Aerosol generation device with wireless charging

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol-generating device comprising, a housing comprising a plurality of walls to define an internal space, a power storage means arranged within the housing, wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner, a control circuitry in communication with the wireless charging receiver, wherein the control circuitry is configured to manage a charging of the power storage means; and wherein the coil or the antenna array is provided in one of the walls of the housing to enable dissipation of heat.

Description

[0001] Aerosol Generation device with wireless charging

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device. In particular, the invention relates to wireless charging in the aerosol generation device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Aerosol generation devices commonly found on the market comprise an aerosol generation unit for generating an aerosol for consumption by a user. Aerosol generation devices may be used as smoking alternatives or for oral medical delivery.

[0006] The use of reduced-risk or modified-risk nicotine products have grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional nicotine products. Several types of aerosol-generating devices are currently available on the market, based on varying aerosolization techniques and aerosol-generating substrates. One example of aerosolgenerating devices employs heating, also known as “heat-not-burn” products and / or systems (HNB), to heat up an aerosol generating article or carrier to generate aerosol. Another type of aerosol generation device nebulises the aerosol-forming substrate to

[0007] An aerosol generation device generally comprises a rechargeable battery to power the generation unit. Therefore, there is a need to provide convenient and effective ways to charge rechargeable batteries.

[0008] Wireless charging technology has been known for some time and has been used to charge rechargeable batteries. However, aerosol generation devices have unique challenges, for instance, the size and their purpose being that of heat generation.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improved aerosol generation devices with wireless charging capabilities.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the above problem by providing an aerosol generation device with improved placement of wireless charging. The objective of the present invention is to provide an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing comprising a plurality of walls to define an internal space; a power storage means arranged within the housing; wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner; a control circuitry in communication with the wireless charging receiver and a housing for an aerosol-generating device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, which overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0012] A first aspect of the invention provides an aerosol -generating device comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of walls to define an internal space; a power storage means arranged within the housing; wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner; a control circuitry in communication with the wireless charging receiver, wherein the control circuitry is configured to manage a charging of the power storage means; and wherein the coil or the antenna array is provided in one of the walls of the housing to enable dissipation of heat.

[0013] The device of the first aspect enables improved heat dissipation, and better charging efficiency. In particular, the positioning of the coil or antenna array in one of the housing walls to enable dissipation of heat which maybe generated during wireless charging. By integrating the wireless charging components in a manner that facilitates heat dissipation, the device can maintain safer operating temperatures, enhancing the safety and lifespan of both the power storage means (e.g., battery) and the device, and improved charging efficiency due to maintain operating temperature, and the positioning of the coil or antenna closer to the wireless charging transmitter.

[0014] In a first implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the coil or antenna pattern is partially embedded, partially exposed, or fully encapsulated in one of the walls of the housing.

[0015] By embedding or encapsulating the coil or antenna within the housing wall, it provides an enhanced protection and durability, and further improves heat dissipation and charging efficiency.

[0016] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the wireless charging receiver further comprises a magnetic shielding material. Providing magnetic shielding material provides improved charging by reducing magnetic field dispersion, and electromagnetic interference, and further improved protection of other components.

[0017] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the magnetic shielding material is provided together with the coil or antenna pattern in one of the walls of the housing.

[0018] Providing the magnetic shielding material integrating with the coil or antenna pattern in one of the housing walls enhances wireless charging efficiency, reduces electromagnetic interference, and improves heat dissipation, contributing to a more reliable and efficient operation of the aerosol-generating device.

[0019] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the device further comprises connection means for connecting the coil or antenna array in the wall of the housing to other components of the device, wherein the connection means is preferably a wire, a connection pad, or a connection pin.

[0020] Providing connection means, such as a wire, connection pad, or pin, to link the coil or antenna array in the housing wall to the device's other components facilitates efficient energy transfer and seamless integration of wireless charging capabilities with the device's operational circuitiy.

