A wireless charging accessory

Abstract

A wireless charging accessory (1) is described. The wireless charging assessor (1) is adapted to be attached or fitted to an aerosol generating device that includes a first charging port. The wireless charging accessory (1) includes a flexible outer sleeve (2) adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating device to attach the wireless charging accessory (1) thereto. A rigid support (10) is positioned inside the outer sleeve (2). A wireless charging assembly of the wireless charging accessory (1) is mounted on the support (10) and includes a power receiving coil for wireless inductive charging. A second charging port (14) is supported by the support (10) and adapted to engage with the first charging port when the wireless charging accessory (1) is attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device in use. The wireless charging accessory (1) includes a printed circuit board assembly with a printed circuit board mounted on the support (10), and a power circuit electrically connected to the receiving coil and the second charging port (14). The power circuit includes one or more electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board.

Description

[0001] A WIRELESS CHARGING ACCESSORY

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a wireless charging accessory, and in particular to a wireless charging accessory that is adapted to be attached or fitted to an aerosol generating device.

[0004] The aerosol generating device is adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user and may include a charging port for charging an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0005] Technical Background

[0006] Devices which heat, rather than bum, 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 aerosol generating device. If the aerosol generating article is formed substantially in the shape of a stick and includes solid aerosol generating material, for example, the battery may supply power to a heater or heater assembly of the aerosol generating device for heating the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

[0008] The battery may be charged by connecting a charging cable to a charging port of the aerosol generating device, e.g., to a charging port such as a universal serial bus (USB) socket or receptacle for receiving a USB plug on the end of the charging cable.

[0009] P51790WO-6464 Alternatively, the charging assembly may comprise an inductive receiving coil that is 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 of the aerosol generating device and adapted 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. Using wireless charging may also avoid the need for a user to carry or use a separate charging cable.

[0010] However, restricted space means that it is not always be possible to fit a receiving coil inside the housing of an aerosol generating device. It is therefore not always possible to provide a new aerosol generating device with a wireless charging assembly, or to retrofit a wireless charging assembly to an existing aerosol generating device. There is therefore a need for a wireless charging accessory that may be used to charge an aerosol generating device that does not have wireless charging assembly.

[0011] Summary of the Disclosure

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless charging accessory adapted to be attached or fitted to an aerosol generating device comprising a first charging port (e.g., a universal serial bus type-C (USB-C) socket or receptacle), the wireless charging accessory comprising: a flexible outer sleeve adapted (e.g., the outer cover is sized and shaped) to removably receive the aerosol generating device to attach the wireless charging accessory thereto; a rigid support positioned inside the outer sleeve; a wireless charging assembly mounted on the support, the wireless charging assembly comprising a power receiving coil for wireless inductive charging; a second charging port (e.g., a USB-C plug) supported by the support and adapted to engage with the first charging port when the wireless charging accessory is attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device in use; a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted on the support; and a power circuit electrically connected to the receiving coil and the second charging port, the power circuit comprising one or more electronic components mounted on the PCB.

[0013] The wireless charging accessory may be used to charge an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery) of the aerosol generating device. When the wireless charging accessory is attached or fitted to

[0014] P51790WO-6464 the aerosol generating device (i.e., when the aerosol generating device is received in the outer sleeve of the wireless charging accessory) and the first and second charging ports are engaged (i.e., when the USB-C plug of the wireless charging assembly is electrically and mechanically connected to the USB- C socket or receptacle of the aerosol generating device), the wireless charging accessory and the attached aerosol generating device may be placed near a wireless external power source such as a wireless charger with an inductive transmitting coil that creates an electromagnetic field when an electric current flows through it. When the receiving coil of the wireless charging assembly is in close proximity with the wireless charger, the electromagnetic field generates an electric current in the receiving coil of the wireless charging assembly that may be used to charge the energy storage device. In particular, the power from the receiving coil is supplied to the second charging port through the power circuit of the wireless charging accessory. The power is transferred from the second charging port to the first charging port of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device will normally include a charging circuit that is electrically connected to the first charging port and the energy storage device. The charging circuit of the aerosol generating device may also be used if the energy storage device is charged using a charging cable, for example.

[0015] The power circuit of the wireless charging accessory may work so that the charging circuit of the aerosol generating device is able to charge the energy storage device by using the power transferred from the second charging port to the first charging port. The charging circuit of the aerosol generating device generally supports only a direct current (DC) current whereas the electric current generated in the receiving coil is an alternating current (AC) current. The power circuit of the wireless charging accessory may therefore be adapted to convert the AC current to a DC current having an appropriate amplitude, e.g., an amplitude that is compatible with the charging circuit of the aerosol generating device.

