An aerosol generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (2) is described. The aerosol generating device (2) includes a heater assembly (8) and a printed circuit board assembly (18). The heater assembly (8) includes a heating chamber (10) adapted to receive an aerosol generating article (4), and a heater (12) adapted to heat the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the heating chamber (10). The printed circuit board assembly (18) includes a controller (e.g., a microcontroller unit (or MCU)) adapted to control operation of the aerosol generating device (2), and a printed circuit board (20) having a main surface on which the controller is mounted. A power source (16) is adapted to supply power to the heater (12). A housing assembly of the aerosol generating device (2) includes a first housing (6) arranged around the heater assembly (8), and a second housing (14) arranged around the power source (16). A wireless charging assembly (36) of the aerosol generating device (2) includes an electrically conductive receiving coil for wireless inductive charging. The wireless charging assembly (36) is connected to the second housing (14).

Description

[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device, and in particular to a device that is adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. A wireless charging assembly of the aerosol generating device may be used for wireless charging of an energy storage device, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

[0004] 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, and in some cases as high as 350°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 energy storage device assembly. A stick that looks like an ordinary cigarette may also be used as an aerosol generating article.

[0008] The charging assembly may include an inductive receiving coil suitable for wireless charging of the battery. In particular, a wireless external power source such as a wireless charger will include an inductive transmitting coil that creates an electromagnetic field when an electric current flows through it. The inductive transmitting coil and the inductive receiving coil may also be referred to as a primary coil and a secondary coil, respectively. When the receiving coil of the charging assembly of the aerosol generating device is in close proximity with the wireless charger, the electromagnetic field generates an electric current in the receiving coil of the charging assembly that may be provided to a charging circuit and used to charge the battery. Wireless charging is a convenient way to charge the battery without having to physically and / or mechanically connect a charging cable to the aerosol generating device. New ingress protection standards may also mean that wired charging assemblies, e.g., those that might include a plug socket such as a universal serial bus (USB) socket (receptacle) for receiving a USB charging cable (plug), and which therefore also require an opening in the housing, may no longer be suitable for use in aerosol generating devices. Using wireless charging may also avoid the need for a user to carry or use a separate charging cable.

[0009] An aerosol generating device that uses wireless charging typically has more internal components (e.g., the wireless charging assembly) than an aerosol generating device that is not compatible with wireless charging. An aerosol generating device is typically a portable (hand-held) device so its size and weight may be limited. It may therefore be difficult to accommodate these additional internal components within the housing of the aerosol generating device. The lack of internal space within the housing may also make it more difficult to protect sensitive electronic components from the electromagnetic field generated during wireless charging.

[0010] There is a need for an improved aerosol generating device that overcomes the issues mentioned above, and where the aerosol generating device is designed specifically for wireless charging of a battery or other power source using a wireless charging assembly that is positioned within a housing of the aerosol generating device. In particular, there is a need for an improved aerosol generating device that has a mechanical structure that is suitable for wireless charging.

[0011] Summary of the Disclosure

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a heater assembly comprising: a heating chamber adapted to receive an aerosol generating article; and a heater adapted to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the heating chamber; a power source (e.g., an energy storage device such as a rechargeable Li-ion secondary battery) adapted to supply power to the heater; a printed circuit board assembly (or PCBA) comprising: a controller (e.g., a microcontroller unit (or MCU)) adapted to control operation of the aerosol generating device; and a printed circuit board having a main surface on which the controller is mounted; a housing assembly comprising: a first housing arranged around the heater assembly; and a second housing arranged around the power source; and a first wireless charging assembly comprising: an electrically conductive first receiving coil for wireless inductive charging (e.g., for wirelessly charging the energy storage device or other power source); wherein the first wireless charging assembly is connected to the second housing.

[0013] The first wireless charging assembly may be connected to the second housing in any suitable way, e.g., the first receiving coil may be mounted directly to an inner surface of the second housing without the optional substrate that is described in more detail below. The aerosol generating device is designed to have first and second housings which are preferably removably connected to allow for easy separation between the heater assembly and an inner assembly that comprises the power source and the PCBA. The first housing may have any suitable shape. For example, the first housing may be substantially cylindrical (i.e., it may have a substantially circular or elliptical cross section) and may be designed to substantially surround a cylindrical heating chamber. Alternatively, the first housing may have a substantially square or rectangular cross section. The second housing may have an open side that allows it to be received over the inner assembly. The open side may be positioned adjacent the first housing and may be shaped to extend around an outer surface of the first housing. For example, if the first housing has a substantially cylindrical outer surface, the open side of the second housing may be curved to extend around or fit against part of the cylindrical outer surface. The open side may be shaped appropriately to extend around or fit against part of the outer surface of the first housing if the first housing has a square or rectangular cross section. The side of the second housing that is opposite the open side may be arranged around the power source - i.e., so that the power source and the heating assembly are positioned at opposite sides of the aerosol generating device. The first and second housings may be directly connected, or indirectly connected by means of an interposing component such as the frame described below. The PCBA may be positioned in the second housing, optionally at the open side of the second housing. The PCBA may be positioned generally between the first housing and the power source. Connecting the first wireless charging device to the second housing may make it easier to assemble the aerosol generating device. Moreover, positioning the first wireless charging assembly in the second housing with the power source may make it easier to electrically connect both the first wireless charging assembly and the power source to the PCBA, e.g., using wires, because the power that is generated by the first wireless charging assembly will be used to charge the power source. This may provide for a shorter and more direct route for the wires that provide the necessary electrical connections between the internal components of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] Positioning the first wireless charging device in the second housing (or put another way, positioning the first wireless charging device outside the first housing) may also protect the first wireless charging device from heat generated by the heater assembly when the aerosol generating article is being heated to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0015] The first wireless charging assembly may further comprise a first substrate. The first receiving coil may be mounted to a surface of the first substrate (e.g., an inner or outer main surface of the first substrate, where the terms “inner” and “outer” are used with reference to the interior of the second housing) or may be integrally formed with the first substrate as described in more detail below. The first substrate may be connected to the second housing - in other words, instead of connecting the first receiving coil directly to the second housing, for example by mounting it to an inner surface of the second housing, the first substrate may be connected to the second housing and used to position the first receiving coil within the aerosol generating device. This may make it easier to assemble the aerosol generating device. In particular, it may be easier to connect the first substrate to the second housing than it is to connect the first receiving coil to the second housing directly. The first receiving coil preferably comprises a plurality of turns arranged substantially in a common plane. In one arrangement, the first receiving coil may be formed of wire having an outer diameter of about 4.0 mm (26AWG) and have between about 12 and about 16 turns. The first receiving coil may be about 11 mm wide, about 42 mm long, and about 4 mm deep. The first receiving coil may have the following parameters:

[0016] - nominal operating voltage: 8.22 V

[0017] - full battery charging time: about 210 min @ 1.1 A

[0018] - charging time for one vaping session: about 10 mins @ 1.1 A

[0019] - reverse wireless charging time for one vaping session: about 16 mins @ 1.1 A. The first wireless charging assembly may further comprise at least one first wire electrically connected between the first receiving coil and the PCBA. The PCBA may further comprise a first connector that is mounted to the printed circuit board. The first wire (or wires) of the first wireless charging assembly may be electrically connected between the first receiving coil and the first connector - e.g., for electrically connecting the first receiving coil to the printed circuit board. The end of the first wire (or wires) may further comprise a first connector that is compatible with the first connector mounted to the printed circuit board. For example, one of the first connectors may be a male-type connector and the other may be a female-type connector that can be engaged together (i.e., the first connectors are “plug-in” connectors). The female-type connector may comprise a recess for receiving part of the male-type connector. The compatible first connectors provide an easy way of electrically connecting the first wire (or wires) to the printed circuit board during the assembly process and also allow for easy disconnection if required. The first connectors may comprise cooperating locking features that temporarily lock the engaged first connectors together, but which allow the engaged first connectors to be released if necessary, e.g., if the first receiving coil needs to be disconnected from the printed circuit board. The first connector that is connected to the end of the first wire (or wires) may comprise a gripping member (e.g., one or more ridges) that allows it to be gripped more easily. Using suitable plug-in connectors provides an easy and reliable way to electrically connect the first wireless charging assembly to the printed circuit board. The PCBA may further comprise a charging circuit (e.g., a charging integrated circuit (IC)) that is mounted to the printed circuit board. The charging circuit may be electrically connected to the first connector on the printed circuit board and the power source.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a frame that connects the first housing to the second housing. The frame may form part of the inner assembly. Using a frame to indirectly connect the first and second housings together means that the heat generated by the heater when the aerosol generating device is being used is less likely to affect the first wireless charging assembly than if the first and second housings are directly connected. The frame may comprise a first opening adapted to receive the first wire (or wires) of the first wireless charging assembly. If the end of the first wire (or wires) further comprises a first connector, the first opening is also adapted to receive the first connector - i.e., the first opening is sized and shaped so that the first connector may fit through the first opening to allow it to be connected to the compatible first connector mounted on the printed circuit board. It will be understood that the frame may be positioned between the first wireless charging assembly and the PCBA. The shortest route between the first receiving coil and the PCBA for the first wire (or wires) therefore may be through the first opening in the frame.

[0021] The length of the first wire (or each wire) freely extended from the first wireless charging assembly may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 40 mm, more preferably in the range of about 25 mm to about 35 mm, and most preferably is about 30 mm. This will facilitate the electrical connection of the first wireless charging assembly to the PCBA.

[0022] The first substrate may be a moulded substrate. The first receiving coil may be integrally formed with the moulded first substrate, e.g., embedded in the first substrate or mounted to a surface of the moulded first substrate. Integrally forming the first receiving coil and the first substrate prevents the two components from becoming easily separated, e.g., as a result of heating or if the aerosol generating device is dropped. Embedding the first receiving coil in the first substrate also means that the first substrate may be formed with smooth, planar, inner and / or outer main surfaces. This may improve the visual appearance of the first substrate and may also make it easier to add one or more layers to one or both of the main surfaces of the first substrate, e.g., to add a shielding member that overlaps with the first receiving coil as described in more detail below. The first substrate may be moulded (i.e., formed using a moulding process) using any suitable material such as a plastics or resin material. In the moulding process, a liquid plastics or resin material may be poured into a mould and the first receiving coil may be at least partially immersed in the liquid plastics or resin material, which is then cured or heated (e.g., for rapid polymerisation). Alternatively, the first receiving coil may be positioned in the mould before the liquid plastics or resin material is poured into the mould. The mould may be made of silicone or a similar material. The first receiving coil may comprise fittings that maintain a proper spacing and positioning of the turns during the moulding process. Such fittings may be made of a suitable plastics material, for example. If the first receiving coil includes a first wire (or wires) for electrically connecting the first receiving coil to the PCBA, at least part of the first wire (or each wire) is preferably maintained outside of the liquid plastics or resin material and freely extends from the moulded first substrate after it has been cured or heated. In other words, while part of the first wire (or each wire) that is adjacent the first receiving coil may be embedded in the substrate, at least part of the wire (or each wire) is not embedded in the first substrate to facilitate the electrical connection to the PCBA - e.g., by receiving the free end of the first wire (or wires) and / or any optional first connector through the first opening in the frame as described above. The first substrate may be formed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a similar material, for example. Such a wireless charging assembly with a moulded substrate and a receiving coil that is embedded in the moulded substrate, or mounted on a surface of the moulded substrate, may potentially be utilised in any aerosol generating device. In other words, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a wireless charging assembly, the wireless charging assembly comprising a moulded substrate as described above, and an electrically conductive receiving coil for wireless inductive charge (e.g., for wirelessly charging an energy storage device or other power source of the aerosol generating device). The heater assembly, PCBA, housing assembly etc. mentioned above would be optional features of such an aerosol generating device. The receiving coil may be integrally formed with the moulded substrate, e.g., embedded in the moulded substrate, or mounted on a main surface of the moulded substrate. The substrate may be formed using a moulding process as described above.

