Charger for aerosol generating device having spherical cover

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device. The mobile charger may comprise a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device. The mobile charger may further comprise a charger power source for recharging the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The mobile charger may further comprise a cover for holding the aerosol generating device in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The cover may be at least partially spherical. The cover may have an opening. The opening may be dimensioned such that the aerosol generating device fits through the opening. The cover may be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The opening may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cavity in the first position of the cover. The aerosol generating device may be held in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger for an aerosol generating device.The present invention further relates to a system and an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for producing an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. A heating element may be provided for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is powered by a device battery. In some devices, the device battery only has a capacity for about 6-10 puffs of the aerosol generating device. Thereafter, the device battery needs to be recharged. A mobile charger is used for this purpose. The charger is dimensioned such that the aerosol generating device can be inserted into the charger. The charger comprises a charger battery. The charger battery has a significantly larger capacity than the device battery. The charger battery is configured to charge the device battery.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device that can securely hold the aerosol generating device.It would be desirable to have a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device that provides improved charging of the aerosol generating device.It would be desirable to have a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device that provides improved electrical connection between the mobile charger and the aerosol generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device is provided. The mobile charger may comprise a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device. The mobile charger may further comprise a charger power source for recharging the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The mobile charger may further comprise a cover for holding the aerosol generating device in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The cover may be at least partially spherical. The cover may have an opening. The opening may be dimensioned such that the aerosol generating device fits through the opening. The cover may be rotatable between a first position and a second position. The opening may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cavity in the first position of the cover. The aerosol generating device may be held in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device is provided. The mobile charger includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device. The mobile charger further comprises a charger power source for recharging the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The mobile charger further comprises a cover for holding the aerosol generating device in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. The cover is at least partially spherical. The cover has an opening. The opening is dimensioned such that the aerosol generating device fits through the opening. The cover is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The opening is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cavity in the first position of the cover. The aerosol generating device is held in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position.

[0006] By providing a rotatable cover, the aerosol generating device can be simply inserted into the cavity of the charger in a first position of the cover. After rotation of the rotatable cover, the aerosol generating device is firmly held in the cavity in a second position of the cover. The electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger can be improved by the cover holding the aerosol generating device firmly in the cavity of the charger. Thus, the security of recharging the aerosol generating device by the charger can be improved.

[0007] By providing the charger as a mobile charger, the charger becomes portable. The charger may be dimensioned such that the charger can be easily transported, for example in a user's bag or pocket. In other words, the mobile charger is preferably not configured as a charger that only functions when plugged into the grid.

[0008] The charger power source is preferably a battery. The capacity of the charger power source is greater than the capacity of the device power source of the aerosol generating device. The capacity of the charger power source is preferably at least 1.5 times greater than the capacity of the device power source of the aerosol generating device, preferably at least 2.0 times greater, more preferably at least 3.0 times greater, and most preferably at least 4.0 times greater.

[0009] The cover may have a diameter larger than that of the aerosol generating device, such that the cover may allow the aerosol generating device to be inserted into an opening in the cover, and at the same time, the cover may cover the cavity of the charger when the aerosol generating device is inserted into the cavity.

[0010] The diameter of the opening may correspond to or be slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generating device may be optimally inserted into the opening of the charger.

[0011] In the first position of the cover, the opening in the cover may be aligned with the cavity in the charger such that the aerosol generating device may be inserted into the cavity through the opening in the cover in the first position of the cover.

[0012] In the second position of the cover, the cavity may be closed by the cover.The aerosol generating device may be retained within the cavity by the cover in the second position of the cover.

[0013] The cavity may be essentially sealed from the surrounding environment by the cover at least at a proximal end of the cavity when the cover is in the second position. The cavity may be essentially sealed from the surrounding environment by the cover when the cover is in the second position. The cavity may be hermetically sealed from the surrounding environment by the cover at least at a proximal end of the cavity when the cover is in the second position. The cavity may be hermetically sealed from the surrounding environment by the cover when the cover is in the second position.

[0014] The cover may be configured such that when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity and when the cover is in the second position, the aerosol generating device is biased or pushed by the cover toward the distal end of the cavity.

[0015] The cover may be hollow. The cover may be a sphere, the sphere having an opening. The cover may be a complete hollow sphere apart from the opening.

