aerosol generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (1) includes a body (10) having an opening (12) through which a consumable item is received within the aerosol generating device, a cover (110) movable along a first direction between a closed position and an open position, the cover covering the opening in the closed position and exposing the opening in the open position, and a coupling element having a first end (141) arranged to cooperate with the cover and a second end (142) pivotally attached to the body such that the coupling element rotates relative to the body when the cover is moved between the closed position and the open position, the coupling element being positioned on one side of the cover and the body such that the plane of rotation of the coupling element is offset from a central plane (2) parallel to the plane of rotation and extending through the body and the cover. By positioning the coupling element on one side of the cover and the body in this manner, the cover and related components can be made smaller, providing a more compact and user-friendly device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. The disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that may be self-contained and low-temperature. Such devices may heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate materials by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than by combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0002] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assisting regular smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat an aerosolizable substance to release a vapor for inhalation, rather than relying on the combustion of tobacco.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-and-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating rather than burning or combusting the aerosol substrate, an aerosol is released that contains the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can be unpleasant to users due to combustion and burning. Therefore, 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] Such devices are typically handheld and preferably easy to grip and securely hold on to, even while heating the aerosol substrate. However, many devices can be difficult to use, and the required components can be inconvenient.

[0005] For example, it would be useful to provide a cover that can protect the area of ​​the device where the aerosol substrate is provided for use. Because this cover would be frequently removed by the user, a cover that is inconvenient would be undesirable. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a compact device to improve ease of use for the user and reduce manufacturing costs per device. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a body having an opening through which a consumable is received within the aerosol generating device; a cover movable along a first direction between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cover covers the opening and in the open position the opening is exposed; and a coupling element having a first end arranged to cooperate with the cover and a second end pivotally attached to the body so that the coupling element rotates relative to the body when the cover is moved between the closed position and the open position, wherein the coupling element is positioned on one side of the cover and the body so that the plane of rotation of the coupling element is offset from a central plane parallel to the plane of rotation and extending through the center of the body and the cover.

[0007] By positioning the coupling element on one side of the cover and body, the cover and associated components can be made smaller, providing a more compact and user-friendly device.

[0008] The term "consumable" refers to an aerosolizable material, a cartridge or other container containing an aerosolizable material, or any other component suitable for delivering the aerosolizable material into a device so that an aerosol can be generated. The phrase "a cover over an opening" is intended to define that the opening is blocked or obstructed so that material, such as a consumable, cannot enter the device through the opening.

[0009] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further comprises a position sensing element for sensing the position of the cover, the position sensing element being positioned adjacent to the coupling element in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the coupling element.

[0010] The inclusion of a position sensing element allows the aerosol generating device to determine the position of the cover and, for example, activate, deactivate, enable, or inhibit device functions. These functions may relate, for example, to the operation of power or heating chamber components of the device. Locating the position sensing element in the described arrangement allows for efficient use of device space, providing a more compact and user-friendly device.

[0011] Preferably, the coupling element is positioned on one side of the central plane and the position sensing element is positioned on the other side of the central plane.

[0012] By locating the coupling elements and position sensing elements on different sides of the central plane, the components are evenly distributed throughout the cover mechanism and device to provide smooth movement of the cover between open and closed positions.

[0013] Preferably, the coupling element includes a biasing element such that the biasing element provides a biasing force to the cover that biases the cover towards at least one of the closed or open position.

[0014] The biasing force applied by the biasing element to the cover prevents accidental contact from moving the cover away from at least one of the closed or open positions. The biasing element also provides useful feedback to the user as the user moves the cover along the first direction, improving the user experience when operating the device.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling element includes a rigid element. By including the rigid element in the coupling element, the coupling element and the cover are supported. This allows for better control of the movement of the cover along the first direction, thereby increasing the durability of the cover and components associated with the movement of the cover, such as the coupling element.

