A printed circuit board asssembly for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device

Abstract

A printed circuit board assembly (8) for an aerosol generating device is described. The printed circuit board assembly (8) comprises a printed circuit board (20). The printed circuit board (20) comprises a pair of energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) located at an edge (2e) of the printed circuit board (20) and a pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) located at the edge (2e) of the printed circuit board (20). 10 The energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) are electrically connectable to an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device such as a rechargeable battery, for example. The temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) are electrically connectable to a temperature sensor of the aerosol generating device. The pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) are located between the pair of energy storage device terminals 15 (B+, B-).

Description

[0001] A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ASSSEMBLY FOR AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE, AND AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a printed circuit board assembly for an aerosol generating device, and in particular a device that is adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0004] The present disclosure also relates generally to an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (hand-held) aerosol generating device.

[0005] Technical Background

[0006] Devices which heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating material to produce an aerosol for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years. A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated material aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-bum device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to an ordinary cigarette. Heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

[0007] The aerosol generating material may be a solid or liquid. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a solid or semi-solid substrate of plant derived material, such as tobacco, or it may include a wick and a heater to produce vapour from aerosol generating liquid stored in a capsule or tank. When a user operates the aerosol generating device, liquid that has soaked into the wick is heated by the heater, producing a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol which may then be inhaled. An aerosol generating article (sometimes called a pod or cartridge) may be received in the aerosol generating device and may include a liquid store, a liquid transfer element (e.g., a wick) and a heater. Electrical contacts may provide an electrical connection between the heater and an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device. The energy storage device may be a rechargeable battery that may be charged from an external power source by a charging assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The aerosol generating device will typically include a printed circuit board assembly with various electronic components mounted to a printed circuit board. The electronic components may be part of one or more circuits for operating the device. In addition to such electronic components directly mounted on the printed circuit board, some electronic components are electrically connected to the printed circuit board by means of a suitable electrically conductive connecting member (e.g., a wire, a component pin, or a flexible printed circuit board). An exposed electrically conductive terminal provided on a surface of the printed circuit board makes an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and these electronic components by means of the connecting member. There is a need for an improved printed circuit board assembly with a convenient and simplified implementation, not only in view of the arrangement of the electronic components that are directly mounted on the printed circuit board, but also the terminals that are provided on one or more surfaces of the printed circuit board.

[0009] Summary of the Disclosure

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) for an aerosol generating device, the PCBA comprising a printed circuit board comprising: a pair of energy storage device terminals located at an edge of the printed circuit board and electrically connectable to an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device; and a pair of temperature sensor terminals located at the edge of the printed circuit board and electrically connectable to a temperature sensor of the aerosol generating device; wherein the pair of temperature sensor terminals are located between the pair of energy storage device terminals.

[0011] In general, the pair of energy storage device terminals is located at the edge of the printed circuit board so that connecting members (e.g., wires) between the pair of terminals and the energy storage device are as short as possible. When current from the energy storage device flows through the connecting members, unavoidable energy loss occurs due to the non-zero resistance of the connecting members. A magnitude of this energy loss is proportional to the length of each connecting member. Using short connecting members is therefore preferable.

[0012] The current supplied to and received from the temperature sensor is relatively small due to the high resistance of the temperature itself. However, even for the temperature sensor, the length of the connecting member between the pair of temperature sensor terminals and the temperature sensor is important. It will be readily understood that a typical temperature sensor outputs a signal that varies according to the measured temperature and that such variation of signal is represented by a variable voltage. A control unit converts an analog voltage signal into a digital value that represents a corresponding temperature. This may be done using an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter that may be built-in to the control unit, for example. Ideal connecting members do not have parasitic resistance and capacitance. But actual connecting members do, and the parasitic resistance and capacitance may affect the analog voltage signal. For precise temperature measurement, it is therefore important to try and minimise the parasitic resistance and capacitance as far as possible.

