Aerosol inhalation device and aerosol generation system

Abstract

This aerosol inhalation device comprises: a housing having an opening; an accommodation part for accommodating a consumable material that is to be heated therein; and a lid part. The lid part is movable between a first position at which the opening is covered and a second position at which the opening is opened so that the consumable material can be inserted. The lid part is configured so as to receive, at the second position, a biasing force for moving toward the first position. The biasing force includes a magnetic force.

Description

Aerosol suction device and aerosol generation system

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device and an aerosol generation system.

[0002] Conventionally, aerosol inhalation devices for generating aerosols without burning a material have been known. Such aerosol inhalation devices may have a movable lid that covers at least a portion of an opening into which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 discloses that in the aerosol generating device, a holding member is connected to a biasing member, and a user inserts the article into the device and opens the holding member. Patent Document 2 discloses a door in the aerosol generating device that opens and closes the insertion space to the outside.

[0003] Special table 2021-500018 Publication Special table 2023-515663

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a spiral spring as the biasing member. Patent Document 2 discloses that the door is connected to a hinge member including a spring. However, in the aerosol inhalation devices of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the elastic force of the spring may change with repeated use, or the spring may be deformed by the aerosol.

[0005] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an aerosol suction device or aerosol generation system in which the lid is biased so as to make it easier to move to a predetermined position, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the device and improving the durability of the lid or the structure that biases the lid.

[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol inhalation device comprising: a housing having an opening; a container for accommodating a consumable product for heating; and a lid, the lid being movable between a first position that covers the opening and a second position that opens the opening to allow the consumable product to be inserted; the lid being configured to receive a biasing force in the second position for moving the lid to the first position, the biasing force including a magnetic force.

[0007] According to the above aspect, an aerosol suction device can be provided in which the lid portion is biased so as to make it easier to move to the first position, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the aerosol suction device and improving the durability of the lid portion or the structure that biases the lid portion.

[0008] The lid may be configured to be rotatable from the first position toward the inside of the storage portion.

[0009] In this case, when inserting the consumable product into the storage section, the lid section can be opened by pressing the tip of the consumable product against the lid section, and the consumable product can be easily inserted into the storage section.

[0010] The lid portion may have a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the storage portion, the second position being inside the housing, and may be configured to rotate from the second position to the first position so that the movement direction of the lid portion faces the direction of the central axis.

[0011] In this case, the magnet in the lid portion and the magnet in the storage portion can face each other over a wider area, thereby increasing the biasing force of the magnetic force.

[0012] The aerosol inhalation device may further include a hinge portion that rotatably connects the housing or the storage portion to the lid portion, and the opening may be positioned at a distance from the hinge portion.

[0013] In this case, the distance from the position where the lid is pressed when opening it to the rotation axis of the lid is longer, so that the lid can be rotated with a smaller force.

[0014] The distance between the opening and the hinge portion may be 2 mm or more.

[0015] In this case, a certain distance can be secured between the position where the lid is pressed when opening it and the rotation axis of the lid, so that the lid can be rotated without requiring a large force.

[0016] The center of the lid portion may be located closer to the hinge portion than the center of the opening.

[0017] In this case, it becomes easier to increase the distance from the position pressed when opening the lid to the rotation axis of the lid, so the lid can be rotated more reliably without requiring a large force.

[0018] The cover may include a first magnet, and the housing may include a second magnet that exerts a repulsive force on the first magnet when the cover is in the second position.

[0019] In this case, it is possible to provide an aerosol inhalation device with improved durability of the lid and other parts more reliably.

[0020] The aerosol suction device may comprise a magnetic material and a third magnet that are attracted to each other, the lid portion comprising the third magnet and the housing comprising the magnetic material, or the lid portion comprising the magnetic material and the housing comprising the third magnet.

[0021] In this case, the cover is biased toward the housing when in the first position, which can further prevent foreign matter from entering the aerosol inhalation device.

[0022] The cover may include the third magnet, the housing may include the magnetic body, and the first magnet and the third magnet may be integrally formed.

[0023] In this case, the number of parts constituting the lid can be reduced and the lid can be easily manufactured.

[0024] The lid may include a pressing portion configured to press the consumable product in the second position.

[0025] In this case, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation of the stored consumable products and prevent a decrease in heating efficiency.

[0026] The lid or the housing may further include a sealing member that seals the opening when the lid is in the first position.

[0027] In this case, it is possible to further prevent foreign matter from entering the aerosol suction device through the opening.

[0028] The lid may include a plurality of flaps.

