RU2816489C1 - Charging device and aerosol generating system with multicomponent cover - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a charger for charging an aerosol-generating device. Charging device comprises a housing in which a cavity is formed to accommodate an aerosol-generating device to be charged. Cavity has an opening. At least one electrical contact is located in the cavity. Cover comprises a plurality of movable elements actuated between an open position and a closed position, wherein each of the movable elements has an inner surface facing the cavity when it is in the closed position. At least part of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the cover forms a profiled interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge. Present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system, which comprises a charger and an aerosol-generating device, and to a method of using the aerosol-generating system.

EFFECT: in the closed position, the movable elements support the electrical connection between the charging device and the aerosol generating device placed in the charging device.

15 cl, 12 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a charger for housing an aerosol generating article comprising improved closure means, an aerosol generating system comprising the charger, and a method of using the aerosol generating system.

Electrical aerosol-generating systems generally comprise an aerosol-forming substrate and a nebulizer that is used to atomize volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Typically, electrical aerosol generating systems also include an aerosol generating device containing an electrical power source for powering the atomizer. The atomizer may be an electrical heating means, such as an electric heater.

In some systems, the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article containing a solid aerosol-generating substrate, such as a substrate containing homogenized tobacco. In these systems, the device typically includes a nebulizer configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is placed in the device, and a power source coupled to the atomizer in the form of a rechargeable battery.

Some electrical aerosol generating systems contain a separate charger to accommodate the aerosol generating device, allowing it to be disconnected and recharged when not in use. Typically, the aerosol generating device will be used frequently. For example, an aerosol-generating device may be used many times a day. Therefore, throughout the day, the user will frequently insert and remove the aerosol generating device from the charger.

In some aerosol generating systems, the charger additionally includes a cover. The cover may be movable from an open position, in which the aerosol generating device can be placed in the charger, to a closed position, in which the aerosol generating device is protected from dust.

The charger usually contains an electrical contact. The aerosol generating device usually also contains an electrical contact. To recharge an aerosol generating device located in a charger, the aerosol generating device must be located in the charger such that the electrical contact of the aerosol generating device is in electrical connection with the electrical contact of the charger when the aerosol generating device is placed in the charger. When closed, the cover also prevents users from changing the position of the aerosol generating device in the charger. However, the electrical connection may not be maintained in the charger at all times if the charger is stored in a particular orientation or is dropped by the user of the device. If the electrical connection is not maintained continuously when the aerosol generating device is placed in the charger, the aerosol generating device may not be recharged properly. The risk of this is especially high when the aerosol generating system is a portable system. In addition, there is a risk that the cover may inadvertently move from the closed position to the open position.

In addition, in many aerosol-generating systems, the lid is usually at risk of being damaged in the open position. This is particularly true if the cover protrudes from the charger when open. For example, the cover may be movable about an axis of rotation such that, in the closed position, the cover is substantially parallel to and adjacent to the surface of the charger. When rotated about the axis of rotation, the cover in the open position is substantially perpendicular to this surface of the charger. When the charger protrudes perpendicularly in this way, there is a risk of damage to the cover.

It would be desirable to provide a charger that enables reliable and efficient charging by providing an electrical connection between the charger and an aerosol generating device housed within the charger. Given the frequency of use of the aerosol generating system, it would be desirable to provide a charger that can be handled quickly and easily by the user of the device. It would also be advisable to provide the charger with a cover that is durable.

The present invention provides a charger for charging an aerosol generating device. The charger may include a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged. The cavity may have an opening. At least one electrical contact may be located in the cavity. The charger may include a cover. The lid may contain many movable elements. The moving elements can be actuated between an open position and a closed position. Each of the movable elements may have an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position. At least part of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the lid may form a profiled interacting element. The profiled interacting element may comprise a leading edge and a trailing edge. The shaped interacting element can tilt into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in a closed position. The inclination may increase in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped interacting element.

In one example, a charger for charging an aerosol generating device may comprise a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, wherein at least one electrical contact is located in the cavity; and a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position, in which; at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the lid forms a shaped interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the shaped interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, and the inclination increases in direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element.

When the plurality of movable members are in an open position, the aerosol generating device may be housed in the charger in the cavity. When the plurality of moving parts are in a closed position, the aerosol generating device housed in the charger is protected from dust and dirt from the charger's environment. In the closed position, the many moving parts also prevent users from changing the position of the aerosol generating device inside the charger. Electrical contact between at least one electrical contact of the charger and the aerosol generating device is provided when the plurality of moving elements are in a closed position. Such a charger advantageously enables the aerosol generating device which is housed in the cavity to be reliably and efficiently charged.

A closure comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position advantageously reduces the footprint of the closure compared to a closure comprising a single movable member. This allows you to make the charger body more compact. This is especially useful when the charger is a portable charger.

The shaped interacting element, inclined into or towards the cavity when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position, advantageously provides interaction to the aerosol generating device located in the cavity. By interacting with the aerosol generating device, the shaped interacting element advantageously holds the aerosol generating device in a predetermined position in the cavity. At a predetermined position, the aerosol generating device can be electrically connected to the charger. The interaction of the shaped interacting element with the aerosol generating device may advantageously provide an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger regardless of the orientation of the charger or in the event of sudden force being applied to the charger, such as if the charger is dropped.

Electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger can be achieved when the aerosol generating device is held in contact with at least one electrical contact located in the cavity. In particular, electrical connection can be achieved when at least one electrical contact on the aerosol generating device is kept in contact with at least one electrical contact located in the cavity.

As used herein, the term “profiled interacting element” refers to a portion of the inner surface of at least one of a plurality of movable lid elements that is configured to interact with the surface of an aerosol generating device located in the cavity of the charger when brought into contact with that surface. a device that generates an aerosol when the lid is in the closed position. The shaped interacting element may engage the aerosol generating device at some intermediate position of the lid (i.e., a position between an open position and a closed position) and remain in interaction with the aerosol generating device as the lid slides out of intermediate position to the closed position.

As used herein, the term “inner surface of the cover” means the surface of the cover facing the body of the charger. When the cover is in the closed position, the inner surface faces the cavity formed in the charger body.

Preferably, each of the plurality of movable elements may include a shaped interacting element that tilts into or toward the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in a closed position, the inclination increasing in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped interacting element. Each of the shaped interacting elements can interact with the aerosol generating device when the moving elements are in a closed position. This advantageously results in multiple points of contact between the plurality of moving elements and the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, when more than one movable element contains a shaped interacting element, the inclination of each of the shaped interacting elements is the same.