[0016] A proximal portion of the cover may face the surrounding environment. This may allow a user to manually manipulate the cover. A proximal end of the cover may form a proximal end of the charger. A user may manipulate the proximal portion of the cover by sliding a finger over the proximal portion of the cover, thereby rotating the cover from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

[0017] The side portion of the cover may be held by the charger.The side portion of the cover may be held by a proximal portion of the charger.

[0018] The cover may be mounted within the charger. The mounting area of ​​the charger may be spherical. The cover may be rotatably mounted within the charger. The cover may be disposed or attached to a proximal portion of the charger.

[0019] The holder may have a slit. The slit in the second position of the cover may be arranged such that an aerosol generating device may be received in the cavity with the aerosol generating article therein. This configuration allows the aerosol generating device to be received in the cavity without removing the aerosol generating article from the device.

[0020] The slit may be different from the opening. The slit may be provided in addition to the opening. The opening may be sized to allow insertion of an aerosol-generating device into and through the cover. The slit may be sized to allow an aerosol-generating article to fit within the slit.

[0021] The opening may be configured as a primary opening having a diameter corresponding to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] The slit may be configured as a secondary opening having a diameter corresponding to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] The diameter of the slit may be smaller than the diameter of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] The diameter of the slit may be smaller than the diameter of the opening.

[0025] The slit may be disposed adjacent to the opening.

[0026] The opening may be configured as a through hole. The opening may have a first proximal opening and a second distal opening. The first proximal opening of the cover may be disposed at a proximal end face of the cover and the second distal opening of the cover may be disposed at a distal end face of the cover.

[0027] The slit may connect the first proximal opening and the second distal opening. The slit may be disposed between the first proximal opening and the second distal opening.

[0028] This arrangement may allow, as a first step, to place the cover in a first position and insert the aerosol-generating device through the opening in the cover and into the cavity of the charger. Because the diameter of the opening in the cover is large, the aerosol-generating article may remain inserted into the aerosol-generating device during this first step. As a second step, the cover may be rotated from the first position to a second position. This rotation may be performed such that the slit is pushed over the aerosol-generating article. In this second position of the cover, the aerosol-generating article may be partially attached into the cover through the slit in the cover. Because the diameter of the slit is smaller than the diameter of the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device may still be securely held within the cavity of the charger while the aerosol-generating article penetrates the slit.

[0029] The mobile charger may further include an actuation mechanism configured to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position, or from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position.

[0030] The actuation mechanism may comprise a slider.

[0031] The actuation mechanism may be disposed on the housing of the charger. The actuation mechanism may be disposed on a periphery of the housing of the charger. The actuation mechanism may be arranged to be operated by a user, in particular by a finger of the user. The actuation mechanism may be arranged to be operated by a single finger of the user.

[0032] The actuation mechanism may be configured to rotate the cover upon actuation of the actuation mechanism.

[0033] The actuating mechanism may be mechanically connected to the cover. The actuating mechanism may be mechanically attached to the cover. Movement of the actuating mechanism may be transmitted to the cover by any known means, in particular by gears or belts or chains. Alternatively, the actuating mechanism may be automatically activated by a motor, such as an electric motor, most preferably a linear electric motor. Automatic activation may be triggered by insertion of the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the charger and detection of the insertion of the aerosol generating device by an electrical circuit of the charger.

[0034] The mobile charger may further comprise a biasing means, which may be disposed within the cavity for biasing the aerosol generating device towards the cover when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity.

[0035] The biasing means may be configured as a spring. The biasing means may be disposed at a base of the cavity. The base of the cavity may be disposed at a distal portion of the cavity. The biasing means may be attached to the base of the cavity.

[0036] The mobile charger may further include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may be electrically connected to a charger power source. The first electrode and the second electrode may be disposed at a base of the cavity.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may include a corresponding first device electrode and a corresponding second device electrode.

[0038] When the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity, electrical connections can be established between a first electrode of the charger and a first device electrode of the aerosol generating device, and between a second electrode of the charger and a second device electrode of the aerosol generating device, respectively.