[0029] In this case, when the consumable product presses against the lid portion, stress is biased to a local area of ​​the consumable product, and adverse effects such as deformation of the consumable product can be reduced.

[0030] Each of the multiple flaps has a tapered portion that becomes thinner as it moves away from the rotation axis of the flap, and the tapered portion has a first surface that is located outside the aerosol inhalation device at the tapered portion when the flap is in the first position, and the first surface may be inclined inward from a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the storage portion.

[0031] In this case, the storage section can be made compact, and the lid section can be easily pivoted smoothly when pressed by the consumable product.

[0032] The flap may have a second surface that intersects with the rotation axis of the flap, and the second surface may have a convex portion.

[0033] In this case, the pivoting of the lid portion can be made smoother than when the second surface rubs against the inner wall surface of the storage portion.

[0034] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol inhalation device described above and the consumable product.

[0035] According to the above aspect, the lid portion is biased so as to make it easier to move to the first position, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the aerosol suction device and providing an aerosol generation system in which the durability of the lid portion, etc. is improved.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhalation device showing the lid in a closed state; FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system showing the lid in an open state; FIG. 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the lid in an open state, with consumable products not shown; FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a modified version of the first embodiment showing the lid in an open state; FIG. 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the lid in an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment showing the lid in a closed state; FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a storage section and the lid according to the second embodiment; FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system showing the lid in an open state; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a flap constituting the lid; FIG. 9 is a side view showing the flap; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the flap; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a pair of flaps; FIG. 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the lid in an open state of an aerosol generating system according to a modified version of the second embodiment.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings described below, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0038] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an aerosol generating system 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generating system 100 includes a consumable product 110 and an aerosol inhalation device 120 that heats the consumable product 110. The consumable product 110 is an aerosol-generating article that includes a flavor source and is configured to generate a flavored aerosol when heated. The aerosol inhalation device 120 may be a flavor inhaler that allows a user to inhale the flavor.

[0039] The aerosol inhalation device 120 has a housing 200 having an opening 201, a cover 300, and a storage section 400 that stores the consumable product 110. The consumable product 110 is inserted into the storage section 400 through the opening 201. The consumable product 110 stored in the storage section 400 is heated by a heating section 40, which will be described later. In this manner, the storage section 400 is configured to store the consumable product 110 in order to heat it. Here, "storing the consumable product 110" includes storing at least a portion of the consumable product 110.

[0040] In the drawings described in this specification, an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be used for ease of explanation. In this coordinate system, the Z axis points vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned so as to cut the aerosol suction device 120 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned so as to extend from the front to the back of the aerosol suction device 120. The Z axis direction can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 contained in the container 400. The X axis direction can also be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110. The Y axis direction can also be referred to as the lateral direction of the device in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110. The shape of the aerosol suction device 120 is not particularly limited as long as it can accommodate the lid 300 and container 400, and it may be, for example, stick-shaped.

[0041] In this embodiment, the consumable product 110 includes a flavor source such as tobacco capable of producing a smokable flavor, and has, for example, a columnar shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The flavor source included in the consumable product 110 is not particularly limited and may include at least one of natural materials such as plant materials and flavorings. The consumable product 110 may include a filler obtained by shredding or processing plant materials such as tobacco leaves into a sheet. Such a filler may be wrapped in paper. The consumable product 110 may be, for example, a tobacco stick. The consumable product 110 may have a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape with a polygonal cross section, a flat shape, or a capsule shape. The form of the consumable product 110 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a cartridge containing a liquid having a flavor source.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , the consumable product 110 may have an insertion end 111 that is inserted into the aerosol inhalation device 120 and a mouthpiece end 112. Air inhaled by a user is introduced into the consumable product 110 from or near the insertion end 111, flows through the interior of the consumable product 110 toward the mouthpiece end 112, and may be introduced into the user's oral cavity. The air flow path in the aerosol generation system 100 is not particularly limited, and may have a counterflow type air flow path or a bottom flow type air flow path. A counterflow type air flow path is configured so that air is introduced into the aerosol inhalation device 120 through a gap between the consumable product 110 and the housing 200 at the opening 201 and flows toward the insertion end 111. A bottom flow type air flow path is configured so that air is introduced into the aerosol inhalation device 120 from an air inlet (not shown) located in the housing 200 or the like, and then introduced into the storage unit 400 from the bottom of the storage unit 400 (near the insertion end 111 of the stored consumable product 110).

[0043] 1, the aerosol inhalation device 120 includes a power supply unit 10 and a control unit 20. The power supply unit 10 may include a battery that stores power used by the aerosol inhalation device 120. The battery is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery may be rechargeable by an external power source.