[0013] Locating the pair of temperature sensor terminals between the energy storage device terminals at the same edge of the printed circuit board allows short and simple connecting members to be used for the temperature sensor. This may lead to more precise temperature measurement. By providing both pairs of terminals at the edge of the printed circuit board, precise temperature measurement and minimal energy losses can be achieved at the same time. Moreover, the pair of temperature sensor terminals may be positioned at around the centre of the edge of the printed circuit board. Straight connecting members may therefore be used to connect the temperature sensor, thereby further reducing the parasitic capacitance.

[0014] The printed circuit board will normally be substantially rectangular. Each energy storage device terminal may be electrically connected respectively to one of a pair of electrically conductive paths. A first path may be electrically connected to one of the energy storage device terminals (e.g., a positive energy storage device terminal) and may extend along a first surface and / or a second surface of the printed circuit board. (The printed circuit board may be a double-sided circuit board - i.e., with electrically conductive paths on top and bottom surfaces.) A second path may be electrically connected to the other one of the energy storage device terminals (e.g., a negative energy storage device terminal) and may extend along a first surface and / or a second surface of the printed circuit board. The first and / or second paths may extend substantially diagonally along the first surface and / or the second surface of the printed circuit board with respect to the edges of the printed circuit board. Because the pair of energy storage device terminals are located outside the pair of temperature sensor terminals, providing a simple and straight electrically conductive path may be difficult due to interference with other electronic components and other paths. If an electrically conductive path has a right angle or acute angle, it may generate electrical noise and losses because of the difference in passed electric current between the inside and outside corners of the path. Extending the first and / or second paths as proposed provides paths having only obtuse angles which is beneficial in reducing electrical noise and losses.

[0015] The printed circuit board may include a first notch in a first edge and a second notch in a second, opposite, edge. The printed circuit board may be held in a holder which may be made of a suitable plastics material, for example. The holder may include locating features which are received in the notches to properly position and locate the printed circuit board within the holder. The first and second paths - or at least the diagonally extending parts thereof - may be located in a first region of the printed circuit board between the notches and a third edge of the printed circuit board at which the energy storage device terminals and the temperature sensor terminals are located. In other words, at least the diagonally extending parts of the first and second paths may be located in a first region of the printed circuit board that extends between the third edge and a line that extends across the printed circuit board between the first and second notches. To securely hold the printed circuit board (e.g., if the aerosol generating device is dropped) such notches are important. On the other hand, such notches may require the electrically conductive paths to take a more complex shape. The proposed arrangement where at least the diagonally extending part of the first and second paths (i.e., having only obtuse angles) are located in the first region means that the paths avoid interfering with the notches. This means that secure holding of the printed circuit board and the reduction of electrical noise and losses are realised at the same time. The first and second paths may also extend outside of the first region.

[0016] The printed circuit board may comprise a pair of charging terminals electrically connectable to a charging assembly of the aerosol generating device. The charging assembly may include a plug socket such as a universal serial bus (USB) socket (receptacle) for receiving a USB cable (plug), for example. The charging terminals may be located in a second region of the printed circuit board between the notches and a fourth edge of the printed circuit board that is opposite the third edge. In other words, the charging terminals may be located in a second region of the printed circuit board that extends between the fourth edge and a line that extends across the printed circuit board between the first and second notches. Unlike for many other portable electronic devices, in an aerosol generating device the discharging rate (e.g., the discharging speed or discharging current) of the energy storage device is normally greater than the charging rate (e.g., the charging speed or charging current). This is because a large current is often needed for good aerosol generation. This means that it is more important to have short connecting members for electrically connecting the printed circuit board to the energy storage device than it is to have short connecting members for electrically connecting the charging assembly to the printed circuit board. If there is not restriction on the size of the aerosol generating device, the pair of charging terminals may be provided at the same edge of the printed circuit board with the pair of energy storage device terminals and the temperature sensor terminals. This would allow the length of the connecting members for electrically connecting the charging assembly to be minimised. However, in reality, the size of the aerosol generating device is restricted and may be strictly designed so that it is easy for the user to grasp and hold. The pair of charging terminals are therefore preferably located in the second region - which may be further away from the charging assembly - so that the pair of energy storage device terminals may be located closer to the energy storage device and the length of the connecting members for electrically connecting the energy storage device may be made as short as possible.

