Charger with rotatable cover and aerosol generating system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charger for charging an aerosol generating device. The charger includes a housing defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating device to be charged. The cavity has an opening. At least one electrical contact is located within the cavity. The charger includes a cover rotatably slidably movable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position, with the 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 shaped engaging member having a leading edge and a trailing edge. In the closed position, the cover ensures that electrical communication is maintained between the charger and an aerosol generating device received within the charger. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system including the charger and the aerosol generating device, and a method of using the aerosol generating system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charger for receiving an aerosol generating article having an improved closure, an aerosol generating system including the charger, and a method of using the aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrically operated aerosol generating system generally comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizer, the atomizer being operable to atomize a volatile compound in the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Typically, an electrically operated aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply for providing power to the atomizer. The atomizer may be an electrically operated heating means, for example an electric heater.

[0003] In some systems, the aerosol-generating device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article that includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate (e.g., a substrate that includes homogenized tobacco). In these systems, the device typically includes an atomizer that is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received within the device, and a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery connected to the atomizer.

[0004] Some electrically operated aerosol generating systems include a separate charger for releasably receiving and recharging the aerosol generating device when not in use. Typically, the aerosol generating device is used frequently. For example, the aerosol generating device may be used multiple times a day. Thus, the user will insert and remove the aerosol generating device into the charger frequently throughout the day.

[0005] In some aerosol generating systems, the charger further comprises a cover, which may be movable between an open position in which the charger can receive the aerosol generating device and a closed position in which the aerosol generating device is protected from dust. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The charger typically comprises electrical contacts. The aerosol generating device also typically comprises electrical contacts. In order for an aerosol generating device received in the charger to be recharged, the aerosol generating device must be positioned in the charger, such that the electrical contacts of the aerosol generating device are electrically connected with the electrical contacts of the charger when the aerosol generating device is received in the charger. In the closed position, the cover also prevents the user from altering the position of the aerosol generating device in the charger. However, if the charger is stored in a particular orientation or is dropped by the user of the device, the electrical connection may not be consistently maintained. If the electrical connection is not consistently maintained while the aerosol generating device is received in the charger, the aerosol generating device may not be properly recharged. The risk of this happening is particularly high when the aerosol generating system is a portable system. Furthermore, there is a risk that the cover may be unintentionally forced from the closed position to the open position.

[0007] Furthermore, in many aerosol generating systems, the cover in the open position typically runs the risk of being damaged. This is especially true if the cover in the open position protrudes from the charger. For example, the cover may be movable about an axis of rotation, and in the closed position the cover is substantially parallel and adjacent to the surface of the charger. When rotated about the axis of rotation, the cover in the open position is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the charger. If the charger protrudes perpendicularly in this manner, there is a risk of the cover being damaged.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a charger that allows for reliable and efficient charging by ensuring a secure electrical connection between the charger and an aerosol generating device received within the charger. Given the frequency of use of aerosol generating systems, it would be desirable to provide a charger that can be quickly and simply operated by a user of the device. It would also be desirable to provide a charger that has a robust cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In the present disclosure, a charger for charging an aerosol generating device is provided. The charger may include a housing. The housing may define a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device to be charged. The cavity may have an opening. At least one electrical contact may be located within the cavity. The charger may include a cover. The cover may be rotatably slidable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position. An inner surface of the cover may face the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. At least a portion of the inner surface of the cover may define a molded engagement member. The molded engagement portion may have a leading edge and a trailing edge. The molded engagement member may be sloped into or toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The slope may increase in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the molded engagement member.

[0010] In one embodiment, a charger for charging an aerosol generating device comprises a housing defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, at least one electrical contact positioned within the cavity, and a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening, wherein an inner surface of the cover faces the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a molded engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein when the cover is in the closed position, the molded engagement member slopes into or toward the cavity, the slope increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the molded engagement member.

[0011] When the cover is in the open position, the aerosol generating device can be received by the charger in the cavity. When the cover is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device received by the charger is protected from ambient dust and dirt. In the closed position, the cover also prevents a user from altering the position of the aerosol generating device in the charger. Electrical contact between at least one electrical contact of the charger and the aerosol generating device is ensured. Such a charger advantageously allows reliable and efficient charging of the aerosol generating device received in the cavity. Furthermore, the rotatably slidable cover is advantageously robust.

[0012] When the cover is in the closed position, a molded engagement member that is angled into or toward the cavity advantageously allows engagement of an aerosol generating device received within the cavity. By engaging the aerosol generating device, the molded engagement member advantageously holds the aerosol generating device in a predetermined position within the cavity. In the predetermined position, the aerosol generating device may be in electrical connection with the charger. Engagement of the molded engagement member with the aerosol generating device may advantageously ensure an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger regardless of the orientation of the charger or a sudden force applied to the charger, for example if the charger is dropped.

[0013] An electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger may be established when the aerosol generating device is held in contact with at least one electrical contact located within the cavity. In particular, electrical communication may be established when at least one electrical contact on the aerosol generating device is held in contact with at least one electrical contact located within the cavity.

[0014] As used herein, the term "shaped engagement member" refers to a portion of the interior surface of the cover that is configured to engage a surface of an aerosol generating device received within the charger cavity by contacting that surface of the aerosol generating device when the cover is in the closed position. The shaped engagement portion may engage the aerosol generating device at some intermediate position of the cover (i.e., a position between the open and closed positions) and may remain engaged with the aerosol generating device as the cover slides from the intermediate position to the closed position.