[0021] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the device further comprises rectification and / or voltage regulation components to convert the induced alternating current (AC) from the coil or antenna into direct current (DC) and / or regulate the voltage.

[0022] Providing rectification and / or voltage regulation components enables the conversion of induced alternating current (AC) from the coil or antenna into direct current (DC) and regulates the voltage, ensuring compatibility and stable power supply for the device's electronics.

[0023] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the control circuitry is configured to manage a wireless charging process comprising one of: monitoring a state of charge of the power storage means; controlling the power transfer; and overheat protection mechanisms configured to control power transfer or initiate cooling measures. The control circuitry's configuration to manage wireless charging processes, including monitoring the power storage's state of charge, controlling power transfer, and implementing overheat protection mechanisms, enhances charging efficiency, safety, and longevity of the device.

[0024] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, an indicator for providing visual or audible feedback on a charging status of the power storage means.

[0025] Integrating an indicator for visual or audible feedback on the charging status of the power storage means enhances user interaction by providing clear and immediate information about the device's charging progress and state.

[0026] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, one of the walls of the housing is made of plastic material.

[0027] Using plastic material for one of the housing walls provides enhanced heat dissipation, easier manufacturing method allowing molding, and providing a lightweight construction, design flexibility, and potential cost reduction in manufacturing the device.

[0028] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, where one of the walls of the housing comprises a heat-conductive polymer to improve thermal management.

[0029] Incorporating a heat-conductive polymer in one of the housing walls enhances thermal management by facilitating heat dissipation from the device's internal components, improving reliability and performance.

[0030] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, the coil or antenna pattern is molded in one of the walls of the housing.

[0031] Molding the coil or antenna pattern directly into one of the housing walls streamlines the manufacturing process and ensures a robust and integrated design, enhancing the device's structural integrity and wireless charging functionality.

[0032] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, one of the walls of the housing is formed by extrusion, and the coil or antenna pattern is overmolded during the extrusion process, thereby becoming an integral part of the one of the walls of the housing. Forming one of the housing walls by extrusion and overmolding the coil or antenna pattern during this process makes it an integral part of the wall, which optimizes the heat dissipation properties and manufacturing efficiency and results in a durable and seamlessly integrated wireless charging feature.

[0033] In a further implementation of the device according to the first aspect, during the molding process, the connection means are provided from the coil or antenna array in the wall of the housing to the surface of the housing, thereby enabling electrical connectivity between the coil or the antenna array and the other component of the device.

[0034] This ensures electrical connectivity between the wireless charging components and other device components, facilitating a streamlined assembly and efficient power transfer.

[0035] A second aspect of the invention provides a housing for an aerosol-generating device, comprising: a plurality of walls to define an internal space, and wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner, wherein the coil or antenna array is provided in one of the walls of the housing.

[0036] The housing facilitates seamless wireless charging, reducing the need for external ports and cables. Furthermore, the housing allows easy removal and replacement of the housing without a need for changing the other components inside the housing.

[0037] A third aspect of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a housing for an aerosol-generating device, comprising the steps of: when molding the wall of the housing by extrusion, providing a coil or antenna pattern such that the coil or antenna pattern becomes an integral part of the wall of the housing.

[0038] The method of integrating a coil or antenna pattern into the housing wall of an aerosolgenerating device via extrusion molding streamlines manufacturing, enhances durability and aesthetics, and optimizes wireless charging efficiency by seamlessly embedding the wireless charging component within the structure.

[0039] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] To illustrate the technical features of embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the accompanying drawings provided for describing the embodiments are introduced briefly in the following. The accompanying drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present invention, modifications on these embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generation device according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of the wireless charging assembly.

[0043] Fig.3 shows an aerosol generation with wireless charging capabilities.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a cross section of the transmission and receiving coils of the wireless charging.

[0045] Fig. 5a to 5C show a cross section view the housing showing placement of the wireless charging receiver according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0046] Detailed Description

[0047] The foregoing descriptions are only implementation manners of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any variations or replacements can be easily made through person skilled in the art. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the attached claims.

