Aerosol generating device equipped with a sliding mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (100) comprising a body (110) housing a power source (22) electrically coupled to an electrical charging port (20), a heating cavity (30) provided with an insertion opening (31), and a heating system (32) for heating the heating cavity (30), and a sliding mechanism (150) including at least one sliding lid (160) slidably attached to the body, wherein the sliding mechanism (150) is selectively operable between at least a use position in which the opening (31) is exposed while the electrical charging port (20) is covered, and an electrical loading position in which the electrical charging port (20) is exposed while the opening (31) is covered, and the sliding mechanism (150) is configured such that at least one of the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) is exposed in either of the positions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tobacco, and in particular to electronic smoking devices, particularly electrically heated aerosol generating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] An aerosol generating device typically comprises a body housing a power source electrically coupled to an electrical charging port, a heated cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol generating article inserted through an insertion opening, and a heating system for heating the heated cavity.

[0003] It is known that such aerosol generating devices should not be used for smoking while the power source is being charged, in order to avoid overheating of the power source, which may lead to internal short circuits, damage to the battery and / or adjacent components, or even explosion.

[0004] In this regard, recently developed aerosol generating devices are equipped with software that stops charging during vaping.

[0005] However, there remains a need to improve the safety and sustainability of aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to propose an aerosol generating device with improved safety and sustainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In particular, the object is to provide an aerosol generating device comprising a body, the body comprising: a power source electrically coupled to the electrical charging port; a heating cavity having an opening at an insertion end adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted through said opening; a heating system for heating the heating cavity, the heating system being powered by the power source; Accommodates This is achieved by the aerosol generating device, which further comprises a sliding mechanism including at least one sliding lid slidably attached to the body, the sliding mechanism being selectively operable at least between a use position in which the opening is exposed while the electrical charging port is covered by the at least one sliding lid, and an electrical loading position in which the electrical charging port is exposed while the opening is covered by the at least one sliding lid, and the sliding mechanism is configured such that in either of the positions, at most one of the opening and the electrical charging port is exposed.

[0008] The present invention proposes a mechanical solution to prevent simultaneous use of the heating cavity and the charging port. The sliding mechanism is arranged so that at least one of the insertion opening and the electrical charging port is closed at any one time, i.e. covered by at least one sliding cover. The system is easy to implement and reliable, and can be used alone or in combination with prior art software solutions to provide redundancy.

[0009] Additionally, by keeping at least one of the opening and the electrical charging port closed, the sliding mechanism also protects the heating cavity and the electrical charging port from contamination such as from dust and / or water, increasing the sustainability of the device.

[0010] More preferably, the sliding mechanism may also be moved to a retracted position in which both the opening and the electrical charging port are covered by at least one sliding lid.

[0011] The sliding mechanism may comprise a single sliding lid, which is advantageous as it allows the user to operate the system with a single finger movement, however, alternatively the sliding mechanism may also comprise two or more sliding lids.

[0012] The opening and the electrical charging port may be covered by different sliding lids or the same sliding lid.

[0013] According to one particular embodiment, the sliding mechanism includes two sliding lids, each of which may partially cover the opening in the use position and / or each of which may partially cover the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position.

[0014] In this patent application, the verb "cover" and the adjective "covered" should be construed to encompass either full or partial covering sufficient to render the covered opening or port inoperable. As an example, in the use position, the sliding mechanism may cover at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably 100% of the surface of the electrical charging port to prevent electrical connection of the device to the charging cable. Similarly, in the use position, the sliding mechanism may cover at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably 100% of the surface of the opening to prevent insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the heated cavity.

[0015] The sliding mechanism may be manually actuated, in particular by a pushing motion applied directly to the at least one sliding lid (eg, by a user pushing the sliding lid with a finger).

[0016] As an alternative embodiment, actuation of the sliding mechanism may be motorized: in such a configuration, the sliding mechanism may comprise an electric motor configured to actuate a transmission system, such as a geared wheel or cylinder that meshes with corresponding gear teeth fixed to the sliding lid, the electric motor adapted to be controlled by a mechanical trigger system (button) or a digital trigger system.