[0023] The second housing may comprise a first opening (or window) and the first wireless charging assembly may be connected to the second housing with the first receiving coil aligned with the first opening. In other words, the first receiving coil may be positioned generally within the first opening. The first opening may be substantially rectangular. The first opening may be machined into existing second housings, which may be a suitable option for retrofitting the first wireless charging assembly, or formed during production of new second housings, e.g., by modifying the design of a mould for injecting moulding so that the second housing includes such an opening. Aligning the first receiving coil with the first opening may improve wireless charging efficiency because the second housing does not extend between the first receiving coil and the transmitting coil of the wireless charger. It also allows the first receiving coil to be positioned extremely close to the transmitting coil during wireless charging. The second housing may be made of a metal or other electrically conductive material because the first receiving coil will still be exposed to the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitting coil through the first opening. This may be contrasted with known aerosol generating devices where the outer housing will normally be made of a plastics material because an electrically conductive material cannot be positioned between the receiving coil of the wireless charging assembly and the transmitting coil of the external wireless charger if a wireless connection between the receiving and transmitting coils is to be established. If the second housing is made of a metal, it may be easier to dissipate heat in the housing because the thermal conductivity and thermal capacity of metals are generally higher than the those of plastics materials, for example. Improving dissipation of heat in the second housing may reduce degradation of internal components. The first substrate may be at least partially transparent or translucent. This may allow the first receiving coil to be visible through the first opening in the second housing, thereby allowing the user to easily see where the first receiving coil is positioned within the aerosol generating device. The outer surface of the first substrate that is visible through the first opening in the second housing may include a visual indicator (e.g., a wireless charging logo) that may be aligned with, or overlay, the first receiving coil. If the second housing does not include a first opening, the position of the first receiving coil within the aerosol generating device may be indicated instead by a visual indicator (e.g., a wireless charging logo) at a corresponding position on the outer surface of the second housing. The opposite side of the second housing may include a different visual indicator (e.g., a different logo). This may help the user to easily identify the side where the first receiving coil is positioned.

[0024] The first wireless charging assembly may be connected to the second housing by one or more click-fit (or snap-fit) connectors. For example, click-fit connectors may be formed on the inner surface of the second housing, optionally around the first opening or window mentioned above. The click-fit connectors may engage with the edges of the first wireless charging assembly (e.g., the edges of the first substrate) or with compatible connectors provided on the first wireless charging assembly (e.g., on the first substrate). The connectors on the first substrate may be shallow grooves or indents in the edges of the first substrate that are aligned with the click-fit connectors. The click-fit connectors may alternatively be formed on the edges of the first wireless charging assembly (e.g., on the edges of the first substrate) and may engage with the second housing. The first substrate may be fitted into a shallow recess formed in the inner surface of the second housing and which extends around the periphery of the first opening. When the first wireless charging assembly is engaged using the click-fit connectors it may be considered to be fixedly connected to the second housing. Using click-fit connectors may make it easier to assemble the aerosol generating device, and more particularly may make it easier to connect the first wireless charging assembly to the second housing. Although other ways of connecting the first wireless charging assembly to the second housing, such as an adhesive, may be used, this may not be preferred because adhesives may deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures, which may lead to the first wireless charging assembly becoming detached from the second housing.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a second wireless charging assembly comprising an electrically conductive second receiving coil for wireless inductive charging. The first and second wireless charging assemblies may be positioned at opposite sides of the aerosol generating device, for example. This may make it easier for the user to wirelessly charge the aerosol generating device without having to know the position of the wireless charging assembly within the aerosol generating device. The second wireless charging assembly may be substantially identical to the first wireless charging assembly, i.e., it may further comprise a second substrate and at least one second wire electrically connected between the second receiving coil and the printed circuit board. The PCBA may further comprise a second connector that is mounted to the printed circuit board. The second wire (or wires) of the second wireless charging assembly may be electrically connected between the second receiving coil and the second connector - e.g., for electrically connecting the second receiving coil to the printed circuit board. The end of the second wire (or wires) may further comprise a second connector that is compatible with the second connector mounted to the printed circuit board. For example, one of the second connectors may be a male-type connector and the other may be a female-type connector that can be engaged together (i.e., the connectors are “plug-in” connectors) as described in more detail above for the first receiving coil.

[0026] The second substrate may be a moulded substrate. The second receiving coil may be integrally formed with the moulded second substrate, e.g., embedded in the moulded second substrate or mounted to a surface of the moulded second substrate as described in more detail above for the first receiving coil. The moulding process may be as described above.

[0027] The second housing may comprise a second opening (or window) and the second wireless charging assembly may be connected to the second housing with the second receiving coil aligned with the second opening. In other words, the second receiving coil may be positioned generally within the second opening. The first and second openings may be positioned on opposite sides of the aerosol generating device - e.g., on opposite sides of the second housing. The second opening may be substantially rectangular. The second opening may be machined into existing second housings, which may be a suitable option for retrofitting the second wireless charging assembly, or formed during production of new second housings, e.g., by modifying the design of a mould for injecting moulding so that the second housing includes such an opening. Aligning the second receiving coil with the second opening may improve wireless charging efficiency because the second housing does not extend between the second receiving coil and the transmitting coil of the wireless charger. It also allows the second receiving coil to be positioned extremely close to the transmitting coil during wireless charging. The second housing may be made of a metal or other electrically conductive material because the second receiving coil will still be exposed to the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitting coil through the second opening. The second substrate may be at least partially transparent or translucent. This may allow the second receiving coil to be visible through the second opening in the second housing, thereby allowing the user to easily see where the second receiving coil is positioned within the aerosol generating device. The outer surface of the second substrate that is visible through the second opening in the second housing may include a visual indicator (e.g., a wireless charging logo) that may be aligned with, or overlay, the second receiving coil. If the second housing does not include a second opening, the position of the second receiving coil within the aerosol generating device may be indicated instead by a visual indicator (e.g., a wireless charging logo) at a corresponding position on the outer surface of the second housing.