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding and brevity, certain features shown in the drawings have not been described in detail, and certain features have been omitted entirely for ease of understanding. As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device”, “E-cigarette”, or “electronic cigarette” may include an electronic cigarette system configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking. All the oriental terms, such as “up”, “down”, “upper” “down” “above”, “below”, etc., refers to the relative position of the components of the aerosol generation device 1 in its use position. Furthermore, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” refers to relative positions based on the figures and illustrations.

[0049] Aerosol generation device

[0050] The aerosol generation device (also called a device) is used for oral aerosol delivery to a user, including medicinal use or for smoking. Aerosol is generated by means of an aerosol generating unit (e.g., a heater or atomizer or nebulizer) which generates aerosol that is delivered to the user for inhalation from an aerosol generating carrier. The device is portable and is capable of being held by the user, preferably with one hand.

[0051] The aerosol may include a suspension of the precursor as one or more of a: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in gas, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. Aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor. The aerosol may have a particle size of 0.5-7 microns. The particle size maybe less than 10 or 7 microns. The precursor may comprise one or more of: nicotine; caffeine or another active component. The active component maybe carried with a carrier, which may be a liquid.

[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate (or substrate) may refer to one or more of a: liquid; solid; gel; other substance. The precursor may be processable by an atomizer of the apparatus to form an aerosol as defined herein. The carrier may include propylene glycol or glycerine.

[0053] The aerosol generation carrier (also referred to as consumable item, or article, or carrier) comprises an aerosol forming substrate. In one embodiment, the carrier may include a tobacco material in various forms, such as shredded tobacco and granulated tobacco, and / or the tobacco material may include tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco, such as sheets, strips, and foam, if it is suitable for a t-vapor. In another embodiment, the aerosol generation carrier may be in the form of a cartridge comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

[0054] Now, aerosol generation system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention, and as shown in Fig. 1, an isometric view of an example aerosol generation system too with the aerosol generation carrier 200 and aerosol generation device 300.

[0055] The components in the dotted line are schematic representations of components provided in the device.

[0056] The device comprises a housing 310, which acts as an external casing for the device. The housing is provided such that it can house the various other components of the aerosol generation device. The housing can be of any shape or size suitable to contain the internal components described in the aerosol generation device. For instance, it may be in a generally elongated shape. In some embodiments, the housing may be rectangular, tubular or cylindrical shape. The elongated housing is provided with a first end, which is the left, as in the illustration, and a second end, which is the right end, as seen in Fig.i. During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generation device with the first end in a proximate position with respect to the user’s mouth, and the second end in a distal position with respect to the user’s mouth.

[0057] The device comprises an aerosol generation unit 320 which is capable of generating aerosol. In the embodiment, the aerosol generating unit is provided in the form of a heating unit that is capable of heating an aerosol generation carrier 200 to generate aerosol. The heating unit may comprise a heating chamber that is heated by a heating means.

[0058] The heating chamber may be shaped or sized in accordance with the shape or size of the aerosol generating carrier or the cartridge. In the embodiment, the heating chamber is a tubular heating chamber. However, the chamber may be provided in a form or other heating chamber shape in other embodiments, depending on the aerosol generation carrier.

[0059] The heating means in the heating unit may be any type of heater that is suitable to heat the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generation carrier directly or indirectly or by resistive or conductive heating. For instance, the heater may be a film heater comprising electrically conductive heating tracks or wire for resistive heating or by magnetic field making use of susceptors.

[0060] The aerosol generation unit may be additionally provided with one or more additional layers, including insulation. The insulation that surrounds the heater may be provided and may partly or fully cover the heating chamber.

[0061] The device further comprises a power storage and / or power supply unit 330, such as a battery, which is adapted to supply power to the electronic components of aerosol generation device, such as the heating unit. This enables the heater to generate the heat required to generate aerosol. The battery maybe a rechargeable battery.