The cover may contain an actuator plate. The actuating plate can be rotated relative to the charger body. Rotation of the actuator plate can actuate a plurality of movable elements from an open position to a closed position.

The actuator plate may have the shape of a ring. The actuator plate may be concentric with the cavity. The cover may also include a support plate. The support plate may be in the shape of a ring.

The support plate ring may be concentric with the cavity and the actuator plate ring. The support plate ring may be located within the actuator plate ring. Alternatively, the actuator plate ring may be located within the support plate ring. The inner ring of the support plate and the actuator plate may have a diameter corresponding to the dimensions of the cavity opening. For example, the diameter of the inner ring may be equal to the diameter of the cavity opening.

Each of the plurality of movable elements may be coupled to an actuator plate. This may be accomplished by an actuator arm attached to an actuator plate at one end and attached to a movable member at the other end.

Each of the plurality of movable elements may also be coupled to the body of the charger. Alternatively, each of the plurality of movable members may also be coupled to a support plate. The connection to the base plate or charger body may be made using a pin provided in the base plate or charger body.

By connecting each of the plurality of movable elements to an actuator plate and to a support plate or charger body, rotation of the actuator plate can actuate the movable elements from an open position to a closed position.

The connection of each of the plurality of movable elements to the support plate or charger body may be offset relative to each of the connections of the plurality of movable elements to the actuator plate such that rotation of the actuator plate causes the movable elements to be actuated around the hinge.

The lid may contain an iris mechanism. The iris mechanism advantageously has a small footprint, is compact and durable. Many moving elements may form part of the iris mechanism. The iris mechanism may also include an actuator plate. The iris mechanism may also include a support plate.

The lid can contain from 2 to 6 moving elements.

Multiple moving parts cannot overlap in the closed position. Multiple moving parts cannot overlap in the open position. This may be possible due to the fact that the moving elements are connected by means of an actuator arm. The non-overlapping arrangement advantageously makes it possible to provide an iris mechanism in which at least one of the moving elements has a profiled interacting element.

In the closed position, multiple moving elements can contact each other to form a continuous surface. The continuous surface may face the opening of the charger cavity and may cover the cavity. In other words, in the closed position, the plurality of moving elements can be aligned when they are in the closed position. This advantageously seals the cavity from the environment.

One or each shaped interacting element may be configured to move the aerosol generating device located in the cavity to interact with at least one electrical contact when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position. This advantageously ensures that electrical communication is maintained between the aerosol generating device and the charger. By sliding the aerosol generating device into contact with at least one electrical contact of the charger, the electrical resistance between the at least one contact and the aerosol generating device can be significantly reduced. This can provide efficient charging of the aerosol generating device.

As used herein, the term “shearing” or “shearing” means that a force is applied by one component to another component.

One or each shaped interacting element may protrude into or toward the cavity when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position. The protrusion of the shaped interacting element may increase in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped interacting element. This is the result of increasing the inclination of the shaped interacting element into the cavity or in the direction of the cavity from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

Preferably, the leading edge may not extend into the cavity or toward the cavity sufficiently to interact with an aerosol generating device that is located in the cavity. Consequently, when the plurality of movable elements are actuated from an open position to a closed position, the shaped interacting element does not immediately engage with the aerosol generating device located in the cavity. Actuating the plurality of movable elements further toward the closed position may cause the shaped interacting portion to protrude into or toward the cavity to such an extent that it interacts with the aerosol generating device located in the cavity and then increasingly moves the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact. This configuration advantageously results in smooth interaction of the shaped interacting element with the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, when more than one of the plurality of movable elements includes a shaped interacting element, each shaped interacting element engages the aerosol generating device at the same point of movement of the plurality of movable elements between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, each shaped interacting element equally displaces the aerosol generating device. This advantageously ensures that a uniform force is applied to the aerosol generating device, moving the aerosol generating device to engage the at least one electrical contact.

Actuation of the plurality of movable elements from an open position to a closed position may move one or each shaped interaction into an overlapped arrangement with the cavity. In this cavity-overlapping arrangement, one or each shaped interacting element may advantageously interact and contact the aerosol generating device in the cavity. The leading edge may first move into an overlapping arrangement with the cavity as the associated movable member is actuated from an open position to a closed position.

The inclination of the shaped interacting element may increase linearly into the cavity or in the direction of the cavity from a leading edge to a trailing edge. Alternatively, the slope may increase non-linearly. For example, the degree of change in the increase in slope may increase from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The protrusion into or toward the cavity of such a cap may initially increase slowly and then increase more rapidly as the cap slides away from the open position. The non-linear tilt can be configured so that there is smooth interaction of the shaped interacting element at a low degree of tilt increase, and then, upon entering the interaction, so that the aerosol generating device can be quickly slid into the cavity, providing an electrical connection.

Although reference is made throughout to a plurality of movable members actuated from an open position to a closed position, the movable members may equally be actuated from a closed position to an open position.

Preferably, at least one electrical contact of the charger is an elastic element.

As used herein, the term "elastic element" refers to an element that can be deformed or deflected by an applied force, but is capable of returning to its original position or condition after the applied force is removed. When the resilient member is deformed or deflected by a force applied by a component that moves in the direction of the resilient member, the resilient member generates a reaction force that forces the component to move away from the resilient member. Examples of elastic elements include coil springs and cantilever springs.

The at least one electrical contact may be a resilient member configured to apply a force to the aerosol generating device located in the cavity toward the opening of the cavity when the plurality of movable members are in a closed position. The force applied by the elastic element advantageously moves the aerosol generating device towards the lid and, in particular, towards the shaped interacting element of the lid. The lid, in the closed position, advantageously provides electrical communication between the aerosol generating device and the charger.

The charger may include a release mechanism for the aerosol generating device. The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may be located in the cavity. The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may comprise an elastic element. The resilient member may be configured to move the aerosol generating device located in the cavity toward the opening of the cavity when the plurality of movable members are in a closed position. By sliding the aerosol generating device outward from the cavity, it may be easier for the user of the device to remove the aerosol generating device from the charger. The reason for this is that an area of the aerosol generating device can be provided that can be held by the user. The user of the charger can grasp and interact with this area to facilitate insertion or removal of the aerosol generated from the charger. The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may be configured to move the aerosol generating device at least partially out of the cavity when the plurality of movable members are in an open position.

The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may be an elastic element in the form of a coil spring or cantilever spring, which is located in the cavity of the charger.

The charger may include a primary power source. The primary power source may be configured to be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact of the charger. The aerosol generating device may include a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be configured to be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device.