[0044] The control unit 20 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc., and controls the operation of the aerosol inhalation device 120. For example, the control unit 20 starts heating the consumable product 110 in response to a user operation on an input device (not shown), such as a button or a touch panel, and stops heating the consumable product 110 after a certain time has elapsed. The control unit 20 may stop heating the consumable product 110 even before the certain time has elapsed since the start of heating the consumable product 110, if the number of puffing actions by the user exceeds a certain value. For example, the puffing action is detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0045] Alternatively, the control unit 20 may start heating the consumable product 110 in response to the start of a puffing action, and may stop heating the consumable product 110 in response to the end of the puffing action. The control unit 20 may stop heating the consumable product 110 when a certain time has elapsed since the start of the puffing action, even before the end of the puffing action.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol suction device has a heating unit 40. The heating unit 40 may be a heater disposed in the aerosol suction device 120. The heater may include an electric heating wire. The heater may heat the consumable product 110 from the outside as shown in FIG. 1 , or may heat the consumable product 110 from the inside, such as a pin-type or blade-type heater. The form of the heating unit 40 is not particularly limited. The heating unit 40 may be an induction coil that inductively heats a susceptor included in the consumable product 110, a susceptor installed in the housing unit 400, or a susceptor that constitutes at least a part of the housing unit 400.

[0047] 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional side views of the aerosol inhalation device 120, showing the lid 300 in the closed and open states, respectively. The housing 200 has an opening 201. The housing 200 may have a cover 210 that contacts the lid 300 in the closed state or is connected to it via a sealing member 90 (FIG. 4). The material of the housing 200 is not particularly limited and may include, for example, resins such as PC (polycarbonate), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, or PEEK (polyetheretherketone), or metals such as aluminum. In this embodiment, the cover 210, lid 300, and storage unit 400 are referred to as the opening / closing mechanism 4 as appropriate. The storage unit 400 has a central axis AX1. The central axis AX1 is the longitudinal axis of the storage unit 400 that passes through the center of the space occupied by the stored consumable product 110 in the storage unit 400. However, if the storage section 400 is longer in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 (parallel to the Z axis) than in the insertion direction, the central axis AX1 is assumed to extend in the insertion direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, in the aerosol suction device 120, the side where the opening 201 is located in the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 (positive side of the Z axis) will be referred to as the outside, and the bottom side of the storage section 400 (negative side of the Z axis) will be referred to as the inside.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lid 300 is configured to be movable between a first position P1 where it covers the opening 201 and a second position P2 where it opens the opening 201 to allow the consumable product 110 to be inserted. In this embodiment, the lid 300 is configured to move by or with rotation. In FIG. 2 , this rotation is schematically indicated by arrow A1. The first position P1 is preferably a position where the lid 300 completely covers the opening 201. The surface of the lid 300 positioned on the outside at the first position P1 is referred to as the outer surface 301, and the surface of the lid 300 positioned on the inside at the first position P1 is referred to as the inner surface 302. For example, at the first position P1, the outer surface 301 is preferably approximately parallel to the inner surface of the cover 210. This configuration more reliably closes the opening 201 at the first position P1, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the storage section 400. If foreign matter such as dirt, dust, or water droplets enters the housing portion 400, it may have adverse effects such as a decrease in heating efficiency. From the same perspective, it is preferable that the lid portion 300 does not have a through-hole, and it is preferable that the lid portion 300 does not include a mouthpiece.

[0049] At the second position P2, the lid portion 300 is preferably positioned inside the housing 200 and positioned between the consumable product 110 housed in the storage portion 400 and the inner wall of the storage portion 400, particularly the inner wall extending along the insertion direction of the consumable product 110. In this way, the storage portion 400 can define a space into which the lid portion 300 can retreat when the consumable product 110 is housed in the storage portion 400. At the second position P2, the outer surface 301 of the lid portion 300 is preferably inclined inward by 70 degrees or more with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the storage portion 400.

[0050] The lid 300 is preferably configured to be rotatable from the first position P1 toward the inside of the storage unit 400. As a result, when inserting the consumable product 110 into the storage unit 400, the lid 300 can be opened by pushing the insertion end 111 of the consumable product 110 into the storage unit 400, and the user can easily insert the consumable product 110 into the storage unit 400 without directly operating the lid 300. Here, "inside the storage unit" refers to a position inside the storage unit 400 that is more inward than the first position P1 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 110.