[0016] Preferably, the biasing element is positioned around the rigid element, in which arrangement the rigid element can act as a support for the biasing element to increase its durability and to better control the direction of the biasing force exerted.

[0017] Preferably, the coupling element includes a traveler positioned adjacent to the biasing element around the rigid element, the traveler arranged to move in a direction extending between the first end and the second end of the rigid element when the cover moves between the closed and open positions such that the traveler transfers a biasing force between the biasing element and the cover.

[0018] The traveler cooperates with the biasing element and the cover to ensure efficient transfer of the biasing force from the biasing element to the cover, and by locating the traveler on the rigid element, other components such as the rigid element and biasing element can be miniaturized, providing a more compact device.

[0019] Preferably, the position sensing element is a magnet and the device further includes a Hall sensor arranged to sense the position of the magnet. Preferably, the Hall sensor is positioned on the body of the device such that the Hall sensor is closer to the magnet when the cover is in the open position than when the cover is in the closed position.

[0020] The Hall sensor can detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet and changes in this magnetic field as a result of movement of the cover. This arrangement allows the aerosol generating device to accurately determine the position of the cover and, for example, activate, deactivate, enable, or inhibit device functions as a result of this determined position.

[0021] Preferably, the biasing element provides a biasing force to the cover that biases the cover between the closed and open positions. This bi-stable configuration prevents the cover from moving away from the closed or open positions due to accidental contact, enhancing the usability of the device.

[0022] Preferably, the biasing element deforms to provide the biasing force.

[0023] Preferably, the cover is further movable from the open position to an actuated position in which the aerosol generating device is operable to initiate an actuation signal.

[0024] A cover that is further movable from an open position to an activated position allows the user to operate the aerosol generating device without having to change the way the device is held, thereby enhancing convenience.

[0025] Preferably, the biasing element is arranged to also provide a biasing force to bias the cover away from the activated position, thereby increasing the safety of the device as the biasing element prevents accidental contact with the cover from falsely initiating an activation signal.

[0026] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes a guide, the carriage being arranged to move along the guide as the cover moves between the closed position and the open position, the carriage being arranged to interact with the cover, and preferably the guide providing an arcuate or linear guide path.

[0027] The guide provides a guide path used to define the first direction, allowing precise control of the cover's movement for increased convenience. Additionally, the inclusion of the guide sets limits on the cover's range of movement so that components, such as the biasing element, are not damaged or undesirably deformed, which may increase the durability of the device. The guide may also prevent cooperating components, such as the carriage, cover, biasing element, and rigid element, from separating from one another.

[0028] Preferably, the biasing element is arranged to apply a biasing force to bias the carriage towards a side of the guide, preferably towards the side of the guide away from the body. Typically, the side of the guide away from the body is the top side of the guide. This provides a smooth movement of the cover that is comfortable for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2E] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2F] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. [Figure 2G] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cover mechanism included in the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] 1A and 1B show a schematic representation of an aerosol generation device according to the present invention. The device 1 comprises a body 10 and a tubular heating chamber 20 arranged to receive an aerosol substrate through an open end of the heating chamber 20, the heating chamber 20 being operable to heat the aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0031] The first end of the aerosol generation device 1 is the end near the cover 110, shown at the top in Figures 1A and 1B, and will be conveniently referred to as the top or upper end of the device 1. The second end of the aerosol generation device 1 is the end farther from the cover 110 (along the longitudinal axis of the device), shown at the bottom in Figures 1A and 1B, and will be conveniently referred to as the bottom, base, or lower end of the aerosol generation device 1. The relative locations of other components will be described based on this orientation. For example, referring to Figure 1B, the cover 110 is located above the tubular heating chamber 20.