The primary power supply and the secondary power supply may comprise any suitable types of power supply. The primary power supply and the secondary power supply may include one or more of batteries and capacitors. The primary power source and the secondary power source may include lithium ion batteries. The primary power supply and the secondary power supply may be rechargeable power supplies. The primary power supply and the secondary power supply may be identical. The primary power source and the secondary power source may not be identical. The primary power source may be larger than the secondary power source of the aerosol generating device. When the charger and the aerosol generating device are electrically connected, electrical communication between the primary power source and the secondary power source can be enabled. Electrical communication between the primary power source and the secondary power source may allow the primary power source to be used to recharge the secondary power source. Therefore, the shaped interacting element providing the connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger advantageously allows for recharging by the primary source of the secondary power source when the aerosol generating device is housed in the charger and the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position.

The charger cavity may have dimensions that substantially correspond to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device to be placed in the cavity. Preferably, the cavity is an elongated cavity extending from an opening on the surface of the cartridge body to a closed end located inside the cartridge body. The length of the cavity from its opening to its closed end is preferably substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating device to be placed in the cavity. The aerosol generating device, which is located in the cavity of the charger, may extend outside or over the opening of the cavity when it is located in the cavity. This extension outward or over the cavity may result from at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device being pushed outward from the cavity.

One or each shaped interacting element may be a cam surface. The surface of the aerosol generating device located in the cavity may be a cam seat. In particular, the cam seat may be the top surface of the aerosol generating device. If there is more than one shaped interacting element, each shaped interaction may be a separate cam surface, and another portion of the aerosol generating device surface may be a cam seat.

As used herein, the term “cam surface” refers to a surface of a first component configured to contact a portion of a second component. As used herein, the term “cam seat” refers to the portion of the second component configured to contact a cam surface. The cam surface and the cam seat are configured such that the motion of the first component is transmitted to the second component through contact between the cam surface and the cam seat. Typically the cam surface runs over the cam seat.

The profiled interacting element in the form of a cam surface can be configured to transmit lateral movement from the corresponding movable element to the aerosol generating device as a cam seat. The aerosol generating device may follow or slide the slope of the shaped interacting member as the lid moves from an open position to a closed position. Since the shaped interacting member is inclined into or toward the cavity, the aerosol generating device is pushed toward the cavity when the lid is moved from the open position to the closed position. This advantageously moves the aerosol generating device towards the electrical contact in the cavity.

The aerosol generating device can move over the shaped interacting element only after one or each shaped interacting element has interacted with the aerosol generating device.

Each movable element can move between an open position and a closed position in an actuating plane. Each movable element can move in the same actuating plane. Each movable element can move in a different actuating plane.

As used herein, the term "execution plane" refers to the plane in which the lid rests when the lid is in a closed position, an open position, or a position intermediate between a closed position and an open position. The actuation plane can lie in the x and y directions in a Cartesian coordinate system. The movable element may substantially extend in the x and y directions.

The direction of inclination of the profiled interacting element may be outside the execution plane of the corresponding movable element. The profiled interacting element can be tilted beyond the actuating plane in the direction of the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in a closed position.

As used herein, the term "outside the performance plane" means that the non-zero component of the slope of the profiled interacting element lies in a direction orthogonal to both the x-direction and the y-direction defined by the performance plane. In other words, the non-zero component of the slope of the profiled interacting element is in the z direction in the Cartesian coordinate system formed by the actuating plane.

Each movable element may include an outer surface extending substantially parallel to the execution plane. The outer surface may be located on the side of the movable element opposite the inner surface. The inner surface of the movable element may include a portion that is not inclined inward or toward the cavity when the movable element is in a closed position. A portion of the inner surface of the cover may extend substantially parallel to the sliding plane. A portion of the inner surface of the lid may extend substantially parallel to the outer surface of the lid.

The charger body may include a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The charger housing may be a parallelepiped.

The charger body may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The charger housing may be cylindrical.

Terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "side", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" and other terms used to describe the relative positions of charger and device components aerosol generating devices refer to a charger in a vertical position with a cavity opening configured to accommodate the aerosol generating device at the upper end. A cavity may be formed at the upper end. The execution plane described above may be substantially parallel to the upper end.

The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction from the bottom to the top or vice versa.

The charger housing may include a surface over which a plurality of movable members may be actuated. This could be the top surface. When a plurality of movable members are actuated from an open position to a closed position, the inner surface of the cover cannot slide beyond the surface of the housing. The moving parts may not protrude from the charger housing in the open position and therefore there is no position in which the cover is at increased risk of damage. The front side of the housing may lie in a plane substantially parallel to the execution plane described above. This arrangement is advantageously durable.

The charger may contain an actuator. The charger may include means for actuating the plurality of movable members from a closed position to an open position in response to manipulation of the actuator by a user of the charger. By providing an actuator to control the lid, the process of opening and closing the charger is simplified and more user-friendly. For example, the actuator on the body of the charger may advantageously be positioned such that a user holding the charger in one hand can use the same hand to operate the actuator. This may be more convenient than moving the cover itself. The actuator may be located on the front side of the charger housing.

The actuator may be a rotary disk. When the actuator is a rotary disk, the charger housing is preferably cylindrical in shape. The rotary disk can be positioned parallel to the bottom surface of the charger. The rotary disk may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical charger.

The rotary disk may be configured to be rotated by the user of the charger. Turning the rotary dial can cause moving parts to move from an open position to a closed position. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the rotary disk and the cover. The mechanical link may be at least one rigid rod connecting the rotary disk to the actuator plate. The mechanical connection can be made in such a way that rotation of the rotary disk causes rotation of the cover actuator plate.

The actuator may be a slider. When the actuator is a rotary disk, the charger housing is preferably a parallelepiped. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the slider and the cover. The mechanical connection can be made in such a way that the movement of the slider is transmitted to the cover. In particular, the movement of the slider can be transmitted to the lid as a rotational movement. The rotational motion may be transmitted to the bonnet actuator plate and may cause the bonnet actuator ring to rotate.

Alternatively, the actuator may be a button or switch. The means for sliding the lid may comprise an actuator and a mechanical connection between the actuator and the lid. The actuator may be configured to send an electrical signal to the actuator in response to actions by a user of the charger on the actuator. The actuator may be an electric motor configured to generate rotational motion. This rotational movement can be transmitted to the cover and in particular to the actuator plate via a mechanical link.

