Aerosol-Generating Device with a Sliding Mechanism

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes a body housing a power source electrically coupled to an electrical charging port, a heating cavity provided with an insertion opening, a heating system for heating said heating cavity, and a sliding mechanism including at least one sliding lid slidably mounted on the body. The sliding mechanism is selectively operatable between at least a using position where the electrical charging port is covered while the opening is exposed and an electrical loading position where the opening is covered while the electrical charging port is exposed. The sliding mechanism is configured so that in any of its positions at most one of the opening and the electrical charging port is exposed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tobacco, especially to electronic smoking devices, and particularly to electrically heated aerosol-generating devicesBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

[0003] It is known that such aerosol-generating devices should not be used for smoking while the power source is at charge, to avoid overheating of said power source which may lead to internal short circuiting, damaging of the battery and / or nearby components, or even explosion.

[0004] In this context, recently developed aerosol-generating devices have been provided with software disabling the charging while vaping.

[0005] However, there is still a need to enhance safety and sustainability of aerosol-generating devices.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose an aerosol-generating device that has improved safety and sustainability.

[0007] In particular, this object is achieved by an aerosol-generating device comprising a body, the body housing:

[0008] a power source electrically coupled to an electrical charging port,

[0009] a heating cavity provided with an opening at one insertion end and adapted to receive at least part of an aerosol-generating article inserted through said opening, and

[0010] a heating system for heating said heating cavity, the heating system being supplied by said electrical power source,the aerosol-generating device being characterized in that it further comprises a sliding mechanism including at least one sliding lid slidably mounted on the body, the sliding mechanism being selectively operatable between at least a using position where the electrical charging port is covered by the at least one sliding lid while the opening is exposed and an electrical loading position where the opening is covered by the at least one sliding lid while the electrical charging port is exposed, and the sliding mechanism being configured so that in any of its positions at most one of the opening and the electrical charging port is exposed.

[0011] The invention proposes a mechanical solution to avoid the heating cavity and the charging port to be used simultaneously. The sliding mechanism is arranged in such manner that, at any time, at least one of the insertion opening and the electrical charging port is closed, i.e. covered by at least one sliding cover (lid). The system is easy to implement and reliable and can either be used alone or in combination with the software solution of the prior art to provide redundancy.

[0012] Additionally, by continually keeping closed at least one of the opening and the electrical charging port, the sliding mechanism also protects the heating cavity and the charging port against contamination by dust and / or water and so, enhances sustainability of the device.

[0013] More preferably, the sliding mechanism may also be moved in a storing position where both the opening and the electrical charging port are covered by the at least one sliding lid.

[0014] The sliding mechanism may comprise one single sliding lid, which is advantageous as it allows the user to operate the system in a one-finger movement. However, as an alternative, the sliding mechanism may also comprise two or more sliding lids.

[0015] The opening and the electrical charging port may be covered by a different sliding lid or by the same sliding lid(s).

[0016] According to one particular embodiment, the sliding mechanism may comprise two sliding lids and each sliding lid may partially cover the opening in the using position and / or each sliding lid may partially cover the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position.

[0017] In the present patent application, the verb “cover” and the adjective “covered” should be interpreted as encompassing either a total or a partial covering sufficient to make the covered opening or port inoperable. As an example, in the using position, the sliding mechanism may cover at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, even more preferably 100% of the surface of the electrical charging port, preventing electrical connection of the device to a charging cable. Similarly, in the using position, the sliding mechanism may cover at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, even more preferably 100% of the surface of the opening, preventing insertion of an aerosol-generating article in the heating cavity.

[0018] The sliding mechanism may be actuated manually, notably by a pushing movement applied directly on the at least one sliding lid (for example by the user pushing the sliding lid(s) with its finger(s)).