[0017] The electrical charging ports and / or openings may be located at opposite ends of the body, or at the same end of the body, or in any other arrangement.

[0018] The body of the aerosol generating device typically has first and second major surfaces that are essentially parallel to each other and connected by a periphery (of a width generally less than the dimensions of the major surfaces).

[0019] The main surfaces of the body may have any suitable shape, for example the main surfaces may have a generally rectangular shape, optionally with chamfered or rounded corners, and the periphery defines four edge surfaces opposed to one another in pairs.

[0020] The electrical charging ports and / or openings may be located on one or more major surfaces of the body or, as preferred, on the periphery of the body.

[0021] The at least one sliding lid may form a continuous element that defines a closed contour and surrounds the body. In other words, the sliding mechanism may extend around the entire periphery of the body. In an arrangement in which the body has a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces connected to each other by four edge faces, the sliding mechanism may extend along four adjacent surfaces of the body. By way of example, with reference to the particular arrangement of the body described above, the at least one sliding lid may take the form of a continuous band or ribbon that extends around the entire periphery of the body.

[0022] According to another example, the at least one sliding lid may extend over a limited part of the circumference of the body, i.e. the sliding lid forms a band of finite length. In particular, the at least one sliding lid may extend over less than 80% or even less than 50% of the circumference of the body. In such a case, the sliding lid may extend over one surface or over two or more surfaces of the body.

[0023] The sliding lid may be entirely rigid or it may advantageously comprise a deformable main part that allows it to adapt to the (possibly curved) contour of the body during its sliding movement. The main part is generally strip-like, which may be made of a flexible material, such as fabric or rubber, or of several rigid parts (similar to chain links) connected by pivot elements. Possibly, rigid holding or guiding elements may be fixed to said flexible main part without impairing the deformability of the sliding lid, especially at the bent parts of the body.

[0024] The main part of the sliding lid can be formed in a single layer or in several superimposed layers. According to an advantageous embodiment, the main part of the sliding lid comprises at least one layer of ferromagnetic material, preferably a flexible layer. According to another advantageous embodiment, the main part can comprise an aesthetic top layer, preferably a flexible top layer, for example made of a polymer or a textile. By way of example, the deformable main part can comprise a layer of ferromagnetic steel bonded to colorful leather or silicone rubber.

[0025] The body may be provided with guiding means adapted to cooperate with the at least one sliding lid to guide said sliding lid in its sliding movement. By way of example, the body may be provided with at least one peripheral groove or slit in which the sliding lid may be slidably mounted.

[0026] According to another example, the sliding mechanism comprises at least one guide shaft attached to the body, and at least one sliding lid can be guided around said guide shaft. The guide shaft can extend in a direction parallel to a plane tangent to the sliding lid and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliding lid. According to a particular embodiment, the aerosol generating device comprises at least four guide shafts, one guide shaft attached to each corner of the substantially rectangular body, and at least one guide lid can be guided around said four guide shafts.

[0027] Each guide shaft may be fixed in position or rotatably mounted to the body.

[0028] According to one example, the or each guide shaft may be a geared cylinder and at least one guide cap may have a toothed surface adapted to engage with said geared cylinder.

[0029] The sliding mechanism may further comprise any suitable retention means for retaining the at least one sliding lid on the body. For example, said retention means may be magnetic retention means. In that case, the body and the at least one sliding lid may be provided with respective magnetic means arranged to attract each other.

[0030] According to one example, the at least one sliding lid may comprise at least one opening configured to face the opening in the use position and / or the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position. More specifically, the at least one sliding lid may comprise a first opening configured to face the opening in the use position and a second opening configured to face the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position. Here, "facing" means that the opening is located in front of the opening or the charging port, respectively, such that the opening or the charging port, respectively, is operable through the opening.