[0016] If the user wants to charge the energy storage device of the aerosol generating device using a charging cable, the aerosol generating device must be removed from the wireless charging accessory - i.e., the second charging port must be disengaged from the first charging port so that the charging cable may be connected to it instead. The wireless charging accessory is therefore preferably designed so it may be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device. In particular, the outer sleeve should be flexible enough to allow the user to easily fit it over the aerosol generating device, and also flexible enough to allow the user to easily remove it. Providing a rigid support within the outer sleeve provides a stable and rigid platform for mounting or supporting the wireless charging assembly, the second charging port, and the PCB. The wireless charging accessory may form an outermost part (or “shell”) of the combination of an aerosol generating system that comprises the aerosol generating device and the attached wireless charging accessory. This means that the wireless charging accessory requires some mechanical strength and rigidity as well as being sufficiently flexible to be fitted or attached to the aerosol generating device. A combination of a flexible outer sleeve and a rigid inner

[0017] P51790WO-6464 support may provide the wireless charging accessory with the necessary degree of flexibility and mechanical strength.

[0018] The outer sleeve may be designed so that the aerosol generating device may be operated while the wireless charging accessory is attached. For example, it may still be possible to insert an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device and to operate one or more controls or buttons on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device while the wireless charging accessory is attached or fitted. This means that the user does not necessarily need to remove the wireless charging accessory to use the aerosol generating device.

[0019] The receiving coil may be positioned between the support and the outer sleeve. This means that the receiving coil is securely positioned within the wireless charging accessory and cannot be easily accessed by the user.

[0020] The support may comprise a wireless charging assembly mounting area. The mounting area of the support may be adapted for mounting the wireless charging assembly and may comprise a plurality of fins or ridges. The fins or ridges may dissipate heat generated by the receiving coil, e.g., during charging, and will cool the receiving coil. The fins or ridges may be arranged in a suitable pattern and may define a plurality of cooling passages therebetween. The fins or ridges may define a smaller contact surface area between the support and the wireless charging assembly.

[0021] The wireless charging assembly may further comprise a shielding member. The shielding member may be positioned between the receiving coil and the rigid support - i.e., between the receiving coil and the mounting area. The shielding member may be mounted to the mounting area of the support. The shielding member may be mounted to the support by a suitable adhesive, for example. The receiving coil may be mounted to an opposite surface of the shielding member facing towards the outer sleeve. This may ensure that the receiving coil is as close as possible to the transmitting coil of the external wireless charger. It will be understood that during wireless charging, a rear wall of the outer sleeve will normally be placed in contact with a surface of the wireless charger so that the receiving coil is only separated from the surface by the thickness of the outer sleeve. The 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. The shielding member is designed to shield the aerosol generating device from the electromagnetic field that is generated by the inductive transmitting coil of the wireless charger during wireless charging.

[0022] A magnetic permeability of the shielding member may be higher than a magnetic permeability of one or both of the support and the outer sleeve. It will be understood that suitable shielding materials, e.g., ferrite, are normally heavy. Since the support and the outer sleeve are not required to provide shielding,

[0023] P51790WO-6464 lighter materials may be used and the weight of the wireless charging accessory may be reduced. The aerosol generating device may be a typical hand-held (portable) device and a user tens to use the device on a daily basis. The total weight of the aerosol generating device and the fitted wireless charging accessory should therefore be a low as possible. However, in another arrangement, the support may also be used as a shielding member if it is positioned between the receiving coil and the aerosol generating device when the wireless charging accessory is attached or fitted thereto. In this case, at least part of the support may be made of a suitable shielding material.

[0024] The PCBA may be positioned between the support and the outer sleeve. This means that the PCBA is securely positioned within the wireless charging accessory and cannot be easily accessed by the user.

[0025] The PCB may comprise at least one fixing member (e.g., an opening) adapted to engage with at least one complementary fixing member (e.g., a protrusion) on the support. The PCB is therefore more securely mounted on the support.

[0026] The support may comprise an opening through which the second charging port extends. The second charging port may experience mechanical stress when it is engaged with and disengaged from the first charging port. The structure of the support where the second charging port extends through an opening in the support provides improved protection and mechanical support for the second charging port. In particular, at least part of the second charging port may be surrounded by the support so that it is mechanically supported.