[0019] As an alternative embodiment, the actuation of the sliding mechanism may be motorized. In such configuration, the sliding mechanism may comprise an electrical motor configured to actuate a transmission system such as a geared wheel or cylinder meshing which corresponding gear teeth fixed on the sliding lid, the electrical motor being adapted to be controlled either by a mechanical trigger system (button) or a digital trigger system.

[0020] The electrical charging port and / or the opening are either located at opposite ends of the body, or at the same end thereof, or in any other arrangement.

[0021] The body of an aerosol-generating device typically comprises a first and a second main surfaces, essentially parallel to each other, and linked by a peripheral edge (generally of width less than the dimensions of the main surfaces).

[0022] The main surfaces of the body may take any adapted shape. For example, they may take a general rectangular shape possibly with chamfered or rounded corners, the peripheral edge forming four edge surfaces opposed one to the other by pairs.

[0023] The electrical charging port and / or the opening may be located either on a main surface or main surfaces of the body or, as is preferred, on the peripheral edge of the body.

[0024] The at least one sliding lid may form a continuous element defining a closed outline and surrounding the body. In other words, the sliding mechanism may extend around an entire body circumference. In an arrangement where the body has a general parallelepipedal shape with two main surfaces linked together by four edge surfaces, the sliding mechanism may extend along four adjacent surfaces of the body. As an example, with reference to the above referenced particular arrangement of the body, the at least one sliding lid may take the form of a continuous band or ribbon extending along the entire peripheral edge of the body.

[0025] According to another example, the at least one sliding lid may extend around a limited portion of a body circumference. That is, the sliding lid forms a band of finite length. In particular, the at least one sliding lid many extend around less than 80% or even around less than 50% of a body circumference. In such case, the sliding lid may extend over one surface or over two or more surfaces of the body.

[0026] The sliding lid is either entirely rigid or it may advantageously comprise a deformable main part allowing the sliding lid to conform to the (possibly curved) profile of the body during its sliding motion. The main part is generally in the form of a flat band, that may be made of flexible materials, such as textile or rubber, or of a plurality of rigid parts (similar to chain links) connected by pivotable elements. Possibly, rigid holding or guiding elements may be fixed to said flexible main part, without impairing deformability of the sliding lid in particular at bent parts of the body.

[0027] The main part of the sliding lid may be formed of one single layer or of several superimposed layers. According to an advantageous embodiment, the main part of the sliding lid comprises at least one layer, preferably a flexible layer, of ferromagnetic material. According to another advantageous embodiment, the main part may be comprise an esthetic top layer, preferably a flexible top layer, for example made of polymer or textile. As an example, the deformable main part may comprise a layer of ferromagnetic steel glued to colorful leather or silicone rubber.

[0028] 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 motion. As an example, the body may be provided with at least one peripheral groove or slit along which the sliding lid may be slidably mounted.

[0029] According to another example, the sliding mechanism may comprise at least one guiding axis mounted on the body, and the at least one sliding lid may be guided around said guiding axis. The guiding axis may extend in a direction parallel to a plane tangential to the sliding lid, and perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding lid. According to a particular embodiment, the aerosol-generating device comprises at least four guiding axes, with one guiding axis mounted on each corner of a generally rectangular body, and the at least one guiding lid is guided around said four guiding axes.

[0030] Each guiding axis may be either fixed in position or rotatably mounted on the body.

[0031] According to an example, at least one or each guiding axis may be a geared cylinder, and the at least one guiding lid may have a toothed surface adapted to engage with said geared cylinder.

[0032] The sliding mechanism may further comprise any suitable holding means for holding the at least one sliding lid to the body. For example, said holding means may be magnetic holding means. In that case, the body and the at least one sliding lid may be provided with respective magnetic means configured to attract each other.

[0033] According to an example, the at least one sliding lid may comprise at least one aperture configured to face the opening in the using position and / or the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position. More specifically, the at least one sliding lid may comprise one first aperture configured to face the opening in the using position and one second aperture configured to face the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position. By facing is meant here that the aperture is at least partially located in front of the opening or respectively the charging port in order that said opening or respectively charging port be operatable through the aperture.

