CHARGER AND AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED CLOSING MEANS

Abstract

A charger for charging an aerosol-generating device is provided, the charger including: a housing defining a cavity to receive the device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact disposed in the cavity; and a cover slidable relative to the opening between open and closed positions, an inner surface of the cover facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a profiled engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and the profiled engagement member slopes into, or towards, the cavity when the respective moveable element is in the closed position, the slope increasing in a direction from the leading to the trailing edge. An aerosol-generating system including the charger and the device, and a method of using the system are also provided.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A charger for charging an aerosol-generating device, the charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact disposed in the cavity; and a cover slidable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position, an inner surface of the cover facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a profiled engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and wherein the profiled engagement member slopes into, or towards, the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, the slope increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled engagement member.

17. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the profiled engagement member is configured to urge the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity into engagement with the at least one electrical contact when the cover is in the closed position.

18. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the profiled engagement member protrudes into, or towards, the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, the protrusion of the profiled engagement member increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled engagement member.

19. The charger according to claim 16, wherein sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position moves the profiled engagement member into an overlapping relationship with the opening of the cavity.

20. The charger according to claim 19, wherein the leading edge of the profiled engagement member moves into an overlapping relationship with the opening of the cavity first as the cover slides from the open position to the closed position.

21. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the profiled engagement member is a cam surface and a surface of the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity is a cam rider.

22. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the at least one electrical contact is a resilient element configured to apply a force to the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity in the direction of the opening of the cavity when the cover in the closed position.

23. The charger according to claim 16, further comprising an aerosol-generating device release mechanism configured to urge the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity in the direction of the cavity opening when the cover is in the closed position.

24. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the housing comprises a face over which the cover is slidable, and wherein when sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position, the inner surface of the cover does not slide beyond the face of the housing.

25. The charger according to claim 16, further comprising an actuation member and a means to slide the cover from the closed position to the open position in response to manipulation of the actuation member by a user of the charger.

26. The charger according to claim 25, wherein the actuation member is a slider, and the means to slide the cover is a mechanical linkage between the slider and the cover.

27. The charger according to claim 25, wherein the actuation member is a button or switch, and the means to slide the cover comprises an actuator and a mechanical linkage between the actuator and the cover, and wherein the actuation member is configured to send an electrical signal to actuator in response to manipulation of the actuation member by the user.

28. The charger according to claim 16, wherein the cover is biased towards the closed position.

29. An aerosol generating system, comprising: an aerosol-generating device; and a charger configured to charge the aerosol-generating device, the charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, the cavity having an opening, at least one electrical contact disposed in the cavity, and a cover slidable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position, an inner surface of the cover facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a profiled engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein the profiled engagement member slopes into, or towards, the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, the slope increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled engagement member, and wherein, when the aerosol-generating device is received in the cavity, the profiled engagement member is configured to urge the aerosol-generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact when the cover is in the closed position.

30. A method of using an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device and a charger configured to charge the aerosol-generating device, the charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, the cavity having an opening. at least one electrical contact disposed in the cavity, and a cover slidable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position, an inner surface of the cover facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a profiled engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and wherein the profiled engagement member slopes into, or towards, the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, the slope increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the profiled engagement member; and the method comprising: inserting the aerosol-generating device into the cavity of the charger when the cover is in the open position; and sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position, wherein, in the closed position, the profiled engagement member of the cover urges the aerosol-generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact.

Description

[0097] Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which:

[0098] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a known electrically operated aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device and a charging device for charging the aerosol-generating device;

[0099] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a charger comprising a cover slidable between an open position and closed position, according to the invention. FIG. 2a shows the cover in the open position. FIG. 2b shows the cover in the closed position.

[0100] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the charger of FIG. 2 with an aerosol-generating device received in a cavity of the charger. FIG. 3a shows the cover in an open position. FIG. 3b shows the cover in the closed position. FIG. 3c shows the cover in an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position.