[0017] The printed circuit board assembly may further comprise a charging integrated circuit (IC) mounted to the printed circuit board. The charging IC may be mounted to the first surface of the printed circuit board. The charging IC may be electrically connected to the charging terminals by electrically conductive paths that extend along a surface of the printed circuit board (e.g., along the first surface). The charging terminals and the energy storage device terminals may be on the first surface of the printed circuit board - i.e., on the same surface as the charging IC. This may result in a reduction in electrical noise and losses when charging current flows through the electrically conductive paths. The distance between the charging IC and the charging terminals is preferably less than the distance between the charging IC and the energy storage device terminals. The energy storage device terminals may be electrically connected to several of the electronic components that are mounted to the printed circuit board in addition to the charging IC. On the other hand, the charging terminals tend to be electrically connected to only the charging IC or the charging IC and a few other electronic components. This positioning of the charging terminals and the energy storage device terminals provides a convenient and simplified implementation of the PCBA. In particular, it may be beneficial in reducing electrical noise and losses. The distance between the charging IC and the charging terminals is also preferably less than the distance between the charging IC and the temperature sensor terminals. In other words, the charging terminals may be located closer to the charging IC than both the energy storage device terminals and the temperature sensor terminals. It may provide short electrically conductive paths, which have a small resistance value, electrically connecting the charging IC and the charging terminals.

[0018] The charging IC may be mounted to the printed circuit board between the notches and the fourth edge - i.e., in the second region of the printed circuit board.

[0019] Solder points for the charging terminals and the energy storage device terminals may be located on the first surface of the printed circuit board. Locating the solder points for the charging terminals and the energy storage device terminals on the same surface as the charging IC is also beneficial for shortening the electrically conductive paths.

[0020] The printed circuit board assembly may further comprise a temperature sensor electrically connected to the temperature sensor terminals. The temperature sensor may be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, for example, where resistance decreases with increasing temperature. Other suitable temperature sensors may also be used (e.g., a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor). Solder points for connecting the pins of the temperature sensor to the temperature sensor terminals may be provided on the second surface of the printed circuit board. Each temperature sensor pin may be positioned next to the second surface where it is soldered to a respective solder point.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a printed circuit board assembly with a temperature sensor electrically connected to the temperature sensor terminals, and an energy storage device electrically connected to the energy storage device terminals. The temperature sensor may be located adjacent the energy storage device - i.e., for measuring a temperature of the energy storage device during operation of the aerosol generating device. The energy storage device may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, for example, and may be charged from an external power source using the charging assembly. An electrically insulating layer is preferably located between the energy storage device and the temperature sensor. The insulating layer may be insulation tape, for example, which may be adhered to an outer surface of the energy storage device. The insulating layer prevents any electrical contact between the temperature sensor and the energy storage device. Such electrical contact may affect the temperature measurement.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a housing that surrounds the printed circuit board assembly and the energy storage device. The housing may be made of any suitable material, e.g., a plastics material. A compressible member may be located between the temperature sensor and the facing inner surface of the housing. The compressible member may be a sponge member such as melamine foam, which is a foam-like material consisting of a melamine-formaldehyde condensate. The compressible member provides cushioning in case of impact, for example if the aerosol generating device is dropped. In addition, the compressible member keeps the temperature sensor close to the energy storage device so that the temperature sensor more accurately measures a temperature of the energy storage device. Some types of compressible member (e.g., the melamine foam) may also absorb liquid such as electrolyte if it accidentally leaks from the energy storage device. When a surface of the temperature sensor is electrically insulated properly, such accidental leakage of the electrolyte from the energy storage device does not affect the temperature sensor. It is therefore preferred that the compressible member is located between the temperature sensor and the facing inner surface of the housing where it can provide cushioning, maintain good positioning of the temperature sensor on the energy storage device, and absorb any accidental electrolyte leakage.