[0034] According to an example, the at least one sliding lid may be removable, and the aerosol-generating device may further comprise controlling means for disabling the heating system when the at least one sliding lid is removed. By removable is meant here that the device is provided with dedicated means for 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, and possibly gripping means allowing the user to disconnect the reversible holding means by hand or with a tool, for example a gripping surface, a handle, etc.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the sliding mechanism in the electrical loading position,

[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1, along transversal plane Il of FIG. 1, with the sliding mechanism respectively in the electrical loading position and in the using position,

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1, showing the magnetic holding means and the guiding means provided on an edge surface of the body (the sliding lid being omitted),

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the inner side of the sliding lid of FIG. 1,

[0039] FIGS. 5, 6, 7 illustrate means for guiding the sliding lid according to a second, a third and a fourth embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 8A to 8C illustrate an aerosol-generating system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, respectively in charging, storing and using position,

[0041] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] FIG. 10 is a partial view of the device of FIG. 9, along arrow I of FIG. 9,

[0043] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention,

[0046] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to the appended drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto. The described drawings 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 the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0048] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a body 110 here of symmetrical shape, having a first and a second main surfaces 111, 112 substantially parallel in a transversal direction Z, and linked together by a peripheral edge 113 (here having a width in said transversal direction less than the dimensions of the main surfaces).

[0050] In the illustrated example, the main surfaces 111, 112 are of general rectangular shape with rounded corners, so that the peripheral edge 113 forms two longitudinal edge surfaces 114, 115 opposite to each other in a lateral direction X and two lateral edge surfaces 116, 117 opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction Y.

[0051] The aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical charging port 20 electrically coupled to a power source or battery 22 housed inside the body 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical charging port 20 is formed at a longitudinal end 110b of the body, in the peripheral edge 113. As illustrated, the electrical charging port 20 may be connected to an electrical charging cable 2 for charging the power source 22.

[0052] The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises a heating cavity located inside the body 110 and opening at an end 110a of the body 110 opposite to the electrical charging port 20, here in the peripheral edge 113. As shown in FIG. 1, an aerosol-generating article 3 may be inserted in the heating cavity 30 through the opening 31 formed at the end 30a thereof located at the peripheral edge 113. As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article containing aerosol-generating material capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can form an aerosol.

[0053] A heating system 32, supplied by the electrical power source 22, is provided inside the body 110 for heating the heating cavity 30 and so the aerosol-generating article 3 located therein.

[0054] According to the invention, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a sliding mechanism 150 including at least one sliding lid 160 as a sliding cover slidable along the body 110.

[0055] The sliding mechanism 150 is so arranged that in all possible configurations, at most one of the opening 31 and the electrical charging port 20 is exposed, the other one being closed / covered by the at least one sliding lid 160. The sliding mechanism 150 is so configured to allow use of only one of the electrical charging port 20 and the heating cavity 30 at a time.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the sliding mechanism 150 comprises one single sliding lid 160 slidably mounted along the peripheral edge 113 of the body 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the sliding lid 160 extends on a part of the circumference of the body 110, here less than 50% of the circumference measured along the peripheral edge 113 of the body 110. For esthetic purpose, the device 100 may also comprise a fixed covering element 140 surrounding the rest of the peripheral edge 113, as illustrated.

[0057] In the following description, a length is meant to designate a dimension measured along the moving path of the sliding mechanism 150, tangentially to the moving direction.

[0058] In the example, the length L1 of the sliding lid 160 is less than the length measured between the electrical charging port 20 and the opening 31 (along the portion of the peripheral edge covered by the sliding lid 160). In the particular example, more specifically, the stroke length of the sliding lid 160 is at least substantially equal to the largest length between that of the electrical charging port 20 and that of the opening 31.