[0101] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charger similar to that shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the charger further comprises an actuation member in the form of a slider. FIG. 4a shows the cover in an open position. FIG. 4b shows the cover in a closed position.

[0102] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the charger of FIG. 4 and shows a mechanical linkage between the slider and the cover. In FIG. 5, an aerosol-generating device is received in the cavity of the charger. FIG. 5a shows the cover in an open position. FIG. 5b shows the cover in a closed position.

[0103] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the charger where a linear actuator is used to move the cover from the open position to the closed position. FIG. 6a shows the cover in an open position. FIG. 6b shows the cover in a closed position.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charger similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the charger further comprises a biasing element configured to bias the cover to the closed position. FIG. 7a shows the cover in the open position. FIG. 7b shows the cover in the closed position.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a charger comprising an aerosol-generating device release mechanism, the cover is shown in the open position.

[0106] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method of using an aerosol-generating system comprising the charger and an aerosol-generating device.

[0107] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a known electrically operated aerosol-generating system. The known electrically operated aerosol-generating system comprises a charger 1, an aerosol-generating device 20 and an aerosol-generating article 30.

[0108] The charger 1 comprises a housing 2 having the general size and shape of a conventional packet of cigarettes. A lithium-ion battery 3 and electric circuitry 4 are housed within the charger 1. The charger 1 further comprises a generally circularly-cylindrical cavity 5 for receiving the aerosol-generating device 20. The cavity 5 is defined by the housing 2. An electrical contact (not shown) is arranged at a closed end of the cavity 5 for electrically connecting an aerosol-generating device received in the cavity 5 to the battery 3 of the charging device 1.

[0109] The aerosol-generating device 20 is substantially circularly cylindrical 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, such that the device 20 fits closely in the cavity 5. The aerosol-generating device 20 comprises an open cavity 21 at a proximal end for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device 20 further comprises a battery (not shown) housed in the housing of the device and an electric heater (not shown) arranged in the cavity 21 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 30 when the aerosol-generating article 30 is received in the cavity 21.

[0110] The aerosol-generating article 30 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) comprising a gathered, crimped sheet of tobacco, and a filter (not shown) arranged back to back with the aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the cavity 21 of the device 20 and a length longer than the cavity 21, such that when the article 30 is received in the cavity 21 of the device 20, the filter extends out of the cavity 21 and may be drawn on by a user, similarly to a convention cigarette.

[0111] In use, a user inserts the article 30 into the cavity 21 of the device 20 and turns on the device 20 to activate the electric heater. The electric heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the article 30 such that volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released and atomised to form an aerosol. The user draws on the mouthpiece of the article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After use of the device 20, the article 30 may be removed from the device 20 for disposal, and the device 20 may be placed into the charger 1 for storage and for charging of the battery of the device 20.

[0112] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a charger 100 according to the invention. The charger 100 comprises a charger housing 102 and a cover 110. The charger housing 102 has a parallelepiped shape. In the charger housing 102, a cavity 120 for receiving an aerosol-generating device is defined. The cavity 120 comprises cavity walls 122 and a cavity opening 124, which is defined in a top surface 104 of the charger housing 102. The charger also comprises two electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 2) located in the cavity and a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown). The rechargeable battery is couplable to the electrical contacts located in the cavity.

[0113] The charger housing 102 defines rails 112 which extend slightly above the top surface 104 of the charger housing 102 positioned either side of the cavity 120. The cover 110 is attached to the rails 112 such that the cover is slidable along rails 112. Stoppers (not shown) at either end of the rails prevent the cover 110 from sliding beyond the end of the rails 112, so prevent the cover 110 from sliding beyond the top surface 104 of the charger housing 102. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cover 110 does not protrude beyond the top surface in either the open position or the closed position of the cover.