[0028] The second wireless charging assembly may be connected to the second housing by one or more click-fit (or snap-fit) connectors. For example, click-fit connectors may be formed on the inner surface of the second housing, optionally around the second opening or window mentioned above. The click-fit connectors may engage with the edges of the second wireless charging assembly (e.g., the edges of the second substrate) or with compatible connectors provided on the second wireless charging assembly (e.g., on the second substrate). The connectors on the second substrate may be shallow grooves or indents in the edges of the second substrate that are aligned with the click-fit connectors. The click-fit connectors may alternatively be formed on the edges of the second wireless charging assembly (e.g., on the edges of the second substrate) and may engage with the second housing. The second substrate may be fitted into a shallow recess formed in the inner surface of the second housing and which extends around the periphery of the second opening. When the second wireless charging assembly is engaged using the click-fit connectors it may be considered to be fixedly connected to the second housing. Using click-fit connectors may make it easier to assemble the aerosol generating device, and more particularly make it easier to connect the second wireless charging assembly to the second housing. Although other ways of connecting the second wireless charging assembly to the second housing, such as an adhesive, may be used, this may not be preferred because adhesives may deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures, which may lead to the second wireless charging assembly becoming detached from the second housing. The same click-fit connectors may be used to connect the first and second wireless charging assemblies to the second housing even if the second housing does not include the first and second openings (or windows). In such an arrangement, the respective receiving coil of the first and second wireless charging assemblies will normally face towards, and preferably be in contact with, the inner surface of the second housing.

[0029] The frame that optionally connects the first housing to the second housing may comprise a second opening adapted to receive the second wire (or wires) of the second wireless charging assembly. If the end of the second wire (or wires) further comprises a second connector, the second opening is also adapted to receive the second connector - i.e., the second opening is sized and shaped so that the second connector may fit through the second opening to allow it to be connected to the compatible second connector mounted on the printed circuit board. It will be understood that the frame may be positioned between the second wireless charging assembly and the PCBA. The shortest route between the second receiving coil and the PCBA for the second wire (or wires) may therefore be through the second opening in the frame. Alternatively, the second wire (or wires) and the optional second connector may be received through the first opening in the frame.

[0030] The power source (e.g., battery or other energy storage device) may be replaceable. The second housing may further comprise a third opening adapted to provide access to a compartment (e.g., a battery compartment) in which the replaceable power source is located. The third opening will allow the power source to be removed and a new power source to be inserted into the compartment, for example. The third opening will normally be closed by a cover. The cover may slide relative to the second housing (e.g., in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device) between a closed position, and an open position which allows for access to the compartment. The cover may also be removable - i.e., removably connected to the second housing where removing the cover allows for access to the compartment. The third opening may be positioned at a side of the second housing, for example the side that is directly opposite the first housing which substantially surrounds the heating assembly.

[0031] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a first shielding member that at least partially covers the printed circuit board. The first shielding member may also at least partially cover or overlap with the first receiving coil. If the aerosol generating device comprises a second wireless charging assembly, a second shielding member may be provided and may at least partially cover or overlap with the second receiving coil. Each shielding member may have a planar construction, e.g., may be formed as a sheet. Each shielding member may be a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material, for example. It will be understood that ferrite is typically an iron-oxide containing magnetic ceramic material. Each shielding member is designed to shield the internal components of the aerosol generating device from the electromagnetic field that is generated by an inductive transmitting coil of an external wireless charger, for example, during wireless charging. The first shielding member may be mounted on a main surface of the first substrate, e.g., on the inner main surface that faces towards the inner assembly. In this case, the first shielding member may have a suitable thickness (e.g., about 50 pm) and may be mounted to the first substrate by an adhesive, for example. Alternatively, the first substrate may be formed as a shielding member and may have a planar construction, e.g., may be formed as a sheet on which the first receiving coil is mounted or with which it is integrally formed. The first substrate may be a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material, for example. In this case, the first substrate is designed to shield the internal components of the aerosol generating device from the electromagnetic field that is generated during wireless charging. If the aerosol generating device further comprises a second wireless charging assembly, a second shielding member may be mounted on a main surface of the second substrate, e.g., on the inner main surface that faces towards the inner assembly. In this case, the second shielding member may have a suitable thickness (e.g., about 50 gm) and may be mounted to the second substrate by an adhesive, for example. Alternatively, the second substrate may be formed as a shielding member and may have a planar construction, e.g., may be formed as a sheet on which the second receiving coil is mounted or with which it is integrally formed. The second substrate may be a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material, for example. In this case, the second substrate is designed to shield the internal components of the aerosol generating device from the electromagnetic field that is generated during wireless charging

[0032] The first and second shielding members may alternatively be mounted on the inner assembly - e.g., to an outer surface of the frame that connects the first and second housings, or to an outer surface of another component. The frame may be a two-part frame where the first shielding member is connected to a first part of the frame and the second shielding member is connected to a second part of the frame. The first opening in the frame may be formed in the first part of the frame and the second opening in the frame may be formed in the second part of the frame, wherein the first and second openings may be aligned with respective openings in the first and second shielding members that cover the frame, for example.

