AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING COVER ELEMENT WITH CAVITY

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is provided, including a housing having an aperture to receive an aerosol-generating article; and a cover element configured for movement with respect to the housing between closed and open positions, in which, in the closed position, the cover element at least partially covers the aperture and, in the open position, the aperture is at least partially uncovered, the cover element forming a cover element cavity, a guide element protruding from the housing and being received in the cover element cavity, the guide element including a leg extending from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and an elastic element engaging the leg inside the housing. An aerosol-generating system including the aerosol-generating device, a method for closing an aperture in the housing of the aerosol-generating device, and an assembly method for a cover element on the housing of the aerosol-generating device, are also provided.

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cover element. The present invention also relates to a method for opening and closing an aperture of an aerosol-generating device and an assembly method for a cover element on a housing of an aerosol-generating device.

One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device comprising a battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and the heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aero-sol-generating article may comprise a capsule containing an aerosol-forming substrate, such as loose tobacco.

In known electrically operated smoking systems the aerosol-generating article may be received within a heater chamber in the aerosol-generating device. Some aerosol-generating de-vices may comprise a sliding cover element that a user may slide over an aperture of the heater chamber when the aerosol-generating device is not being used. However, if the sliding cover element accidentally opens when the aerosol-generating device is not being used, dirt or foreign objects may contaminate the heater chamber and may damage the heater.

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

The cover element may be adapted for movement between a closed position and an open position along a first path. The first path may be in the transverse direction or have at least a component in the transverse direction of the aerosol-generating device. The first path may be linear or curved. The transverse direction may be perpendicular or have a component perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. The longitudinal direction may be the main extension direction of the aerosol-generating device, namely the direction in which the aerosol-generating device has its greatest length. In an upright orientation of the aerosol-generating device, the longitudinal direction is the height direction and the transversal direction may be a horizontal direction. The transversal direction may be perpendicular to a width direction of the aerosol-generating device. Any indications in the following regarding “upper” and “lower” are with respect to the longitudinal direction being the height direction.

An aerosol-generating article may be inserted through the aperture of the aerosol-generating device in the longitudinal direction, such that the aerosol-generating article is at least partially arranged in a heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article abuts against a stop element or end surface of the heating chamber, a mouth-end portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude from the heating chamber in the longitudinal direction.

The guide element may be adapted to apply a downholding force towards the housing on the cover element, at least when the cover element is in the closed position. This enables that the cover element is pulled towards the housing. The clearance tolerances in between the cover element and housing may be minimized. The intake of dust and other contaminations in between the cover element and housing may be reduced or avoided.

The cover element may comprise a sealing element, which is in contact with the housing and extends around the aperture, when the cover element is arranged in the closed position. In particular, the sealing element may be provided in a sealing recess or on a lower surface of the cover element facing the housing. An upper surface of the housing being in contact with the sealing element is preferably at least partially complementary to the lower surface of the cover element, and preferably substantially flat. The force applied by the guide element on the cover element towards the housing may improve the sealing efficiency.

The guide element may be resiliently biased in a direction towards the housing. Preferably the resilient bias is provided by an elastic element, which may be part of or engaged with the guide element. The guide element may be pulled by the elastic element downwards in the longitudinal direction.

The guide element may be pulled by the elastic element downwards in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the guide element may be pushed downwards in the longitudinal direction in addition to or instead of being pulled. An elastic element may act downwardly on the guide element. The elastic element may be sprung plate. The elastic element may be arranged inside the cover element. The elastic element may be attached to the upper surface of the housing. The elastic element may engage the guide element from the top, from within the cover element.

One of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position. In particular, the guide element comprises a protrusion and the cover element comprises a first recess, wherein the protrusion and the first recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position. The cover element is held in the closed position and the likelihood of accidental opening may be reduced.

In particular, the required release force on the cover element along the first path to com-mence sliding starting from the closed position is determined by the geometry of the protrusion and the recess and the downholding force. Preferably, the release force from the closed position is twice or more, preferably five times or more, than a release force in an intermediate position in between the open position and closed position. In particular, the release force in the intermediate position is determined by the static friction in between cover element and housing.

When the cover element reaches the closed position, the protrusion and recess engage, such that the consumer feels a haptic response, in particular a click.