[0031] According to one example, at least one sliding lid may be removable and the aerosol generating device may further comprise a control means for stopping the operation of the heating system when the at least one sliding lid is removed. By "removable" here it is meant that the device is provided with dedicated means for attachment and detachment of the sliding lid without deterioration of the sliding mechanism or the body. As an example, the dedicated means may comprise reversible holding means for holding the sliding lid to the body, such as magnetic means, possibly gripping means allowing the user to disconnect the reversible holding means by hand or with a tool, e.g. a gripping surface, a handle, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the sliding mechanism in the electrical loading position. FIG. [Figure 2A] A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 along cross-section II of Figure 1, with the sliding mechanism in the electrical loading position. [Figure 2B] A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 along cross-section II of Figure 1, with the sliding mechanism in the use position. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 (with the sliding lid omitted), showing the magnetic retaining and guiding means provided on the edge surface of the body. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of the sliding cover of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 shows a means for guiding a sliding lid according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a means for guiding a sliding lid according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows a means for guiding a sliding lid according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generating system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a charging position. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 shows an aerosol generation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a stored position. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 shows an aerosol generating system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the position of use. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a partial view of the device of FIG. 9 taken along arrow I of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to the practice of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a general schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a body 110, here of symmetrical shape, having a first main surface 111 and a second main surface 112 substantially parallel to a transverse direction Z and connected to each other by a periphery 113 (wherein the width in the transverse direction is smaller than the dimension of the main surfaces).

[0036] In the illustrated example, the main surfaces 111, 112 have a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners, such that the peripheral edge 113 forms two longitudinal edge surfaces 114, 115 facing each other in the transverse direction X and two transverse edge surfaces 116, 117 facing each other in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0037] The aerosol generating device includes an electrical charging port 20 electrically coupled to a power source or battery 22 housed within the body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical charging port 20 is formed in the periphery 113 at the longitudinal end 110b of the body. As shown, the electrical charging port 20 can be connected to an electrical charging cable 2 for charging the power source 22.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a heated cavity 30 located inside the body 110, at an end 110a of the body 110 opposite the electrical charging port 20, here opening to a periphery 113. As shown in FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating article 3 can be inserted into the heated cavity 30 through an opening 31 formed in the end 30a of the heated cavity 30 located at the periphery 113. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating material capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol upon heating.

[0039] A heating system 32 , powered by a power source 22 , is provided inside the body 110 to heat the heating cavity 30 and thus the aerosol-generating article 3 located within the heating cavity 30 .

[0040] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a sliding mechanism 150 including at least one sliding lid 160 as a sliding cover slidable along the body 110 .

[0041] The sliding mechanism 150 is arranged such that in all possible configurations, at most one of the opening 31 and the electrical charging port 20 is exposed and the other is closed / covered by at least one sliding lid 160. The sliding mechanism 150 is configured to allow only one of the electrical charging port 20 and the heating cavity 30 to be used at a time.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the sliding mechanism 150 comprises a single sliding lid 160 slidably mounted along the periphery 113 of the body 110. As shown in FIG. 1 , the sliding lid 160 extends around a portion of the circumference of the body 110, here less than 50% of the circumference measured along the periphery 113 of the body 110. For aesthetic purposes, the device 100 may also comprise a fixed cover element 140 that surrounds the remaining portion of the periphery 113, as shown.

[0043] In the following description, "length" is meant to refer to the dimension measured along the path of movement of the sliding mechanism 150, tangential to the direction of movement.

[0044] In that example, the length L1 of the sliding lid 160 is less than the length measured (along the portion of the periphery covered by the sliding lid 160) between the electrical charging port 20 and the opening 31. More specifically, in a particular example, the stroke length of the sliding lid 160 is at least substantially equal to the maximum length between the length of the electrical charging port 20 and the length of the opening 31.

[0045] The sliding lid 160 is reversibly slidable between an electrical loading position (FIGS. 1 and 2A) in which the sliding lid 160 covers the opening 31 while the electrical charging port 20 is exposed, and a use position (FIG. 2B) in which the sliding lid 160 covers the electrical charging port 20 while the opening 31 is exposed.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the opening 31 and the electrical charging port 20 are fully covered in the electrical loading position and the use position, respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the opening 31 may be partially covered by the sliding lid 160 in the electrical loading position in a manner sufficient to prevent insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the heated cavity 30, and / or the electrical charging port 20 may be partially covered by the sliding lid 160 in the use position in a manner sufficient to prevent connection of the electrical charging cable 2.