[0015] As used herein, the term "inner surface of the cover" means the surface of the cover that faces the charger housing. When the cover is in the closed position, this inner surface faces the cavity defined within the charger housing.

[0016] As used herein, the term "rotatably slidable" means that the cover is slidable between an open position and a closed position, and that when sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position, the cover rotates relative to the charger housing. The rotation may be about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be located anywhere within the cover such that a point on the cover remains fixed relative to the charger housing when the cover is rotated from the open position to the closed position. Alternatively, the axis of rotation may be located outside of the cover such that no point on the cover remains fixed relative to the charger housing when the cover is rotated from the open position to the closed position.

[0017] The cover may include a cover opening alignable with the cavity when the cover is in the open position. The cover opening may be configured to allow access to the cavity when the cover is in the open position. This allows the aerosol generating device to be received within and removed from the charger cavity when the cover is in the open position. The cover opening may not align with the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The cavity opening cover may be a rotatable disk.

[0018] The molded engagement member may be configured to urge an aerosol generating device received within the cavity into engagement with the at least one electrical contact when the cover is in the closed position. This advantageously ensures that electrical communication between the aerosol generating device and the charger is maintained. By forcing the aerosol generating device into contact with the at least one electrical contact of the charger, electrical resistance between the at least one contact and the aerosol generating device may be significantly reduced. This may ensure efficient charging of the aerosol generating device.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "urges" or "urging" mean the application of a force by one component to another.

[0020] The molded engagement members may protrude into or toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The protrusion of the molded engagement members may increase in a direction from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the molded engagement members, which is a result of the slope of the molded engagement members increasing into or toward the cavity from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

[0021] Preferably, the leading edge may not extend sufficiently far into or toward the cavity to engage an aerosol generating device received within the cavity. Thus, when the cover is rotationally slid from the open position to the closed position, the shaped engagement member does not immediately engage an aerosol generating device received within the cavity. Further rotationally sliding the cover toward the closed position may cause the shaped engagement portion to protrude into or toward the cavity to such an extent that the shaped engagement portion engages an aerosol generating device received within the cavity and thereafter increasingly urges the aerosol generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact. This configuration advantageously provides smooth engagement of the shaped engagement member with the aerosol generating device.

[0022] Rotationally sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position may move the shaped engagement member into overlapping relationship with the cavity. In this overlapping relationship, the shaped engagement member can advantageously interact with and engage an aerosol generating device received within the cavity. A leading edge of the shaped engagement member may initially move into overlapping relationship with the cavity as the cover slides from the open position to the closed position.

[0023] The slope of the molded engagement member may increase linearly from the leading edge to the trailing edge into or towards the cavity. Alternatively, the slope may increase non-linearly. For example, the rate of change of the slope increase may increase from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Such a cover's increasing protrusion into or towards the cavity may be gradual at first and then increase more rapidly as the cover slides out of the open position. The non-linear slope may be configured such that the engagement of the molded engagement member is smooth while the rate of slope increase is low. After engagement, the aerosol generating device may be quickly forced into the cavity, ensuring electrical connection. In this manner, the non-linear increase in the slope of the molded engagement portion may reduce the required distance of the cover's movement from the open position to the closed position.

[0024] Although reference is made throughout to a cover being slidably rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the cover is uniformly slidably rotatable from a closed position to an open position.

[0025] At least one electrical contact of the charger is preferably a resilient element.

[0026] The term "elastic element" as used herein refers to an element that may be deformed or deflected by an applied force, but has the ability to return to its original position or state after the applied force is removed. When the elastic element is deformed or deflected by a force applied by a component moving towards the elastic element, the elastic element generates a reaction force that urges the component to move away from the elastic element. Examples of elastic elements include helical springs and cantilever springs.

[0027] The at least one electrical contact may be a resilient element configured to exert a force on an aerosol generating device received in the cavity in the direction of the cavity opening when the cover is in the closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, the force exerted by the resilient element advantageously urges the aerosol generating device against the cover, in particular against a shaped engagement member of the cover. The cover, in the closed position, advantageously ensures electrical communication between the aerosol generating device and the charger.

[0028] The charger may comprise an aerosol generator release mechanism. The aerosol generator release mechanism may be located within the cavity. The aerosol generator release mechanism may comprise a resilient element. The resilient element may be configured to urge an aerosol generator received within the cavity towards the cavity opening when the cover is in the closed position. The aerosol generator release mechanism may be configured to urge an aerosol generator received within the cavity towards the cavity opening when the cover is in the open position. The aerosol generator release mechanism may be configured to urge the aerosol generator received within the cavity towards the cavity opening when the cover is in the open position. The aerosol generator release mechanism may be configured to urge the aerosol generator at least partially out of the cavity when the cover is in the open position.

[0029] By forcing 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 because it may provide an area of ​​the aerosol generating device that a user can hold and interact with, making it easier to insert or remove the aerosol generating device from the charger.

[0030] The aerosol generator release mechanism may be a resilient element in the form of a helical or cantilever spring that is located within a cavity in the charger.

[0031] The charging device may include a primary power source. The primary power source may be electrically connectable to at least one electrical contact of the charger. The aerosol generating device may include a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be electrically connectable to at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device.