[0027] The PCB may comprise a first main surface that faces towards the support, and a second main surface, opposite the first main surface, which faces towards the outer sleeve. The one or more electronic components of the power circuit may be mounted on the second main surface of the PCB. The electronic components may generate heat when the wireless charging accessory is being used to charge the aerosol generating device. By arranging the electronic components on the second main surface of the PCB - i.e., the surface that faces towards the outer sleeve - the heat may be more easily dissipated into the outer sleeve and then to the environment. In addition, the electronic components arranged on the second main surface of the PCB may contact the outer sleeve rather than the support. Since the outer sleeve is flexible, e.g., made of a flexible material, there is a reduced risk of an electronic component being damaged when the wireless charging accessory is being assembled.

[0028] The outer sleeve may comprise a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall. The top wall may comprise a first opening that in use is aligned with an opening of the aerosol generating device, e.g., the opening that is sized and shaped to receive an aerosol generating article and into which an aerosol generating article may be received in use. The front wall may comprise a second opening that is larger than the first opening. The first opening in the top wall may

[0029] P51790WO-6464 allow an aerosol generating article to be inserted into the aerosol generating device while the wireless charging accessory is still attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device. In other words, the user does not need to remove the wireless charging accessory in order to insert or remove an aerosol generating article. The second opening in the front wall is preferably larger than the first opening and must be sized and shaped to allow the outer sleeve to fit over the aerosol generating device. In one arrangement, the second opening may be only slightly smaller than the front surface of the aerosol generating device and the front wall of the outer sleeve may extend around the periphery of the front surface of the aerosol generating device to form a narrow retaining lip. The majority of the front surface of the aerosol generating device may therefore be visible through the second opening in the front wall of the outer sleeve - i.e., where only a narrow peripheral part of the front surface is covered by the retaining lip. It will be understood that the outer sleeve may be both flexible and slightly stretchable so that the size of the second opening may be increased slightly when the wireless charging accessory is being fitted to the aerosol generating device. The outer sleeve may be made of a suitable material, including a plastics material such as a thermoplastics material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) or a synthetic material such as silicone, for example. When attached or fitted, the wireless charging accessory is preferably a relatively tight or snug fit to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device. If the first and second openings are appropriately sized and shaped the wireless charging accessory may be used and fitted as intended while the integrity of the outer sleeve is maintained - e.g., if openings are too large, there may be a risk that the outer sleeve will not remain attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device, or will not be a relatively tight or snug fit to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device. It will be understood that the outer sleeve may be shaped and sized to be compatible with one or more types of aerosol generating device in the same way as a mobile phone case is shaped and sized to be compatible with one or more types of mobile phone. However, the other components such as the support etc. may be standard components and may be used with different outer sleeves. During assembly of a wireless charging accessory for use with a particular type of aerosol generating device, it may therefore be possible to mount or attach the rigid support and its pre-mounted components to a compatible outer sleeve that is selected from a plurality of different outer sleeves. In other words, the wireless charging assembly, second charging port, PCBA etc. may be pre-mounted to the rigid support, and the support may then be mounted or attached to an outer sleeve selected from the plurality of different outer sleeves that is compatible with a particular type of aerosol generating device.

[0030] The support may extend only along the bottom and rear walls of the outer sleeve. This may be sufficient to provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting or supporting the wireless charging assembly, the second charging port, and the PCB, and still allows the outer sleeve to be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device. Put another way, if the support did extend along the other walls of the outer sleeve, the flexibility of the outer sleeve may be lost.

[0031] P51790WO-6464 The wireless charging accessory may further comprise a rigid chassis or frame at least partially embedded in the outer sleeve. This may improve the rigidity of the outer sleeve in certain areas while still allowing the outer sleeve to be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device. The majority of the mechanical strength and rigidity of the wireless charging accessory may be provided by the support and the rigid chassis.

[0032] The chassis may comprise a first part that is at least partially embedded in the rear wall of the outer sleeve and adapted to support the rear wall, and a second part that is at least partially embedded in the bottom wall of the outer sleeve and adapted to support the bottom wall. The chassis may further comprise a first edge part adapted to support the top wall of the outer sleeve, a second edge part adapted to support at least part of the front wall of the outer sleeve, a third edge part adapted to support the right side wall of the outer sleeve, and a fourth edge part adapted to support the left side wall of the outer sleeve. Such a chassis provides rigidity in certain areas of the outer sleeve while still allowing the outer sleeve to be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device.