[0047] When the sliding lid 160 extends over a bent portion of the body, such as a corner, as in the illustrated example, it comprises a substantially flat strip-like deformable main portion 161 formed in a single layer or in several overlapping layers and made of a flexible material such as fabric or rubber, or of several rigid portions (similar to chain links) connected by pivot elements. By way of example, the deformable main portion may comprise a layer of ferromagnetic steel bonded to colorful leather or silicone rubber. Optionally, a rigid holding or guiding element may be fixed to said flexible main portion 161, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible main portion 161 of the sliding lid 160 may be preformed into a bent shape that corresponds to one preferred position on the body. When an external force (e.g., applied by a user) moves the sliding lid to a different position, the sliding lid is elastically deformed so as to remain adhered to the body. When the force is restrained, the sliding lid 160 elastically rebounds back to its preferred position.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sliding mechanism 150 advantageously comprises means for guiding the sliding lid 160 in a sliding motion along the body 110 and for retaining the sliding lid 160 to the body 110 .

[0050] In the illustrated example, the guide means 170 comprises one or more sliding rails or grooves formed in the body 110 and adapted to cooperate with complementary sliding elements of the sliding lid 160 .

[0051] A first rectilinear recess 172 is formed in the periphery 113 of the body 110 , here in the longitudinal edge surface 115 .

[0052] A further straight groove 173 of smaller dimensions than the dimensions of the recess 172 is formed inside said recess 172 .

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the sliding cover 160 is a first sliding part 174 having dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the recess 172 so that the first sliding part 174 can slide along the recess 172; a second sliding part 175 attached to the bottom of the first sliding part 174, the second sliding part 175 having dimensions substantially equal to the dimensions of the groove 173, so that the second sliding part 175 can slide along the groove 173; is provided on the rear side of the main portion 161 of the sliding lid 160.

[0054] The sliding parts may typically be made of metal with or without a hardened and / or sliding coating, or of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0055] When the sliding cover 160 is attached to the body 110, the second sliding part 175 is inserted into the groove 173 and the first sliding part 174 is disposed in the recess 172. Both sliding parts 174, 175 cooperate with their respective sliding grooves or recesses 172, 173 to guide the sliding cover 160.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the sliding mechanism 150 comprises a magnetic retaining means 180 including ferromagnetic elements and / or magnets on both the sliding lid 160 and the body 110 that interact to retain the sliding lid relative to the body while allowing sliding movement between both components.

[0057] 4, the flexible main portion 161 of the sliding lid 160 may include one layer of flexible ferromagnetic material 161a, which may extend over the entire length L1 of the lid or over a portion of the lid. For aesthetic purposes, the lid 160 may include a top layer 161b, for example made of a polymer or fabric, to cover the ferromagnetic layer 161a.

[0058] Additionally, one or more magnets 181 may be fixed, for example by gluing, on the main part 161 of the sliding lid or on the sliding parts 174, 175.

[0059] Complementarily, the body 110 may be provided with one or more ferromagnetic layers 182 for interacting with the magnets of the sliding lid 160. In that example, the ferromagnetic layers 182 cover the bottom of the grooves 173 to interact with the magnets 181.

[0060] Furthermore, one or more magnets 183 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B ) may be provided on the body 110, particularly below the sliding path of the sliding lid 160, to interact with the ferromagnetic layer 161 a of the sliding lid 160. The magnets 183 are advantageously spaced as needed, particularly closer to each other or stronger where greater attractive forces are needed, such as at bends.

[0061] Advantageously, the magnetic force can be adjusted so that the sliding lid is removable as required, in which case the aerosol generating device 100 can preferably comprise control means 33 (see Figures 1, 2A, 2B) for stopping the operation of the heating system 32 when the sliding lid is removed.

[0062] The sliding mechanism 150 may be manually actuated, for example, by a pushing motion applied directly to at least one sliding lid, or alternatively, may be actuated by a motor (not shown) configured to move the sliding lid via a suitable transmission mechanism.

[0063] The above examples are not to be considered limiting and the magnetic means may be arranged in any other suitable manner, and other holding and guiding means may also be considered in addition to or as an alternative to the above systems.