[0033] The first and second shielding members may be mounted using a suitable adhesive or double-sided tape, for example. The first shielding member may comprise an opening that is aligned with the first opening in the frame that is adapted to receive the first wire (or wires) and / or the first connector of the first wireless charging assembly. The opening in the first shielding member may be similarly adapted to receive the first wire (or wires) of the first wireless charging assembly. If the end of the first wire (or wires) further comprises a first connector, the opening in the first shielding member is also adapted to receive the first connector - i.e., the opening in the first shielding member is sized and shaped so that the first connector may fit through the opening to allow it to be connected to the compatible first connector mounted on the printed circuit board. It will be understood that to provide effective shielding, the first shielding member will be positioned between the first wireless charging assembly and the PCBA. The shortest route between the first receiving coil and the PCBA for the first wire (or wires) therefore may be through the aligned openings in the first shielding member and the frame.

[0034] If the aerosol generating device includes a second wireless charging assembly, and a second shielding member, the second shielding member may comprise an opening that is aligned with the second opening in the frame that is adapted to receive the second wire (or wires) and / or the second connector of the second wireless charging assembly. The opening in the second shielding member may be similarly adapted to receive the second wire (or wires) of the second wireless charging assembly. If the end of the second wire (or wires) further comprises a second connector, the opening in the second shielding member is also adapted to receive the second connector - i.e., the opening in the second shielding member is sized and shaped so that the second connector may fit through the opening to allow it to be connected to the compatible second connector mounted on the printed circuit board. It will be understood that to provide effective shielding, the second shielding member will be positioned between the second wireless charging assembly and the PCBA. The shortest route between the second receiving coil and the PCBA for the second wire (or wires) therefore may be through the aligned openings in the second shielding member and the frame. Alternatively, the second wire (or wires) and / or the optional second connector of the second wireless charging assembly may be received through the aligned opening in the first shielding member and the frame.

[0035] The first and second shielding members may be connected by a U-shaped shielding member that may extend around a lower part of the inner assembly that further comprises a wired charging assembly (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) and optionally a second PCBA. The first, second and U-shaped shielding members may form parts of a single shielding member.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating comprising: a first housing arranged around a heating assembly, the heating assembly comprising: a heating chamber adapted to a receive an aerosol generating article; and a heater adapted to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the heating chamber; and an inner assembly comprising: a PCBA comprising: a controller adapted to control operation of the aerosol generating device; and a printed circuit board having a main surface on which the controller is mounted; and a power source adapted to supply power to the heater; the method comprising: connecting a wireless charging assembly to a second housing, the wireless charging assembly comprising an electrically conductive receiving coil for wireless inductive charging; and connecting the second housing to the first housing such that the second housing is arranged around the inner assembly.

[0037] The method provides an easy way of assembling the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The method may further comprise connecting a shielding member to the inner assembly before connecting the second housing to the first housing so that the shielding member is positioned between the inner assembly and the wireless charging assembly. As mentioned above, the shielding member may be connected to a surface of the inner assembly using a suitable adhesive or double-sided tape, for example. Alternatively, the shielding member may be connected to the wireless charging assembly, e.g., to an inner main surface of a substrate of the wireless charging assembly as described above, and is therefore connected to the second housing by the wireless charging assembly. The inner assembly of the aerosol generating device may further comprise a frame adapted to connect the first housing to the second housing. The frame may be connected to the first housing, and the second housing may be connected to the frame. The frame may comprise an opening adapted to receive at least one wire and / or a connector of the wireless charging assembly. The method may further comprise receiving the at least one wire and / or the connector of the wireless charging assembly through the opening and connecting it to the PCBA. This may be done after the shielding member has been connected to the inner assembly. In this case, the shielding member may also comprise an aligned opening that is also adapted to receive the at least one wire and / or the connector of the wireless charging assembly. The method may further comprise receiving the at least one wire and / or the connector of the wireless charging assembly through the aligned openings in both the shielding member and the frame.

[0039] The aerosol generating article may comprise aerosol generating material.

[0040] 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 the heater of the aerosol generating aerosol generating device - e.g., when arranged in the heating chamber.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The aerosol generating article may comprise a mouthpiece through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled.

[0046] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0047] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article;

[0048] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 with a cover in an open position so that the energy storage device is visible;

[0050] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 3 with the energy storage device removed; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic front view of a wireless charging assembly;

[0051] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the wireless charging assembly of Figure 5;

[0052] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the wireless charging assembly of Figures 5 and 6 with an additional shielding member;

[0053] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view showing plug-fit connectors that are used to electrically connect a receiving coil of the wireless charging assembly to a printed circuit board of a printed circuit board assembly (PCB A);

[0054] Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a second housing of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

[0055] Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the second housing of Figure 9 showing how a pair of wireless charging assemblies are connected;

[0056] Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating device with a wireless charging assembly that includes a transparent substrate; and

[0057] Figures 12 and 13 are diagrammatic views showing how the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 is assembled.

[0058] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Referring initially to Figure 1 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating system 1. The aerosol generating system 1 includes an aerosol generating device 2 and an aerosol generating article 4 for use with the aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol generating device 2 is sized to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand.

[0061] The aerosol generating article 4 is formed as a stick that looks like an ordinary cigarette and includes aerosol generating material (not shown). The aerosol generating material may comprise plant derived material, and in particular may comprise tobacco. The aerosol generating device 2 includes a first housing 6 that is arranged around a heater assembly 8. The heater assembly 8 includes a cylindrical heating chamber 10 that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article 4. The heater assembly 8 also includes a heater 12 that is adapted to heat the aerosol generating article 4 when it is received in the heating chamber 10. In particular, the heater 12 will heat the aerosol generating material (not shown) to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0062] The aerosol generating device 2 also includes a second housing 14 that is arranged around an energy storage device 16 in the form of a rechargeable battery for supplying power to the heater 12.

[0063] An electric circuit is implemented by a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 18. The PCBA 18 includes electronic components that are mounted on a printed circuit board 20. The PCBA 18 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 16 of the aerosol generating device 2. The PCBA 18 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) (not shown) which controls operation of the aerosol generating device 2. The MCU (not shown) is mounted to a main surface of the printed circuit board 20.