[0032] The aerosol generation device further includes an elongated battery 30, with the heating chamber 20 and the battery aligned end-to-end within the body 10, with a first end 21 of the tubular heating chamber 20 facing a first end 31 of the battery. Because the heating chamber 20 and the battery 30 are aligned end-to-end within the body 10, the thermal interface between the heating chamber 20 and the battery 30 is reduced, reducing heat transfer to the battery during use of the device 1. This arrangement also allows for a more compact aerosol generation device 1, where the dimensions of the body 10 can be reduced, and efficient use of space is achieved due to the end-to-end configuration of the tubular heating chamber 20 and the battery 30.

[0033] The body 10 of the device 1 includes an upper body portion 14 with an opening 12 positioned above the tubular heating chamber 20, exposing the open end of the heating chamber 20 and allowing the aerosol substrate to be introduced into the heating chamber 20.

[0034] The apparatus further includes a cover mechanism 100 located on the upper body portion 14 of the apparatus 1. The cover mechanism 100 includes a cover 110 that is movable along at least a first direction between an open position, in which the opening 12 is exposed and access to the heating chamber 20 is possible, and a closed position, in which the cover mechanism 100 blocks the opening 12 to prevent access to the heating chamber 20. When the cover 110 is in the closed position, the cover 110 prevents material from entering the heating chamber 20. As shown in FIG. 2B , a central plane 2 parallel to the plane of movement of the cover 110 extends through the centers of the apparatus 1, the body 10, and the cover 110.

[0035] 2A-2G schematically illustrate a cover mechanism 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the cover mechanism 100 includes a cover 110 and a carriage 120 that are movable relative to a guide 130. When assembled, the guide 130 is fixed to the main body 10 or upper body portion 14 of the device 1 and includes a guide track 132 configured to receive a sliding element 126 of the carriage 120. The sliding element 126 of the carriage 120 is positioned within the guide track 132 such that the arrangement of the sliding element 126 and the guide track 132 can define a path and range of movement of the carriage 120. For example, the first direction or path of movement of the cover 110 defined by the sliding element 126 and the guide track 132 can be linear or curved. The guide 130 is shaped to define a guide opening 134 above the opening 12 such that the opening 12 is exposed when the cover mechanism 100 is in the open position.

[0036] 2, cover 110 and carriage 120 are separate components joined by connecting element 124 such that movement of cover 110 causes movement of carriage 120. Connecting element 124 is a screw that passes through hole 122 in carriage 120 and attaches to a corresponding threaded hole in cover 110 (as shown in FIGS. 2D-2G). Connecting element 124 is not limited to a screw, but can be any suitable attachment means, such as a fastener or adhesive. Preferably, cover 110 is ergonomically designed to be easily operated by a user's thumb when device 1 is held in one hand.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the cover 110 and the carriage 120 may be integrated together as a single component, and in these embodiments, this combined component may still be referred to as the cover 110.

[0038] The cover mechanism 100 further includes a coupling element 140 disposed between the guide 130 and the carriage 120. A first end 141 of the coupling element 140 is attached (directly or indirectly) to the carriage 120, and a second end 142 of the coupling element 140 is attached (directly or indirectly) to the guide 130. Preferably, the first end 141 of the coupling element 140 is pivotally attached to the carriage 120, and the second end 142 of the coupling element 140 is pivotally attached to the guide using, for example, a rotation bar 147. The coupling element 140 is configured such that the plane of rotation of the coupling element 140 is parallel to the plane of movement of the cover 110. The coupling element 140 may be fixedly attached to a rotating bar 147 that itself rotates relative to the guide 130, or alternatively, the rotating bar 147 may be fixedly attached to the guide 130, with the second end 142 of the coupling element rotating about the bar 147. This arrangement provides a sufficiently wide range of movement for the cover 110 to allow for easy manipulation by a user, while allowing for a compact design of the cover mechanism 110 and the device 1. In some embodiments, the first end 141 of the coupling element 140 may be pivotally attached to the carriage 120 using a rotating bar in the manner described above, which attachment may be made using a rotating bar in addition to or instead of the rotating bar 147 attached to the second end 142.