[0114] The cover 110 is slidable between an open position, shown in FIG. 2a, and a closed position, shown in FIG. 2b. In the open position, the cavity 120 is accessible such that an aerosol-generating device can be received by the charger 100 in the cavity 120. In the closed position, the cover 100 closes the cavity 120 by facing the cavity opening 124. Closing the cavity protects the cavity 120 from dust and prevents users from altering the position of an aerosol-generating device received within the cavity 120 of the charger 100. The charger housing 102 acts as a case for the aerosol-generating device received and provides protection for an aerosol-generating device received in the cavity. The cover 110 also acts to ensure electrical contact between an aerosol-generating device received in the cavity and the electrical contacts of the charger (not shown in FIG. 2) located in the cavity 120. This is described in more detail below in relation to FIG. 3.

[0115] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the charger 100 with an aerosol-generating device 300 received in the cavity 120. FIG. 3a shows the cover 110 in the open position and FIG. 3b shows the cover 110 in the closed position. The cover 110 comprises an inner surface 310, a portion of which defines a profiled engagement member 312. The profiled engagement member 312 comprises a leading edge 314 and a trailing edge 316. As shown in FIG. 3b, the profiled engagement member 312 slopes towards the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The slope of the profiled engagement member 312 increases in a direction from the leading edge 314 to the trailing edge 316.

[0116] The aerosol-generating device comprises two electrical contacts 302, 303. The aerosol-generating device also comprises a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown). The rechargeable battery of the aerosol-generating device is electrically couplable with the two electrical contacts 302 and 303.

[0117] Two electrical contacts 304 and 305 are located in the cavity of the charger. Electrical contacts 302 and 303 of the aerosol-generating device are aligned with contacts 304 and 305 of the charger when the aerosol-generating device is received in the cavity. When there is electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the charger with 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. In order for the rechargeable battery to be reliably charged, the electrical connection must be consistent.

[0118] Electrical contacts 304 and 305 are resilient elements in the form of cantilever springs.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 3a, the electrical contacts extend upwards from the closed end of the cavity in the direction of the cavity opening. When the cover 110 is open, and provided the charger remains upright, the aerosol-generating device 300 rests upon the electrical contacts 304 and 305. The aerosol-generating device 300 has a length which is substantially the same as the length of the cavity (from the closed end of the cavity to the cavity opening). However, because of the upward extension of the electrical contacts 304 and 305, the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity and resting upon the electrical contacts 304 and 305 extends above the level of the cavity 322 opening when the cover is in the open position.

[0120] When the cover is in the open position, electrical communication between the electrical contacts 302 and 304 and 303 and 305 is not ensured and so may not be consistent. For example, if the charger 100 is not stored in an upright position, or is shaken or dropped, it is likely that the electrical communication will not be maintained between the electrical contacts of the charger and the electrical contacts of the device.

[0121] When the cover 110 is in the closed position, electrical communication between the electrical contacts 302 and 304 and 303 and 305 is ensured. This is because, in the closed position, the profiled engagement member 312 of the cover 110 is engagement with a top surface 322 of the aerosol-generating device 300 received in the cavity 120. The engagement ensures that the aerosol-generating device 300 is in electrical communication with electrical contacts 304 and 305 of the charger, irrespective of the orientation of the charger and of any sudden forces applied to the charger, for example, in the case that the charger is dropped. In other words, the engagement ensures that contact is maintained between the electrical contacts 302 and 303 of the charger and the electrical contacts 304 and 305 of the aerosol-generating device.

[0122] Electrical communication is ensured because the profiled engagement member 312 urges the aerosol-generating device into engagement with the contacts of the charger 304 and 305 when the cover is in the closed position. The profiled engagement member 312 applies a force on the top surface 322 of the aerosol-generating device pushing it into the cavity and in the direction of and against the electrical contacts 304 and 305. The applied force causes the electrical contacts 304 and 305 to deform and generate a reactive force that urges the aerosol-generating device 300 to move away from the electrical contacts (i.e. a reactive force pushing the aerosol-generating device back out of the cavity 120). As the cover is in the closed position, the force applied by the electrical contacts 304 and 305 urges the aerosol-generating device against the cover and, in particular, against the profiled engagement member of the cover. This ensures contact between the aerosol-generating device 300 and the electrical contacts of the charger 304 and 305.