[0064] The PCBA 18 is positioned in the second housing 14, and is more generally positioned between the energy storage device 16 and the first housing 6 that substantially surrounds the heater assembly 8. The PCBA 18 and the energy storage device 16 may together form an inner assembly 22 of the aerosol generating device 2 (see Figures 12 and 13).

[0065] The energy storage device 16 is replaceable and is positioned in a battery compartment 24 (Figure 4). The battery compartment 24 may include a flexible strip 26 that extends between the curved inner surface 24a of the battery compartment 24 and the energy storage device 16 as shown in Figure 4 and which allows the user to remove the energy storage device 16 more easily from the battery compartment 24 - i.e., by pulling a free end of the strip 26. A cover 28 may slide relative to the remainder of the second housing 14 as shown to provide access to the battery compartment 24 through an opening 30 in the second housing 14 that is created when the cover 28 is moved to an open position. The side edges 28a, 28b of the cover 28 may slide on rails 32, 34 formed on the second housing 14, for example.

[0066] The aerosol generating device 2 also includes at least one wireless charging assembly 36. The wireless charging assembly 36 includes an electrically conductive receiving coil 38 with a plurality of turns for wireless inductive charging of the energy storage device 16. The wireless charging assembly 36 shown in Figures 5 and 6 also includes a planar substrate 40 with an outer main surface 40a and an inner main surface 40b. The receiving coil 38 may be mounted on the outer main surface 40a, e.g., if the substrate 40 is a formed as a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material that shields the internal components of the aerosol generating device 2 from the electromagnetic field generated during wireless charging. In such an arrangement, the substrate 40 may be connected to the second housing 14 and the receiving coil 38 may be positioned in contact with the inner surface of the second housing 14 to minimise the distance between the receiving coil 38 and the transmitting coil of the external wireless charger during wireless charging. But the substrate 40 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a moulded substrate and the receiving coil 38 is embedded in the substrate 40. Integrally forming the receiving coil 38 and the substrate 40 prevents the two components from becoming easily separated, e.g., as a result of heating or if the aerosol generating device 2 is dropped. Embedding the receiving coil 38 in the moulded substrate 40 also means that the substrate 40 may be formed with smooth, planar, inner and outer main surfaces 40a, 40b. This may improve the visual appearance of the substrate 40 and may also make it easier to add one or more layers to one or both of the inner and outer main surfaces 40a, 40b of the substrate 40. For example, Figure 7 shows a shielding member 42 mounted on the inner main surface 40b of the substrate 40. The shielding member 42 is larger than the receiving coil 38 so that the receiving coil 38 is completely covered by the shielding member 42. The shielding member 42 may have a suitable thickness (e.g., about 50 pm) and may be mounted to the substrate 40 by an adhesive, for example. Alternatively, only part of the receiving coil 38 is covered by the shielding member 42. The wireless charging assembly 36 includes a pair of wires 44 electrically connected between the receiving coil 38 and the PCBA 18. As shown in Figure 8, the PCBA 18 may include a connector 46 that is mounted to the printed circuit board 20. The end of the pair of wires 44 includes a connector 48 that is compatible with the connector 46 mounted to the printed circuit board 20. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the connector 48 is a male-type connector and the connector 46 is a female-type connector that includes a recess for receiving part of the male-type connector (i.e., the connectors are “plug-in” connectors). Alternatively, the connector 46 may be the male-type connector and the connector 48 may be the female-type connector. In another arrangement, the connectors 46, 48 may be of any other suitable type. The compatible connectors 46, 48 provide an easy way of electrically connecting the wires 44 to the printed circuit board 20 during the assembly process and also allow for easy disconnection if required. The connectors 46, 48 may include cooperating locking features that temporarily lock the engaged connectors together, but which allow the engaged connectors to be released if necessary, e.g., if the receiving coil 38 needs to be disconnected from the printed circuit board 20. The connector 48 that is connected to the end of the wires 44 may include a gripping member (e.g., one or more ridges) that allows it to be gripped more easily. Using suitable plug-in connectors provides an easy and reliable way to electrically connect the wireless charging assembly 36 to the printed circuit board 20. The connector 46 may be mounted at an edge of the printed circuit board 20 as shown in Figure 8 to provide an easy connection to the receiving coil 38.

[0067] The substrate 40 is formed using a moulding process using any suitable material such as a plastics or resin material. The substrate 40 may be formed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a similar material, for example. In the moulding process, a liquid plastics or resin material may be poured into a mould (not shown) and the receiving coil 38 may be at least partially immersed in the liquid plastics or resin material, which is then cured or heated (e.g., for rapid polymerisation). Alternatively, the receiving coil 38 may be positioned in the mould (not shown) before the liquid plastics or resin material is poured into the mould. The mould (not shown) may be made of silicone or a similar material. The receiving coil 38 may include fittings that maintain a proper spacing and positioning of the turns during the moulding process.

[0068] Such fittings may be made of a suitable plastics material, for example.

[0069] At least part of each wire 44 is maintained outside of the liquid plastics or resin material and freely extends from the moulded substrate 40 after it has been cured or heated. In other words, while part of each wire 44 that is adjacent the receiving coil 38 may be embedded in the substrate 40, at least part of each wire 44 is not embedded in the substrate 40 to facilitate the electrical connection to the PCBA 18. In Figures 6 and 7, for example, it may be seen that the wires 44 extend out of the inner main surface 40b of the substrate 40 so that the wires 44 and the connector 48 extend toward the PCBA 18. The length of each wire 44 freely extended from the wireless charging assembly 36 may be about 30 mm, for example. This will facilitate the electrical connection of the wireless charging assembly 36 to the PCBA 18.