[0032] The primary and secondary power sources may comprise any suitable type of power supply. The primary and secondary power sources may comprise one or more of a battery and a capacitor. The primary and secondary power sources may comprise a lithium ion battery. The primary and secondary power sources may be rechargeable power sources. The primary and secondary power sources may be the same. The primary and secondary power sources may be different. The primary power source may have a size or capacity larger than the secondary power source of the aerosol generating device. When the charger and the aerosol generating device are electrically connected, this may enable electrical communication between the primary power source and the second power source. The electrical communication between the primary and secondary power sources may enable the primary power source to be used to recharge the secondary power source. Thus, a molded engagement member that ensures a connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger advantageously ensures that the primary power source recharges the secondary power source when the aerosol generating device is received in the charger and the cover is in a closed position.

[0033] The charger cavity may have dimensions that substantially correspond to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device received within the cavity. The cavity is preferably an elongated cavity extending from an opening in a surface of the cartridge housing to a closed end located within the cartridge housing. The length of the cavity from the cavity opening to its closed end is preferably substantially similar to the length of the aerosol generating device received within the cavity. The aerosol generating device received within the charger cavity may extend out of or above the opening of the cavity when received within the cavity. This extension out of or above the cavity may be the result of at least one electrical contact of the charger urging the aerosol generating device out of the cavity.

[0034] The contoured engagement member may be a cam surface. A surface of the aerosol generating device received in the cavity may be a cam rider. In particular, the top surface of the aerosol generating device may be a cam rider.

[0035] As used herein, the term "cam surface" refers to a surface of a first component configured to contact a portion of a second component. As used herein, the term "cam rider" refers to a portion of a second component configured to contact the cam surface. The cam surface and cam rider are configured such that motion of the first component is transferred to the second component through contact between the cam surface and the cam rider. Typically the cam surface passes over the cam rider.

[0036] The shaped engagement member, which is a cam surface, may be configured to transmit the rotational sliding motion of the cover to the aerosol generating device, which is a cam rider. The aerosol generating device may follow or ride the slope of the shaped engagement member as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. As the shaped engagement member slopes into or toward the cavity, the aerosol generating device is pushed in a direction toward the cavity as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. This advantageously urges the aerosol generating device against an electrical contact within the cavity.

[0037] The aerosol generating device may ride on the shaped engaging member only after the shaped engaging member engages the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The cover may move in a sliding plane in a rotational sliding manner between the open and closed positions.

[0039] The term "sliding plane" as used herein refers to a plane in which the cover lies when the cover is in a closed position, an open position, or any intermediate position between the closed and open positions. The sliding plane may lie in the x and y directions in a Cartesian coordinate system. The cover may extend substantially in the x and y directions. When the cover rotationally slides in the sliding plane, the cover may rotate about a point in the sliding plane (i.e., a point that falls within a plane that lies in the x and y directions). In other words, the cover may follow a curved path when sliding from the open position to the closed position.

[0040] As mentioned above, the molded engagement member may be a curved rib. The curvature of the molded engagement member may follow the curved sliding path of the cover such that the molded engagement member remains in overlapping relationship with the cavity as the cover is rotationally slid from the open position to the closed position.

[0041] The direction of inclination of the molded engagement members may be out of the sliding plane. The molded engagement members may be inclined out of the sliding plane towards the cavity when the cover is in the closed position.

[0042] As used herein, the term "outside the sliding plane" means that a non-zero component of the tilt of the shaped engagement members lies in a direction perpendicular to both the x and y directions defined by the sliding plane. In other words, the non-zero component of the tilt of the shaped engagement members lies in the z direction of a Cartesian coordinate system defined by the sliding plane.

[0043] The cover may comprise an outer surface extending substantially parallel to the sliding plane. The outer surface may be located on an opposite side to the inner surface of the cover. The inner surface of the cover may comprise a portion that does not slope into or towards the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The portion of the inner surface of the cover may extend substantially parallel to the sliding plane. The portion of the inner surface of the cover may extend substantially parallel to the outer surface of the cover.

[0044] The charger housing may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall. The charger housing may be cylindrical.

[0045] The terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "side", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" and other terms used to describe the relative positions of components of the charger and the aerosol generating device refer to the charger in an upright position with an opening of a cavity at the top end configured to receive the aerosol generating device. The cavity may be formed in the top end. The sliding plane mentioned above may be substantially parallel to the top end.

[0046] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction from bottom to top or vice versa.

[0047] The housing of the charger may comprise a surface on which the cover is rotatably slidable. This surface may be a top surface. When the cover slides from an open position to a closed position, the inner surface of the cover may not slide beyond this surface of the housing. When the cover is in the open position, it may not protrude from the device, so there is no position where the risk of damage to the cover is increased. The surface of the housing on which the cover slides may lie in a plane substantially parallel to the above-mentioned sliding plane. Such an arrangement is advantageously robust.

[0048] As mentioned above, the cover may rotate about a point located in the center of the cover. If the cover is a circular disk, this means that the rotating sliding cover remains in a fixed position relative to the charger regardless of whether the cover is in an open or closed position. Preferably, the cover is in a fixed position relative to the top surface of the charger.

[0049] The charger may include an actuating member. The charger may include means for sliding the cover from an open position to a closed position in response to operation of the actuating member by a user of the charger. By providing an actuating member for operating the cover, the process of opening and closing the charger is simplified and made more comfortable for the user. For example, the actuating member on the charger housing may be advantageously positioned such that a user holding the charger in one hand can operate the actuating member using that same hand. This may be more comfortable than moving the cover itself.