[0062] The device is provided with a control unit 340, also called control circuitry that controls various elements of the aerosol generation device for its functioning. This may be provided as a printed circuit board (PCB), and electronically connected to the power unit. The housing may be provided with an opening 350 (or aperture) at the end of the aerosol generation device. In the present embodiment, the opening is provided in the first end, which is at the proximate position to the user’s mouth when in use.

[0063] The aerosol generating carrier can be inserted through the opening into the tubular heating chamber. The tubular heating chamber is then capable of at least partly containing the aerosol generation carrier, and to heat the portion of the aerosol generation carrier inserted in the heating chamber. In another embodiment, the aerosol carrier may be fully inserted or encompassed into the housing. In such an embodiment, the opening is an airflow pathway outlet and acts as a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece maybe capable of being attached to the housing. The aerosol carrier may be inserted through an opening after removing the mouthpiece or may be inserted through other means provided in housing.

[0064] The housing of the device may have a plurality of walls, that act as the sides that make up the housing. These walls may be made of a single or plurality of different pieces, defining an internal space.

[0065] As indicated above, the aerosol generation device may include a heater that is capable of generating high temperature, preferably in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is desired that the housing is able to insulate the heat generated within the housing to enable the user to hold and use it.

[0066] Therefore, the material of the wall is suitably selected to maintain durability, while having heat dissipation properties. The housing can be formed of any suitable material, or indeed layers of material.

[0067] The wall of the housing may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers. Each layer can be made of different materials. For instance, an inner layer maybe made of material with a heat insulation property, and the outer layer maybe made of material with higher durability or is pleasant for a user to hold.

[0068] The device may additionally include a chassis 310a to support the internal devices. The chassis may be part of the housing. For instance, the chassis may form an additional layer of the wall. Such a layer maybe provided only in certain parts of the housing as needed. IO

[0069] In another embodiment, the chassis may be provided within the housing and in addition to the housing. The material of the chassis maybe similar to that of the wall or different to support.

[0070] The chassis may be provided with a thermal bridge to improve heat insulation from the heater. Such a thermal bridge may be provided in the form of a ribbed structure. Such structure.

[0071] In case the housing is tubular or cylindrical, a tubular or cylindrical wall maybe provided. Additionally, a bottom, or both a bottom and top wall may be provided on either end of the tubular structure.

[0072] Wireless charging assembly

[0073] Wireless charging is a method of transferring power through the air to charge electronic devices without the need for a physical connection using a wireless charging system. This may use any of inductive charging or radio frequency charging.

[0074] In the present invention, the aerosol generation device is provided with wireless charging capabilities to charge the power supply unit, which may be provided in addition to other charging capabilities. The power supply unit is provided with a rechargeable battery.

[0075] The wireless charging assembly comprises a power source, a transmitter, and a receiver section. The power source provides electrical energy that is to be transferred wirelessly to the device. This is usually connected to a standard electrical outlet, or a battery source such as a power storage unit.

[0076] An schematic illustration of the wireless charging assembly is shown in Fig. 2. The transmitter section 400, also called a charging station or pad, includes a transmission coil 420. In inductive and resonant systems, this coil of wire generates an electromagnetic field when an electric current passes through it. In RF systems, this role is played by an antenna that emits radio waves.

[0077] The transmitter section 400 may additionally comprise transmitter control circuit 410 that manages the flow of electricity through the coil or antenna, controlling the frequency and magnitude of the output to optimize charging efficiency and safety. Depending on the system, the transmitter section may also include a power conversion unit to converts the incoming electrical power to the required form for wireless transmission (AC to DC, or vice versa, depending on the system). The control circuit of the transmitter section is provided in the charging station.

[0078] The receiver section, which is provided in the device being charged, comprises a receiving coil or antenna. In an inductive or resonant system, a coil in the device receives the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electrical current. In RF systems, an antenna tuned to the transmitter’s frequency is used to capture the radio waves.

[0079] Fig. 3, shows an example aerosol generation device with wireless charging capability, and Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section of the transmission and receiving coils for wireless charging.