One of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position. In particular, the guide element comprises a protrusion and the cover element comprises a second recess, wherein the protrusion and the second recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position. The cover element is held in the open position and the likelihood of accidental closing may be reduced. Preferably, the release force from the open position is twice or more, preferably five times or more, than the release force in an intermediate position in between the open position and closed position.

One of the cover element and the guide element may comprise a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element may comprise a first recess and a second recess, wherein the protrusion and the first recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position, and wherein the protrusion and the second recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position.

One of the cover element and the guide element may comprise a recess and the other one of the cover element and the guide element may comprise a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the recess and the first protrusion engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position, and wherein the recess and the second protrusion engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

When the cover element reaches the open position, the protrusion and recess engage, such that the consumer feels a haptic response, in particular a click.

In particular, the cover element may comprise two recesses at the same position along the first path and at opposite sides in the width direction. The guide element may comprise two protrusions at the same position along the first path and at opposite sides in the width direction.

The guide element may be adapted to force the protrusion into in the recess. In particular, the force with which the protrusion is pressed into the recess is the counterforce regarding the downholding force, with which the guide element is forced towards the housing. Thus, a triple function is provided, namely holding the cover element closely onto the housing, securing the cover element in the closed position or open position, and providing haptic feedback when the cover reaches the closed position or open position.

The guide element may comprise a leg, wherein the leg extends from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, wherein an elastic element may engage the leg inside the housing. The elastic element may be fully arranged inside the housing. This may reduce the likelihood that the elastic element is damaged and improves the appearance and cleanability of the device. In particular, the elastic element forces the leg towards the inside of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the leg itself may be an elastic element.

The elastic element may be a latch spring. In particular, the latch spring may be formed as a bent sheet metal part. Alternatively, the latch spring may be formed as a spiral wire spring. This enables a relatively high elastic force, a long durability and little space requirements for the elastic element.

The elastic element may be arranged in a spring cavity in the housing, wherein the spring cavity has an opening, wherein the leg extends through the opening. The spring cavity may be hermetically closed with respect to an inner compartment of the housing. The inner compartment may comprise control electronics, a heater or a battery. This may prevent that any liquid or dust that enters the spring cavity through the opening, travels further inside the device towards the inner compartment, which could result in damage.

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

The elastic element may comprise a head, wherein the head is received in the cover element cavity of the cover element, wherein the head has a width, which is larger than the width of the leg. The head may be arranged such that the main extension of the head is in the width direction perpendicular to the first path, and in particular perpendicular to the transverse direction. At least one protruding portion of the head may protrude in the width direction over the leg and may engage the cover element. Protruding portions may be provided at both sides of the head in the width direction.

The cover element may comprise a guide slot in its surface adjacent to the housing through which the leg of the guide element extends, wherein the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot. In particular, the head engages inner surfaces of the cover element cavity on both sides of the guide slot. The cross-section of the head in the width direction may correspond with the necessary tolerances to the cross-section of the cover element cavity in the width direction.

The cover element may comprise a bottom part and a top cap, wherein the cover element cavity is formed in between the top cap and the bottom part. The bottom part may be a flat bottom plate. Preferably, the guide slot is provided in the bottom part. The top cap may have a concave surface delimiting the cover element cavity. Assembling the cover element from at least two parts, namely the top cap and bottom part, enables an efficient assembly operation. The top cap may be fixed to the bottom part, in particular by adhesive, form fit, in particular a snap-fit, or a combi-nation thereof. Alternatively, the cover element may be only one part. In this case, it is preferable that the head is inserted into the guide slot in a first orientation and then turned such that it engages with the inside of the cover element cavity.

The cover element may comprise at least one guide protrusion, which is guided along a guide surface in the housing. In particular, two guide protrusions are arranged at opposite sides in the width direction of the cover element. In particular, two guide surfaces are provided in the housing and extend along the first path. Preferably, the guide surfaces are arranged at side walls at the top of the housing. The side wall may extend at least partially along the first path and protrude in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the region of the guide surface. The guide surface preferably extends along the first path and is curved or linear in a direction perpendicular to the first path.