[0039] 2A-2G, the coupling element 140 is positioned on one side of the cover 110, carriage 120, and guide 130, away from the central plane 2 of the cover mechanism 100. Preferably, the coupling element 140 is positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the coupling element 140 is substantially parallel to the central plane 2. Because the coupling element is positioned away from the central plane 2, the plane of rotation about which the cover 110 moves / rotates is offset from and substantially parallel to the central plane 2. By positioning the coupling element 140 in this manner, space for components located on or coupled to the carriage 120 is utilized more efficiently, thereby providing a compact cover mechanism 110 for the apparatus 1.

[0040] The coupling element 140 may include a biasing element 144 configured to apply a biasing force to the cover 110, biasing the cover 110 toward at least one stable position. The cover 110 is considered to be in a stable position when the net force acting on the cover 110 is zero. Depending on the configuration of the cover mechanism 100, the biasing element 144 may apply the biasing force directly to the cover 110 or to a different component, such as the carriage 120, that cooperates with the cover 110 to bias the cover 110 toward the stable position. Typically, a first end of the biasing element 144 is positioned to cooperate with the cover 110, and a second end of the biasing element 144 is positioned to cooperate with the guide 130.

[0041] The carriage 120, the guide 130, and the biasing element 144 are arranged such that as the carriage 120 moves along the guide 130, the distance between the first end of the biasing element 144 and the second end of the biasing element 144 changes, causing the biasing element 144 to deform. Typically, the biasing element 144 is a spring, such as a helical (or coil) spring or a torsion spring. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2G, the biasing element 144 is a helical compression spring. When the spring is deformed away from its relaxed or stable position, the spring exerts a compressive or elongated force along an axis defined by the first end 141 of the coupling element 140 and the second end 142 of the coupling element 140. The force exerted by the spring depends on the deformation of the spring, and the magnitude of the force exerted increases as the magnitude of the deformation of the spring away from the relaxed position increases.

[0042] Preferably, as in this embodiment, the coupling element further includes a rigid element 146, and the biasing element 144 is attached to the rigid element 146. In embodiments including the rigid element 146, a first end of the rigid element 146 may be considered to be the first end 141 of the coupling element 140, and a second end of the rigid element 146 may be considered to be the second end 142 of the coupling element 140.

[0043] The rigid element 146 serves as a support for the biasing element 144, assisting in controlling the biasing force and helping to define the range of movement of the cover 110 and carriage 120 relative to the guide 130 and body 10. For example, if the biasing element 144 is a helical compression spring, the spring wraps around the rigid element 146 such that the biasing force it exerts acts along a longitudinal axis defined by the rigid element 146. In some embodiments, such as when the biasing element 144 is a torsion spring, the rigid element 146 is not necessary due to the nature of the biasing force exerted by a torsion spring. However, including the rigid element 146 can provide better control of the biasing force and increase the durability of the cover mechanism 100.

[0044] Optionally, the coupling element may include a traveler 148 positioned to interact with the carriage 120 and the biasing element 144. Specifically, the traveler 148 is positioned to move longitudinally along the rigid element 146 as it moves the position of the cover 110. Typically, a first end of the biasing element 144 contacts the traveler 148 and interacts with the traveler 148 as it moves along the rigid element 146. The first end of the biasing element 144 may be attached to the traveler 148 or may simply contact the traveler without being attached to the traveler 148. The traveler 148 is positioned to compress or elongate the biasing element 144 as it moves along the rigid element 146.

[0045] In some embodiments, the traveler 148 comprises a hollow rod positioned around the rigid element 146 and arranged to travel along the outside of the rigid element 146. In other embodiments, if the rigid element 146 is hollow, the traveler 148 can be arranged to travel inside the rigid element 146.

[0046] In some embodiments, the traveler 148 includes a limiting mechanism (not shown) that limits the extent to which the traveler 148 can move longitudinally along the rigid element 146, thereby preventing the traveler 148 from separating from the rigid element 146 and / or limiting the extent to which the biasing element 144 can be deformed.