[0051] The shape of the lid part 300 is not particularly limited as long as it can move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. From the viewpoint of making the aerosol suction device 120 compact, the lid part 300 is preferably plate-shaped. The material of the part of the lid part 300 excluding the magnet or magnetic substance is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a resin such as PC, ABS resin, or PEEK, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0052] The shape of the storage unit 400 is not particularly limited as long as it can define a space inside which the consumable product 110 is placed. The storage unit 400 preferably includes a case that stores at least a portion of the consumable product 110. The material of the storage unit 400 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, a resin such as PC, ABS, or PEEK, or a metal such as aluminum.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , the cover 300 is configured to receive a biasing force to move to the first position P1 when the cover 300 is in the second position P2. This makes it easier for the cover 300 to return to the first position P1 when the consumable product 110 is removed, thereby more reliably preventing foreign matter from entering the container 400 when the aerosol suction device 120 is not in use. In this embodiment, the biasing force includes a magnetic force. As described above, if a biasing force is applied by a spring, the elastic force of the spring may change or the spring may be deformed due to repeated use of the aerosol suction device 120. In this embodiment, by utilizing a magnetic force, it is possible to provide an aerosol suction device 120 or an aerosol generation system 100 having improved durability of the cover 300 or the structure biasing the cover 300. In addition, even when the lid portion 300 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2 by sliding or the like without rotating, the lid portion 300 at the second position P2 may be biased toward the first position P1 by magnetic force.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lid 300 includes a first magnet 71. The first magnet 71 is located inside the lid 300 or defines the surface of the first magnet 71 and is configured to move integrally with the lid 300. The storage unit 400 includes a second magnet 72. The second magnet 72 is configured to exert a repulsive force on the first magnet 71 when the lid 300 is in the second position P2. For example, the polarity of the inner surface 302 of the first magnet 71 is the same as the polarity of the central axis AX1 of the second magnet 72. This configuration can more reliably provide an aerosol suction device 120 or an aerosol generation system 100 with improved durability of the lid 300, etc. Furthermore, if the second magnet 72 is a permanent magnet, the lid 300 can be energized without requiring electrical power. The second magnet 72 is preferably located on or inside a wall constituting the storage unit 400.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism 4, omitting the illustration of the consumable product 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol suction device 120 may have a third magnet 73 and a magnetic body 80. The third magnet 73 and the magnetic body 80 are configured to attract each other. The magnetic body 80 may be a magnet or a non-magnetic magnetic body. Alternatively, the side of the magnetic body 80 facing the third magnet 73 may have a polarity opposite to the polarity of the side of the third magnet 73 facing the magnetic body 80. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the third magnet 73 is located in the cover portion 210, and the magnetic body 80 is located in the lid portion 300. With this configuration, the lid portion 300 is biased toward the cover portion 210 at the first position P1, further preventing foreign matter from entering the storage portion 400. Alternatively, the third magnet 73 may be located in the lid portion 300, and the magnetic body 80 may be located in the cover portion 210. In this way, the cover portion 300 can be provided with the third magnet 73 and the housing 200 can be provided with the magnetic material 80, or the cover portion 300 can be provided with the magnetic material 80 and the housing 200 can be provided with the third magnet 73.

[0056] In Fig. 4, third magnets 73A and 73B are shown as third magnets 73. However, the number of third magnets 73 is not particularly limited and can be any number equal to or greater than one. Also, in Fig. 4, magnetic bodies 80A and 80B are shown as magnetic bodies 80. However, the number of magnetic bodies 80 is not particularly limited and can be any number equal to or greater than one.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cover 300 may have a rotation axis AX2 extending in a direction intersecting the central axis AX1 of the storage unit 400. The rotation axis AX2 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1. In the aerosol inhalation device 120 of this embodiment, the second position P2 is located inside the housing 200, and the cover 300 is configured to rotate from the second position P2 to the first position P1 so that the direction of movement of the cover 300 faces the central axis AX1. This allows a larger area of ​​the first magnet 71 to face the second magnet 72, thereby increasing the magnetic biasing force, compared to when the cover 300 is moved perpendicular to the central axis AX1.