[0039] The first electrode of the charger may be configured as a central electrode. The first device electrode of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a central electrode. The second electrode of the charger may be configured as a ring-shaped electrode surrounding the first electrode. The second device electrode of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a ring-shaped electrode surrounding the first device electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode of the charger may be configured as a central electrode. The second device electrode of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a central electrode. The first electrode of the charger may be configured as a ring-shaped electrode surrounding the second electrode. The first device electrode of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a ring-shaped electrode surrounding the second device electrode. This arrangement may facilitate establishing a reliable electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger, regardless of the orientation of the aerosol generating device within the cavity.

[0040] The cover may be dimensioned to press the aerosol generating device firmly into the cavity when the aerosol generating device is held in the cavity and when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position.

[0041] When the cover is in the second position and when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity of the charger, the cover may bias the aerosol generating device distally into the cavity.

[0042] The cover may be at least partially elastic. The cover may be fully elastic. The elastic configuration of the cover may facilitate biasing of the aerosol generating device through the cover.

[0043] The opening in the cover may extend centrally through the cover.

[0044] The cavity of the charger may have a central longitudinal axis. The opening in the cover may define a central longitudinal axis through the cover. In the first position of the cover, the central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the cover. In the second position of the cover, the central longitudinal axis of the cover may be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cover.

[0045] The charger cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The charger cavity may be hollow. The charger cavity may be open at a proximal end. The charger cavity may be closed at a distal end, preferably by a cavity base.

[0046] The cross-sectional shape of the charger cavity may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating device.

[0047] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a mobile charger and an aerosol generating device as described herein. The aerosol generating device may comprise a device power source. The mobile charger may be configured to recharge the device power source via the charger power source when the aerosol generating device is received within a cavity of the mobile charger.

[0048] The invention further relates to a system comprising a mobile charger and an aerosol generating device as described herein, the aerosol generating device comprising a device power source, the mobile charger configured to recharge the device power source via the charger power source when the aerosol generating device is received within a cavity of the mobile charger.

[0049] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising a system as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0050] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be a base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of an air opening disposed within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0051] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol generating article to be received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0052] The airflow channel may extend through a cavity of the aerosol generating device. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generating device, into the cavity, and towards the user. A mouthpiece may be disposed downstream of the cavity, or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0053] The term "smoking" as used herein in relation to the present invention, in relation to a device, article, system, substrate or otherwise, does not refer to conventional smoking, in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0054] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit of the aerosol generating device may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as for puffs on a multiple puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0055] The charger may include an electrical circuit. The charger's electrical circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power from the charger power source to the device power source. Power may be supplied to the device power source when the aerosol generating device is received in the charger cavity. The charger may periodically check whether the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity. Alternatively, moving the cover from the first position to the second position may result in the charger checking whether the aerosol generating device is received in the charger cavity.

[0056] In one embodiment, one or both of the charger power source and the device power source are lithium ion batteries. Alternatively, one or both of the charger power source and the device power source can be nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, or lithium-based batteries (e.g., lithium cobalt batteries, lithium iron phosphate batteries, lithium titanate batteries, or lithium polymer batteries). Alternatively, one or both of the charger power source and the device power source can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. One or both of the charger power source and the device power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the device power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the device power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element. The charger power source may have a capacity sufficient to recharge the device power source at least once, preferably at least two times, more preferably at least three times, and most preferably at least four times.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "upstream," "downstream," "proximal," and "distal" are used to describe the relative locations of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device or charger in the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device during use thereof, or in the direction in which a user inserts the aerosol generating device into a cavity of the charger, respectively.

[0058] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0059] The aerosol-generating substrate may include an aerosol former. The aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes a homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol former, and water. Providing a homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which allows for more efficient release of nicotine and flavor upon heating.

[0060] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0061] In any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material can optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated in the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and the external physicochemical properties.