[0080] In the present invention, to provide wireless charging capability, the aerosol generation device has a wireless charging receiver 360 comprising a coil or antenna array 361 capable of receiving power in a wireless manner. In addition to the comprising a coil or antenna pattern 361, the wireless charging receiver 360 may further comprise a magnetic shielding material 362, and a connection means 363.

[0081] The receiver section may additionally comprise control circuitry, such as a rectifier circuit, and a battery charging circuit. The rectifier circuit converts the alternating current (AC) induced in the receiving coil into direct current (DC), which is usable by the device’s battery. The battery charging circuit manages the received power and uses it to charge the battery, ensuring proper charging without damaging the battery.

[0082] The device may further comprise rectification and / or voltage regulation components to convert the induced alternating current (AC) from the coil or antenna into direct current (DC), and / or regulate the voltage. The rectification and / or voltage regulation components may be a part of the control unit 340 of the device, or may be provided as an additional circuitry.

[0083] The assembly may include a communication capability the transmitter and receiver, which can be used for tasks like identifying the device, monitoring charging progress, and ensuring compatibility.

[0084] The device of the invention comprises control circuitry in communication with the wireless charging receiver, wherein the control circuitry is configured to manage the charging of the power storage means. The control circuitry may be a part of the control unit 340 of the device or may be provided as an additional circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to manage a wireless charging process. The control circuitry is capable of monitoring the state of charge of the power storage means and controlling the power transfer, if necessary, based on the state of the charging. It is also possible to provide overheat protection mechanisms configured to control power transfer or initiate cooling measures based on monitoring by the control circuitry. The device may further comprise an indicator for providing visual or audible feedback based on information from the control circuitry. For instance, an indication maybe provided based on the charging status of the power storage means.

[0085] On one hand, similar to other charging methods, heat is also generated during wireless charging. However, in addition to internal resistance and chemical reactions occurring within the battery, heat is additionally generated in wireless charging due to coil resistance and the generation of eddy currents. For instance, the coils used in wireless chargers and devices have inherent electrical resistance, which generates heat when current passes through them. Similarly, when an alternating magnetic field passes through a conductor (like the receiving coil in the device), it induces eddy currents, which can produce heat. Other reasons include inefficiency in energy transfer due to inductive or radio frequency charging, misalignment of receiver and transmitter coils, etc.

[0086] On the other hand, the primary purpose of the aerosol generation device is to generate aerosol from the substance by heating it. Therefore, heat, generally of high temperature, is generated from the heater of the device, and hot air flows through the device.

[0087] These heat-related issues can impact the battery and device safety, charging efficiency, and the overall lifespan of both the device and battery.

[0088] Due to the generally compact size of the aerosol generation device and the requirement that such a device is held by the hand of the user, providing wireless charging on an aerosol generation device introduces unique challenges. Therefore, there is a need to provide heat management on the aerosol generation device having wireless charging, while maintaining better charging function.

[0089] It was identified that improvements to heat management can be made by providing heat dissipation to the receiver of the wireless charging assembly which is present in the aerosol device. In particular, the placement of the coil or antenna of the receiver circuit in the device significantly improves heat dissipation. The housing or chassis of the device provides better heat dissipation than air, particularly hot air which is present inside the device. Therefore, by providing the receiver coil of the wireless charging assembly in the wall of the housing, it is possible to provide heat dissipation from the coil.

[0090] The wall of the housing and / or the chassis maybe made of materials that have an improved heat dissipation property. For instance, at least part of the wall of the housing is made of plastic material. In addition to improved heat dissipation, it also provides easier manufacturing of the wall with the receiver coil provided at least partly in the wall. In another example, at least part of one of the walls of the housing, or the chassis, comprises a heat-conductive polymer to improve thermal management.

[0091] By providing such a placement of the coil, or antenna pattern, in the wall of the housing, it is possible to provide better heat dissipation of the heat generated by the coil or antenna by using the heat dissipation properties of the housing wall. Such a placement also ensures that the coil or antenna pattern is provided closer to the transmitter coil. This ensures that the coil in the device better receives the electromagnetic field, thus improving the efficiency of energy transfer.

