position, and preferably, when the cover is in the open position, the sealing surface forms a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the aerosol generation chamber around the sealing surface so as to cover the opening mechanism.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening mechanism includes a guide track and a first slider engaged with the cover, the first slider being configured to slidably engage with the guide track so that the cover can slide between the open position and the closed position.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5 , wherein the locking element is a groove disposed in the guide track.

7. the guide track has a first end and a second end; When the cover is in the open position, the first slider is held at the first end by the biasing element, preferably the locking element is disposed on the guide track and at a position between the first end and the second end, such that when the first slider engages the locking element, the cover is held in the closed position against the force of the biasing element, and when the cover is moved in the first direction, the first slider is moved so as to release the first slider from the locking element and unlock the cover from the closed position. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the opening mechanism includes a second slider engaged with the cover, the second slider configured to slidably engage with the guide track, the second slider configured to serve as a rotation point for the first slider when the first slider moves away from or engages with the locking element.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the second slider is positioned at the end of the cover closest to the center of the opening of the aerosol generating chamber when the cover is in the open position.

10. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening mechanism includes a rigid element, the first slider is provided on the rigid element at a first end of the rigid element, and the second slider is provided on a second end of the rigid element, and the rigid element is connected to the cover, preferably to a part of the cover that provides a seamless surface as described in claim 4 or 5.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the first slider and the second slider have a distance between them so that the second slider does not fall into the groove when the second slider moves along the guide track.

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

13. An aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the housing includes a sliding surface, the cover is configured to slide along the sliding surface, and the guide track is arranged so that a portion of the trajectory of the first slider is substantially parallel to the outline of the sliding surface.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cover forms a seamless surface with the peripheral surface of the housing around the cover when the cover is in the closed position.

15. A method for opening an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the step of pressing down the cover of the aerosol generating device to unlock the locking element that locks the cover in the closed position.

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