[0047] The coupling elements 140 are positioned so that the cover mechanism 100 has at least one stable position.

[0048] In embodiments of device 1 that include biasing element 144, the biasing element is positioned such that the force exerted by biasing element 144 acts to bias cover 110 toward the stable position. If coupling element 140 does not include biasing element 144, cover mechanism 100 may be held in the stable position by another securing mechanism, such as a latch.

[0049] Preferably, the cover mechanism 100, and in particular the biasing element 144, is configured such that both the open and closed positions are stable positions. Preferably, in such a bistable configuration, when the cover 110 is in a first range of positions between the closed and open positions, the biasing element 144 functions to bias the cover 110 toward the closed position. Similarly, when the cover 110 is in a second range of positions between the closed and open positions, the biasing element 144 functions to bias the cover 110 toward the open position. The first range of positions is closer to the closed position than the second range of positions is closer to the closed position. Similarly, the second range of positions is closer to the open position than the first range of positions is closer to the open position.

[0050] Typically, the biasing element 144 is positioned such that the first range of positions is substantially adjacent to the second range of positions. Therefore, at all positions (or substantially all positions) of the cover 110 between the closed and open positions, the cover 110 is biased toward either the closed or open position. In some embodiments, there may be an unstable equilibrium position (or region) located between the first and second ranges of positions where the biasing element 144 exerts no net force on the cover 110. This position (or region) typically occurs in a moving portion of the cover 110 where the biasing element 144 changes between biasing the cover 110 toward the closed position and biasing the cover 110 toward the open position. The unstable equilibrium position or region is a position or region where a small displacement in any direction drives the cover 110 away from the unstable equilibrium position or region. Preferably, the cover mechanism 100 is positioned such that such an unstable equilibrium position or region is as small as possible. The cover 110 is likely to be positioned only in the unstable equilibrium region due to the movement and / or inertia of the cover 110 when moving the cover 110 between the closed and open positions, and therefore, the cover 110 is unlikely to come to a stable rest in the unstable equilibrium region.

[0051] In some embodiments, guide 130 and / or guide track 132 are (at least partially) arcuate such that the force exerted by biasing element 144 has a constant magnitude in these arcuate regions. More specifically, the distance between the first end of biasing element 144 and the second end of biasing element 144 remains constant throughout the movement of biasing element 144 in these arcuate regions. While the magnitude of the exerted biasing force does not change, the direction of the biasing force exerted on cover 110 changes as biasing element 144 moves.

[0052] In some embodiments, cover mechanism 100 may be configured so that cover 110 is only stable in one of the closed and open positions. In these embodiments, biasing element 144 is positioned to bias cover 110 toward one stable position (either the closed or open position) regardless of where cover 110 is positioned.

[0053] Optionally, in embodiments having a single stable position, a locking mechanism may be incorporated into cover mechanism 100 to temporarily lock cover 110 in a position other than the single stable position. For example, if the closed position is the single stable position, a latch may be provided to lock cover 110 in the open position despite biasing element 144 biasing cover 110 toward the closed position.

[0054] Preferably, the cover mechanism 100 includes a position sensing element 150 located on the carriage 120. Typically, the position sensing element 150 is a magnet. The magnetic field generated by such a magnet can be measured by a Hall effect sensor (Hall sensor) to determine the positioning of the magnet and, therefore, the cover 110. The Hall sensor can be located anywhere on the device 1 where the Hall sensor can detect changes in the magnetic field as a result of movement of the cover 110. Preferably, the Hall sensor is located near the cover 110 at the top of the body 10 directly below the cover mechanism 100. In some embodiments, the Hall sensor is positioned such that the Hall sensor is closer to the magnet when the cover 110 is in the open position than when the cover 110 is in the closed position. In other embodiments, the Hall sensor is positioned such that the Hall sensor is closer to the magnet when the cover 110 is in the closed position than when the cover 110 is in the open position. Locating the Hall sensor near the magnet allows for more accurate position measurements to be recorded and requires less energy for power supply.