A plurality of movable elements can be moved to a closed position. Shifting the movable elements to a closed position advantageously means that the movable elements are shifted towards a closed position. Whenever the moving elements are in the open position, a biasing force can automatically move them back to the closed position. This advantageously prevents the user from unintentionally leaving the lid in the open position. Advantageously, this also means that if the cover is inadvertently moved to the open position, for example when storing a charger in the user's pocket, it will automatically return to the closed position. The biasing element may be formed by means of a plurality of springs. Each spring may be attached to one of a plurality of movable members at one end and to a charger body at the other end. Alternatively, one end of the spring may be attached to the lid support plate and the other end may be attached to the lid actuator plate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol generating substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds. The aerosol generating device may interface with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substrate. The electrical aerosol generating device may include a nebulizer, such as an electrical heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated that can form an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating products described herein may be visible or invisible and may contain vapors (e.g., fine particles of substances in a gaseous state that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapors.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-free aerosol-forming material.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, grains, thin tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: herbal leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stem fragments, blasted tobacco, or homogenized tobacco.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released when the solid aerosol-forming substrate is heated. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules that, for example, contain additional volatile flavor compounds, whether or not containing tobacco, and such capsules may melt when the solid aerosol-forming substrate is heated.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, beads, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The aerosol-forming solid substrate may be deposited onto the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or alternatively may be applied in a pattern to provide non-uniform delivery of the flavor during use.

If the aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid, the aerosol-generating article or cartridge may contain means for retaining the liquid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively be any other type of substrate, such as a gaseous substrate, a gel substrate, or any combination of different types of substrate.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming agent.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes aerosol generation and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article.

Suitable aerosol-forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a single aerosol-forming substance. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a combination of two or more aerosol-forming substances.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of greater than 5% on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of from about 5% to about 30% on a dry weight basis.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of approximately 20% on a dry weight basis.

The present invention also provides an aerosol generating system comprising a charger and an aerosol generating device. The charger may include a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged. The cavity may have an opening. At least one electrical contact may be located in the cavity. The charger may include a cover. The lid may include a plurality of movable members actuated between an open position and a closed position. Each of the movable elements may have an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position. At least a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the movable lid elements may form a profiled interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The shaped interacting element can tilt into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in a closed position. The inclination may increase in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped interacting element. When the aerosol generating device is located in the cavity, the shaped interacting element may be configured to move the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position.

In one example of an aerosol generating system, the charger comprises: a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, wherein at least one electrical contact is disposed in the cavity; and a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position, in which; at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the lid forms a shaped interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and the shaped interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, and the inclination increases in direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element; wherein, when the aerosol generating device is located in the cavity, the shaped interacting element is configured to move the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position.

The charger features described above may be applied to the charger of an aerosol generating system.

When the plurality of movable members are in an open position, the aerosol generating device may be housed in the charger in the cavity. When the lid is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device is protected from environmental dust and dirt. In the closed position, the cover also prevents users from changing the position of the aerosol generating device in the charger and provides electrical contact between at least one electrical contact of the charger and the aerosol generating device. Such a charger advantageously allows the aerosol generating device which is housed in the cavity to be reliably and efficiently charged.

Shifting the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact maintains electrical communication between the aerosol generating device and the charger.

Preferably, each of the plurality of movable elements may include a shaped interacting element that tilts into or toward the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in a closed position, the inclination increasing in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped interacting element. Each of the shaped interacting elements can interact with the aerosol generating device when the moving elements are in a closed position. This advantageously provides multiple points of contact between the plurality of moving elements and the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, when more than one movable element contains a shaped interacting element, the inclination of each of the shaped interacting elements is the same.

The cover may contain an actuator plate. The actuator plate may have the shape of a ring. The actuator plate may be concentric with the cavity. The lid may include a ring-shaped support plate. The support plate ring may be concentric with the cavity. The support plate ring may be located within the actuator plate ring. Alternatively, the actuator plate ring may be located within the support plate ring. The inner ring of the support plate and the actuator plate may have a diameter corresponding to the dimensions of the cavity opening. For example, the diameter of the inner ring may be equal to the diameter of the cavity opening.

The actuating plate can be configured to rotate relative to the charger body. The actuating plate can be configured to rotate relative to the charger body. Each of the plurality of movable elements may be coupled to an actuator plate. This may be accomplished by an actuator arm attached to an actuator plate at one end and attached to a movable member at the other end.

Each of the plurality of movable elements may also be connected to the support plate. Alternatively, each of the plurality of movable elements may also be coupled to the charger body. The connection to the base plate or charger body may be made using a pin provided in the base plate or charger body.

The actuating plate can be rotated relative to the support plate and the charger housing. By connecting each of the plurality of movable elements to an actuator plate and to a support plate or charger body, rotation of the actuator plate can actuate the movable elements from an open position to a closed position.

The connection of each of the plurality of movable elements to the support plate or charger body may be offset relative to each of the connections of the plurality of movable elements to the actuator ring such that rotation of the actuator plate causes the movable elements to be actuated around the hinge.

The lid may contain an iris mechanism. The iris mechanism may contain many moving elements. The iris mechanism may also include an actuator plate. The iris mechanism may also include a support plate.

The lid can contain from 2 to 6 moving elements. Multiple moving parts cannot overlap in the closed position. Multiple moving parts cannot overlap in the open position. The non-overlapping arrangement advantageously allows at least one of the moving elements to have a profiled interacting element.

The charger may include a release mechanism for the aerosol generating device. The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may be located in the cavity. The release mechanism of the aerosol generating device may comprise an elastic element.

At least one electrical contact of the charger may be an elastic element. The resilient member may be configured to apply a force to the aerosol generating device that is located in the cavity toward the opening of the cavity when the lid is in a closed position.

The charger may include a primary power source. The primary power source may be configured to be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact of the charger. The aerosol generating device may include a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be configured to be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device. Electrical communication between the primary power source and the secondary power source may allow the primary power source to be used to recharge the secondary power source. Therefore, one or each shaped cooperating element providing a connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger advantageously enables recharging by the primary source of the secondary power source when the aerosol generating device is housed in the charger and the lid is in the closed position.

The charger cavity may have dimensions that substantially correspond to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device to be placed in the cavity. The length of the cavity from its opening to its closed end is preferably substantially equal to the length of the aerosol generating device to be placed in the cavity.

One or each shaped interacting element may protrude into or toward the cavity when the plurality of movable elements are in a closed position.

One or each shaped interacting element may be a cam surface and the surface of the aerosol generating device located in the cavity may be a cam seat.

A plurality of movable elements, when slidably moved between an open position and a closed position, can be moved in an actuating plane.

The charger may contain an actuator. The charger may include means for actuating the plurality of movable members from an open position to a closed position in response to manipulation of the actuator by a user of the charger.

The actuator may be a slider. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the slider and the cover. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the slider and the cover actuator plate.