[0033] The first edge part of the chassis may be integrally formed with at least one of the third and fourth edge parts of the chassis and / or the second edge part of the chassis may be integrally formed with at least one of the third and fourth edge parts of the chassis. Integrating edge parts of the chassis may improve the strength and rigidity of the chassis and reduce the risk of the edge parts being damaged.

[0034] The third edge part of the chassis may comprise a top part adjacent the first edge part and a bottom part spaced apart from the top part. The fourth edge part of the chassis may comprise a top part adjacent the first edge part and a bottom part spaced apart from the top part. The first edge part of the chassis may be integrally formed with the top part of at least one of the third and fourth edge parts of the chassis and / or the second edge part of the chassis may be integrally formed with the bottom part of at least one of the third and fourth edge parts of the chassis. Integrating edge parts of the chassis may improve the strength and rigidity of the chassis and reduce the risk of the edge parts being damaged.

[0035] A part of the front wall of the outer sleeve that is adjacent the second charging port may not be supported by the second edge part of the chassis. This may provide additional flexibility in the part of the outer sleeve that is adjacent the second charging port. This additional flexibility may make it easier to engage and disengage the first and second charging ports when the outer sleeve is being attached and removed from the aerosol generating device.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may be of any suitable type.

[0037] An aerosol generating article may be removably received in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may be of any suitable type and may include an aerosol generator adapted to heat

[0038] P51790WO-6464 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.

[0039] 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. The one or more terminals (e.g., pogo or spring-loaded pins) mentioned above may provide an electrical connection between the heater and the flexible PCB, which in turn is electrically connected to the energy storage device.

[0040] The aerosol generating article may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick, and may broadly resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region with an aerosol generating material or substrate arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol generating device may include a heating space or chamber that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article. In particular, the aerosol generating device may comprise a heater or heater assembly for heating the aerosol generating article when it is received in the heating space or chamber to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol generating article may include a filter segment, for example comprising cellulose acetate fibres, at a proximal end of the aerosol generating article. The filter segment may constitute a mouthpiece filter and may be in coaxial alignment with the aerosol generating material. One or more vapour collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures may also be included in some designs. For example, the aerosol generating article may include at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment. The tubular segment may act as a vapour cooling region. The vapour cooling region may advantageously allow the heated vapour generated by heating the aerosol generating material to cool and condense to form an aerosol with suitable characteristics for inhalation by a user, for example through the filter segment.

[0041] 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 device - e.g., arranged adjacent to a heating space of the aerosol generating device that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating article in use. The heater may be formed as part of the first support.

[0042] P51790WO-6464 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 aerosol-former content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol-former content of between approximately 10% and approximately 22% on a dry weight basis, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled.

[0047] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front view of an aerosol generating article;

[0049] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of a wireless charging accessory and an aerosol generating device;

[0050] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of a wireless charging accessory;

[0051] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of an outer sleeve and chassis of the wireless charging accessory and without a rigid support;

[0052] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of the outer sleeve of the wireless charging accessory; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic front view of the outer sleeve of the wireless charging accessory;

[0053] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the wireless charging sleeve without the chassis; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the chassis;

[0054] P51790WO-6464 Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side view of the chassis;

[0055] Figure 10 is a diagrammatic exploded view of the rigid support, wireless charging assembly, and first and second printed circuit board assemblies;

[0056] Figure 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the wireless charging assembly and first printed circuit board assembly;

[0057] Figure 12 is a diagrammatic rear view of the rigid support with the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies mounted thereto;

[0058] Figure 13 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the rigid support with the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies mounted thereto;

[0059] Figure 14 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the rigid support without the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies;

[0060] Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the rigid support without the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies;

[0061] Figure 16 is a diagrammatic rear view of the rigid support without the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies; and

[0062] Figure 17 is a diagrammatic bottom view of the rigid support without the wireless charging assembly and the first and second printed circuit board assemblies.

[0063] Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Referring initially to Figure 1 there is shown diagrammatically an example of an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 comprises an outer housing 102 and is sized to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand. The outer housing 102 may be made of aluminium or another suitable metal or non-metal material, for example.

[0066] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a first charging port 104 (e.g., a USB-C socket or receptacle) which is located on a bottom surface of the outer housing 102.