[0064] In particular as such, the guide means may include a retaining feature of the sliding lid 160 .

[0065] 5 shows an aerosol generating device 200 according to a second embodiment, with a sliding mechanism 250 including a sliding lid 260. A guide means 270 for said sliding lid 260 may here comprise at least one male interacting part formed on the underside of said lid 260, in the form of rails 271a, 271b adapted to cooperate, for example by clipping, with a corresponding female interacting part of the body 210, for example one or more slits 272a, 272b formed in the wall 213 (here the periphery) of the body 210 (or conversely, the sliding lid 260 may be provided with one or more female interacting parts adapted to cooperate with corresponding male interacting parts of the body 110).

[0066] 6 shows an aerosol generating device 300 according to a third embodiment, comprising a sliding mechanism 350 including a sliding lid 360. Here, the guiding means 370 comprises sliding grooves 373a, 373b formed in the side flanges 313a, 313b of the rim 313 of the body 310, along which the sliding lid 360 is slidable. To allow easy placement and removal, the sliding lid 360 may comprise an elastically deformable edge adapted to allow insertion of the edge into the grooves 373a, 373b and to be deformed upon insertion to restore the initial shape of the edge and hold the sliding lid 360 in the groove.

[0067] FIG. 7 shows a device 400 according to a fourth embodiment, in which the guiding means 470 comprises grooves 473a, 473b similar to those described with reference to FIG. 6 for guiding the sliding lid 460, the sliding lid 460 being at least partially covered by a peripheral wall 413 forming the periphery of the main body 410.

[0068] 8A, 8B, and 8C show an aerosol generating device 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, having a sliding mechanism 550 configured to be moved to a storage position in which both the opening 31 and the electrical charging port 20 are covered. This allows for further protection of the device against contamination such as dust or water during storage. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show the device in a charging position, a storage position, and a use position, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding lid 560 is slightly longer than the sliding lid 160 of FIG. 1 to allow for the storage configuration, and the stroke length of the sliding lid 560 is equal to the sum of the lengths of both the electrical charging port 20 and the opening 31.

[0069] 9 and 10 show an aerosol generating device 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, in which the sliding mechanism 650 comprises a single sliding lid 660, which is a continuous element defining a closed contour and surrounding the body 110. The sliding lid 660 extends over the entire periphery 113 of the body 110 and comprises a first opening 663 configured to face the electrical charging port 20 in the electrical loading position (as shown in FIG. 10) and a second opening 664 configured to face the opening 31 in the use position.

[0070] 11 shows an aerosol generating device 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 700 has a plane of symmetry, and the sliding mechanism 750 comprises two sliding lids 760a, 760b symmetrically located on either side of the plane. In the use position of the sliding mechanism 750, each sliding lid 760a, 760b covers half of the electrical charging port 20. In the charging position, each sliding lid 760a, 760b covers half of the opening 31. The sliding mechanism 750 is actuated by simultaneously moving both sliding lids 760a, 760b.

[0071] Although the electrical charging port and cavity opening are located peripherally and at opposite ends of the body in the above-described embodiment, such arrangement is not to be considered limiting and the charging port and opening may be located, for example, at the same end of the body and / or at least one of the charging port and opening may be located on a major surface or a longitudinal edge surface of the body. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in which the charging port 20 and opening 31 are formed in the same edge surface 116 of the body at the same end 810b of the body, and the sliding lid 860 extends along this edge surface. In such an embodiment, the sliding lid 860 may be either flexible or rigid.

[0072] Figure 13 shows a device 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. Similar to the sliding lid of Figure 9, the sliding lid 960 extends around the entire periphery 113 of the body 110 and includes a first opening 963 configured to face the electrical charging port 20 in the electrical loading position and a second opening 964 configured to face the opening 31 in the use position.

[0073] The guiding means 970 comprises fixed guide shafts 991, 992, 993, 994 attached to each corner of the body 910 for guiding the sliding lid 960 in a sliding motion. The guide shafts 991, 992, 993, 994 extend in a direction parallel to a plane tangent to the sliding lid and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliding lid 960, here in the transverse direction Z of the device.