Alternatively, the actuator may be a slider. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the slider and the cover. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may be a mechanical connection between the slider and the cover actuator plate.

Alternatively, the actuator may be a button or switch. The means for actuating the plurality of movable elements may comprise an actuator and a mechanical connection between the actuator and the cover. The mechanical connection may be between the actuator and the cover actuator plate.

A plurality of movable elements can be moved to a closed position.

The present invention provides a method of using an aerosol generating system comprising a charger and an aerosol generating device; a charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, wherein at least one electrical contact is located in the cavity; and a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position, in which; at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the lid forms a shaped interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and the shaped interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, and the inclination increases in direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element; wherein the method includes:

inserting the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the charger while the plurality of movable members are in an open position; and actuating the moving elements from an open position to a closed position; wherein, in the closed position, the shaped interacting element moves the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact.

When the aerosol generating device is housed in the cavity and the plurality of movable members are in a closed position, the charger can charge the aerosol generating device. The controller in the charger may couple the primary power supply of the charger to at least one electrical contact of the charger. The aerosol generating device that communicates with the at least one electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the at least one electrical contact, for example, through at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, a secondary power supply located in the aerosol generating device can be charged by the primary power supply of the charger. The charging of the aerosol generating device can be controlled using the charger controller.

The method may also include the step of actuating the movable members from a closed position to an open position when the user wants to use the aerosol generating device located in the charger.

The charger may include a release mechanism for the aerosol generating device. When the lid is slidably moved to the open position, the aerosol generating device release mechanism may slide the aerosol generating device outward from the charger cavity. This may advantageously move the aerosol generating portion of the device outward from the cavity. The user of the aerosol generating system can use this part to pull the aerosol generating device out of the cavity.

The step of sliding the cover from an open position to a closed position (or vice versa) may involve direct user interaction with the charger cover. Alternatively, the charger may include an actuator in the form of a rotary disk, slider, switch or button, the operation of which actuates the lid. Handling the actuator may cause the moving elements to move from an open position to a closed position.

A plurality of movable elements can be moved to a closed position. In this case, the step of inserting the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the device may involve applying a force to the movable members against displacement to hold the lid in an open position. This force can be applied by the user directly to the moving elements. Alternatively, force may be applied through the means for actuating the lid. The step of sliding the lid from an open position to a closed position may include removing the force holding the lid in the open position so that the lid moves to the closed position automatically due to the presence of the biasing member.

Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may be applied to other aspects and embodiments. For example, the features described with respect to the aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems described above may also be used in combination with the methods of using the aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems described above.

Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a known aerosol generating electrical system comprising an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating device, and a charger for charging the aerosol generating device;

in fig. 2 is a perspective view of a charger including a cover slidably movable between an open position and a closed position. In this embodiment, the charger is cylindrical in shape and includes an actuator in the form of a rotary disk. The cover in fig. 2 is shown schematically;

in fig. 3 is a top view of the cover separated from the charger of FIG. 2. in fig. 3a shows the cover in the open position; In fig. 3b shows the lid in the (almost) closed position;

in fig. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the charger of FIG. 2. in fig. 4a shows the lid in the open position; in fig. 4b shows the lid in the closed position; In fig. 4c shows the cover in a position intermediate between the open position and the closed position;

in fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the actuatable lid elements of FIG. 2-4, separate from the rest of the cover;

in fig. 6 shows another version of the charger, in which the actuator is a slider;

in fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charger of FIG. 6;

in fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a charger in which the driving means is an electric motor;

in fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a charger including a release mechanism for an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for using an aerosol generating system including a charger and an aerosol generating device.

In fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a known aerosol generating electrical system. A known aerosol generating electrical system includes a charger 1, an aerosol generating device 20, and an aerosol generating product 30.

The charger 1 includes a housing 2 having the general size and shape of a conventional cigarette pack. The lithium-ion battery 3 and the electrical circuit 4 are housed inside the charger 1. The charger 1 further includes a generally circular cylindrical cavity 5 for housing the aerosol generating device 20. The cavity 5 is formed by the housing 2. An electrical contact (not shown) is located at the closed end of the cavity 5 for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device, which is located in the cavity 5, with the battery 3 of the charger 1.

The aerosol generating device 20 is generally circular and has the general dimensions of a conventional cigar. The length of the device 20 is substantially identical to the length of the cavity 5, and the diameter of the device 20 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cavity 5, so that the device 20 fits snugly in the cavity 5. The aerosol generating device 20 includes an open cavity 21 at the proximal end to accommodate the product generating aerosol. The aerosol generating device 20 further includes a battery (not shown) housed in the device body and an electric heater (not shown) located in the cavity 21 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 30 when the aerosol generating article 30 is placed in cavity 21.

The aerosol generating article 30 comprises an aerosol generating substrate (not shown) comprising an assembled pleated tobacco sheet and a filter (not shown) positioned butted against the aerosol generating substrate in a rod form. The aerosol generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 21 of the device 20 and a length greater than the cavity 21 such that when the article 30 is placed in the cavity 21 of the device 20, the filter extends beyond the cavity 21 and the user can operate on it. puff similar to a regular cigarette.

During use, the user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 21 of the device 20 and turns on the device 20 to activate the electric heater. An electric heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate article 30 such that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released and atomized to form an aerosol. The user takes a puff on the mouthpiece of article 30 and inhales an aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After use of the device 20, the product 30 may be removed from the device 20 for disposal, and the device 20 may be placed in the charger 1 for storage as well as charging the battery of the device 20.

In fig. 2 is a perspective view of a charger 100 including a charger body 102, a cover 110, and a rotary disk actuator 130. The charger also includes two electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 2) located in the cavity and a power supply in form of a rechargeable battery (not shown).

The charger housing 102 has a cylindrical shape. The rotary disk 130 is also cylindrical in shape. The diameter of the rotary disk 130 is the same as the diameter of the charger body 102, and the rotary disk 130 is concentric with the charger body 102.

Cover 110 is shown schematically in FIG. 2. A more detailed view of the cover is shown in FIG. 3. The cover includes a support plate ring 112, an actuator ring 114 and four movable elements 116. In FIG. 2, the movable members 116 are shown in a closed position, with each individual movable member in contact with two other movable members. The moving elements 116 do not overlap. The movable members 116 are shaped such that contact between the movable members creates a continuous surface when the movable members 116 are in the closed position.

A cavity 120 for housing the aerosol generating device is formed in the charger body 102. The cavity 120 includes cavity walls 122 and a cavity opening 124 formed in the upper surface 104 of the charger housing 102. The cavity opening 124 is aligned with the lid. Since the cavity is formed inside the charger body and the cover 110 is shown in a closed position in FIG. 2, cavity 120, cavity walls 122 and cavity opening 124 are not visible. However, the position of the cavity within the charger is indicated by the dotted line 121. Features of the cavity 120 are shown in FIG. 4.