[0050] The actuation member may be a rotatable disc. The rotatable disc may be configured to be rotated by a user of the charger. Rotation of the rotatable disc may move the cover from an open position to a closed position. The rotatable disc may be positioned parallel to a bottom surface of the charger.

[0051] The means for sliding the cover may be a mechanical linkage between the rotatable disc and the cover. The mechanical linkage may be a rigid shaft connecting the actuating member to the cover. If the actuating member is a rotatable disc, the shaft may transmit rotational movement of the rotatable disc directly to the cover.

[0052] Alternatively, the actuating member may be a button or switch. The means for sliding the cover may comprise an actuator and a mechanical linkage between the actuator and the cover. The actuating member may be configured to transmit an electrical signal to the actuator in response to manipulation of the actuating member by a user of the charger. The actuator may be an electric motor configured to produce a rotational movement. The rotational movement may be transmitted to the cover via the mechanical linkage.

[0053] The cover may be biased towards the closed position. The cover may be biased towards the closed position by a spring attached to the cover at a first end of the spring and to the housing of the charger at a second end of the spring. A cover biased towards a closed position advantageously means that the position of the cover is forced towards the closed position. Whenever the cover is in an open position, a biasing force may urge the cover back to the closed position without the user having to operate an actuation element. This advantageously prevents the user from inadvertently leaving the cover in an open position. Also advantageously means that if the cover is inadvertently forced open, for example when the charger is stored in a user's pocket, the cover will automatically re-close.

[0054] The term "aerosol-generating device" as used herein refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of the volatile compound. The aerosol-generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article that includes the aerosol-forming substrate, or a cartridge that includes the aerosol-forming substrate. An electrically operated aerosol-generating device may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0055] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing upon heating a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating articles described herein may be visible or invisible, and may include vapor (e.g., fine particles in the gaseous state of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gas and condensed vapor droplets.

[0056] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components.

[0057] Preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine, more preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco.

[0058] Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0059] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0060] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, e.g., containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0061] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0062] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid, the aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise a means for holding the liquid substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively be any other kind of substrate, such as a gas substrate, a gel substrate, or any combination of different types of substrates.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aerosol former.

[0064] As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol during use and that is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the aerosol-generating article.

[0065] Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, and the like).

[0066] Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0068] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an aerosol former content of greater than 5% on a dry weight basis.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from about 5% to about 30% on a dry weight basis.

[0070] In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of approximately 20% on a dry weight basis.

[0071] Also provided in the present disclosure is an aerosol generation system comprising a charger and an aerosol generating device. The charger may comprise a housing. The housing may define a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device to be charged. The cavity may have an opening. At least one electrical contact may be located within the cavity. The charger may comprise a cover. The cover may be rotatably slidable relative to the opening between an open position and a closed position. An inner surface of the cover may face the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. At least a portion of the inner surface of the cover may define a shaped engagement member. The shaped engagement member may have a leading edge and a trailing edge. The shaped engagement member may be sloped into or toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The slope may increase in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped engagement member. When the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity, the shaped engagement member may be configured to urge the aerosol generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact when the cover is in the closed position.

[0072] In one embodiment of the aerosol generating system, the charger comprises a housing defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening, at least one electrical contact located within the cavity, and a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening, the cover having an inner surface facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defining a shaped engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the shaped engagement member being sloped 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 shaped engagement member. The aerosol generating device is then received within the cavity, and the shaped 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. The features of the charger described above may be applied to the charger of the aerosol generating system.

[0073] When the charger cover is in the open position, the aerosol generating device can be received by the charger in the cavity. When the cover is in the closed position, the aerosol generating device is protected from ambient dust and dirt. In the closed position, the cover also prevents a user from tampering with the position of the aerosol generating device in the charger. Also, electrical contact between at least one electrical contact of the charger and the aerosol generating device is ensured. Such a charger advantageously allows reliable and efficient charging of an aerosol generating device received in the cavity.

[0074] Forcing the aerosol generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact ensures that electrical communication between the aerosol generating device and the charger is maintained.

[0075] The cover may be a rotatable disk.

[0076] The cover may include a cover opening alignable with the cavity to provide access to the cavity when the cover is in the open position.

[0077] At least one electrical contact of the charger may be a resilient element configured to exert a force on an aerosol generating device received in the cavity in the direction of the cavity opening when the cover is in the closed position.

[0078] The charger may include an aerosol generator release mechanism. The aerosol generator release mechanism may be located within the cavity. The aerosol generator release mechanism may include a resilient element.

[0079] Rotationally sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position may move the molded engagement member into overlapping relationship with the cavity. A leading edge of the molded engagement member may initially move into overlapping relationship with the cavity as the cover slides from the open position to the closed position.

[0080] The charging device may comprise a primary power source. The primary power source may be electrically connectable to at least one electrical contact of the charger. The aerosol generating device may comprise a secondary power source. The secondary power source may be electrically connectable to at least one electrical contact of the aerosol generating device. Electrical communication between the primary power source and the secondary power source may enable the primary power source to be used to recharge the secondary power source. Thus, a molded engagement member that ensures a connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger advantageously ensures that the primary power source recharges the secondary power source when the aerosol generating device is received in the charger and the cover is in a closed position.