[0059] The sliding lid 160 is reversibly slidable between an electrical loading position where it covers the opening 31 while the electrical charging port 20 is exposed (FIGS. 1 and 2A) and a using position where it covers the electrical charging port 20 while the opening 31 is exposed (FIG. 2B).

[0060] In the illustrated example, the opening 31 and electrical charging port 20 are completely covered in the electrical loading position and the using position respectively. In an alternative embodiment, however, the opening 31 may be partially covered by the sliding lid 160 in the electrical loading position, in a way sufficient to prevent insertion of an aerosol-generating article in the heating cavity 30 and / or the electrical charging port 20 may be partially covered by the sliding lid 160 in the using position in a way sufficient to prevent connection of an electrical charging cable 2.

[0061] In cases where, as in the illustrated example, the sliding lid 160 extends over a bent part of the body, for example a corner, the sliding lid 160 comprises a deformable main part 161 generally in the form of a flat band, either formed of one single layer or of several superimposed layers, and made of flexible materials, such as textile or rubber, or of a plurality of rigid parts (similar to chain links) connected by pivotable elements. As an example, the deformable main part may comprise a layer of ferromagnetic steel glued to colorful leather or silicone rubber. Possibly, rigid holding or guiding elements may be fixed to said flexible main part 161, as will be described hereafter in more detail.

[0062] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible main part 161 of the sliding lid 160 may be pre-formed into a bent shape corresponding to one preferred position on the body. When moved in a different position by an external force (for example applied by the user), the sliding lid is elastically deformed to remain adherent to the body. When the force is suppressed, the sliding lid 160 elastically snaps back into its preferred position.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sliding mechanism 150 advantageously comprises means for guiding the sliding lid 160 in its sliding motion along the body 110 and for holding the sliding lid 160 to the body 110.

[0064] In the illustrated example, guiding means 170 comprise one or more sliding rail(s) or groove(s) formed on the body 110 and adapted to cooperate with complementary sliding element(s) of the sliding lid 160.

[0065] A first rectilinear recess 172 is formed in the peripheral edge 113 of the body 110, here in the longitudinal edge surface 115.

[0066] A further rectilinear groove 173 of dimensions smaller than those of recess 172 is formed inside said recess 172.

[0067] The sliding lid 160, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises on the underside of its main part 161:

[0068] a first slider 174 having dimensions substantially equal to that of recess 172, so that it can slide along recess 172,

[0069] a second slider 175 attached to the bottom of the first slider 174, having dimensions substantially equal to that of groove 173 so that it can slide along groove 173.

[0070] Sliders may typically be made of metal with or without hardening and / or sliding coating, or of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0071] When the sliding lid 160 is mounted on the body 110, the second slider 175 is inserted into the groove 173 and the first slider 174 is placed in the recess 172. Both sliders 174, 175 cooperate with their respective sliding groove or recess 172, 173 to guide the sliding lid 160.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the sliding mechanism 150 comprises magnetic holding means 180 including ferromagnetic elements and / or magnets on both sliding lid 160 and body 110 which interact to maintain the sliding lid against the body while allowing sliding motion between both components.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible main part 161 of the sliding lid 160 may comprise one layer of flexible ferromagnetic material 161a, that may extend on the entire length L1 of the lid or part thereof. For esthetic purpose, the lid 160 may comprise a top layer 161b for example made of polymer or textile, to cover the ferromagnetic layer 161a.

[0074] One or more magnets 181 may further be fixed, for example by bonding, on the main part 161 of the sliding lid or on the slider(s) 174, 175.

[0075] In a complementary manner, the body 110 may be provided with one or more ferromagnetic layer 182 to interact with the magnet(s) of the sliding lid 160. In the example, a ferromagnetic layer 182 covers the bottom of groove 173 to interact with magnet 181.