[0067] A slidable cover 106 is located at the top of the outer housing. The cover 106 may be slid open to expose an opening 108 of a heating chamber 110. The opening 108 and the heating chamber 110 are sized and shaped to receive an aerosol generating article (not shown) with aerosol generating material as described above. The aerosol generating article (not shown) may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick, for example, and may comprise tobacco material. When the aerosol generating article (not shown) is received in the heating chamber 110, a heater or heater assembly (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 100 may be used to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. A part of the housing 102 may be removable. For example, if a front surface of the outer

[0068] P51790WO-6464 housing 102 is a removable panel, the user may be able to change the appearance of the aerosol generating device 100 by attaching a removable panel that has a preferred colour or design.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2, a wireless charging accessory 1 is attached or fitted to an aerosol generating device 100 as shown.

[0070] The wireless charging accessory 1 includes a flexible outer sleeve 2 that is sized and shaped to removably receive the aerosol generating device 100. The outer sleeve 2 is used to attach or fit the wireless charging accessory 1 to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the outer sleeve 2 has a top wall 2a, a bottom wall 2b, a rear wall 2c, a front wall 2d, a right side wall 2e, and a left side wall 2f. The top wall 2a has a top opening 4 that in use is aligned with the cover 106 and the opening 108 of the aerosol generating device 100. The top opening 4 is sized and shaped to allow the cover 106 to be slid relative to the outer housing 102 to expose the opening 108. The top opening 4 therefore allows an aerosol generating article (not shown) to be inserted into heating chamber 110 the aerosol generating device 100 while the wireless charging accessory 1 is still attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device 100.

[0072] The front wall 2d has a larger front opening 6. As shown in Figure 2, the front opening 6 is only slightly smaller than the front surface 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the front wall 2d of the outer sleeve 2 extends around the periphery of the front surface 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 to form a narrow retaining lip. The majority of the front surface 112 of the aerosol generating device 100 is therefore visible through the front opening 6 and only a narrow peripheral part of the front surface 112 is covered by the front wall 2d of the outer sleeve 2. If the front surface 112 is the removable panel described above, the front wall 2d may retain the aerosol generating device 100 so that the removable panel can or cannot be removed. This may either help to retain the removable panel in place, or allow the removable panel to be removed and another panel fitted without the need to remove the wireless charging accessory 1. It will be understood that, in general terms, the front opening 6 in the front wall 2d is sized and shaped to allow the outer sleeve 2 to fit over the aerosol generating device 100. It will also be understood that the outer sleeve 2 may be both flexible and slightly stretchable so that the size of the front opening 6 may be increased slightly when the wireless charging accessory 1 is being fitted to the aerosol generating device 100 - i.e., when the aerosol generating device 100 is being received through the front opening 6 and manipulated so that the top wall 2a, the bottom wall 2b, the rear and front walls 2c, 2d, and the right and left side walls 2e, 2f are positioned against the corresponding surfaces of the aerosol generating device 100. The outer sleeve 2 may be made of a suitable material, including a plastics material such as a thermoplastics material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane) or a synthetic material such as silicone, for example. When attached or

[0073] P51790WO-6464 fitted, the wireless charging accessory 1 is preferably a relatively tight or snug fit to the outer housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0074] Referring to Figures 4, 8 and 9, a rigid chassis or frame 8 is embedded in the outer sleeve 2. The chassis 8 is designed to improve the rigidity of the outer sleeve 2 in certain areas while still allowing the outer sleeve 2 to be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device 100.

[0075] The chassis 8 includes a first part 8a that is at least partially embedded in or integrated with the rear wall 2c of the outer sleeve 2 and is adapted to support the rear wall 2c, and a second part 8b that is at least partially embedded in the bottom wall 2b of the outer sleeve 2 and adapted to support the bottom wall 2b.

[0076] The chassis 8 also includes:

[0077] - a first edge part 8c adapted to support the top wall 2a of the outer sleeve 2,

[0078] - a second edge part 8d adapted to support at least part of the front wall 2d of the outer sleeve 2,

[0079] - a third edge part 8e adapted to support the right side wall 2e of the outer sleeve 2, and

[0080] - a fourth edge part 8f adapted to support the left side wall 2f of the outer sleeve 2.