[0081] The charger cavity may have dimensions that substantially correspond to the dimensions of the aerosol generating device to be received within the cavity. Preferably, the length of the cavity from its opening to its closed end is substantially similar to the length of the aerosol generating device to be received within the cavity.

[0082] The molded engagement members may protrude into or toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position.

[0083] The contoured engagement member may be a cam surface and the surface of the aerosol generating device received within the cavity may be a cam rider.

[0084] The cover may move in a sliding plane in a rotational sliding manner between the open and closed positions.

[0085] The charger may include an actuating member.The charger may include means for sliding the cover from an open position to a closed position in response to manipulation of the actuating member by a user of the charger.

[0086] The actuating member may be a rotatable disc.The means for sliding the cover may be a mechanical linkage between the rotatable disc and the cover.

[0087] Alternatively, the actuating member may be a button or switch.The means for sliding the cover includes an actuator and a mechanical linkage between the actuator and the cover.

[0088] The cover may be biased towards the closed position. The cover may be biased towards the closed position by a spring attached to the cover at a first end of the spring and to the housing of the charger at a second end of the spring.

[0089] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using an aerosol generation system comprising a charger and an aerosol generation device, the charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol generation device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact located within the cavity; and a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening, the cover having an inner surface facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defining a shaped engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the shaped engagement member sloping into or toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position, the sloping increasing in a direction from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped engagement member, the method comprising: inserting an aerosol generating device into the cavity of the charger while the cover is in an open position; sliding the cover from an open position to a closed position; In the closed position, the molded engagement member urges the aerosol generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact.

[0090] The charger may charge the aerosol generating device while the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity and the cover is in the closed position. A controller within the charger may couple a primary power source of the charger to at least one electrical contact of the charger. An aerosol generating device engaged with the at least one electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the at least one electrical contact, for example, via the at least one electrical contact on the aerosol generating device. Thus, a secondary power source located within the aerosol generating device may be charged by the primary power source of the charger. Charging of the aerosol generating device may be regulated by the controller of the charger.

[0091] The method may also include sliding the cover from a closed position to an open position to remove the aerosol generating device received within the charger.

[0092] The charger may include an aerosol generating device release mechanism that may urge the aerosol generating device out of the cavity when the cover is in the open position, and that a user of the aerosol generating system may use to pull the aerosol generating device out of the cavity.

[0093] The step of sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa) may include direct manipulation of the cover of the charger by a user. Alternatively, the charger may include an actuating member in the form of a slider, switch, or button. Manipulation of the actuating member may move the cover. Manipulation of the actuating member may slide the cover from the open position to the closed position.

[0094] If the charger includes a biasing element, inserting the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the device may include applying a force to the cover against the biasing element to hold the cover in the open position. The force may be applied directly to the cover by a user. Alternatively, the force may be applied by a means for sliding the cover. Sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position may include removing the force holding the cover in the open position such that the cover automatically moves to the closed position as a result of the biasing element.

[0095] Features described with respect to one example or embodiment may also be applicable to other aspects and embodiments, for example features described with respect to the aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems described above may also be used in conjunction with methods of using the aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems described above.

[0096] Specific embodiments will now be described with reference to the following figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0097] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram 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. [Diagram 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a charger according to the invention with a cover that is slidable between an open position and a closed position: Figure 2a shows the cover in the open position, and Figure 2b shows the cover in the closed position. [Diagram 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the charger of Figure 2 with an aerosol generating device received within the charger cavity. Figure 3a shows the cover in an open position. Figure 3b shows the cover in a closed position. Figure 3c shows the cover in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the cover separated from the charger. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a charger similar to that shown in FIG. 2, further comprising an actuating member in the form of a rotatable disk. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional schematic of the charger of FIG. 4, illustrating the mechanical linkage between the rotatable disc and the cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of a charger in which a motor is used to move the cover from an open position to a closed position. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a charger with an aerosol generator release mechanism, with the cover shown in the open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of a method of using an aerosol generation system comprising a charger and an aerosol generation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0098] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a known electrically powered aerosol generating system, which comprises a charger 1, an aerosol generating device 20 and an aerosol generating article 30.

[0099] Charger 1 comprises a housing 2 having the general size and shape of a conventional packet of cigarettes. A lithium ion battery 3 and electrical circuitry 4 are contained within charger 1. Charger 1 further comprises a generally circular cylindrical cavity 5 for receiving an aerosol generating device 20. Cavity 5 is defined by housing 2. Electrical contacts (not shown) are disposed at a closed end of cavity 5 for electrically connecting an aerosol generating device received within cavity 5 to battery 3 of charger 1.

[0100] The aerosol generating device 20 is substantially circular cylindrical and has the typical dimensions of a conventional cigar cigarette. The length of the device 20 is substantially the same as 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 within the cavity 5. The aerosol generating device 20 comprises an open cavity 21 at its proximal end for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device 20 further comprises a battery (not shown) contained in the housing of the device, and an electric heater (not shown) disposed within the cavity 21 for heating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article 30 when the aerosol-generating article 30 is received within the cavity 21.

[0101] The aerosol-generating article 30 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) comprising an aggregate of crimped sheets of tobacco, and a filter (not shown) disposed 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 greater than the cavity 21, such that when the article 30 is received within the cavity 21 of the device 20, the filter extends outside the cavity 21 and may be withdrawn by the user, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0102] In use, the user inserts article 30 into cavity 21 of device 20 and turns device 20 on to activate the electric heater. The electric heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate of article 30, which causes volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrate to be released and atomized to form an aerosol. The user sucks on the mouthpiece of article 30 and inhales the aerosol generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate. After use of device 20, article 30 may be removed from device 20 for disposal, and device 20 may be placed in charger 1 for storage and to charge the battery of device 20.