[0076] One or more magnets 183 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B) may further be provided on the body 110, in particular under the sliding path of the sliding lid 160, to interact with the ferromagnetic layer 161a thereof. The magnets 183 are advantageously spaced as required and especially closer together or stronger where more attraction force is needed e.g. at the bents.

[0077] Advantageously, the magnetic force may be adjusted in such manner that the sliding lid be removable if needed. In that case, the aerosol-generating device 100 may preferably comprise controlling means 33 (see FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B) for disabling the heating system 32 when the sliding lid is removed.

[0078] The sliding mechanism 150 may be actuated manually, for example by a pushing movement applied directly on the at least one sliding lid, or, as an alternative, it may be actuated by a motor (not shown) configured to move the slid lid via an adapted transmission mechanism.

[0079] The above-described example shall not be considered as limiting and magnetic means may be arranged in any other adapted way. Also, other holding and guiding means may be considered in addition to the above-described system or as alternatives.

[0080] In particular, the guiding means may as such include a holding function of the sliding lid 160.

[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates an aerosol-generating device 200 according to a second embodiment, with a sliding mechanism 250 including a sliding lid 260. The guiding means 270 for said sliding lid 260 comprise at least one male interacting portion formed on the underside of said lid 260, here in the form of rails 271a, 271b adapted to cooperate, for example by clipping, with corresponding female interacting portion(s) of the body 210, for example one or more slits 272a, 272b formed in a wall 213 (here the peripheral edge) of the body 210 (or reversely the sliding lid 260 may be provided with one or more female interacting portion adapted to cooperate with a corresponding male interacting portion of the body 110).

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol-generating device 300 according to a third embodiment, with a sliding mechanism 350 including a sliding lid 360. Guiding means 370 here comprise sliding grooves 373a, 373b formed on the body 310, on side flanges 313a, 313b of the peripheral edge 313, the sliding lid 360 being slidable along said sliding grooves 373a, 373b. To allow easy placement and withdrawal, the sliding lid 360 may comprise elastically deformable edge parts adapted to be deformed to allow their insertion in the grooves 373a, 373b and recover their initial shape once inserted to retain the sliding lid 360 inside the grooves.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates a device 400 according to a fourth embodiment, with guiding means 470 comprising grooves 473a, 473b similar to those described with reference to FIG. 6 for guiding a sliding lid 460, the sliding lid 460 being at least partially covered by a peripheral wall 413 forming the peripheral edge of the body 410.

[0084] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate an aerosol-generating device 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, having a sliding mechanism 550 configured to be moved in a storing position where both the opening 31 and the electrical charging port 20 are covered. This allows to further protect the device for contaminations such as dust or water during storage. FIG. 8A, 8B, 8C show the device respectively in the charging, storing and using position. In the illustrated embodiment, to allow the storing configuration, the sliding lid 560 is slightly longer than that 160 of FIG. 1, and its stroke length is equal to the sum of the lengths of both the electrical charging port 20 and the opening 31.

[0085] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an aerosol-generating device 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention where the sliding mechanism 650 comprises one single sliding lid 660 but this sliding lid is a continuous element defining a closed outline and surrounding the body 110. The sliding lid 660 extends along the entire peripheral edge 113 of the body 110, and comprises a first aperture 663 configured to face the electrical charging port 20 in the electrical loading position (as shown in FIG. 10) and a second aperture 664 configured to face the opening 31 in the using position.

[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates 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 each side of the plane. In the using 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 moving both sliding lids 760a, 760b simultaneously.

[0087] While the electrical charging port and the cavity opening are located on the peripheral edge and at opposite ends of the body in the preceding embodiments, such arrangement shall not be considered as limitative, and the charging port and the opening may for example be located at the same end of the body and / or at least one of the charging port and the opening may be located on a main surface or a longitudinal edge surface of the body. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 800 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, where the charging port 20 and the opening 31 are formed at a same end 810b of the body, in the same edge surface 116 thereof, and the sliding lid 860 extends along this edge surface. In a such embodiment, the sliding lid 860 may be either flexible or rigid.