[0074] According to an alternative embodiment, each guide shaft may also be rotatably mounted to the body.

[0075] Figure 14 shows a device 1000 according to a tenth embodiment of the invention similar to the ninth embodiment, in which the guiding means 1070 comprises rotatable guiding shafts 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094 in the form of geared cylinders and the sliding lid 1060 has a toothed inner surface adapted to engage with said geared cylinders.

[0076] According to an alternative (not shown) embodiment, the guide means may also comprise a single geared cylinder and a gearless cylinder or other fixed or rotatable gearless shaft.

[0077] A geared cylinder of the type described with reference to the tenth embodiment of Fig. 14 is particularly advantageous in a motorized actuation system for the sliding lid, which can serve as a transmission element. As an example, the sliding mechanism can comprise an electric motor housed within the body 110 and configured to actuate such a geared cylinder that meshes with a toothed inner surface of the sliding lid to move the sliding lid to a use position or an electrically armed position in response to a user command initiated by pressing a button or a digital command.

[0078] Many other embodiments are conceivable even if not specifically shown or described, for example the body may not have an axis of symmetry and may have any form or shape, such as an elongated cylinder, or a sphere, or in the form of a beam.

Claims

1. a power source (22) electrically coupled to the electrical charging port (20); a heating cavity (30) having an opening (31) at one insertion end (31a) and adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article (3) inserted through said opening (31); a heating system (32) for heating the heating cavity (30), the heating system (32) being powered by the power source (22); An aerosol generating device (100) comprising a body (110) containing The aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a sliding mechanism (150) including at least one sliding lid (160) slidably attached to the main body (110), the sliding mechanism (150) being selectively operable at least between a use position in which the opening (31) is exposed while the electrical charging port (20) is covered by the at least one sliding lid (160) and an electrical loading position in which the electrical charging port (20) is exposed while the opening (31) is covered by the at least one sliding lid (160), the sliding mechanism (150) being configured such that at most one of the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) is exposed in either position.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device (600, 900, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (660, 960, 1060) forms a continuous element that defines a closed contour and surrounds the body (610, 910, 1010).

3. 10. The aerosol generating device (100, 500, 700, 800) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (160, 560, 760, 860) extends over a limited portion of the outer periphery of the body.

4. The aerosol generating device (500) of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism (550) is further operable in a storage position in which both the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) are covered by the at least one sliding lid (560).

5. The aerosol generating device (600, 900, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (660, 960, 1060) has at least one opening (663, 664, 963, 964) configured to face the opening (31) in the use position and / or the electrical charging port (20) in the electrical loading position.

6. 2. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (160, 260, 360) is removable, and the aerosol generating device further comprises control means (33) for stopping operation of the heating system (32) when the at least one sliding lid (160, 260, 360) is removed.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the body (110, 210, 310, 410) is provided with at least one peripheral groove or slit (172, 173, 272a, 272b, 373a, 373b, 473a, 473b), and the at least one sliding lid (160, 260, 360, 460) is slidably mounted within the groove or slit.

8. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism (150) comprises magnetic holding means (180, 161a, 181, 182, 183) for holding the at least one sliding lid (160) to the body (110).

9. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (160) comprises a deformable main part (161) made of a flexible material such as fabric or rubber.

10. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid (160) comprises a deformable main part (161) made of a plurality of rigid parts connected by pivot elements.

11. The aerosol generating device (900, 1000) of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism (950, 1050) comprises at least one guide shaft (991, 992, 993, 994, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094) attached to the main body (910, 1010), and the at least one sliding lid (960, 1060) is guided around the guide shaft.

12. The aerosol generating device (910, 1010) of claim 11, wherein the guide shaft (991, 992, 993, 994, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094) is rotatably attached to the main body (910, 1010).

13. 2. The aerosol generating device (700) of claim 1, wherein the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) are covered by the same sliding lid.

14. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) are located at opposite ends (110a, 110b) of the body (110).

15. 14. An aerosol generating device (800) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the opening (31) and the electrical charging port (20) are located at the same end (810b) of the body (810).

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