[0103] FIG 2 shows a perspective view of a charger 100 according to the present invention. The charger comprises a charger housing 102 and a cover 110. The cover comprises a cover opening 126. A cavity 120 is defined within the charger housing 102 for receiving an aerosol generating device. The cavity 120 comprises cavity walls 122 and a cavity opening 124. These features are not visible in the perspective view of FIG 2. However, the cavity, cavity walls, and cavity opening are represented by dashed lines in FIG 2 to show the relative positions of the cover opening 126 and the cavity 120. The cavity opening 124 is defined in a top surface of the charger housing.

[0104] The charger also includes two electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 2) located within the cavity, and a power source (not shown) in the form of a rechargeable battery that is connectable to the electrical contacts located within the cavity.

[0105] The charger housing 102 has a cylindrical shape and has a cover 110 positioned adjacent to a top planar surface of the charger housing 102. The cover 110 also has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the cover matches the diameter of the charger housing 102 and the center of the cover and the top surface of the charger housing are aligned such that the cover does not extend beyond the top surface of the charger housing 102.

[0106] 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 cover opening 126 is aligned with the cavity 120, so that the cavity 120 is accessible and an aerosol generating device can be received by the charger 100 in the cavity 120. In the closed position, the cover opening 126 is no longer aligned with the cavity 120 and the cover 110 closes the cavity 120 by facing the cavity opening 124. Closing the cavity protects the cavity 120 from dust and also prevents a user from altering the position of the aerosol generating device received in the cavity 120 of the charger 100. The charger housing 102 serves as a case for the aerosol generating device received in the cavity and provides protection for the aerosol generating device. The cover 110 also serves to ensure electrical contact between the aerosol generating device received in the cavity and electrical contacts of the charger (not shown in FIG. 2) located in the cavity 120. This is described in more detail below with respect to FIG.

[0107] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the charger 100 with an aerosol generating device 300 received within the cavity 120. FIG. 3a shows the cover 110 in an open position, FIG. 3b shows the cover 110 in a closed position, and FIG. 3c shows the cover in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions. In the open position, the cover opening 126 is aligned with the cavity 120. In the closed position, the cover opening 126 is not aligned with the cavity 120. The cover 110 has an inner surface 310, a portion of which defines a molded engagement member 312. The molded engagement member 312 has a leading edge 314. The molded engagement member 312 also has a trailing edge. However, because the molded engagement member is curved, the trailing edge is not visible in FIG. 3. The trailing edge is shown in FIG. 4.

[0108] As shown in Figure 3b, the molded engagement members 312 are angled toward the cavity when the cover is in the closed position. The angle of the molded engagement members 312 increases in the direction from the leading edge 314 to the trailing edge (not shown in Figure 3).

[0109] The aerosol generating device comprises two electrical contacts 302, 303. The aerosol generating device also comprises a power source (not shown) in the form of a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery of the aerosol generating device is electrically connectable to the two electrical contacts 302 and 303.

[0110] 3 shows two electrical contacts 304 and 305 located within the cavity of the charger. The electrical contacts 302 and 303 of the aerosol generating device are aligned with the contacts 304 and 305 of the charger when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity. If there is an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the charger and the electrical contacts of the aerosol generating device, the rechargeable battery of the charger can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery of the aerosol generating device. To reliably charge the rechargeable battery, the electrical connection must be consistent.

[0111] The electrical contacts 304 and 305 are resilient elements in the form of cantilever springs.

[0112] The electrical contacts 304 and 305 extend upward from the closed end of the cavity in the direction of the cavity opening. When the cover 110 is open and the charger remains upright, the aerosol generating device 300 rests on the electrical contacts 304 and 305. As mentioned above, the aerosol generating device 300 has a length substantially the same as the length of the cavity (the length from the closed end of the cavity to the cavity opening). However, due to the upward extension of the electrical contacts 304 and 305, an aerosol generating device received in the cavity and resting on the electrical contacts 304 and 305 extends above the height of the cavity opening when the cover is in the open position.

[0113] When the cover is in the open position, electrical communication between electrical contacts 302 and 304 and electrical contacts 303 and 305 is not assured and may therefore be inconsistent. For example, if charger 100 is not stored in an upright position, or is shaken or dropped, electrical communication between the charger's electrical contacts and the device's electrical contacts is unlikely to be maintained.

[0114] When the cover 110 is in the closed position (as shown in FIG. 3b), electrical communication between the electrical contacts 302 and 304 and the electrical contacts 303 and 305 is ensured because in the closed position, the molded engagement member 312 of the cover 110 engages with the top surface of the aerosol generating device 322 received in the cavity 120. The engagement ensures that the aerosol generating device is in electrical communication with the charger's electrical contacts 304 and 305, regardless of the orientation of the charger and any sudden forces applied to the charger, for example if the charger is dropped. In other words, the engagement ensures that contact is maintained between the charger's electrical contacts 302 and 303 and the aerosol generating device's electrical contacts 304 and 305.