[0092] Figures 5a to 5C are a cross sectional view of the device's housing, showing different embodiments of the invention where the coil or antenna pattern is provided in the housing wall.

[0093] In one embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 5a, the coil or antenna 361 is provided at least partly in the wall of the housing 310 to enable heat dissipation. For instance, the coil or antenna pattern is partially embedded in the wall of the housing and / or partly exposed from the wall of the housing. For instance, the coil or antenna pattern may be embedded in the wall of the housing, and part of the coil or antenna pattern is visible from outside the wall. The part of the coil, or antenna pattern, which is in the wall of the housing, provides the heat dissipation. In one embodiment, the part of the coil or antenna pattern is embedded in the wall of the housing so as to provide a flush finish with the wall of the housing.

[0094] It may be provided by different methods, such as by embedding the coil or antenna pattern by using heat transformation of the wall of the housing, or such a coil or antenna pattern is directly printed onto the wall of the housing. In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig.sB, the coil or antenna pattern 361 is fully encapsulated in one of the walls of the housing 310. For instance, the coil or antenna pattern is provided fully inside the wall of the housing, with at least part of material covering at least part of the coil or antenna pattern on both the top and bottom surface. Such a placement has the added benefit of improved heat dissipation due to the increased surface contact.

[0095] For instance, by fully encapsulating the coil or antenna pattern in the wall of the housing, both the upper and lower surfaces of the coil or antenna pattern are in contact with the wall of the housing, thus improving heat dissipation.

[0096] The wall of the housing may have two or more layers. In such a case, by providing the coil or antenna pattern between the two layers, it is possible to make use of the heat dissipation properties of the two layers by allowing the two surfaces of the coil or surface in contact with the same, or different materials forming each layer of the wall of the housing.

[0097] As indicated above, the chassis may be provided as part of the housing. In such a case, the coil or antenna pattern may be partially embedded, partially exposed, or fully encapsulated in one of the parts of the chassis.

[0098] In an embodiment as shown in Fig.sC, the coil or antenna pattern is provided between the wall of the housing 310 and the chassis 310a of the housing. This provides the effect that one surface of the coil or antenna pattern is in contact with the wall of the housing, providing heat dissipation, and the other surface is in contact with the chassis, providing improved heat dissipation and the possibility of using different properties of the material forming the chassis and wall of the housing.

[0099] The wireless charging receiver may further comprise a magnetic shielding material 362. The magnetic sheets may be made of ferrite or similar materials. When used with the coil or antenna, it is possible to direct and focus the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil toward the receiver coil.

[0100] In one embodiment, the magnetic shielding material 362 is provided together with the coil or antenna pattern in one of the walls of the housing. This further improves heat management by reducing stray magnetic fields and further enhancing the heat dissipation properties provided by the wall of the housing. The device further comprises connection means 363 for connecting the coil or antenna which is in the wall of the housing to the other components of the device. Such a connection means may be provided by means of any suitable electrical conductor, and enables the flow of electrical current to the other components, such as rectification and / or voltage regulation to enable charging of the battery.

[0101] In an embodiment of the invention, the connection means may be wires that connect the coil or antenna with the other components. In another embodiment, the connection means may be in the form of a connection pads, or a connection pin, provided on the housing wall. The connection pads are connected to the coil and / or antenna, and enable connection with other components having a corresponding means such as pogo pin or spring contact. For instance, the PCB or other components could have for pogo pins or spring contacts that connect to the connection pads when the PCB is assembled into the housing.

[0102] The connection means 363 extends from the wall of the housing, thus enabling the coil or antenna pattern to be fully encapsulated in the wall of the housing while allowing connection to other components. Providing such a connection means that it allows easy connection, and it is possible to easily replace the wall of the housing having the coil. This enables replicability of the housing in case of damage to the housing or the coil in the housing, without a need for discarding the entire device.