[0023] The housing may have a first inner surface and a second, opposite, inner surface. The energy storage device may have a first side that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing and a second side that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing. The printed circuit board may have a first surface that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing and a second surface that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing. The energy storage device may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board by a pair of wires (i.e., connecting members) that extend from the first side of the energy storage device to the second surface of the printed circuit board. As mentioned above, solder points for connecting the wires to the energy storage device terminals may be provided on the first surface of the printed circuit board. Each wire may extend through the body of the printed circuit board from the second surface to the first surface where it is soldered to a respective solder point. Such routing of the wires is also beneficial because it avoids interfering with the temperature sensor and the compressible member, which are positioned on the other side of the energy storage device.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a printed circuit board assembly with a printed circuit board that comprises a pair of energy storage device terminals and a pair of charging terminals. The aerosol generating device further comprises an energy storage device electrically connected to the energy storage device terminals, and a charging assembly electrically connected to the charging terminals. The printed circuit board may also comprise a pair of temperature sensor terminals. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a temperature sensor (e.g., an NTC thermistor, a PTC thermistor, or other suitable temperature sensor) electrically connected to the temperature sensor terminals. The pair of temperature sensors may be located between the pair of energy storage device terminals at the same edge of the printed circuit board.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a housing that surrounds the printed circuit board assembly, the energy storage device, and the charging assembly. The housing may be made of any suitable material, e.g., a plastics material.

[0026] The housing may have a first inner surface and a second, opposite, inner surface. The energy storage device may have a first side that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing and a second side that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing. The printed circuit board may have a first surface that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing and a second surface that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing.

[0027] The charging assembly may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board by a pair of wires (i.e., connecting members) that extend from the charging assembly along the first side of the energy storage device to the second surface of the printed circuit board. As mentioned above, solder points for connecting the wires to the charging terminals may be provided on the first surface of the printed circuit board. Each wire may extend through the body of the printed circuit board from the second surface to the first surface where it is soldered to a respective solder point. Such routing of the wires is also beneficial because it avoids interfering with the temperature sensor and the compressible member.

[0028] The charging assembly may be located adjacent the energy storage device and may include a second printed circuit board assembly. A second compressible member may be positioned between the energy storage device and the second printed circuit board assembly. The compressible member may be a sponge member such as melamine foam. The compressible member provides cushioning in case of impact, for example if the aerosol generating device is dropped. Some types of compressible member (e.g., the melamine foam) may also absorb liquid such as electrolyte if it accidently leaks from the energy storage device.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may be adapted to receive, in use, an aerosol generating article.

[0030] The aerosol generating article may be received in a body or housing of the aerosol generating device, for example. The aerosol generating article may be removably received in the body or housing. The aerosol generating article may be of any suitable type and may include an aerosol generator adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generator may include a heater. A heater may alternatively be part of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generator may be adapted to heat aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be a liquid which may be stored in the aerosol generating article. The liquid aerosol generating material may soak into a wick (e.g., a cotton wick) and is then heated by the heater to produce a vapour that cools and condenses to form an aerosol that may then be inhaled. The wick may be omitted in some cases and the liquid aerosol generating material may be directly stored in a cavity of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may be formed as an integrated component (or “pod”) that includes a liquid store, a liquid transfer element or wick, and a heater. One or more electrical contacts may also be provided to establish an electrical connection between the heater and the energy storage device.

[0031] The aerosol generating material may comprise any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating material may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco, for example including tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibres, tobacco stalk fibres and inorganic fillers. The solid or semi-solid aerosol generating material may be heated by a heater that is provided as part of the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating device - e.g., arranged adjacent to a heating space or chamber of the aerosol generating device that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article in use.

[0032] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of aerosol-formers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosolformer content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol -form er content of between approximately 10% and approximately 22% on a dry weight basis, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating device may be adapted to heat the aerosol generating material or substrate, without burning the aerosol generating material, to volatise at least one component of the aerosol generating material and thereby generate a heated vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device. The volatile compounds released from the aerosol generating material may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.