[0123] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the profiled engagement member 312 is configured to first engage the top surface 322 of the aerosol-generating device 300 received in the cavity 120 at an intermediate position (i.e. a position between the open position and the closed position) of the cover. This intermediate position is shown in FIG. 3c. As described in relation to FIG. 2, the cover 110 is slidable between the open position and the closed position on rails 112. As the cover slides along the rails 112 towards the closed position, the profiled engagement member 312 moves into an overlapping relationship with the cavity 120. It is the leading edge 314 that moves into an overlapping relationship with the cavity 120 first. As a result of the slope of the profiled engagement member 312, the profiled engagement member 312 increasingly protrudes towards the cavity as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. At the intermediate position shown in FIG. 3c, the overlapping relationship of the profiled engagement member 312 with the cavity 120 is such that the profiled engagement member protrudes towards the cavity sufficiently to first contact and engage the top surface 322 of the aerosol-generating device 300. Such an arrangement results in a smooth engagement between the profiled engagement portion and the aerosol-generating device.

[0124] The profiled engagement member 312 and the aerosol-generating device 300 remain engaged as the cover slides from the intermediate position show in FIG. 3c to the closed position shown in FIG. 3b. As the profiled engagement member 312 increasingly protrudes towards the cavity, an increasing force is applied on the aerosol-generating device urging the aerosol-generating device into contact with the electrical contacts 304 and 305. In turn, the electrical contacts 304 and 305 are increasingly deformed from their extended state and so apply an increasing reactive force, urging the aerosol-generating device back out of the cavity.

[0125] The profiled engagement member 312 acts as a cam surface and the aerosol-generating device 300 acts as a cam rider, following the slope of the profiled engagement portion. The transverse motion of the profiled engagement member 312, as the cover slides from the open position to the closed position, is transferred to longitudinal motion of the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity.

[0126] In the embodiments so far described, the cover 110 is slidable from an open position to a closed position when a user manipulates the cover directly. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charger where instead of manipulating a cover directly, a user instead manipulates an actuation member. The manipulation of the actuation member results in the cover sliding from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa).

[0127] In FIG. 4 the actuation member is in the form of a slider tab 402 and an elongated opening in the charger housing 404. The slider tab 402 is linked to the cover 110 such that sliding the slider tab 402 slides the cover 110. The slider tab 402 can slide along the elongated opening 404 from a first position where the cover is in the open position, shown in FIG. 4a, to a second position where the cover is in the closed position, shown in FIG. 4b.

[0128] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the charger of FIG. 4 showing the linkage between the slider tab 402 and the cover 110. FIG. 5a shows the cover 110 in the open position. FIG. 5b shows the cover in the closed position. The linkage between the slider tab 402 and the cover 110 is via shaft 502 and is a direct mechanical linkage. When the slider tab 402 is moved, this moves the cover. The charger housing defines a hollow space 504. The shaft can move through this hollow space when the slider tab 402 is manipulated.

[0129] In some embodiments, the actuation member is a button or a switch (not shown) rather than a slider tab and elongated opening. The button or switch can be positioned on the charger housing. A user can manipulate the button or switch to operate an actuator positioned in the charger housing. The manipulation can be by pressing the button or switching the switch. Pressing the button or switching the switch sends signals to a controller (not shown). The controller then controls the actuator to moves the cover from the open position to the closed position in response to this manipulation.