[0055] The inclusion of a position sensing element 150 in the cover mechanism 100 allows for knowledge of the movement and position of the cover 110 and allows or disallows other functions of the device 1 according to this position. When the cover 110 is in the closed position, the cover 110 blocks the heating chamber 20, preventing a user from inhaling aerosol generated by the device 1. Therefore, when the cover 110 is in the closed position, the device may limit other functions of the device 1, such as entering an energy saving mode, powering off the device 1, or preventing the heating chamber 20 from reaching a temperature sufficient to generate aerosol. Similarly, when the cover 110 is in the open position, the device may, for example, power on the aerosol generating device 1, perform a battery check, allow the heating chamber 20 to reach a temperature sufficient to generate aerosol, or activate the heating chamber 20.

[0056] Therefore, when the cover 110 is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device 1 can be safely stored, for example, in a bag or pocket, without activation of the heating chamber 20. The biasing element 144 biases the cover 110 towards the closed position to prevent movement of the cover 110 due to accidental contact with other objects.

[0057] 2A, 2B, and 2C, the position sensing element 150 is located on the carriage 120 and is offset from the central plane 2. Preferably, the position sensing element 150 is positioned adjacent to the coupling element 140 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the coupling element 140 and the cover 110, such that the position sensing element 150 is positioned on one side of the central plane 2 and the coupling element 140 is positioned on the other side of the central plane 2. Offsetting the components located on or coupled to the carriage 120 allows for a compact design of the cover mechanism 100 and the device 1.

[0058] Preferably, the components located on or coupled to carriage 120 are positioned such that the weight of cover 110, carriage 120, and components is distributed across a plane perpendicular to central plane 2, minimizing unwanted friction between carriage 120 and guides 130 and minimizing biasing forces acting away from central plane 2. This not only provides a better user experience when moving cover 110, but also increases the durability of cover mechanism 100 and device 1.

[0059] Optionally, the cover is not only movable between the open and closed positions along a first direction, but also movable along a second direction different from the first direction when in the open position. Preferably, the second direction is parallel to the central plane 2 of the device 1 and, more preferably, substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the cover can be pressed by a user along the second direction to an actuated position to activate the heating chamber 20 of the device 1 and generate aerosol. Preferably, the actuated position is not a stable position, and the biasing element 144 applies a biasing force to the cover 110 that biases the cover 110 in a direction away from the actuated position. Alternatively, a separate actuator configured to activate the heating chamber 20 to generate aerosol may be disposed on the main body 10.

[0060] Definitions and Alternative Embodiments It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of the described embodiments perform independent functions with independent advantages. Accordingly, the inclusion or omission of each of these independent features of the embodiments of the invention defined in the claims may be independently selected.

[0061] The term "heater" should be understood to mean any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form an aerosol from an aerosol substrate. The transfer of thermal energy from the heater to the aerosol substrate can be by conduction, convection, radiation, or any combination of these means. As a non-limiting example, a conductive heater may be in direct contact with the aerosol substrate, pressing against it, or may be in contact with a separate component, such as a heating chamber, that itself causes heating of the aerosol substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation.

[0062] The heater may be electrically powered, combustion powered, or powered by any other suitable means. Electrically powered heaters may include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), induction heating systems (e.g., including electromagnets and high frequency oscillators), etc. The heater may be disposed around the outside of the aerosol substrate, may penetrate partway or completely into the aerosol substrate, or any combination thereof. For example, instead of the heaters of the embodiments described above, the aerosol generating device may have a blade-type heater that extends into the aerosol substrate within the heating chamber.