[0033] In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour may be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0034] When the aerosol generating material is depleted, the aerosol generating article may be removed from the aerosol generating device and a new article may be inserted.

[0035] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled.

[0036] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article;

[0038] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the top surface of a printed circuit board assembly; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the bottom surface of the printed circuit board assembly of Figure 2;

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the top surface of the printed circuit board assembly of Figure 2 showing electrically conductive paths;

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of the bottom surface of the printed circuit board assembly of Figure 2 showing electrically conductive paths; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic exploded view showing parts of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of a first side of the battery and charging assembly of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a second side of the battery and charging assembly of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of the second side of the battery and charging assembly of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 showing the temperature sensor;

[0044] Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the bottom surface of the printed circuit board assembly and the second side of the battery; and

[0045] Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of the top surface of the printed circuit board assembly and the first side of the battery.

[0046] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Referring initially to Figure 1 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating system 1. The aerosol generating system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4 for use with the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating device 2 comprises a body or housing 6 and is sized to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 2 includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 8. The PCBA 8 comprises electronic components that are mounted on a printed circuit board 20.

[0050] The PCBA 8 is electrically connected to an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery 10) of the aerosol generating device 2. The PCBA 8 is also electrically connected to a charging assembly 12 of the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating article 4 includes an aerosol generator 14 adapted to heat aerosol generating material (not shown) to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The aerosol may be inhaled by a user through a mouthpiece 16 of the aerosol generating article 4.

[0051] The aerosol generating article 4 is received in an opening 18 in the upper end of the body or housing 6.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2 to 5, the printed circuit board 20 of the PCBA 8 has a top surface 20a and a bottom surface 20b. The printed circuit board 20 also has a first edge 20c, a second edge 20d, a third edge 20e, and a fourth edge 20f. The second edge 20d is opposite the first edge 20c. The fourth edge 20f is opposite the third edge 20e.

[0053] A charging integrated circuit (IC) 22 is mounted to the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20. A microcontroller unit (MCU) may be physically integrated with the charging IC 22. This provides a convenient and simplified implementation of the PCBA 8 and makes effective use of the available surface area of the printed circuit board 20. But in other arrangements the MCU may be a separate component that is mounted separately to the printed circuit board 20.

[0054] The printed circuit board 20 comprises a pair of charging terminals U+ and U-. As explained in more detail below, the charging assembly 12 is electrically connected to the charging terminals U+ and U- by a pair of wires 46a, 46b (i.e., connecting members). Solder points for electrically connecting the wires to the charging terminals U+ and U- are provided on the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20.

[0055] The printed circuit board 20 comprises a pair of battery terminals B+ and B-. As explained in more detail below, the battery 10 is electrically connected to the battery terminals B+ and B- by a pair of wires 42a, 42b (i.e., connecting members). Solder points for electrically connecting the wires to the battery terminals B+ and B- are provided on the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20. The charging terminals U+ and U- are located closer to the charging IC 22 than the battery terminals B+ and B-. The battery terminals B+ and B- are electrically connected to several of the electronic components (e.g., microcontroller unit, regulator, or LED) that are mounted to the printed circuit board 20 in addition to the charging IC 22. On the other hand, the charging terminals U+ and U- are electrically connected to only the charging IC 22 or to the charging IC 22 and a few other electronic components. This positioning of the charging terminals U+ and U- and the battery terminals B+ and B- provides a convenient and simplified implementation of the PCBA 8.