[0062] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, the susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically another effect that contributes to heating is commonly referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor. This is because their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating induced magnetic field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes that occur within the susceptor at nanoscale and below generate heat within the susceptor, and are therefore referred to as "hysteresis loss". Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat up when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, whereby the aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0063] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0064] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0065] [Figure 1]1A-1C show a mobile charger for an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] 2A-2B show different configurations of a mobile charger. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows different configurations of the mobile charger. [Figure 4] 4A-4C show a moving mechanism of the mobile charger for moving the aerosol generating device and an actuation means for rotating the cover of the mobile charger. [Diagram 5] 5A-5D show different configurations of a mobile charger. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows different configurations of a mobile charger with a retractable screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows different configurations of a mobile charger with an ergonomic grip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0066] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0067] Example 1: A mobile charger for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating device; a charger power source for recharging the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity; a cover for retaining the aerosol generating device within the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity; A mobile charger, wherein the cover is at least partially spherical, the cover has an opening, the opening is dimensioned so that an aerosol generating device fits through the opening, the cover is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the opening is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cavity in the first position of the cover, and the aerosol generating device is retained within the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity and when the holder is in the second position. Example 2: 2. The mobile charger of example 1, wherein the cover is hollow. Example 3: 3. The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the holder has a slit. Example 4: 4. The mobile charger of example 3, wherein the slit is different from the opening. Example 5: The mobile charger of example 3 or example 4, wherein the diameter of the slit is smaller than the diameter of the opening. Example 6: The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the slit is disposed in contact with the opening. Example 7: A mobile charger as described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the mobile charger further comprises an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism being configured to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position. Example 8: 8. The mobile charger of example 7, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a slider. Example 9: A mobile charger as described in any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a biasing means, the biasing means being disposed within the cavity for biasing the aerosol generating device towards the cover when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity. Example 10: A mobile charger as described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a first electrode, the first electrode being electrically connected to a charger power source, and the first electrode being disposed at a base of the cavity. Example 11: A mobile charger as described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a second electrode, the second electrode being electrically connected to a charger power source, and the second electrode being disposed on the cover. Example 12: 12. The mobile charger of example 11, wherein the second electrode is disposed to be in electrical contact with the aerosol-generating article when the cover is in the second position. Example 13: A mobile charger as described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being electrically connected to a charger power source, and the first electrode and the second electrode being disposed at a base of the cavity. Example 14: 14. The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the charger power source is configured as a charger battery. Example 15: A mobile charger as described in any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the cover is dimensioned to press the aerosol generating device firmly into the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position and the aerosol generating device is held in the cavity. Example 16: 16. Mobile charger according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cover is at least partially elastic, preferably the cover is fully elastic. Example 17: The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the opening is configured as a through hole. Example 18: 18. The mobile charger of Example 17, wherein the through-hole is disposed such that the aerosol-generating article can be pushed completely through the cover. Example 19: The mobile charger according to Example 17 or Example 18, wherein the slit according to any one of Examples 3 to 6 is arranged so as to connect opposing openings of the through-hole. Example 20: 20. The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the mobile charger has a cylindrical shape. Example 21: The mobile charger according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mobile charger further comprises at least one magnet disposed within the cavity, preferably disposed at a base of the cavity. Example 22: The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a retractable screen. Example 23: 23. The mobile charger of example 22, wherein the retractable screen is flexible. Example 24: The mobile charger of example 22 or example 23, wherein the retractable screen is arranged to be retracted within the mobile charger housing. Example 25: The mobile charger of any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the retractable screen is configured as a touch screen. Example 26: The mobile charger according to any of Examples 1-25, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a display. The display may be flexible. The display may be wrapped around the charger. The charger may have a wrap-around closure mechanism. The wrap-around closure mechanism may hold the holder in the cavity of the charger for charging. The wrap-around closure mechanism may be wrapped around the holder. The wrap-around closure mechanism may be magnetically secured to a side of the charger. The wrap-around closure mechanism may be provided with a display. The wrap-around closure mechanism may have a dual function, i.e. a display function and a holding function. Example 27: The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, further comprising a camera. Example 28: The mobile charger according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, further comprising a grip. Example 29: 29. The mobile charger of Example 28, wherein the grip comprises an ergonomic grip. Example 30: A system comprising a mobile charger described in any one of Examples 1 to 29 and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device has a device power supply, and the mobile charger is configured to recharge the device power supply via the charger power supply when the aerosol generating device is received within a cavity of the mobile charger. Example 31: An aerosol-generating system comprising the system of Example 30 and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a mobile charger 10. Figure 1 also shows an aerosol generating device 12. The aerosol generating device 12 can be inserted into the charger 10 to recharge the aerosol generating device 12.