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

The guide protrusion may be rigid. In an alternative embodiment, the guide protrusion may be elastic to compensate tolerances, in particular to take care of gap variation. The guide protrusion may be formed as a blade spring. The guide protrusion may be considered as elastic, when its most protruding end is dislocated more than the thickness of the guide protrusion, when being subjected to the downholding force. Otherwise, the guide protrusion may be considered as rigid. The most protruding end of the guide protrusion may be dislocated more than twice, in particular more than five times the thickness of the guide protrusion, when being subjected to the downholding force.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-gener-sting system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. The aerosol-generating system also comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plug of tobacco. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of: tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed prior to, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

Where the tobacco plug comprises homogenised tobacco material, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenised tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenised tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems; alternatively or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders, that is tobacco en-dogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders, that is tobacco exogenous binders, or a combi-nation thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise other additives including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibres, aerosol-formers, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material are preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material and removing the sheet of homogenised tobacco material from the support surface.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between approximately 30 millimetres and approximately 100 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 13 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. Preferably, the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimetres in length, but can have a length of between approximately 5 millimetres to approximately 10 millimetres.

The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimetres. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimetres.

The diameter of the tobacco plug may be between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 12 millimetres.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of between approximately 40 millimetres and approximately 50 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of approximately 7.2 millimetres.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for opening and closing an aperture of an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein a cover element is moved along a first path, in particular in a transverse direction with respect to the aperture, between an open position, in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position, in which the cover element at least partially covers the aperture. The cover element moves relative to a guide element, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position. Thus, tolerance clearances in between the cover element and the housing may be reduced, which may enable an improved closing of the aperture. Preferably, the aperture is fully covered by the cover element in the closed position.

In particular, the cover element comprises a sealing element, which is in contact with the housing and extends around the aperture when the cover element is arranged in the closed position.

In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

In particular, one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position.

The guide element may elastically move in a direction different from the first path, when the cover element is moved along the first path in between the open position and the closed position. Thus, by increasing the elastic potential of an elastic element, the counterforce against the movement along the first path may be altered along the movement of the cover element relative to the guide element. Thus, a haptic response at specific positions, in particular the open position, the closed position or the open position and the closed position may be provided. Furthermore, the cover element may be held in the open position, the closed position or the open position and the closed position against undesired movement.

The guide element may pull the cover element towards the housing throughout the movement in between the open position and the closed position. Thus, the clearance in between the cover element and the housing may be kept minimal throughout the movement and movements of the cover element outside the first path may be reduced to enable a precise guiding of the cover element.

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

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a guide element to elastically force a cover element towards a housing of an aerosol-generating device, while the cover element moves relative to the guide element, to close an aperture of the housing with improved sealing properties.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly method for a cover element on a housing of an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein a bottom part of the cover element is arranged on an upper side of the housing of the aerosol generating device, and then a leg of a guide element is inserted through a guide slot in the bottom part into the opening of a spring cavity in the housing, such that an elastic element arranged in the spring cavity engages a notch in the leg. Thus, the leg is fixed by means of a form fit in the spring cavity. Since a head of the guide element may engage with the upper side of the bottom part, the bottom part is slidably mounted on the upper side of the housing. The elastic element may pull the bottom part towards the housing.

Subsequently, a top cap may be arranged on the bottom part such that a cover element cavity is formed, wherein a head of the guide element is arranged in the cover element cavity. Thus, the guide element is not visible anymore and protected.

Prior to insertion of the leg into the spring cavity, the elastic element may be positioned in the spring cavity and the spring cavity may be subsequently closed with a closure part. The closure part may be a lower closure part, in particular a bottom wall. A sealing element, such as a gasket may be arranged in between the lower closure part and side walls of the spring cavity. The closure part may be arranged at the opposite side of the spring cavity than the opening.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein a cover element is adapted to be moved in a first direction with respect to the aperture between an open position, in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position, in which the cover element at least partially covers the aperture, wherein the cover element is adapted to move relative to a guide element, wherein the guide element is adapted to pull the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position.