[0081] The third edge part 8e of the chassis 8 includes a top part 8el adjacent the first edge part 8c and a bottom part 8e2 spaced apart from the top part 8el. The fourth edge part 8f of the chassis 8 may comprise a top part 8fl adjacent the first edge part 8c and a bottom part 8f2 spaced apart from the top part 8fl . The first edge part 8c of the chassis 8 is integrally formed with the top parts 8el, 8fl of the third and fourth edge parts 8e, 8f of the chassis 8. The second edge part 8d of the chassis 8 is integrally formed with the bottom part 8e2 of the third edge part 8e. Integrating edge parts of the chassis 8 may improve the strength and rigidity of the chassis and reduce the risk of the edge parts being damaged.

[0082] The chassis 8 is formed with a plurality of openings 8g in both the first and second parts 8a, 8b. The chassis openings 8g are sized and shaped to receive corresponding protrusions 2g formed on the outer sleeve 2 to allow the chassis 8 to be connected to the outer sleeve 2.

[0083] As shown most clearly in Figures 3 and 8, a part of the front wall 2d of the outer sleeve 2 that is adjacent a second charging port 14 - see below - is not supported by the second edge part 8d of the chassis 8. This provides additional flexibility in the part of the outer sleeve 2 that is adjacent the second charging port 14. This additional flexibility may make it easier to engage and disengage the second charging port 14 from the first charging port 104 when the outer sleeve 2 is being attached and removed from the aerosol generating device 100.

[0084] P51790WO-6464 Referring to Figures 3 and 10 to 17, the wireless charging accessory 1 also includes:

[0085] - a rigid support 10 positioned inside the outer sleeve 2,

[0086] - a wireless charging assembly 12 mounted on the support 10,

[0087] - a second charging port (e.g., a USB-C plug 14) supported by the support 10,

[0088] - a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 16 comprising a first printed circuit board (PCB) 18 mounted on the support 10, and

[0089] - a power circuit with electronic components mounted on the first PCB 18 (and also on a second PCB 36 described below).

[0090] The wireless charging assembly 12 includes a power receiving coil 20 for wireless inductive charging. The wireless charging assembly 12 also includes a shielding member 22 that is made of a suitable shielding material, e.g., a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite-containing material, for example. The shielding member 22 is designed to shield the aerosol generating device 100 from the electromagnetic field that is generated by an inductive transmitting coil of an external wireless charger, for example, during wireless charging. The receiving coil 20 is provided on a rear surface 22b of the shielding member 22. A front surface 22a of the shielding member 22 is mounted to the support 10 as described below.

[0091] The second charging port 14 is adapted to engage with the first charging port 104 when the wireless charging accessory 1 is attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device 100 in use. For example, if the first charging port 104 is a USB-C socket or receptacle, and the second charging port 14 is a USB plug, the USB-C plug may be mechanically and electrically received in the USB-C socket or receptacle.

[0092] The power circuit includes one or more electronic components mounted on a rear surface 18a of the first PCB 18. In particular, the power circuit includes a wireless power receiver circuit 42 adapted to convert an alternating current (AC) current outputted by the receiving coil 20 into a direct current (DC) current and to output the DC current, and a thermistor 44. The wireless power receiver circuit 42 is implemented as an integrated circuit. The first PCB 18 includes a pair of input terminals 46a, 46b to which the receiving coil 20 is electrically connected.

[0093] A rear surface of the support 10 includes a wireless charging assembly mounting area 24 that includes a pattern of fins or ridges 24a. The wireless charging assembly 12 - and more particularly, the front surface 22a of the shielding member 22 - is mounted to the mounting area 24, e.g., by a suitable adhesive. The fins or ridges 24a may dissipate heat generated by the receiving coil 20 during charging and will cool the receiving coil 20. The fins or ridges 24a may be arranged in a suitable pattern and may define a plurality of cooling passages 24b. The receiving coil 20 faces towards the outer sleeve 2. This ensures that the receiving coil 20 is as close as possible to the transmitting coil of the external

[0094] P51790WO-6464 wireless charger. Positioning the receiving coil 20 between the support 10 and the outer sleeve 2 also means that the receiving coil 20 is securely positioned within the wireless charging accessory 1 and cannot be easily accessed by the user.