The moving elements 116 can be actuated between an open position and a closed position.

The cover is shown separately from the rest of the charger 100 in FIG. 3. The lid contains an iris mechanism. Each of the movable members 116 is connected to a support plate ring 112 and an actuator plate ring 114. The connection of each of the movable members 116 to the support plate ring is accomplished by means of pins formed in the support plate ring 112. Each pin is connected to a movable member 116 at a connection 306 on a corresponding movable member 116. The movable members may rotate about the joint 306.

The connection of the movable members 116 to the actuator ring 114 is made through a coupling arm 302. Each coupling arm is connected to the movable member at a connection 304 at one end of the coupling arm 302. The other end of the coupling arm 302 is connected to the actuator ring 114 via a pin in the actuator ring 114. Each the movable member 116 can be rotated about the connection 304, and each actuator arm 302 can be rotated about the actuation point 305.

The actuator ring 112 is rotatable relative to the support plate ring 114. Rotation of the actuator ring 112 actuates the movable members 116. This actuation is made possible by the fact that each of the connections 304, 305 and 306 is rotatable about the connection and by the displacement of the connection points. Therefore, when the actuator ring 114 is rotated, the moving members 116 are driven from the open position shown in FIG. 3a to the almost closed position shown in FIG. 3b. By connecting the movable members 116 via a coupling arm 302 rather than directly to the actuator ring (as is typically the case with iris mechanisms), the movement of each of the movable members 116 can be designed to avoid any overlap with other movable members, either in the open position or in the closed position. This advantageously allows the inner surface of the moving elements to be tilted to form a profiled interacting element, as described below.

In fig. 3b shows the moving elements in an almost closed position, when the moving elements have not yet completely reached the closed position shown in FIG. 2 (i.e. the position in which the moving elements form a continuous surface).

The diameter of the actuating ring 114 corresponds to the diameter of the cavity 120 (the cavity is cylindrical). The actuator ring 114 is also concentric with the cavity 120. Therefore, when the moving elements 116 are in the open position, the cavity 120 is accessible such that the aerosol generating device can be placed by the charger 100 in the cavity 120. In the closed position, the moving elements 116 are arranged to closing the cavity 120 by rotating toward the cavity 120. Closing the cavity protects the cavity 120 from dust and dirt from the environment and prevents users from changing the position of the aerosol generating device housed within the charger cavity. The charger housing 102 functions as a shell for the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity and provides protection for the aerosol generating device.

The movable members 116, in the closed position, also have the function of providing electrical contact between the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity and the electrical contacts of the charger (not shown in FIG. 2) housed in the cavity. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and fig. 5.

In fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a charger 100 with an aerosol generating device 400 housed in a cavity 120. Two of the four movable elements 116 can be seen in the cross-section. In FIG. 4a shows the moving elements 116 in the open position. In fig. 4b shows the moving elements 116 in a closed position. In fig. 4c shows the moving elements in an intermediate position between the open position of FIG. 4a and the closed position according to FIG. 4b.

Each of the movable elements 116 includes an internal surface 410, a portion of which forms a shaped interacting element 412. The shaped interacting element 412 includes a leading edge 414 and a trailing edge 416. As shown in FIG. 4b, the shaped interacting element 412 is inclined towards the cavity 120 when the movable elements 116 are in the closed position. The inclination of the shaped interacting element 412 increases in the direction from the leading edge 414 to the trailing edge 416.

The inclination of the profiled interacting element 412 is more clearly shown in FIG. 5, which is a perspective view of the actuator 116 shown separately from the rest of the cover. The slope of the shaped interacting element 412 increases from the leading edge 414, formed at the furthest point of the shaped interacting element 412 from the two connection points 304 and 306, to the trailing edge 416. After the trailing edge, the thickness of the movable element 116 remains constant, forming a portion 502. The portion 502 is internal the surface does not interact with the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity because it extends over other lid elements (eg, backing plate ring 112) when the movable element is in the closed position.

The aerosol generating device includes two electrical contacts 402 and 403. The aerosol generating device also includes a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown). The rechargeable battery of the aerosol generating device is electrically coupled to two electrical contacts 402 and 403.

Two electrical contacts 404 and 405 are located in the cavity of the charger. The electrical contacts 402 and 403 of the aerosol generating device are aligned with the electrical contacts 404 and 405 of the charger when the aerosol generating device is placed in the cavity. When there is an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the charger and the electrical contacts of the aerosol generating device, the rechargeable battery of the charger can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery of the aerosol generating device. To reliably charge a rechargeable battery, the electrical connection must be permanent.

Electrical contacts 404 and 405 are elastic elements in the form of cantilever springs. As shown in FIG. 4a, electrical contacts 404 and 405 extend upward from the closed end of the cavity toward the cavity opening when the movable members 116 are in the open position. When the aerosol generating device 400 is placed in the cavity and the moving elements are in the open position, the aerosol generating device is supported by electrical contacts 404 and 405 (assuming the charger remains in an upright position).

The cavity extends from the closed end, where the electrical contacts 404 and 405 are located, to the cavity opening 124. In this embodiment, the support plate 112 is installed in the charger body such that the top of the support plate is aligned with the top of the cavity opening 124. The aerosol generating device 400 has a length that is substantially the same as the length of the cavity. However, because the electrical contacts 404 and 405 face upward, the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity supported by the electrical contacts 404 and 405 extends above the level of the cavity opening 124.

When the moving elements 116 are in the open position, electrical communication between electrical contacts 402 and 404 and 403 and 405 is not provided and therefore may be intermittent. For example, if the charger 100 is not stored in an upright position, or is shaken or dropped, it is likely that electrical communication between the electrical contacts will not be maintained.

When the moving elements 116 are in the closed position, electrical communication is provided between the electrical contacts 402 and 404, and 403 and 405. This is because, in the closed position, the shaped interacting elements 412 engage with the top surface 422 of the aerosol generating device 400 located in the cavity 120. The interaction ensures electrical communication of the aerosol generating device 400 with the electrical contacts 402 and 404, 403 and 405, regardless of the orientation of the charger and any sudden forces applied to the charger, for example, if the charger falls. In other words, the interaction maintains contact between the electrical contacts 402 and 403 of the charger and the electrical contacts 404 and 405 of the aerosol generating device.