[0058] 4, the aerosol inhalation device 120 may have a hinge unit 500 that rotatably connects the lid unit 300 to the cover unit 210. The hinge unit 500 may rotatably connect the lid unit 300 to the housing 200 as in the illustrated example, or may rotatably connect the lid unit 300 to the storage unit 400. In the illustrated example, the hinge unit 500 is attached to both the lid unit 300 and the cover unit 210, but the hinge unit 500 may be formed integrally with the lid unit 300, the cover unit 210, or the storage unit 400.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4 , the opening 201 may be positioned at a distance from the hinge unit 500. This increases the distance from the rotation axis AX2, which is the fulcrum of the lever principle, to the contact position between the consumable product 110 and the outer surface 301, which is the point of application, allowing the lid unit 300 to be rotated with less force. From this perspective, the distance D1 between the opening 201 and the hinge unit 500 is preferably 2 mm or more. From the same perspective, the center C1 of the lid unit 300 is preferably located closer to the hinge unit 500 than the center C2 of the opening 201. Here, the center C1 of the lid unit 300 refers to the center position of the lid unit 300 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 and connecting the hinge unit 500 and the central axis AX1 of the storage unit 400 when the lid unit 300 is in the first position P1. The center C2 of the opening 201 is defined as the center position of the opening 201 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 and connecting the hinge part 500 and the central axis AX1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3 , the lid unit 300 may have a pressing portion 303 configured to press the consumable product 110 when the lid unit 300 is in the second position P2. This prevents the contained consumable product 110 from shifting position and reduces a decrease in heating efficiency. The pressing portion 303 is configured to contact the consumable product 110 while being biased by the repulsive force exerted by the second magnet 72 on the first magnet 71. The pressing portion 303 may be a part of the outer surface 301 or the end of the lid unit 300 farthest from the rotation axis AX2. The aerosol generating system 100 may be configured to grip the consumable product 110 by pressing it from both sides between the pressing portion 303 and the inner wall of the storage unit 400 on the opposite side of the pressing portion 303 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the consumable product 110 relative to the consumable product 110. On the other hand, it is desirable not to damage the outer surface of the consumable product 110, particularly the wrapping paper when the consumable product 110 is a tobacco stick, when the consumable product 110 is removed from the storage section 400. From this perspective, it is preferable that the pressing section 303 has a rounded shape or a curved surface, and it is preferable that the pressing section 303 has a curved shape, particularly an arc shape, in a cross section parallel to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 and perpendicular to the rotation axis AX2. From the same perspective, it is preferable that the pressing section 303 has a smooth surface of the lid section 300.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 , the housing 200 may have a sealing member 90 that seals the opening 201 when the lid portion 300 is in the first position P1. This further prevents foreign matter from entering the storage portion 400 when the aerosol suction device 120 is not in use. The sealing member 90 preferably includes a sealant, more preferably an elastic sealant. In the illustrated example, the sealing member 90 is an annular packing attached to the inside of the cover portion 210 so as to surround the opening 201. The material of the sealing member 90 is not particularly limited, and the sealing member 90 may include an elastic material such as silicone. The Shore A hardness of the sealing member 90 is preferably 20 or more from the viewpoint of facilitating deformation due to pressure. The Shore A hardness is preferably 60 or less, more preferably 40 or less, from the viewpoint of enhancing airtightness through softness.

[0062] 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an opening / closing mechanism 4A according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The opening / closing mechanism 4A includes a fourth magnet 74 formed integrally with the first magnet 71 and the third magnet 73, and the cover 210 includes a magnetic body 80. Similar to the first magnet 71 described above, the fourth magnet 74 is magnetically biased toward the second magnet 72 when the lid 300 is in the second position P2. Furthermore, similar to the third magnet 73 described above, the fourth magnet 74 is configured to attract the magnetic body 80 when the lid 300 is in the first position P1. In the illustrated example, the fourth magnet 74 faces the magnetic body 80 in the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 when the lid 300 is in the first position P1, and faces the second magnet 72 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and the direction of the rotation axis AX2 when the lid 300 is in the second position P2. In the illustrated example, the fourth magnet 74 has a shape that extends radially relative to the rotation axis AX2. By using the fourth magnet 74, in which the first magnet 71 and the third magnet 73 are integrally formed, the number of parts that make up the lid 300 can be reduced and the manufacture of the lid 300 can be made easier.

[0063] Second embodiment The opening / closing mechanism 4B of the aerosol suction device 120 of the second embodiment has a configuration substantially identical to that of the opening / closing mechanism 4 of the first embodiment, but differs from the opening / closing mechanism 4 in that it has multiple lid portions 300A, 300B.

[0064] 6 and 7 are a schematic side cross-sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, of the opening / closing mechanism 4B showing the lid portions 300A and 300B in the closed state. FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism 4B showing the lid portions 300A and 300B in the open state. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the aerosol inhalation device 120 has a storage portion 400A that stores the consumable product 110. The storage portion 400A has a first end 401 on one side and a second end 402 on the other side in a first direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110. The storage portion 400A has a first inner wall 410 disposed on the first end 401 side and a second inner wall 420 disposed on the second end 402 side. The first inner wall 410 and the second inner wall 420 preferably extend in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable product 110 and the first direction. A lid portion 300A is attached to the inner wall surface of the first inner wall 410, and a lid portion 300B is attached to the inner wall surface of the second inner wall 420. As in the first embodiment, the lid portion 300A or 300B may be attached to the housing 200. In addition, although a pair of lid portions 300A and 300B is shown in the illustrated example, the number of lid portions 300 may be three or more.