[0088] FIG. 13 illustrates a device 900 according to a ninth embodiment of the invention. Similarly, to that of FIG. 9, the sliding lid 960 extends along the entire peripheral edge 113 of the body 110, and comprises a first aperture 963 configured to face the electrical charging port 20 in the electrical loading position and a second aperture 964 configured to face the opening 31 in the using position.

[0089] The guiding means 970 comprise fixed guiding axes 991, 992, 993, 994 mounted at each corner of the body 910 for guiding the sliding lid 960 in its sliding motion. The guiding axes 991, 992, 993, 994 extend in a direction parallel to a plane tangential to the sliding lid, and perpendicular to the moving direction of the sliding lid 960, here the transversal direction Z of the device.

[0090] According to an alternative embodiment, each guiding axis may also be mounted rotatably on the body.

[0091] FIG. 14 illustrates a device 1000 according to a tenth embodiment of the invention similar to the ninth embodiment, where the guiding means 1070 comprise rotatable guiding axes 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094 in the form geared cylinders and the sliding lid 1060 has a toothed inner surface adapted to engage with said geared cylinders.

[0092] According to another (non-illustrated) embodiment, the guiding means may also comprise one single geared cylinder and none or other fixed or rotatable non-geared axes.

[0093] A geared cylinder of the type described with reference to the tenth embodiment of FIG. 14 is particularly advantageous in a motorized actuation system of the sliding lid(s), where it can serve as a transmission element. As an example, the sliding mechanism may comprise an electrical motor housed inside the body 110 and configured to actuate such geared cylinder meshing which a toothed inner surface of the sliding lid to move the sliding lid in the using position or the electrical loading position depending on the user's order launched through pushing a button or through a digital command.

[0094] Many other embodiments may be envisaged even if not illustrated or described in detail. For example, the body may not have a symmetry axis and may have any form or shape, such as an elongated, cylindrical shape, or a spherical shape, or the form of a beam, etc.

Claims

1. An acrosol-generating device comprising a body housing:a power source electrically coupled to an electrical charging port,a heating cavity provided with an opening at one insertion end and configured to receive at least part of an aerosol-generating article inserted through said opening,a heating system for heating said heating cavity, the heating system configured to be supplied by said electrical power source, anda sliding mechanism including at least one sliding lid slidably mounted on the body, the sliding mechanism being selectively operatable between at least a using position where the electrical charging port is covered by the at least one sliding lid while the opening is exposed and an electrical loading position where the opening is covered by the at least one sliding lid while the electrical charging port is exposed, and the sliding mechanism configured so that in any of positions thereof, at most one of the opening and the electrical charging port is exposed.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid forms a continuous element defining a closed outline and surrounding the body.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid extends around a limited portion of a body circumference.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism is further operatable in a storing position where both the opening and the electrical charging port are covered by the at least one sliding lid.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid comprises at least one aperture configured to face at least one of the opening in the using position or the electrical charging port in the electrical loading position.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid is removable, and the aerosol-generating device further comprises controlling means for disabling the heating system when the at least one sliding lid is removed.

7. The acrosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises at least one peripheral groove or slit and the at least one sliding lid is slidably mounted in said at least one peripheral groove or slit.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises magnetic holding means for holding the at least one sliding lid to the body.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid comprises a deformable main part made of a flexible material.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sliding lid comprises a deformable main part made of a plurality of rigid parts connected by pivotable elements.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises at least one guiding axis mounted on the body, and the at least one sliding lid is guided around said guiding axis.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the guiding axis is rotatably mounted on the body.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and the electrical charging port are covered by the same sliding lid.

14. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and the electrical charging port are located at opposite ends of the body.

15. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and the electrical charging port are located at a same end of the body.

16. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the flexible material comprises textile or rubber.

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