Electrical communication is achieved by the shaped interacting elements 412 applying a force to the top surface 422 of the aerosol generating device, pushing it into the cavity 120 both in the direction and against the electrical contacts 404 and 405. The applied force causes deformation of the electrical contacts 404 and 405 and, thereby creating a counter force that moves the aerosol generating device 400 to move away from the electrical contacts 404 and 405 (ie, a counter force pushing the aerosol generating device 400 back out of the cavity 120). Since the moving elements 116 are in the closed position, the reaction force applied by the electrical contacts 404 and 405 moves the aerosol generating device towards the moving elements 116 and, in particular, towards the shaped interacting elements 412. This arrangement provides contact between the aerosol generating device 400 , and the electrical contacts of the charger 404 and 405.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the shaped interacting members 412 are configured to first engage the top surface 422 of the aerosol generating device 400 housed in the cavity 120 in an intermediate position (ie, a position between the open position and the closed position) of the lid. This position shown in Fig. 4c.

As the moving members 116 are actuated from an open position to a closed position, each of the shaped interacting members 412 moves into an overlapped arrangement with the cavity 120. It is the leading edge 414 that moves into the overlapped arrangement with the cavity first. As a result of the shaped interacting members being inclined, each of the shaped interacting members 412 projects increasingly toward the cavity as the movable members 116 approach the closed position. In the intermediate position shown in FIG. 4c, the overlap is such that the shaped interacting elements 116 protrude toward the cavity sufficiently to initially contact and engage the top surface 422 of the aerosol generating device 400. This arrangement results in smooth interaction between the shaped interacting part and the aerosol generating device 300.

Each shaped interacting member 412 remains in engagement with the aerosol generating device 400 as the movable member 116 is actuated from the intermediate position of FIG. 4c to the closed position according to FIG. 4b. As the shaped interacting elements 412 protrude increasingly toward the cavity, an increasing force is applied to the aerosol generating device 300, pushing the aerosol generating device into contact with the electrical contacts 404 and 405. In turn, the electrical contacts 404 and 405 increasingly deform from their extended state and thus exert an increasing counter force, pushing the aerosol generating device back out of the cavity.

Each shaped interacting element 412 follows a similar path, engaging the aerosol generating device 400 at the same point in the movement of the corresponding movable element 116. The inclinations of each of the shaped interacting elements 412 are the same. Consequently, each shaped interacting element 412 projects similarly towards the cavity at similar points in the movement of the corresponding movable element 116 compared to the shaped interacting elements 412 of the other movable elements 116. This results in the aerosol generating device being applied on each side. equal force by each of the moving elements, which ensures uniform application of force to the aerosol-generating device. This also ensures an even distribution of force between the moving elements 116.

Each shaped interacting element 412 functions as a cam surface, and the aerosol generating device 400 functions as a cam seat following the movement of the cam surfaces. The lateral movement of the shaped interacting elements 412, as the moving elements are actuated from an open position to a closed position, is transmitted to the longitudinal movement of the aerosol generating device 400 in the cavity.

As already described, the movable elements 116 are driven by the rotation of the actuator ring 114 relative to the support plate ring 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and fig. 4, the charger is provided with an actuator in the form of a rotating disk 130, and it is this actuator that causes the actuator ring 114 to rotate relative to the base plate ring 112, and thus drives the movable elements 116.

The rotary disk 130 rotates about a point aligned with the center of the actuator plate 114. Two rigid rods 432 attach the rotary disk 130 to the actuator ring 114. The rigid rods 432 extend through a cavity formed in the charger housing 102. When the user rotates the rotary disk 130, the rotational motion is transmitted directly from the rotary disk 130 to the actuator ring 114 using the rigid rods 432. Therefore, the user can handle the movable elements 116 while rotating the rotary disk 130.

Attached to the rotary disk 130 is a biasing element in the form of a coil 450. The coil 450 is attached to the charger body 102 at the first end 452 and is attached to the rotary disk 130 at the second end 454. The coil is an elastic element and is configured in such a way that the natural undeformed state of the coil 450 is achieved when the rotary disk 130 is in such a position that the moving elements 116 are in the closed position. When the rotary disk 130 is in a position such that the movable members 116 are in the open position, the spring 450 is in a deformed state. Therefore, when the movable elements 116 are in the open position, the spring 450 applies a force to the rotary disk 130, causing the rotary disk to rotate to a position in which the movable elements 116 close the cavity 120.

Whenever the movable members 116 are in the open position or in a position intermediate between the open position and the closed position, the movable members 116 are pushed back to the closed position by the coil 450 applying force to the rotary disk 130. This prevents the user from inadvertently leaving the charger cover open. position In addition, if the lid is accidentally forced open, the spool 450 will automatically close the lid again.

Although coil 450 is shown attached to rotary disk 130 at one end and charger housing 102 at the other, other designs are possible. Any bias element that is in its natural state when the movable members 116 are in the open position, but is deformed when the movable members 116 are in the open position due to the relative movement of one component relative to another component, will have the same effect. For example, the bias element may be attached at one end to the actuator ring 114, and attached at the other end to the support plate ring 112. In another example, a biasing element may be attached to each of the movable elements. The other end of each of the bias elements may be attached to the base plate ring 112.

In fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charger including a slider tab 602 as an actuator rather than a rotating disk. In this embodiment, the charger housing 102 is shaped like a parallelepiped.

The slider tab 602 can be slidably moved along the elongated hole 604 in the charger body 102. At the position of the slider tab 602 shown in FIG. 6, the moving elements 116 are in the closed position. Sliding the slider tab 602 along the elongated opening 604 actuates the movable members 116 to an open position. The cover in fig. 6 is the same as described with respect to the previous embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the sliding movement of the slider tab 602 must first be converted into a rotational movement before it is transmitted to the actuator ring 114. This is shown in FIG. 7, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charger shown in FIG. 6.

In fig. 7 shows how the slider tab 602 is attached to a rack 702 that engages a gear 704. The rack 702 and gear 704 have a rack-and-pinion relationship. Movement of the slider tab 602 causes linear movement of the rack (rack) 702. Rack 701 engages gear 704 (drive wheel) such that linear movement of rack 702 causes rotation of gear 704. This converts movement of slider tab 602 into rotational movement of gear 704.

A gear 704 is attached to a rigid rod 706. At one end of the rigid rod 706 is a wheel 708. The wheel 708 is in contact with the actuator ring 114 of the cover 110. When the gear 704 rotates in response to the linear movement of the slider 602, it also rotates the rigid rod 706, causing rotation of the wheel 708. The friction between the wheel 708 and the actuating ring 114 causes the actuating ring to rotate relative to the backing plate ring 112. Therefore, sliding movement of the slider tab 602 drives the movable members 116.