[0065] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the lids 300A and 300B are configured to be movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 while rotating. In Figure 6, the movement of the lids 300A and 300B is schematically indicated by arrows A21 and A22, respectively. The lid 300A has a first magnet 71A. The storage unit 400A has a second magnet 72A arranged on the first inner wall 410. When the lid 300A is in the second position P2, the second magnet 72A is configured to bias the first magnet 71A with a magnetic repulsive force. The lid 300B has a first magnet 71B. The storage unit 400A has a second magnet 72B arranged on the second inner wall 420. When the cover part 300B is in the second position P2, the second magnet 72B is configured to urge the first magnet 71B by a repulsive force due to magnetic force.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7 , the lid portions 300A and 300B each have a rotation axis AX21 and an AX22 extending in a second direction intersecting the insertion direction of the consumable product 110. The lid portions 300A and 300B preferably have a plurality of flaps F that rotate to open and close the opening 201. This reduces adverse effects, such as stress being concentrated in one location on the consumable product 110 when the consumable product 110 presses the lid portion 300, which could cause deformation of the consumable product 110. When the lid portions 300A and 300B are in the first position P1, the lid portions 300A and 300B are preferably aligned along the first direction while contacting each other, thereby closing the opening 201. In this case, the radially outer end of the lid portion 300A relative to the rotation axis AX21 is preferably configured to contact the radially outer end of the lid portion 300B relative to the rotation axis AX22.

[0067] 8, the cover portion 300A may have a tapered portion 310A that becomes thinner with increasing distance from the rotation axis AX21. The cover portion 300B may have a tapered portion 310B that becomes thinner with increasing distance from the rotation axis AX22.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lid 300A. FIG. 10 is a side view of the lid 300A. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the lid 300B. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lids 300A and 300B in the first position P1. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, the tapered portion 310A has a first surface 311A ​​that is positioned outside the aerosol suction device 120 when the lid 300A is in the first position P1. As shown in FIG. 6, the first surface 311A ​​is inclined inward from a plane perpendicular to the central axis AX1 of the storage portion 400A. This prevents the end of the tapered portion 310A from protruding toward the consumable product 110 in the open state, as shown in FIG. 8, thereby making the storage portion 400A more compact and facilitating smooth pivoting of the lid 300 when pressed by the consumable product 110.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 8, the lid portion 300A may have a lid sealing member 320A. The lid portion 300B may have a lid sealing member 320B. As shown in Fig. 12, the lid sealing members 320A and 320B are configured to seal between the lid portion 300A and the lid portion 300B, which are multiple flaps F. This further prevents foreign matter from entering the storage portion 400A when the aerosol inhalation device 120 is not in use.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9 , the lid sealing member 320A is preferably located on the outer periphery of the lid portion 300A relative to the rotation axis AX21, and is preferably the outermost portion. The lid sealing member 320B is preferably located on the outer periphery of the lid portion 300B relative to the rotation axis AX22, and is preferably the outermost portion. As shown in FIG. 12 , the lid sealing member 320A and the lid sealing member 320B are configured to contact each other when the lid portions 300A and 300B are in the first position P1. The lid sealing members 320A and 320B can be made of a sealing material, particularly an elastic material such as rubber. Contact between the elastic member of the lid sealing member 320A and the elastic member of the lid sealing member 320B can make it difficult for foreign matter to pass between the lid portions 300A and 300B.

[0071] 9 to 11 , the lid portion 300A may have a second surface 312A that intersects with the rotation axis AX21 of the lid portion 300A. The second surface 312A may have a protrusion 330A. The protrusion 330A preferably protrudes in the direction in which the rotation axis AX21 extends (the Y-axis direction). This allows the lid portion 300A to come into contact with the inner wall of the accommodation portion 400A that faces the lid portion 300A in the direction in which the rotation axis AX21 extends, at the protrusion 330A. This allows the lid portion 300A to pivot more smoothly than when the second surface 312A rubs against the inner wall surface.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9 , the cover 300A may have a rotating shaft 340A extending along the rotation axis AX21 and protruding from the second surface 312A. As shown in FIG. 7 , the rotating shaft 340A can rotatably engage with the inner wall of the storage section 400A. The cover 300A may have a mark 350A on the first surface 311A. The mark 350A may be configured to indicate a target position for the user to insert the consumable product 110. As shown in FIG. 12 , the mark 350A on the cover 300A and the mark 350B on the cover 300B may form a single annular mark. In the illustrated example, the mark 350A is a step on the first surface 311A. However, the form of the mark 350A is not particularly limited as long as it can indicate the target position to the user, and may be a letter, a graphic, or the like.