[0095] The front surface 18b of the first PCB 18 is also mounted to a rear surface of the support 10 underneath the wireless charging assembly 12. The support 10 includes a PCB mounting area 26 that includes a pair of protrusions 28. The first PCB 18 includes a pair of complementary openings 30 that are adapted to engage with the protrusions 28 so that the first PCB 18 is securely mounted on the support 10. The first PCB 18 is positioned between the support 10 and the outer sleeve 2. This means that the first PCB 18 is securely positioned within the wireless charging accessory 1 and cannot be easily accessed by the user. The electronic components that define the power circuit are mounted on the rear surface 18a of the first PCB 18 that faces towards the outer sleeve 2. It will be understood that the electronic components may generate heat when the wireless charging accessory 1 is being used to charge the aerosol generating device 100. By arranging the electronic components on the rear surface 18a of the first PCB 18 - i.e., the surface that faces towards the outer sleeve 2 - the heat may be more easily dissipated into the outer sleeve 2 and then to the environment. It may also be seen that the electronic components arranged on the rear surface 18a of the PCB 18 may contact the flexible outer sleeve 2 rather than the support 10, thereby minimising the risk of the electronic components being damaged when the wireless charging accessory 1 is assembled.

[0096] The support 10 has an opening 32 through which the second charging port 14 extends. The second charging port 14 may experience mechanical stress when it is engaged with and disengaged from the first charging port 104. The structure of the support 10 where the second charging port 14 extends through the opening 32 provides improved protection and mechanical support for the second charging port 14. In particular, at least part of the second charging port 14 is surrounded by the support 10. The second charging port 14 is electrically connected to a second PCBA 34 that includes a second PCB 36 on which one or more electronic components are mounted. The second charging point 14 is mounted on a wider end part of the second PCB 36 as shown in Figures 10 and 13. The first PCB 18 is electrically connected to the second PCB 36 by a flexible electrically conductive member 54, which is shown as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) but which may also be a lead wire. In particular, the first PCB 18 includes two power output terminals 48 and the second PCB 36 includes two power input terminals 50, where the power output and input terminals 48, 50 are electrically connected by the conductive member 54, which functions as an electrical connector. Using two power input terminals and two power output terminals provides redundancy in how the power generated in the receiving coil 20 is transmitted between the first and second PCBs 18, 38. The second charging port 14 is mounted on the top surface 36a of the second PCB 36 and the input terminals 50 are provided on the bottom surface 36b. The conductive member 54 is also mounted on the bottom surface 36b of the second PCB 36. (It will be understood that the conductive member 54 has been omitted from Figures 11 to 13 for

[0097] P51790WO-6464 improved clarity, but that it will extend between the first and second PCBs 18, 36, and in particular is mounted to the rear surface 18a of the first PCB 18 and the bottom surface 36b of the second PCB 36 so that it flexes or bends around the curved part of the support 10.) The conductive member 54 also provides an electrical connection between ground terminals on the first and second PCBs 18, 36.

[0098] The power circuit also includes a converter circuit 52 electrically connected between the power receiver circuit 42 and the second charging port 14, e.g., electrically connected to the power input terminals 48 and the second charging port 14. The converter circuit 52 may be implemented as an integrated circuit on the second PCB 36 (i.e, as part of the second PCBA 34) and is adapted to step down the DC current outputted by the power receiver circuit 42 on the first PCB 18. If both the first and second charging ports 104, 14 follow the USB protocol, the converter circuit 52 will normally output a voltage having an amplitude of about 5 V to the second charging port 14.

[0099] The support 10 is substantially L-shaped has an upper first part 10a that extends along the rear wall 2c of the outer sleeve 2 and a lower second part 10b that extends along the bottom wall 2b of the outer sleeve 2. The first part 10a includes the mounting areas 24, 26. The second part 10b includes the opening 32 through which the second charging port 14 extends. The second PCB 36 is mounted to the bottom surface of the second part 10b as shown in Figures 12 and 13. The second PCB 36 is mounted using a pair of protrusions 38 on the bottom surface of the second part 10b. The second PCB 36 includes a pair of complementary openings 40 that are adapted to engage with the protrusions 38 so that the second PCB 36 is securely mounted on the support 10.

[0100] Although the support 10 only extends along the rear wall 2c and the bottom wall 2b of the outer sleeve 2, this is sufficient to provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting or supporting the wireless charging assembly 12, the second charging port 14, and the first and second PCBs 18, 36 and still allows the outer sleeve 2 to be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device 100.