A bias element (not shown) may be attached to the slider tab 602 at one end and to the charger body 102 at the other end. The natural state of the bias element is observed when the slider tab 602 is in a position such that the movable elements 116 are in the closed position. Sliding movement of the slider tab 602 along the elongated hole 604 deforms the bias element.

In some embodiments, the charger includes an actuator in the form of a button or switch (not shown) located in the charger housing 102 instead of a slider or rotary dial. The user can operate a button or switch that sends signals to a controller (not shown). The controller then controls a motor configured to drive the movable members 116 from an open position to a closed position in response to manipulation.

In fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a charger including a motor 802. The motor 802 replaces the rack and pinion arrangement of FIG. 7. A rigid rod 804 is connected to a motor 802. The motor 802 is configured to receive electrical signals from a button or switch through a controller. When the user presses a button or toggles a switch, the controller causes the motor to rotate the rigid rod 804. This in turn causes the wheel 806 located at the end of the rigid rod 804 to rotate. The wheel 806 is in contact with the actuator ring 114, and friction between the actuator ring 114 and wheel means that turning the wheel 806 causes the actuator ring 114 to rotate, driving the moving elements 116.

In fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a charger including a release mechanism for an aerosol generating device; Cover 110 is shown in the open position. The aerosol generating device release mechanism is a coil spring 902 located in cavity 120 between electrical contacts 404 and 405. The coil spring is configured to move the aerosol generating device out of cavity 120 (i.e., above cavity opening 12) when the cover is in the open position. The spring 902 pushes the lower surface 904 of the aerosol generating device 400. By sliding the aerosol generating device 400 out of the cavity, the aerosol generating device 400 can be more easily removed from the charger by the user of the device. The reason for this is that there is provided a portion of the aerosol generating device that can be held by the user.

When the lid is in the closed position, spring 902 is compressed and the aerosol generating device presses against electrical contacts 404 and 405, as previously described. However, in order to close the lid, the user of the device must manually push the aerosol generating device below the level of the lid 110 so that the shaped interacting elements can move into an overlapped arrangement with the cavity.

Fig. 10 is a flow diagram describing a method of using aerosol generating systems in accordance with the present invention.

At step 1002, the aerosol generating device is located in the cavity of the charger. This is when the moving elements are in the open position.

At step 1004, the user moves the movable elements from an open position to a closed position. As described, the movable elements engage with the aerosol generating device as the movable elements are moved to a closed position. In the closed position, the cover moves the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact. This maintains an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger and allows the charger to reliably charge the aerosol generating device when the moving parts are in a closed position.

To activate the moving elements, the user manipulates the actuator. As described, the actuator may take the form of a rotary dial, slider, button, or switch.

At step 1006, the user moves the movable elements from a closed position to an open position. The user does this to access the aerosol generating device housed in the cavity and remove the aerosol generating device (according to method step 1008).

In some embodiments, the movable elements are biased to a closed position. In these embodiments, the moving elements automatically return to a closed position from an open position. Therefore, step 1004 may be automatic.

In the open position, the aerosol generating device is pushed outward from the cavity by the aerosol generating device release mechanism. By shearing outward from the cavity of the aerosol generating device, a portion of the aerosol generating device extends outward. The user of the aerosol generating system may use this part to facilitate removal of the aerosol generating device. When the charger includes an aerosol generating device release mechanism, step 1004 may require the user to manually push the aerosol generating device into the cavity by squeezing the aerosol generating device release mechanism before moving the moving elements to a closed position.

Claims (32)

1. A charger for charging an aerosol generating device, containing: a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, at least one electrical contact located in the cavity; And a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an interior surface facing the cavity when in a closed position in which at least part of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the cover forms a profiled interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the profiled interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, the inclination increasing in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element. 2. The charger according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of movable elements contains a profiled interacting element that tilts into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, and the inclination increases in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge profiled interacting element. 3. The charger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover additionally contains an actuating plate rotatable relative to the charger body, wherein rotation of the actuating plate actuates a plurality of movable elements from an open position to a closed position. 4. The charger according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the cover contains an iris mechanism, and a plurality of movable elements form part of the iris mechanism. 5. Charger according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the cover contains from 2 to 6 moving elements. 6. Charger according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that in the closed position the moving elements do not overlap. 7. The charger according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the shaped interacting element is configured to move the aerosol generating device located in the cavity to interact with at least one electrical contact when the plurality of moving elements are actuated from an open position to the closed position. 8. The charger according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the profiled interacting element is a cam surface, and the upper surface of the aerosol generating device located in the cavity is a cam seat. 9. The charger according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that when actuated between an open position and a closed position, a plurality of movable elements move in the actuating plane and the shaped interacting element is tilted beyond the actuating plane. 10. The charger as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charger further comprises an actuator and means for actuating a plurality of movable lid elements in response to handling of the actuator by a user of the charger. 11. The charger according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuator is a rotary disk or slider, and the means for actuating the plurality of movable elements of the lid is a mechanical connection between the actuator and the lid. 12. The charger according to claim 10, characterized in that the actuator is a button or switch, and the means for actuating the plurality of movable elements of the lid comprises an electric motor and a mechanical connection between the electric motor and the lid. 13. The charger according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that it further comprises a release mechanism of the aerosol generating device configured to apply a force to the aerosol generating device located in the cavity in the direction of the opening of the cavity when the plurality of moving elements are closed position 14. An aerosol generating system comprising a charger and an aerosol generating device; wherein the charger comprises: a housing defining a cavity for housing the aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, and at least one electrical contact located in the cavity; and a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an inner surface facing the cavity when in a closed position, in which at least a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the lid forms a shaped interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and the shaped interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, and the inclination increases in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element; wherein, when the aerosol generating device is placed in the cavity, the shaped interacting element is configured to move the aerosol generating device into interaction with at least one electrical contact when the plurality of moving elements is in a closed position. 15. A method of using an aerosol generating system containing a charger and an aerosol generating device; wherein the charger comprises: a housing defining a cavity for housing an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, at least one electrical contact located in the cavity; And a cover comprising a plurality of movable members actuatable between an open position and a closed position, each of the movable members having an interior surface facing the cavity when in a closed position in which at least part of the inner surface of at least one of the movable elements of the cover forms a profiled interacting element having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the profiled interacting element is inclined into or towards the cavity when the corresponding movable element is in the closed position, the inclination increasing in the direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled interacting element; the method includes: inserting the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the charger while the cover is in an open position; And actuating a plurality of movable elements from an open position to a closed position; wherein, in the closed position, the profiled interacting element of the cover moves the aerosol generating device to interact with at least one electrical contact.