[0073] Lid portion 300B may have the same shape as or a different shape from lid portion 300A. In the example of Fig. 12, lid portion 300B has the same shape as lid portion 300A, and has first surface 311B, protrusion 330B, and rotation shaft 340B that correspond to first surface 311A, protrusion 330A, and rotation shaft 340A of lid portion 300A, respectively.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing an opening / closing mechanism 4C according to a modified example of the second embodiment. In this modified example, the aerosol suction device 120 includes a magnetic sensor 600. The magnetic sensor 600 is preferably, but not limited to, disposed in the housing 200. The cover 300 may include a fifth magnet 75 disposed in the cover 300. The fifth magnet 75 is configured so that the magnetic sensor 600 detects different magnetic fields when the cover 300 is in the first position P1 and the second position P2. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the fifth magnet 75 is disposed in the cover 300B, and the magnetic sensor 600 is disposed on the bottom surface below the second inner wall 420, which forms a step on the second end 402 side of the storage section 400A where the diameter of the storage section 400A decreases inward in the insertion direction. The fifth magnet 75 may be disposed only in the cover portion 300A or only in the cover portion 300B, or may be disposed in both the cover portions 300A and 300B.

[0075] The magnetic sensor 600 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 ( FIG. 1 ) and configured to transmit data or signals regarding the measured magnetic field to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 detects the position of the lid unit 300 based on the magnitude of the obtained magnetic field, etc. Preferably, the control unit 20 determines whether the lid unit 300B is at the second position P2. For example, the control unit 20 can refer to a threshold value stored in a storage device (not shown), and determine that the lid unit 300B is at the second position P2 if the obtained magnetic field is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and that the lid unit 300B is not at the second position P2 if the obtained magnetic field is less than the threshold value.

[0076] The control unit 20 preferably controls the heating unit 40 based on the detected position of the lid unit 300B. The algorithm of the control unit 20 may define multiple heating states, and the control unit 20 may be configured to transition between the multiple states based on the position of the lid unit 300B. For example, a stop mode, a heating standby mode, and a heating mode may be set as the multiple states. The stop mode is a state in which the heating unit 40 is not operating, and heating does not start even when the consumable product 110 is inserted into the storage unit 400A. The heating standby mode is a state in which the heating unit 40 is not operating, but heating starts when the consumable product 110 is inserted. The heating mode is a state in which heating is performed by the heating unit 40.

[0077] For example, the control unit 20 can switch between the stop mode and the heating standby mode by detecting a user input to an input device (not shown) of the aerosol suction device 120. When the control unit 20 detects that the lid unit 300B has moved to the second position P2, it can switch from the heating standby mode to the heating mode and start heating the consumable product 110 by the heating unit 40. In this case, the control unit 20 may control the heating to start when the magnetic sensor 600 continues to detect that the lid unit 300B is at the second position P2 for a predetermined time. This can prevent heating due to malfunction, such as when heating is started due to an unintended movement of the lid unit 300B. The predetermined time can be set to 0.5 seconds or more and 2 seconds or less, from the viewpoint of preventing malfunction without making the user wait unnecessarily.