[0070] The aerosol generating device 2 may have two wireless charging assemblies - i.e., a first wireless charging assembly 36a and a second wireless charging assembly 36b (see Figure 10). The wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b are substantially identical and are constructed as described above (e.g., with a moulded substrate and an embedded receiving coil). The first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b are positioned at opposite sides of the aerosol generating device 2 as shown.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, the second housing 14 has an open side that allows it to be received over the inner assembly 22. When received over the inner assembly 22 and fixed relative to the first housing 6, the open side of the second housing 14 is positioned adjacent the first housing 6 and is shaped to extend around an outer surface of the first housing 6. The cover 28 is formed at the opposite side of the second housing 14. The second housing 14 includes a first opening 50 and a second opening 52. The first and second openings 50, 52 are substantially rectangular and are formed in opposite sides of the second housing 14. The first wireless charging assembly 36a is connected to the second housing 14 with the receiving coil 38 aligned with the first opening 50. In other words, the receiving coil 38 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a is positioned generally within the first opening 50. This is most clearly shown in Figure 11 where the moulded substrate 40 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a is transparent so that the embedded receiving coil 38 is visible through the substrate 40 and the first opening 50. The second wireless charging assembly 36b is connected to the second housing 14 with the receiving coil 38 aligned with the second opening 52. In other words, the receiving coil 38 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b is positioned generally within the first opening 52. Although not shown, the moulded substrate 40 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b may also be transparent so that the embedded receiving coil 38 is visible through the substrate 40 and the second window 52. Making the substrates 40 of the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b transparent (or substantially transparent or translucent) allows the user to easily see where each receiving coil 38 is positioned within the aerosol generating device 2.

[0072] Aligning the receiving coil 38 of each wireless charging assembly 36a, 36b with the respective opening 50, 52 may improve wireless charging efficiency because the second housing 14 does not extend between the receiving coil 38 and the transmitting coil of the wireless charger (not shown). It also allows the receiving coil 38 to be positioned extremely close to the transmitting coil during wireless charging. The second housing 14 may be made of a metal or other electrically conductive material because the receiving coil 38 will still be exposed to the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitting coil through the opening. If the second housing 14 is made of a metal, it may be easier to dissipate heat in the housing because the thermal conductivity and thermal capacity of metals are generally higher than the those of plastics materials, for example. Improving dissipation of heat in the second housing 14 may reduce degradation of internal components.

[0073] The first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b are connected to the second housing 14 by one or more click-fit (or snap-fit) connectors 54. The click-fit connectors 54 are formed on the inner surface 14a of the second housing 14 around the first and second openings 50, 52. At least one click-fit connector 54 is provided along each edge of the first and second opening 50, 52. (Although only two click-fit connectors 54 are clearly visible in Figures 9 and 10, the location of the other two click-fit connectors is clearly indicated.) The substrate 40 of the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b may include at least one shallow recess or indent (not shown) in each edge that engages with a corresponding click-fit connector 54 (i.e., for easy click-fit engagement). The substrate 40 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b is fitted into a shallow recess 56 formed in the inner surface 14a of the second housing 14 and which extends around the periphery of the second opening 52. Although not shown, the substrate 40 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a is also fitted in a corresponding shallow recess formed in the inner surface 14a of the second housing 14 and which extends around the periphery of the first opening 50. When each wireless charging assembly 36a, 36b is properly engaged using the click-fit connectors 54 it may be considered to be fixedly connected to the second housing 14. Using click-fit connectors 54 makes it easier to assemble the aerosol generating device 2, and more particularly makes it easier to connect each wireless charging assembly 36a, 36b to the second housing 14. Having two wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b makes it easier for the user to wirelessly charge the aerosol generating device 2 without having to know the position of the wireless charging assembly within the aerosol generating device 2.

[0074] The outer main surface 40a of the substrate 40 that is visible through the first opening 50 in the second housing 14 includes a visual indicator (e.g., a wireless charging logo) that overlays the receiving coil 38 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a. Although not shown, the same wireless charging logo may also be included on the outer main surface of the substrate 40 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b that is visible through the second opening 52.

[0075] The inner assembly 22 of the aerosol generating device 2 includes an inner frame 58. The inner frame 58 is connected to the first housing 6 as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The second housing 14 is connected to the inner frame 58 - i.e., the frame 58 is used to indirectly connect the first and second housings 6, 14 together. This means that the heat generated by the heater 12 when the aerosol generating device 2 is being used is less likely to affect the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b than if the first and second housings 6, 14 are directly connected. The inner frame 58 includes a first opening 60 adapted to receive the wires 44 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a, or just the connector 48. In other words, the first opening 60 is sized and shaped so that the connector 48 may fit through the first opening 60 to allow it to be connected to the compatible connector 46 mounted on the printed circuit board 20. Although not shown, the opposite side of the inner frame 58 includes a second opening adapted to receive the wires 44 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b, or just the connector 48. In other words, the second opening is sized and shaped so that the connector 48 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b may fit through the second opening to allow it to be connected to the compatible connector 46 mounted at an opposite edge of the printed circuit board 20. It will be understood that a first part of the inner frame 58 is positioned between the first wireless charging assembly 36a and the PCBA 18. A second part of the inner frame 58 is positioned between the second wireless charging assembly 36b and the PCBA 18. The shortest route between the receiving coil 38 of each wireless charging assembly 36a, 36b and the printed circuit board 20 for the wires 44 is therefore through the first and second openings in the inner frame 58.

[0076] The aerosol generating device 2 includes a shielding member 62 that is shown in Figures 12 and 13. The shielding member 62 may be mounted to the inner frame 58 by an adhesive or double-sided tape, for example. The shielding member 62 includes a first part 62a that is arranged at a first edge of the printed circuit board 20 between the inner frame 58 and the first wireless charging assembly 36a and second part 62b that is arranged at an opposite second edge of the printed circuit board 20 between the inner frame 58 and the second wireless charging assembly 36b. The first part 62a completely covers the receiving coil 38 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a. The second part 62b completely covers the receiving coil 38 of the second wireless charging assembly 36b. Alternatively, just part of the receiving coils 38 of the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b may be covered by the shielding member 62. The first and second parts 62a, 62b have a planar construction, e.g., are formed as a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material, for example. A first opening 64 is formed in the first part 62a of the shielding member 62 and is aligned with the first opening 60 in the inner frame 58. A second opening 66 is formed in the second part 62b of the shielding member 62 and is aligned with the second opening (not shown) in the inner frame 58. The first opening 64 is adapted to receive the wires 44 of the first wireless charging assembly 36a and / or the connector 48. The second opening 66 is adapted to receive the wires 44 of the second charging assembly 36b and / or the connector 48. The shortest route between the receiving coils 38 of the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b and the printed circuit board 20 for the respective wires 44 is through the aligned openings in the shielding member 62 and the inner frame 58.