[0069] 1 further shows a cover 14 having an opening 16. The cover 14 is part of the charger 10. The opening 16 in the cover 14 is provided such that the aerosol generating device 12 can be received by the charger 10 through the opening 16.

[0070] The charger 10 includes a cavity 18. The aerosol generating device 12 is inserted into the cavity 18 of the charger 10 for recharging the aerosol generating device 12. A base 20 of the cavity 18 is provided with electrical contacts 22.

[0071] The cover 14 can be rotated between a first position and a second position. The first position of the cover 14 is shown in FIG. 1A. In this position, the longitudinal axis 50 of the cavity 18 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 52 of the cover 14. As a result, the aerosol generating device 12 can be pushed through the cover 14 and into the cavity 18 of the charger 10.

[0072] After the aerosol generating device 12 is fully inserted into the cavity 18 of the charger 10, the cover 14 is rotated to a second position. The second position of the cover 14 is shown in FIG. 1B. In this position, the aerosol generating device 12 is securely held within the cavity 18 by the rotated cover 14. The cover 14 is rotated such that the proximal end of the cavity 18 is closed.

[0073] Rotation of cover 14 to the second position urges aerosol generation device 12 toward base 20 of cavity 18. Rotating cover 14 to the second position closes cavity 18 and presses aerosol generation device 12 into cavity 18 and into firm contact with electrical contacts 22.

[0074] 1C shows the cover 14 in isolation. The cover 14 has a spherical shape. The cover 14 has an opening 16 for pushing the aerosol generating device 12 through the cover 14. The opening 16 is a through hole. The cover 14 is hollow. The cover 14 can rotate between a first position and a second position. The cover 14 can rotate about an axis of rotation 54 of the cover 14. The axis of rotation 54 of the cover 14 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 52 of the cover 14.

[0075] Figure 2 shows a further configuration in which the cover 14 further comprises a slit 24. Apart from the slit 24, the configuration of Figure 2 is similar to that of Figure 1. The slit 24 is provided to allow the aerosol generating device 12 to be inserted into the cavity 18 of the charger 10 while the aerosol generating article 26 is still inserted within the aerosol generating device 12.

[0076] The opening 16 in the cover 14 has a relatively large diameter corresponding to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating device 12, while the slit 24 has a smaller diameter corresponding to or slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol generating article 26.

[0077] In operation, the cover 14 is initially positioned in a first position identical to the arrangement shown in Fig. 1A. The aerosol generating device 12 is then inserted into the cavity 18 of the charger 10 through the opening 16 in the cover 14, while the aerosol-generating article 26 is still received within the aerosol generating device 12. The cover 14 is then rotated to a second position, which deviates slightly from the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, as the rotation occurs such that the aerosol-generating article 26 is slotted into the slit 24, as shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 2B shows the cover 14 in isolation, with the slit 24, the diameter of which corresponds to or is slightly larger than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article 26.

[0078] 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the aerosol generating device 12 is not pushed completely through the cover 14 and into the cavity 18 when the aerosol generating device 12 is inserted into the cavity 18. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 12 is still at least partially disposed within the cover 14 when the cover 14 is rotated from the first position to the second position. However, the cover 14 still retains the aerosol generating device 12 within the cavity 18 of the charger 10.

[0079] Figure 4 shows different embodiments of the method of actuating the cover 14 and the method of moving the aerosol generating device 12. Figure 4A shows a moving mechanism 28 in the form of a slider for moving the aerosol generating device 12 in and out of the cavity 18. The moving mechanism 28 shown in Figure 4A is connected to a base 20 of the cavity 18, which in this embodiment is configured as a movable base 20. Figure 4A shows a positioning of the aerosol generating device 12 such that the aerosol generating device 12 is almost fully inserted into the cavity 18, while Figure 4B shows the moving mechanism 28 in a position such that the aerosol generating device 12 can be grasped by a user and removed from the cavity 18 through the opening 16 in the cover 14. Figures 4A and 4B further show a biasing means 30 in the form of a spring for biasing the aerosol generating device 12 towards the cover 14.