The device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention may be used according to the method of the third aspect of the invention. The method according to the third aspect of the invention may be performed by using the device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments. The use of the guide element according to a fourth aspect of the invention may be performed with the device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention and by using method steps from the method according to the third aspect of the invention. The assembly method according to the fifth aspect may be used to assemble a device according to the first or sixth aspect of the invention.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1: An aerosol-generating device, comprising a housing having an aperture adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, a cover element adapted for movement with respect to the housing between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the cover element at least partially covers the aperture, and wherein in the open position the aperture is at least partially uncovered, wherein the cover element forms a cover element cavity, and wherein a guide element protrudes from the housing, wherein the guide element is received in the cover element cavity.

Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating device according to previous Ex1, wherein a cover element may be adapted for movement between a closed position and an open position along a first path, wherein the first path is in the transverse direction of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating device according to previous Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the guide element is adapted to apply a downholding force towards the housing on the cover element, at least when the cover element is in the closed position.

Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the cover element comprises a sealing element, which is in contact with the housing and extends around the aperture when the cover element is arranged in the closed position.

Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the guide element is resiliently biased in a direction towards the housing.

Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position.

Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a first recess and a second recess, wherein the protrusion and the first recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position, and wherein the protrusion and the second recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex6 to Ex8, wherein the guide element is adapted to force the protrusion into in the recess.

Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous exam-pies Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the guide element comprises a leg, wherein the leg extends from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, wherein an elastic element engages the leg inside the housing.

Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex11, wherein the elastic element is a latch spring.

Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex10 or Ex11, wherein the elastic element is arranged in a spring cavity in the housing, wherein the spring cavity has an opening, wherein the leg extends through the opening of the spring cavity, and wherein the spring cavity is hermetically closed with respect to an inner compartment of the housing.

Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex12, wherein the guide element comprises a head, wherein the head is received in the cover element cavity, wherein the head has a width which is larger than the width of the leg.

Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex13, wherein the cover element comprises a guide slot in its surface adjacent to the housing through which the leg of the guide element extends, wherein the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot.

Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the cover element comprises a bottom part and a top cap, wherein the cover element cavity is formed in between the top cap and the bottom part.

Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the cover element comprises at least one guide protrusion, which is guided in a guide recess in the housing.

Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the previous examples Ex1 to Ex14 and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex18: A method for opening and closing an aperture of an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein a cover element is moved between an open position, in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position, in which the cover element at least partially covers the aperture, wherein the cover element moves relative to a guide element, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position.

Example Ex19: A method according to example Ex18, wherein the cover element forms a cover element cavity, and wherein the guide element is received in the cover element cavity.

Example Ex20: A method according to example Ex18 or Ex19, wherein the cover element comprises a sealing element which is in contact with the housing and extends around the aperture when the cover element is arranged in the closed position.

Example Ex21: A method according to any one of the previous examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position.

Example Ex22: A method according to any one of the previous examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a recess, wherein the protrusion and the recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position.

Example Ex23: A method according to any one of the previous examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein the cover element is moved along a first path, and wherein the guide element elastically moves in a direction different from the first path when the cover element is moved along the first path in between the open position and the closed position.

Example Ex24: A method according to any one of the previous examples Ex18 to Ex23, wherein the guide element pulls the cover element towards the housing throughout the movement in between the open position and the closed position.

Example Ex25: A method according to any one of the previous examples Ex18 to Ex24, wherein the pulling force of the guide element presses at least one guide protrusion of the cover element against the wall of a guide recess in the housing.

Example Ex26: Use of a guide element to elastically force a cover element towards a housing of an aerosol-generating device while the cover element moves relative to the guide element, to close an aperture of the housing with improved sealing properties.

Example Ex27: An assembly method for a cover element on a housing of an aerosol-generating device, in particular according to any one of the examples Ex1 to Ex17 or Ex30, that comprises the following steps:

• • arranging a bottom part of the cover element on an upper side of the housing of the aerosol generating device, and
  • inserting a leg of a guide element through a guide slot in the bottom part into the opening of a spring cavity in the housing, such that an elastic element arranged in the spring cavity engages a notch in the leg.

Example Ex28: An assembly method according to example Ex27, further comprising the step of arranging a top cap on the bottom part such that a cover element cavity is formed, wherein a head of the guide element is arranged in the cover element cavity.

Example Ex29: An assembly method according to example Ex27 or Ex28, further comprising the step of positioning the elastic element in the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure part.

Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating device comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein a cover element is adapted to be moved in a first direction with respect to the aperture between an open position, in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position, in which the cover element at least partially covers the aperture, wherein the cover element is adapted to move relative to a guide element, wherein the guide element is adapted to pull the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section through the cover element.

FIG. 3 shows a partial perspective view of the aerosol-generating device without the top cap of the cover element.

FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view of the aerosol-generating device without the cover element and guide element.

FIG. 5 shows a partial perspective view of the bottom part of the cover element, guide element and elastic element.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the guide element.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective partial cross-section of the aerosol-generating device.

An aerosol-generating device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in an upright orientation in FIG. 1. The aerosol-generating device 1 comprises a housing 2 and a cover element 3 slidably arranged on the housing 2 along a first path in the transverse direction 100. The housing 2 extends predominantly in a longitudinal height direction 200 and has its compara-tively smallest extension in the width direction 300.

In its closed position, the cover element 3 covers the aperture 4 of a heating chamber 5 as shown in FIG. 4. In the open position, the cover element 3 enables that a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article may be inserted through the aperture 4 in a heating chamber 5. A mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article typically protrudes over the aperture 4, and when the aerosol-generating article is heated in the heating chamber 5, the aerosol-generating article may be consumed substantially like a cigarette.

The housing 2 comprises an upper surface 6 along which the cover element 3 may be slidingly moved. Furthermore, the housing 2 comprises an edge portion 7 which encompasses the upper surface 6. The edge portion 7 protrudes in the longitudinal direction 200 over the upper surface 6 forming side walls at the top of the housing 2. In the closed position, the cover element 3 is arranged adjacent to the edge portion 7 at one side in the transverse direction 100. In the open position, the cover element 3 is arranged at the edge portion 7 at the opposite side in the transverse direction 100.

In FIG. 2, a cross-section through the cover element 3 is shown. The cover element 3 comprises a top cap 8, which is arranged on a bottom part 9 and connected to the bottom part 9. The top cap 8 is fixed to the bottom part 9. In between the bottom part 9 and top cap 8, a cover element cavity 10 is provided. A guide slot 11 extends in the transverse direction 100 in the bottom part 9. First recesses 12 and second recesses 13 are provided adjacent to opposite ends of the guide slot 11. In particular, aligned pairs of first recesses 12 and aligned pairs of second recesses 13 are provided on both sides of the guide slot 11.

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

The guide element 14 comprises a head 17, which is arranged in the cover element cavity 10 of the cover element 3. The guide element 14 further comprises a leg 18, which is at least partially arranged in the spring cavity 16. A notch 19 is formed in the leg 18. The elastic element 15 engages with the notch 19 to apply an elastic force in the downwards longitudinal direction 200, to pull the guide element 14 towards the inside of the spring cavity 16.

As shown in FIG. 6, protrusions 20 are provided at the lower side of the head 17 of the guide element 14. The protrusions 20 engage with the first recesses 12 in the cover element 3, when the cover element 3 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 3. When the cover element 3 is in the open position, the protrusions 20 of the guide element 14 engage with the second recesses 13. During the sliding movement in between the closed position and the open position, the protrusions 20 slide along sliding surfaces 21, extending adjacent and parallel to the guide slot 11 on the bottom part 9 of the cover element 3. The engagement of the protrusions 20 in the recesses 12 or 13 provides a haptic response in the form of a click, confirming to the consumer that the cover element 3 reached the open position or closed position.

The cover element 3 may comprise a guide protrusion 22 at each respective side in the width direction 300. The guide protrusions 22 engage with curved surfaces 23 of the edge portion 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spring cavity 16 in which the elastic element 15 is arranged, is closed at its lower side by a closure part 24 in the form of a bottom wall. In particular, a gasket or glue is provided around the closure part 24, such that the spring cavity 16 is sealed against a housing compartment comprising control electronics.

According to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cover element 3 is moved along a first path in a transverse direction 100 from the closed position as shown in FIG. 1, where the protrusions 20 of the head 17 of the guide element 14 engage the first recesses 12. The guide element 14 remains stationary while the cover element 3 moves, such that the protrusions 20 disengage from the first recesses 12. Then, the cover element 3 is moved such that the sliding surfaces 21 of the bottom part 9 slide along under the protrusions 20 of the head 17 of the guide element 14. When the cover element 3 reaches the open position, the protrusions 20 engage in the second recesses 13, such that the consumer feels a haptic response. In this position, the aperture 4 is fully uncovered, and the consumer may insert a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article in the heating chamber 5.