[0077] The first and second parts 62a, 62b of the shielding member 62 are connected by a U- shaped part 62c that extends around a lower part of the inner assembly 22. The lower part of the inner assembly 22 includes a wired charging assembly (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector (not shown) and optionally a second PCBA (not shown). These components are protected by the U-shaped part 62c from the effects of the electromagnetic field generated during wireless charging.

[0078] To assemble the aerosol generating device 2, the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b are connected to the second housing 14, e.g., by using the click- fit connectors 54 - see Figure 10. The shielding member 62 is connected or attached to the inner assembly 22, e.g., to the outer surfaces of the inner frame 58 - see Figure 12. Finally, the second housing 14 is received over the inner assembly 22 and is connected to the first housing 6, e.g., by connecting the second housing 14 to the inner frame 58, which is already fixedly connected first housing 6. When the second housing 14 is connected relative to the first housing 6, it substantially surrounds the inner assembly 22. As part of connecting the second housing 14 to the first housing 6, the first and second wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b are electrically connected to the PCBA 18 using the plug-fit connectors. This may involve receiving the wires 44 of the respective wireless charging assemblies 36a, 36b and / or the connectors 48 through the aligned openings in the inner frame 58 and the connected shielding member 62. 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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: a heater assembly (8) comprising: a heating chamber (10) adapted to receive an aerosol generating article (4); and a heater (12) adapted to heat the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the heating chamber (10); a power source (16) adapted to supply power to the heater (12); a printed circuit board assembly (18) comprising: a controller adapted to control operation of the aerosol generating device (2); and a printed circuit board (20) having a main surface on which the controller is mounted; a housing assembly comprising: a first housing (6) arranged around the heater assembly (8); and a second housing (14) arranged around the power source (16); and a first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) comprising: an electrically conductive first receiving coil (38) for wireless inductive charging; wherein the first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) is connected to the second housing (14).

2. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) further comprises a substrate (40), and at least one wire (44) electrically connected between the first receiving coil (38) and the printed circuit board assembly (18).

3. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 2, wherein the printed circuit board assembly (18) further comprises a connector (46) that is mounted to the printed circuit board (20), wherein the at least one wire (44) of the first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) is electrically connected between the first receiving coil (38) and the connector (46) of the printed circuit board assembly (18).

4. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a frame (58) that connects the first housing (6) to the second housing (14), wherein the frame (58) comprises an opening (60) adapted to receive the at least one wire (44) and / or a connector (48) of the first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a).

5. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the length of the at least one wire (44) extended from the first wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) is in the range of about 20 mm to about 40 mm.

6. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the substrate (40) is a moulded substrate and the first receiving coil (38) is integrally formed with the moulded substrate.

7. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second housing (14) comprises a first opening (50) and the first wireless charging assembly (36a) is connected to the second housing (14) with the first receiving coil (38) aligned with the first opening (50).

8. An aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the substrate (40) is at least partially transparent or translucent.

9. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first wireless charging assembly (36a) is connected to the second housing (14) by one or more click-fit connectors (54).

10. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second wireless charging assembly (36b) comprising an electrically conductive second receiving coil (38) for wireless inductive charging, wherein the second housing (14) comprises a second opening (52) and the second wireless charging assembly (36b) is connected to the second housing (14) with the second receiving coil (38) aligned with the second opening (52).

11. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source (16) is replaceable, and wherein the second housing (14) further comprises a third opening (30) adapted to provide access to a compartment (24) in which the replaceable power source (16) is located.

12. An aerosol generating device (2) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a shielding member (42; 62) that at least partially covers the printed circuit board (20) and optionally at least partially covers or overlaps the first receiving coil (38).

13. A method of assembling an aerosol generating device (2), the aerosol generating device (2) comprising: a first housing (14) that is arranged around a heating assembly (8), the heating assembly (8) comprising: a heating chamber (10) adapted to a receive an aerosol generating article (4); and a heater (12) adapted to heat the aerosol generating article (4) when received in the heating chamber (10); and an inner assembly (22) comprising: a printed circuit board assembly (18) comprising: a controller adapted to control operation of the aerosol generating device (2); and a printed circuit board (20) having a main surface on which the controller is mounted; and a power source (16) adapted to supply power to the heater (12); the method comprising: connecting a wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) to a second housing (14), the wireless charging assembly (36; 36a) comprising an electrically conductive receiving coil (38) for wireless inductive charging; and connecting the second housing (14) to the first housing (6) such that the second housing (14) is arranged around the inner assembly (22).

14. A method according to claim 13, further comprising connecting a shielding member (62) to the inner assembly (22) before connecting the second housing (14) to the first housing (6) so that the shielding member (62) is positioned between the inner assembly (22) and the wireless charging assembly (36; 36a).

15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the inner assembly (22) further comprises a frame (58) adapted to connect the first housing (6) to the second housing (14), wherein the frame (58) comprises an opening (60) adapted to receive at least one wire (44) and / or a connector (48) of the wireless charging assembly (36;36a), and wherein the method further comprises: receiving the at least one wire (44) and / or the connector (48) through the opening (60) and connecting it to the printed circuit board assembly (18) so that the receiving coil (38) is electrically connected to the printed circuit board assembly (18).

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