[0115] The molded engagement members 312 urge the aerosol generating device into engagement with the charger contacts 304 and 305 when the cover is in the closed position. The molded engagement members 312 exert a force on the top surface 322 of the aerosol generating device, pushing the aerosol generating device into the cavity and towards and against the electrical contacts 304 and 305. The applied force deforms the electrical contacts 304 and 305 and also generates a reaction force that urges the aerosol generating device 300 to move away from the electrical contacts (i.e., pushing the aerosol generating device out of the cavity 120). When the cover is in the closed position, the force exerted by the electrical contacts 304 and 305 urges the aerosol generating device against the cover, and in particular against the molded engagement members of the cover. This ensures contact between the aerosol generating device 300 and the charger electrical contacts 304 and 305.

[0116] The molded engagement member 312 is configured to initially engage the top surface 322 of the aerosol generation device 300 received in the cavity 120 at an intermediate position of the cover (i.e., a position between the open and closed positions). This intermediate position is shown in FIG. 3c. As the cover rotatably slides towards the closed position, the molded 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 inclination of the molded engagement member 312, the molded engagement member 312 protrudes increasingly towards the cavity as the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. At the intermediate position shown in FIG. 3c, the molded engagement portion protrudes sufficiently towards the cavity to initially contact and engage the top surface 322 of the aerosol generation device 300. Such an arrangement with an inclined molded engagement member 312 as described provides a smooth engagement between the molded engagement portion and the aerosol generation device.

[0117] The shaped engagement member 312 and the aerosol generation device 300 remain engaged as the cover rotatably slides from the intermediate position shown in Figure 3c to the closed position shown in Figure 3b. As the shaped engagement member 312 protrudes more and more into the cavity, an increasing force is exerted on the aerosol generation device, urging the aerosol generation device into contact with the electrical contacts 304 and 305. The electrical contacts 304 and 305 then become increasingly deformed from their extended state, thus exerting an increasing reaction force, urging the aerosol generation device out of the cavity.

[0118] The contoured engagement members 312 act as a cam surface and the aerosol generating device 300 acts as a cam rider, following the slope of the contoured engagement portion. The lateral movement of the contoured engagement members 312 is translated into longitudinal movement of the aerosol generating device into the cavity as the cover slides from the open position to the closed position.

[0119] 4 shows a perspective view of the cover 110 separated from the charger. This view more clearly shows the molded engagement member 312 having a leading edge 402 adjacent the cover opening 126. The dashed line 404 shows how the unseen portion of the molded engagement member 312 is curved and extends from the leading edge 314 to the trailing edge 402. The molded engagement member 312 has the form of a curved rib extending between the leading and trailing edges. The curvature coincides with the rotation of the cover 110 such that rotational sliding of the cover moves the molded engagement member 312 into overlapping relationship with the cavity and causes it to remain in that overlapping relationship as the cover continues to rotate.

[0120] In the embodiments described thus far, the cover 110 is slidable from an open position to a closed position when a user directly manipulates the cover. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the charger in which the user manipulates an actuation member instead of directly manipulating the cover. Manipulation of the actuation member causes the cover to slide from an open position to a closed position (or vice versa).

[0121] The actuating member is in the form of a rotatable disk 502. The rotatable disk 502 is linked to the cover 110 such that rotating the rotatable disk 502 slides the cover 110 from an open position to a closed position. The rotatable disk 502 is rotatable from an initial position in which the cover is in an open position. This rotation rotatably slides the cover.

[0122] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the charger of FIG. 4 and illustrates the linkage between the rotatable disk 502 and the cover 110. The linkage between the slider tab 502 and the cover 110 is via a rigid shaft 602 and is a direct mechanical linkage. Thus, rotation of the rotatable disk 502 causes rotation of the cover 110. Because the mechanical linkage is directly through the centers of both the rotatable disk 502 and the cover 110, rotation of the rotatable disk 502 rotates the cover 110 in a fixed position relative to the charger housing 102.

[0123] The embodiment shown in Figure 6 also includes a biasing element, shown diagrammatically, in the form of a spring 604. The spring 604 is attached to the charger housing at a first end 606 and to the cover at a second end 608. The position of the cover 110 relative to the housing 102 causes the spring to be under tension when the cover is in the open position. When the cover 110 is in the open position, the spring 604 is deformed. Thus, the spring exerts a force on the cover, urging the cover towards the closed position.

[0124] When the cover is in the closed position, the spring is either in its original undeformed state or in a relatively less deformed state. The effect of this is that whenever the cover is in the open position or in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions, the cover is forced back towards the closed position. This prevents a user of the charger from inadvertently leaving the cover in the open position. If the cover is accidentally forced open, the biasing element automatically re-closes the cover.

[0125] In some embodiments, the actuating member is not a rotatable disk, but a button or switch. The button or switch is located on the charger housing. A user can manipulate the button or switch to operate an actuator located within the charger housing. This manipulation can be done by pressing the button or toggling the switch. Pressing the button or toggling the switch sends a signal to a controller (not shown). The controller then controls the actuator to move the cover from an open position to a closed position in response to the manipulation.

[0126] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the charger with an actuator in the form of a motor 702. A direct mechanical linkage 704 is a rigid shaft connecting the motor 702 to the cover 110. The motor is configured to receive an electrical signal from a button or switch (not shown). When a user presses the button or flips the switch, a controller rotates the motor 702 as needed. This in turn moves the cover from an open position to a closed position or vice versa. The motor 702 is connected to a rechargeable battery (not shown) in the charger. The rechargeable battery provides power to the motor 702.