[0078] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0079] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol inhalation device includes a housing having an opening, a storage section that stores a consumable product to be heated, and a lid section, the lid section being movable between a first position that covers the opening and a second position that opens the opening to allow the consumable product to be inserted, the lid section being configured to receive a biasing force at the second position for moving to the first position, the biasing force including a magnetic force. In a second aspect of the present invention, the lid section is configured to be rotatable from the first position toward the inside of the storage section in the first aspect. In a third aspect of the present invention, the lid section is configured to have a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the storage section, the second position being inside the housing, and to rotate from the second position to the first position such that the movement direction of the lid section faces the central axis. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the aerosol inhalation device of the second or third aspect further includes a hinge portion rotatably connecting the housing or the storage portion and the lid portion, and the opening is located at a distance from the hinge portion. In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the distance between the opening and the hinge portion of the fourth aspect is 2 mm or more. In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the center of the lid portion of the fourth or fifth aspect is located closer to the hinge portion than the center of the opening. In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the lid portion of any of the first to sixth aspects includes a first magnet, and the storage portion includes a second magnet that applies a repulsive force to the first magnet when the lid portion is in the second position. In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the aerosol suction device of the seventh aspect comprises a magnetic material and a third magnet that are attracted to each other, the cover comprises the third magnet and the housing comprises the magnetic material, or the cover comprises the magnetic material and the housing comprises the third magnet. In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the cover comprises the third magnet and the housing comprises the magnetic material of the eighth aspect, and the first magnet and the third magnet are integrally formed.In a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the lid portion includes a pressing portion configured to press the consumable product when the lid portion is in the second position. In an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the lid portion or the housing further includes a sealing member that seals the opening when the lid portion is in the first position. In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the lid portion includes a plurality of flaps. In a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, each of the plurality of flaps has a tapered portion that becomes thinner as it moves away from the rotation axis of the flap, and the tapered portion has a first surface that is located outside the aerosol inhalation device at the tapered portion when the flap is in the first position, and the first surface is inclined inward from a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the storage portion. In a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the thirteenth aspect, the flap has a second surface that intersects the rotation axis of the flap, and the second surface has a convex portion. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system comprises any one of the aerosol suction devices of the first to fourteenth aspects and the consumable product.

[0080] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4, 4A, 4B, 4C: Opening / closing mechanism 20: Control unit 40: Heating unit 71, 71A, 71B: First magnet 72, 72A, 72B: Second magnet 73, 73A, 73B: Third magnet 74: Fourth magnet 75: Fifth magnet 80, 80A, 80B: Magnetic body 90: Sealing member 100: Aerosol generating system 110: Consumable product 120: Aerosol suction device 200: Housing 201: Opening 210: Cover unit 300, 300A, 300B: Lid unit 301: Outer surface of lid unit 302: Inner surface of lid unit 303: Pressing unit 310A, 310B: Tapered unit 311A, 311B: First surface 312A, 312B: Second surface 330A, 330B: Convex portion 400, 400A: Storage portion AX1: Central axis of storage portion AX2, AX21, AX22: Rotation axis C1: Center of lid portion C2: Center of opening D1: Distance F: Flap P1: First position P2: Second position

Claims

1. An aerosol suction device comprising: a housing having an opening; a storage section for storing a consumable product to be heated; and a lid section, wherein the lid section is movable between a first position that covers the opening and a second position that opens the opening so that the consumable product can be inserted; the lid section is configured to receive a biasing force in the second position to move to the first position; and the biasing force includes a magnetic force.

2. The aerosol inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion is configured to be rotatable from the first position toward the inside of the storage portion.

3. The aerosol inhalation device described in claim 2, wherein the lid portion has a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the storage portion, the second position is inside the housing, and the lid portion is configured to rotate from the second position to the first position so that the movement direction of the lid portion faces the direction of the central axis.

4. An aerosol inhalation device as described in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a hinge portion that rotatably connects the housing or the storage portion to the lid portion, and the opening is located at a distance from the hinge portion.

5. The aerosol inhalation device according to claim 4, wherein the distance between the opening and the hinge portion is 2 mm or more.

6. An aerosol inhalation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the center of the lid portion is located closer to the hinge portion than the center of the opening.

7. An aerosol inhalation device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid portion is provided with a first magnet, and the storage portion is provided with a second magnet that exerts a repulsive force on the first magnet when the lid portion is in the second position.

8. The aerosol inhalation device of claim 7, comprising a magnetic material and a third magnet that are attracted to each other, wherein the lid portion comprises the third magnet and the housing comprises the magnetic material, or the lid portion comprises the magnetic material and the housing comprises the third magnet.

9. The aerosol inhalation device according to claim 8, wherein the lid portion is provided with the third magnet, the housing is provided with the magnetic material, and the first magnet and the third magnet are integrally formed.

10. An aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lid portion is provided with a pressing portion configured to press the consumable product in the second position.

11. An aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lid or the housing further comprises a sealing member that seals the opening when the lid is in the first position.

12. An aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lid portion comprises a plurality of flaps.

13. The aerosol inhalation device described in claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of flaps has a tapered portion that becomes thinner as it moves away from the rotation axis of the flap, and the tapered portion has a first surface that is located outside the aerosol inhalation device at the tapered portion when the flap is in the first position, and the first surface is inclined inward from a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the storage portion.

14. The aerosol inhalation device according to claim 13, wherein the flap has a second surface that intersects with the rotation axis of the flap, and the second surface has a convex portion.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and the consumable material.

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