[0130] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a charger comprising an actuator in the form of a linear actuator 602 and comprising piston rod 604. A direct mechanical linkage in the form of a rigid shaft 606 connects the piston rod 604 with the cover 110. FIG. 6a shows the cover in an open position. FIG. 6b shows the cover in a closed position. The linear actuator 602 is configured to receive electrical signals from the button or switch via the controller. When a user presses the button or switches the switch, the controller causes the linear actuator 602 to extend or retract the piston rod 604, as required. This, in turn, moves the cover from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa. The linear actuator is connected to the rechargeable battery of the charger (not shown). The rechargeable battery provides power to the linear actuator. The charger housing defines a hollow space 608. The rigid shaft 606 can move through this hollow space when the slider tab 502 is manipulated.

[0131] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the charger comprising a biasing element in the form of a spring 702. The spring 702 is attached to the charger housing 102 at a first end 704 and to attached to the cover 110 at a second end 706. FIG. 7a shows the cover of the charger in an open position. When the cover is in the open position, the spring 702 is compressed. In other words, the spring 702 is deformed when the cover is in the open position. Therefore, the spring applies a force on the cover, urging the cover towards the closed position. Whenever the cover is in the open position, or an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position, the cover is urged back towards. This prevents the user of the charger from inadvertently leaving the cover in the open position. If the cover is accidently forced open, the biasing element will automatically close the cover again.

[0132] FIG. 7b shows the cover of the charger in a closed position. In the closed position, the spring 702 is in an undeformed state. Alternatively, the spring 702 can still be deformed, although to a lesser extent than when the cover is in the open state. In this arrangement, the cover is urged to remain closed even when the cover is in the closed position. This makes it more difficult for the cover to accidently be forced open.

[0133] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a charger comprising an aerosol-generating device release mechanism, the cover is shown in the open position. The aerosol-generating device release mechanism is a helical spring 802 located in the cavity 120 between electrical contacts 304 and 305. The helical spring is configured to urge the aerosol-generating device 300 out of the cavity 120 (i.e. above cavity opening 124), when the cover is in the open position. The spring 802 pushes on the bottom surface 804 of the aerosol-generating device 300. By urging the aerosol-generating device out of the cavity, the aerosol-generating device may be more easily removed from the charger by a user of the device. This is because a portion of the aerosol-generating device upon which a user can hold on to is provided.

[0134] When the cover is in the closed position, the spring 802 is compressed and the aerosol-generating device is pushed against electrical contacts 304 and 305, as described with respect to previous embodiments. However, in order to close the cover, a user of the device is required to manually push the aerosol-generating device 300 below the level of the cover 110 such that profiled engagement member 312 is able to move into an overlapping relationship with the cavity opening.

[0135] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram outlining a method of using aerosol-generating systems according to the disclosure.

[0136] At step 902, the aerosol-generating device is received into the cavity of the charger. This is when the cover is in the open position.

[0137] At step 904, a user slides the cover from the open position to the closed position. As described, the cover engages the aerosol-generating device as it slides from the open position to the closed position. In the closed position, the cover urges the aerosol-generating device into engagement with at least one electrical contact. This ensures that the electrical connection between the aerosol-generating device and the charger is maintained. This allows the aerosol-generating device to be charged by the charger. When the cover is closed, it protects the cavity, and the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity from dust from the surrounding environment.

[0138] At step 906, a user slides the cover from closed position to the open position. A user does this in order to be able to access the aerosol-generating device received in the cavity (as per step 908).

[0139] In some embodiments, the cover is biased closed. In these embodiments, the moveable elements automatically return to the closed position from the open position. Therefore, step 904 may be automatic.

[0140] In the open position, the aerosol-generating device is urged out of the cavity by an aerosol-generating device release mechanism. By urging the aerosol-generating device out of the cavity, a portion of the aerosol-generating device extends out of the cavity. A user of the aerosol-generating system can use this portion to aid removable of the aerosol-generating device. When the charger comprises an aerosol-generating device release mechanism, step 904 may require the user to manually push the aerosol-generating device into the cavity, compressing the aerosol-generating device release mechanism, before sliding the cover to the closed position.