[0080] 4C shows an actuation means 32 for moving the cover 14. The actuation means 32 comprises an actuation slider 34, a gear wheel 36, and a belt 38. To actuate the actuation means 32, the actuation slider 34 is moved so as to lead to a rotation of the cover 14 via the gear wheel 36 and the belt 38.

[0081] As shown in Figures 4A-4C, the moving mechanism 28 and the actuating means 32 are preferably integrated into the signal mechanism. In Figure 4C, the vertical movement of the actuating slider 34 corresponds to the movement of the moving mechanism 28 in Figures 4A and 4B. The horizontal movement of the actuating slider 34 in Figure 4C corresponds to operating the actuating means 32 and thereby rotating the cover. Thus, the user can operate the slider 34 vertically and thereby move the aerosol generating device 12 into the cavity 18 of the charger 10. The user can then move the slider 34 horizontally to close the cover 12, i.e. to move the cover 12 from the first position to the second position. Instead of manually operating the slider 34, an electric motor can be used for that purpose. The operation of the electric motor can be controlled by a user's input, exemplarily via a retractable screen 44, which is described in Figures 6 and 7 below.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows different perspective views of the cover 14 with the slit 24. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the slit 24 completely connects the opening 16 of the cover 14. The slit 24 connects the first proximal opening 40 to the second distal opening 42 of the opening of the cover 14. FIG. 5A shows a top view. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional side view of the cover 14, the charger 10, the aerosol generating device 12 and the aerosol-generating article 26. FIGS. 5C and 5D show the rotation of the cover 14 from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the aerosol generating device 12 can be pushed through the cover 14 and into the cavity 18 of the charger 10. In FIG. 5D, the cover 14 is rotated to a second position, where the aerosol generating device 12 is securely held within the cavity 18 of the charger 10, while the aerosol-generating article 26 can still be received within the aerosol generating device 12.

[0083] 6 shows a retractable screen 44 that may be incorporated into the housing of the charger 10. The retractable screen 44 may be used to display information 46 to a user or to enable a communications interface between a user and the charger 10.

[0084] 6 further illustrates a display 46 that may be used to inform a user of the operational status of the charger 10. For example, the display 46 may indicate to the user the charging status of the aerosol generating device 12. The display 46 may further indicate to the user the charge level of the charger 10 power source.

[0085] Figure 7 shows the ergonomic grip 48 of the charger 10. Additionally, Figure 7 shows the retractable screen 44 in a stored position.

Claims

1. 1. A mobile charger for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device; a charger power supply for recharging the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity; a cover for retaining the aerosol generating device within the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity; A mobile charger, wherein the cover is at least partially spherical, the cover has an opening, the opening is sized so that the aerosol generating device fits through the opening, the cover is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the opening is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cavity in the first position of the cover, and the aerosol generating device is retained in the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position.

2. The mobile charger of claim 1 , wherein the cover is hollow.

3. The mobile charger according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the holder has a slit.

4. The mobile charger of claim 3 , wherein the slit is different from the opening.

5. The mobile charger according to claim 3 , wherein the diameter of the slit is smaller than the diameter of the opening.

6. The mobile charger according to claim 3 , wherein the slit is disposed in contact with the opening.

7. 10. The mobile charger of claim 1, further comprising an actuation mechanism configured to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position.

8. The mobile charger of claim 7 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a slider.

9. 2. The mobile charger of claim 1, further comprising a biasing means disposed within the cavity for biasing the aerosol generating device toward the cover when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity.

10. 10. The mobile charger of claim 1, wherein the mobile charger further comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being electrically connected to the charger power source, and the first electrode and the second electrode being disposed at a base of the cavity.

11. 2. The mobile charger of claim 1, wherein the cover is dimensioned to firmly press the aerosol generating device into the cavity when the aerosol generating device is received in the cavity and when the holder is in the second position and the aerosol generating device is held in the cavity.

12. 2. A mobile charger according to claim 1, wherein the cover is at least partially elastic, preferably the cover is fully elastic.

13. The mobile charger according to claim 1 , wherein the opening is configured as a through-hole.

14. 2. A system comprising: a mobile charger as described in claim 1; and an aerosol generating device; wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a device power supply; and the mobile charger is configured to recharge the device power supply via the charger power supply when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity of the mobile charger.

15. 15. An aerosol-generating system comprising the system of claim 14 and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

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