[0127] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional schematic of a charger with an aerosol generator release mechanism, with the cover shown in an open position. The aerosol generator release mechanism is a helical spring 802 located in the cavity 120 between the electrical contacts 304 and 305. The helical spring is configured to urge the aerosol generator 300 out of the cavity 120 (i.e. above the cavity opening 124) when the cover is in the open position. The spring 802 presses against a bottom surface 804 of the aerosol generator 300. By forcing the aerosol generator out of the cavity, the aerosol generator may be more easily removed from the charger by a user of the device. This is because a portion of the aerosol generator is provided that can be grasped by the user. The aerosol generator release mechanism is provided as a spring. When the cover is in a closed position, the spring 802 is compressed and the aerosol generator is pressed against the electrical contacts 304 and 305 as described with respect to the previous embodiment. However, to close the cover, a user of the device is required to manually push the aerosol generating device 300 below the height of the cover 110, which allows the molded engagement member 312 to move into an overlapping relationship with the cavity opening.

[0128] FIG. 9 is a flow chart outlining a method of using an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure.

[0129] At step 902, an aerosol generating device is received within a cavity of a charger.

[0130] This is when the cover is in the open position.

[0131] At step 904, the user rotationally slides the cover from an open position to a closed position. As previously 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 an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the charger is maintained. The electrical connection allows the aerosol generating device to be charged by the charger. When the cover is closed, it protects the cavity and protects the aerosol generating device received within the cavity from dust from the surrounding environment.

[0132] At step 906, the user slidably slides the cover from a closed position to an open position. The user does this to gain access to the aerosol generating device received within the cavity.

[0133] In some embodiments, the cover is biased to close. In these embodiments, the movable element automatically returns from the closed position to the open position. Thus, step 904 may be automatic.

[0134] In the open position, the aerosol generator is forced out of the cavity by the aerosol generator release mechanism. By forcing the aerosol generator out of the cavity, a portion of the aerosol generator extends out of the cavity. A user of the aerosol generating system can use this portion to aid in removal of the aerosol generator. If the charger includes an aerosol generator release mechanism, step 904 may require the user to manually push the aerosol generator into the cavity to compress the aerosol generator release mechanism before sliding the cover to the closed position.

Claims

1. A charger for charging an aerosol generating device, comprising: a housing defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact located within the cavity; a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening, 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 defining a shaped engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge; a charger, wherein when the cover is in the closed position, the molded engagement members protrude and slope into or toward the cavity, the protrusion increasing from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the molded engagement members.

2. 2. The charger of claim 1, wherein the molded engagement member is configured to urge an aerosol generating device received within the cavity into engagement with the at least one electrical contact when the cover is in the closed position.

3. A charger as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is biased toward the closed position.

4. The charger of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an aerosol generating device release mechanism configured to urge an aerosol generating device received in the cavity toward the opening of the cavity when the cover is in the open position.

5. The charger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaped engagement member is a cam surface and the upper surface of the aerosol generating device received within the cavity is a cam rider.

6. 6. The charger of claim 1, wherein the housing of the charger has a surface over which the cover is rotatably slidable, and wherein the inner surface of the cover does not slide over the surface of the housing when the cover slides from the open position to the closed position.

7. 7. The charger of claim 1, further comprising an actuating member and means for sliding the cover from the closed position to the open position in response to manipulation of the actuating member by a user of the charger.

8. 8. The charger of claim 7, wherein said actuating member is a rotatable disk and said means for sliding said cover is a mechanical linkage between said rotatable disk and said cover.

9. 9. The charger of claim 8, wherein the actuating member is a button or switch, the means for sliding the cover comprises an actuator and a mechanical linkage between the actuator and the cover, and the actuating member is configured to transmit an electrical signal to the actuator in response to manipulation of the actuating member by a user of the charger.

10. The charger of any preceding claim, wherein the cover comprises a cover opening alignable with the cavity when the cover is in the open position.

11. The charger of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the molded engagement members are curved ribs.

12. The charger of claim 11 , wherein the housing of the charger is cylindrical.

13. The charger of any preceding claim, wherein the cover is biased towards the closed position.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising a charger and an aerosol generating device, the charger comprises a housing defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact located within the cavity; and a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to the opening, an inner surface of the cover facing the cavity when the cover is in the closed position; An aerosol generation system, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover defines a shaped engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and when the cover is in the closed position, the shaped engagement member protrudes and slopes into or toward the cavity, the protrusion increasing from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the shaped engagement member.

15. 1. A method of using an aerosol generation system comprising a charger and an aerosol generation device, comprising: the charger comprising: a housing defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating device to be charged, the cavity having an opening; at least one electrical contact located within the cavity; a cover rotatably slidable between an open position and a closed position relative to said opening, an inner surface of said cover facing said cavity when said cover is in said closed position, at least a portion of said inner surface of said cover defining a shaped engagement member having a leading edge and a trailing edge, said shaped engagement member protruding and sloping into or toward said cavity when said cover is in said closed position, said protrusion increasing from said leading edge to said trailing edge of said shaped engagement member; The method further comprising: inserting the aerosol generating device into the cavity of the charger while the cover is in the open position; and sliding the cover from the open position to the closed position. In the closed position, the shaped engagement member urges the aerosol generating device into engagement with the at least one electrical contact.

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