[0056] Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the printed circuit board 20 comprises a pair of temperature sensor terminal N+ and N-. The battery terminals B+ and B- are located at the third edge 20e of the printed circuit board 20. The temperature sensor terminals N+ and N- are also located at the third edge 20e of the printed circuit board 20. The pair of temperature sensor terminals N+ and N- are located between the pair of battery terminal B+ and B-. Locating the pair of temperature sensor terminals N+ and N- between the battery terminals B+ and B- at the same edge of the printed circuit board 20 allows the pins of the temperature sensor 38 to be short and reduces parasitic resistance and capacitance.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the positive battery terminal B+ is electrically connected a first electrically conductive path 24. Part of the first path (i.e., the part labelled 24a) extends along the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20, and another part of the first path (i.e., the part labelled 24b) extends along the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20. The negative battery terminal B- is electrically connected to a second electrically conductive path 26 that may form part of, or be electrically connected to, a ground plane of the PCBA 8. Figures 4 and 5 show that at least part of the first the second paths 24, 26 extend diagonally along the top and bottom surfaces 20a, 20b of the printed circuit board 20. The diagonal parts of the first and second paths 24, 26 may only have obtuse angles. Because electrical noise and losses are increased when electric current flows through right angle or acute angles parts - because of the difference in passed electric current between the inside and outside corners of the path - this provides a convenient and simplified implementation of the PCBA 8. In particular, it may be beneficial in reducing electrical noise and losses.

[0058] The printed circuit board 20 includes a first notch 28 in the first edge 20c and a second notch 30 in the second edge 20d. The printed circuit board 20 is held in a holder 32 which may be made of a suitable plastics material, for example. The holder 32 includes locating features 34, 36 which are received in the notches 28, 30 to properly position and locate the printed circuit board 20 within the holder 32. At least the diagonally extending parts of the first and second paths 24, 26 are located in a first region A of the printed circuit board 20.

[0059] The charging terminals U+ and U- are located in a second region B of the printed circuit board 20. The charging IC 22 is electrically connected to the charging terminals U+ and U- by electrically conductive paths (not shown) that extend along the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20.

[0060] The charging IC 22 is mounted to the printed circuit board 20 in the second region B of the printed circuit board 20. The first and second regions A and B of the printed circuit board 20 are bounded respectively by the third and fourth edges 20e, 20f and a dashed line that extends across the printed circuit board 20 between the notches 28, 30 as shown in Figure 2 to 5.

[0061] Referring to Figures 6 to 11, the PCBA 8 also includes a temperature sensor 38. The temperature sensor 38 may be a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, for example. Solder points for connecting the pins of the temperature sensor 38 to the printed circuit board 20 are provided on the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20. Each pin of the temperature sensor 38 extends through a fully plated via or through hole of the printed circuit board 20 from the bottom surface 20b to the top surface 20a. A first pin of the temperature sensor 38 is electrically connected to the positive temperature sensor terminal N+. The positive temperature senor terminal N+ is electrically connected to a resistor (not shown) by an electrically conductive path (not shown) that extends along the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20. The resistor (not shown) is electrically connected to a control terminal of the MCU 22 by an electrically conductive path (not shown) that extends mainly along the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20, but which also extends partly along the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20 - the two parts are electrically connected by a fully plated via or through hole that extends through the body of the printed circuit board 20. A second pin of the temperature sensor 38 is electrically connected to the negative temperature sensor terminal N-, which is normally also electrically connected to the ground plane of the PCBA 8.

[0062] A support 40 may be made of a suitable plastics material, for example. The holder 32, the battery 10, and the charging assembly 12 are located in the support 40. The support 40 is located inside the housing 6.

[0063] The battery 10 has a first side 10a and a second side 10b. The battery 10 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 20 by a pair of wires 42a, 42b that extend from the first side 10a of the battery 10 to the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20 - see Figures 7 and 11, for example. As mentioned above, solder points for connecting the wires 42a, 42b to the battery terminals B+ and B- are provided on the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20. Each wire 42a, 42b extends through the body of the printed circuit board 20 from the bottom surface 20b to the top surface 20a where it is soldered to a respective solder point.