[0063] The aerosol base contains tobacco, e.g., in a dried or cured form, optionally with additional ingredients for flavor or to provide a smoother or more satisfying experience. In some examples, the aerosol base, such as tobacco, can be treated with a vaporizer. The vaporizer can improve vapor generation from the aerosol base. The vaporizer can include, for example, a polyol, such as glycerol, or a glycol, such as propylene glycol. In some cases, the aerosol base does not contain tobacco or even nicotine, but instead contains natural or artificial ingredients to provide flavor, volatility, improved smoothness, and / or other satisfying effects. The aerosol base can be provided as a solid or paste-type material in shredded, pelleted, powdered, granular, strip, or sheet form, or optionally a combination thereof. Similarly, the aerosol base can be liquid or gel. Indeed, in some examples, it may contain both solid and liquid / gel portions.

[0064] Thus, the aerosol-generating device 1 may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated-not-burn tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and is to be construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0065] The aerosol generating device can be configured to receive the aerosol substrate within a pre-packaged substrate carrier. The substrate carrier can generally resemble a cigarette, with a tubular region in which the aerosol substrate is disposed in a suitable configuration. Some designs may also include filters, vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. An outer layer of other flexible planar material, such as paper or foil, may also be provided to hold the aerosol substrate in place, further enhancing the resemblance to a cigarette or the like. The substrate carrier may fit within the heating chamber or may be longer than the heating chamber so that a lid can remain open while the substrate carrier is provided to the aerosol generating device 1. In such embodiments, the aerosol can be provided directly from the substrate carrier, which functions as a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating device.

[0066] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" means to make into an aerosol and / or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilize, atomize, and vaporize. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used consistently to describe a mist or droplets containing atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets containing any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having an opening through which a consumable item is received within the aerosol generating device; a cover movable along a first direction between a closed position and an open position, the cover covering the opening in the closed position and exposing the opening in the open position; a coupling element having a first end arranged to cooperate with the cover and a second end pivotally mounted to the body such that the coupling element rotates relative to the body when the cover is moved between the closed and open positions; Including, the coupling element is positioned on one side of the cover and the body such that the plane of rotation of the coupling element is offset from a central plane that is parallel to the plane of rotation and extends through the center of the body and the cover, respectively; Aerosol generator.

2. further comprising a position sensing element for sensing the position of the cover; 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the position sensing element is positioned adjacent to the coupling element in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the coupling element.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the coupling element is positioned on one side of the central plane and the position sensing element is positioned on the other side of the central plane.

4. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the position sensing element is a magnet, and the aerosol generating device further includes a Hall sensor arranged to sense the position of the magnet.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 4, wherein the Hall sensor is positioned on the body of the aerosol generating device so that the Hall sensor is closer to the magnet when the cover is in the open position than when the cover is in the closed position.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coupling element includes a biasing element, and the biasing element is configured to apply a biasing force to the cover that biases the cover toward at least one of the closed position or the open position.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 6 , wherein the coupling element comprises a rigid element.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the biasing element is positioned around the rigid element.

9. the coupling element includes a traveler positioned adjacent the biasing element around the rigid element; 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the traveler is positioned to move in a direction extending between the first end and the second end of the rigid element when the cover moves between the closed position and the open position, so that the traveler transmits the biasing force between the biasing element and the cover.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the biasing element applies a biasing force to the cover that biases the cover to the closed position and the open position.

11. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the biasing element is deformed to provide the biasing force.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cover is further movable from the open position to an actuated position in which the aerosol generating device is operable to initiate an actuation signal.

13. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 12 when dependent on any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the biasing element is arranged to apply the biasing force so as to bias the cover in a direction away from the operating position.

14. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a guide, wherein the carriage is arranged to move along the guide when the cover moves between the closed position and the open position, and the carriage is arranged to interact with the cover.

15. An aerosol generating device as described in claim 14 when dependent on any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the biasing element is arranged to apply the biasing force so as to bias the carriage towards the side of the guide.

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