In an embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, initially the elastic element 15 in the form of a latch spring is inserted in the spring cavity 16 from below. Then the spring cavity is closed by the lower closure part 24 in the form of a bottom wall of the spring cavity 16. Then, in the state as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom part 9 of the cover element 3 is positioned on the upper surface 6 of the housing 2. The guide element 14 is inserted with its leg 18 through the guide slot 11 and pressed into the spring cavity 16, where the latch spring 15 engages the notch 19 of the guide element 14. The latch spring 15 pulls the guide element 14 downwards, such that the head 17 of the guide element 14 is pressed with its protrusions 20 on the sliding surfaces 21 or in one of the pairs of recesses 12, 13. Thus, by a simple linear insertion motion, the guide element 14 is fixed to the latch spring 15, and the guide element 14 keeps the bottom part 9 in tight contact with the upper surface 6 of the housing 2. Then, the top cap 8 is fixed to the bottom part 9, preferably by snap-in elements. Thus, the assembly of the cover element 3 is completed.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A±10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materi-ally affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

a housing having an aperture configured to receive an aerosol-generating article; and

a cover element configured for movement with respect to the housing between a closed position and an open position,

wherein, in the closed position, the cover element at least partially covers the aperture,

wherein, in the open position, the aperture is at least partially uncovered,

wherein the cover element forms a cover element cavity,

wherein a guide element protrudes from the housing,

wherein the guide element is received in the cover element cavity,

wherein the guide element comprises a leg extending from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and

wherein an elastic element engages the leg inside the housing.

17. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the guide element is configured to apply a downholding force towards the housing on the cover element, at least when the cover element is in the closed position.

18. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16,

wherein one of the cover element and the guide element comprises a protrusion and the other one of the cover element and the guide element further comprises a first recess and a second recess,

wherein the protrusion and the first recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the closed position, and

wherein the protrusion and the second recess engage in each other when the cover element is in the open position.

19. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16,

wherein the elastic element is arranged in a spring cavity in the housing,

wherein the spring cavity has an opening,

wherein the leg extends through the opening of the spring cavity, and

wherein the spring cavity is hermetically closed with respect to an inner compartment of the housing.

20. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16,

wherein the guide element further comprises a head,

wherein the head is received in the cover element cavity, and

wherein the head has a width that is larger than a width of the leg.

21. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16,

wherein the cover element comprises a guide slot in its surface adjacent to the housing through which the leg of the guide element extends, and

wherein the head engages an inner surface of the cover element cavity next to the guide slot.

22. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16,

wherein the cover element comprises a bottom part and a top cap, and

wherein the cover element cavity is formed in between the top cap and the bottom part.

23. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, wherein the cover element comprises at least one guide protrusion, which is guided in a guide recess in the housing.

24. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according claim 16, and an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.

25. A method for closing an aperture in a housing of an aerosol-generating device, the aperture being configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

moving a cover element between an open position, in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position, in which the cover element at least partially covers the aperture,

wherein the cover element moves relative to a guide element,

wherein the guide element pulls the cover element towards the housing at least in the closed position,

wherein the guide element comprises a leg extending from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and

wherein an elastic element engages the leg inside the housing.

26. The method according to claim 25,

wherein the cover element is moved along a first path, and

wherein the guide element elastically moves in a direction different from the first path, when the cover element is moved along the first path in between the open position and the closed position.

27. An assembly method for a cover element on a housing of an aerosol-generating device according to claim 16, the method comprising steps of:

arranging a bottom part of the cover element on an upper side of the housing of the aerosol-generating device; and

inserting a leg of a guide element through a guide slot in a bottom part into an opening of a spring cavity in the housing, such that an elastic element arranged in the spring cavity engages a notch in the leg.

28. The assembly method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of:

arranging a top cap on the bottom part such that a cover element cavity is formed,

wherein a head of the guide element is arranged in the cover element cavity.

29. The assembly method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of: positioning the elastic element in the spring cavity and closing the spring cavity with a closure part.