[0064] The charging assembly 12 includes a plug socket such as a universal serial bus (USB) socket (receptacle) for receiving a USB cable (plug). The charging assembly 12 includes a second PCBA 44 that may include peripheral electronic components (e.g., a protection IC and / or protection parts) mounted to a printed circuit board. The charging assembly 12 is electrically connected to the printed circuit board 20 by a pair of wires 46a, 46b that extend from the charging assembly 12 along the first side 10a of the battery 10 to the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20. As mentioned above, solder points for connecting the wires 46a, 46b to the charging terminals U+ and U- may be provided on the top surface 20a of the printed circuit board 20. Each wire 46a, 46b may extend through the body of the printed circuit board 20 from the bottom surface 20b to the top surface 20a where it is soldered to a respective solder point. The other end of each wire 46a, 46b is soldered to a respective solder point on a surface of the second PCBA 44.

[0065] The temperature sensor 38 is located next to the battery 10 as shown and measures a temperature of the battery 10 during operation of the aerosol generating device 2. A layer of insulation tape 48 is adhered to the second side 10b of the battery 10 and extends between the temperature sensor 38 and the battery 10. The insulation tape 48 prevents any electrical contact between the temperature sensor 38 and the battery 10. The insultation tape 48 may also be adhered to the bottom surface 20b of the printed circuit board 20 and the wires 42a, 42b that are electrically connected to the battery terminals B+ and B- may extend through the insulation tape 48. The pins of the temperature sensor 38 may also extend through the insulation tape 48.

[0066] If the battery 10 comprises multiple cells being electrically connected in parallel, the temperature sensor 38 may be arranged across the cells, or in a gap between the cells, so that the temperature of the cells may be measured by a single temperature sensor.

[0067] Compressible members 50, 52, 54 and 56 are arranged around the printed circuit board 20 and the battery 10 as shown. A first compressible member 50 is positioned between the temperature sensor 38 and the facing inner surface of the housing 6. (The first compressible member 50 has been omitted in Figure 9 so that the temperature sensor 38 can be seen more clearly.) A second compressible member 52 is positioned between the base of the battery 10 and the second PCBA 44. The compressible members 50, 52, 54 and 56 are made of melamine foam and provide cushioning in case of impact, for example if the aerosol generating device 2 is dropped. The compressible members 50, 52, 54 and 56 will also absorb liquid such as electrolyte if it accidently leaks from the battery 10.

[0068] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0070] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Claims

Claims1. An aerosol generating device (2) comprising: an energy storage device (10); a temperature sensor (38) located adjacent the energy storage device (10); and a printed circuit board assembly (8) comprising: a printed circuit board (20) comprising: a pair of energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) located at an edge (20e) of the printed circuit board (20) and electrically connected to the energy storage device (10); and a pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) located at the same edge (20e) of the printed circuit board (20) and electrically connected to the temperature sensor (38), wherein the pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) are located between the pair of energy storage device terminals (B+, B-); and one or more electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board (20), wherein the one or more electronic components includes a controller adapted to control the aerosol generating device (2), the controller being electrically connected to one of the temperature sensor terminals by at least one electrically conductive path that extends along a surface of the printed circuit board (20).

2. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (20) further comprises a pair of charging terminals (U+, U-) electrically connectable to a charging assembly (12) of the aerosol generating device (20).

3. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more electronic components further comprises a charging integrated circuit (22) electrically connected to the charging terminals (U+, U-) by electrically conductive paths that extend along a surface of the printed circuit board (20).

4. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the charging integrated circuit (22) and the charging terminals (U+, U-) is less than the distance between the charging integrated circuit (22) and the energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) and is less than the distance between the charging integrated circuit (22) and the temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-).

5. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claims 3 or claim 4, wherein the printed circuit board (20) is substantially rectangular, wherein each energy storage device terminal (B+, B-) is electrically connected respectively to one of a pair of electrically conductive paths (24, 26) that extend substantially diagonally along one or both surfaces (20a, 20b) of the printed circuit board (20) with respect to the edges (20c, 20d, ..., 20f) of the printed circuit board (20).

6. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board (20) includes a first notch (28) in a first edge (20c) and a second notch (30) in a second, opposite, edge (20d), and wherein the electrically conductive paths (24, 26) that are electrically connected to the energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) are located in a first region (A) of the printed circuit board (20) between the notches (28, 30) and a third edge (20e) of the printed circuit board (20) at which the energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) and the temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) are located.

7. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 6, wherein the charging terminals (U+, U-) are located in a second region (B) of the printed circuit board (20) between the notches (28, 30) and a fourth edge (20f) of the printed circuit board (20) that is opposite the third edge (20e).

8. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the charging integrated circuit (22) is mounted to the second region (B) of the printed circuit board9. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the controller is physically integrated with the charging integrated circuit (22).

10. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein an electrically insulating layer (48) is located between the energy storage device (10) and the temperature sensor (38).

11. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a housing (6) that surrounds the printed circuit board assembly (8) and the energy storage device (10), and a compressible member (50) located between the temperature sensor (38) and the facing inner surface of the housing (6).

12. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 11, wherein the housing (6) has a first inner surface and a second, opposite, inner surface, wherein the energy storage device (10) has a first side (10a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and a second side (20b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has a first surface (20a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and a second surface (20b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6), and wherein the energy storage device (10) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (20) by a pair of wires (42a, 42b) that extend from the first side (10a) of the energy storage device (10) to the second surface (20b) of the printed circuit board (20).

13. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any of claims 2 to 9, further comprising a charging assembly (12) electrically connected to the charging terminals (U+, U-).

14. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 13, further comprising a housing (6) that surrounds the printed circuit board assembly (8), the energy storage device (10), and the charging assembly (12), wherein the housing (6) has a first inner surface and a second, opposite, inner surface, wherein the energy storage device (10) has a first side (10a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and asecond side (10b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has a first surface (20a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and a second surface (20b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6), and wherein the charging assembly (12) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (20) by a pair of wires (46a, 46b) that extend from the charging assembly (12) along the first side (10a) of the energy storage device (10) to the second surface (20b) of the printed circuit board (20).

15. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 14, wherein the charging assembly (12) is located adjacent the energy storage device (10) and includes a second printed circuit board assembly (44), and wherein a second compressible member (52) is positioned between the energy storage device (10) and the second printed circuit board assembly (44).

16. An aerosol generating device (2) comprising: an energy storage device (10); a temperature sensor (38) located adjacent the energy storage device (10); a charging assembly (12); and a printed circuit board assembly (8) comprising: a printed circuit board (20) comprising: a pair of energy storage device terminals (B+, B-) located at an edge (20e) of the printed circuit board (20) and electrically connected to the energy storage device (10); a pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) located at the same edge (20e) of the printed circuit board (20) and electrically connected to the temperature sensor (38), wherein the pair of temperature sensor terminals (N+, N-) are located between the pair of energy storage device terminals (B+, B-); and a pair of charging terminals (U+, U-) electrically connected to the charging assembly (12); andone or more electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board (20), wherein the one or more electronic components includes: a controller adapted to control the aerosol generating device (2), the controller being electrically connected to one of the temperature sensor terminals by at least one electrically conductive path that extends along a surface of the printed circuit board (20); and a charging integrated circuit (22) electrically connected to the charging terminals (U+, U-) by electrically conductive paths that extend along a surface of the printed circuit board (20).

17. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 16, further comprising a housing (6) that surrounds the printed circuit board assembly (8), the energy storage device (10), and the charging assembly (12), wherein the housing (6) has a first inner surface and a second, opposite, inner surface, wherein the energy storage device (10) has a first side (10a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and a second side (10b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6), wherein the printed circuit board (20) has a first surface (20a) that faces towards the first inner surface of the housing (6) and a second surface (20b) that faces towards the second inner surface of the housing (6).

18. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 17, wherein the charging assembly (12) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board (20) by a pair of wires (46a, 46b) that extend from the charging assembly (12) along the first side (10a) of the energy storage device (10) to the second surface (20b) of the printed circuit board (20).

19. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the charging assembly (12) is located adjacent the energy storage device (10) and includes a second printed circuit board assembly (44).

20. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 19, wherein a second compressible member (52) is positioned between the energy storage device (10) and the second printed circuit board assembly (44).

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