[0103] The invention also provides an easy method of manufacturing and assembly of the device with wireless charging capabilities.

[0104] For instance, the wall of the housing, according to the present invention, can be manufactured by extrusion molding process, by over-molding the coil or antenna pattern during the extrusion process of manufacturing the wall. By providing such a process, it is possible that the coil or antenna array becomes an integral part of the wall of the housing.

[0105] During the molding process, the connection means is provided from the coil or antenna array in the wall of the housing to the surface of the wall of the housing. In this case, as the connection is made within the housing, the connection means is provided to extrude from the wall of the housing to the surface, which is internal inside the housing. This enables providing electrical connectivity between the coil or the antenna array and the other components within the device.

[0106] In an embodiment of the invention, the wall of the housing, having the coil or antenna pattern in the wall, is provided separately from the other components of the aerosol generation device.

[0107] In another aspect of the invention, the housing for an aerosol-generating device is provided. The housing has a plurality of walls to define an internal space. The housing is provided with a wireless charging receiver 360 comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner. In particular, housing has the coil or antenna array provided in one of the walls.

[0108] Therefore, it is now possible to provide an aerosol generation device with wireless charging capabilities, having better heat management, and efficient charging.

[0109] List of reference signs too Aerosol generation system

[0110] 200 Aerosol generation carrier

[0111] 300 aerosol generation device

[0112] 200 aerosol generation carrier

[0113] 310 housing

[0114] 310a chassis

[0115] 320 aerosol generation unit

[0116] 330 power supply unit

[0117] 340 control unit

[0118] 350 opening

[0119] 360 wireless charging receiver

[0120] 361 coil or antenna pattern

[0121] 362 magnetic shielding material

[0122] 400 transmitter section

[0123] 420 transmission coil

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing comprising a plurality of walls to define an internal space; a power storage means arranged within the housing; wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner; a control circuitry in communication with the wireless charging receiver, wherein the control circuitry is configured to manage a charging of the power storage means; and wherein the coil or the antenna array is provided in one of the walls of the housing to enable dissipation of heat.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the coil or antenna pattern is partially embedded, partially exposed, or fully encapsulated in one of the walls of the housing.

3. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein: the wireless charging receiver further comprises a magnetic shielding material.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 3, wherein the magnetic shielding material is provided together with the coil or antenna pattern in one of the walls of the housing.

5. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising connection means for connecting the coil or antenna array in the wall of the housing to other components of the device, wherein the connection means is preferably a wire, a connection pad, or a connection pin.

6. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising rectification and / or voltage regulation components to convert the induced alternating current (AC) from the coil or antenna into direct current (DC) and / or regulate the voltage.

7. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured to manage a wireless charging process comprising one of: monitoring a state of charge of the power storage means; controlling the power transfer; and overheat protection mechanisms configured to control power transfer or initiate cooling measures.

8. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 7, an indicator for providing visual or audible feedback on a charging status of the power storage means.

9. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the walls of the housing is made of plastic material.

10. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 9, where one of the walls of the housing comprises a heat-conductive polymer to improve thermal management.

11. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the coil or antenna pattern is molded in one of the walls of the housing.

12. The aerosol-generating device of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein one of the walls of the housing is formed by extrusion, and the coil or antenna pattern is overmolded during the extrusion process, thereby becoming an integral part of the one of the walls of the housing.

13. The aerosol-generating device of any of claim 1 to 11, wherein, during the molding process, the connection means are provided from the coil or antenna array in the wall of the housing to the surface of the housing, thereby enabling electrical connectivity between the coil or the antenna array and the other component of the device.

14. A housing for an aerosol-generating device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a plurality of walls to define an internal space, and wireless charging receiver comprising a coil or antenna array capable of receiving power in a wireless manner, wherein the coil or antenna array is provided in one of the walls of the housing.15- A method of manufacturing a housing for an aerosol-generating device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: when molding the wall of the housing by extrusion, providing a coil or antenna pattern such that the coil or antenna pattern becomes an integral part of the wall of the housing.

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