[0101] When attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device 100, the wireless charging accessory 1 may be used to charge a rechargeable battery or other energy storage device (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 100. When the first and second charging ports are engaged - i.e., when the USB-C plug 14 of the wireless charging accessory 1 is electrically and mechanically connected to the USB-C socket or receptacle 104 of the aerosol generating device 100, the wireless charging accessory 1 and the attached aerosol generating device 100 may be placed near a wireless external power source such as a wireless charger with an inductive transmitting coil that creates an electromagnetic field when an electric current flows through it. When the receiving coil 20 of the wireless charging assembly 12 is in close proximity with the wireless charger, the electromagnetic field generates an electric current in the receiving coil 20 of the wireless charging assembly 12 that may be used to charge the battery (not

[0102] P51790WO-6464 shown). In particular, the power from the receiving coil 20 is supplied to the second charging port 14 through the power circuit of the wireless charging accessory 1. The power is transferred from the second charging port 14 to the first charging port 104 of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 will normally include a charging circuit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the first charging port and the battery (not shown). The charging circuit of the aerosol generating device 100 may also be used if the energy storage device is charged using a charging cable, for example.

[0103] If the user wants to charge the battery (not shown) of the aerosol generating device 100 using a charging cable, the aerosol generating device 100 must be removed from the wireless charging accessory 1 - i.e., the second charging port 14 must be disengaged from the first charging port 104 so that the charging cable may be connected. The wireless charging accessory 1 is therefore preferably designed so it may be easily attached or fitted to, and removed from, the aerosol generating device 100. In particular, the outer sleeve 2 should be flexible enough to allow the user to easily fit it over the aerosol generating device 100, and also flexible enough to allow the user to easily remove it. At the same time, providing a rigid support 10 within the outer sleeve 2 provides a stable and rigid platform for mounting or supporting the wireless charging assembly 12, the second charging port 14, and the first and second PCBs 18, 36.

[0104] The outer sleeve 2 is designed so that the aerosol generating device 100 may be operated while the wireless charging accessory 1 is attached. For example, it may still be possible to insert an aerosol generating article (not shown) into the heating chamber 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 and to operate one or more controls or buttons on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 while the wireless charging accessory 1 is attached or fitted. This means that the user does not necessarily need to remove the wireless charging accessory 1 to use the aerosol generating device 100.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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”.

[0108] P51790WO-6464

Claims

1. Claims1. A wireless charging accessory (1) adapted to be attached or fitted to an aerosol generating device (100) comprising a first charging port (104), the wireless charging accessory (1) comprising: a flexible outer sleeve (2) adapted to removably receive the aerosol generating device (100) to attach the wireless charging accessory (1) thereto; a rigid support (10) positioned inside the outer sleeve (2); a wireless charging assembly (12) mounted on the support (10), the wireless charging assembly (12) comprising a power receiving coil (20) for wireless inductive charging; a second charging port (14) supported by the support (10) and adapted to engage with the first charging port (104) when the wireless charging accessory (1) is attached or fitted to the aerosol generating device (100) in use; a printed circuit board assembly PCBA (16) comprising a printed circuit board PCB (18) mounted on the support (10); and a power circuit electrically connected to the receiving coil (20) and the second charging port (14), the power circuit comprising one or more electronic components mounted on the PCB (18).

2. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving coil (20) is positioned between the support (10) and the outer sleeve (2).

3. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support (10) comprises a wireless charging assembly mounting area (24) comprising a plurality of fins or ridges (24a), and wherein the wireless charging assembly (12) further comprises a shielding member (22) that is mounted to the mounting area (24) of the support (10).

4. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 3, wherein a magnetic permeability of the shielding member (22) is higher than a magnetic permeability of one or both of the support (10) and the outer sleeve (2).

5. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the PCBA (16) is positioned between the support (10) and the outer sleeve (2).

6. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the PCB (18) comprises at least one fixing member (40) adapted to engage with at least one complementary fixing member (38) on the support (10).

7. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support (10) comprises an opening (32) through which the second charging port (14) extends.P51790WO-64648. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the PCB 18 comprises a first main surface (18b) that faces towards the support (10), and a second main surface (18a), opposite the first main surface (18b), that faces towards the outer sleeve (2), and wherein the one or more electronic components of the power circuit are mounted on the second main surface (18a) of the PCB (18).

9. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer sleeve (2) comprises a top wall (2a), a bottom wall (2b), a rear wall (2c), a front wall (2d), a right side wall (2e), and a left side wall (2f), wherein the top wall (2a) comprises a first opening (4) that in use is aligned with an opening (110) of the aerosol generating device (1), and wherein the front wall (2d) comprises a second opening (6) that is larger than the first opening (4).

10. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 9, wherein the support extends (10) only along the bottom and rear walls (2b, 2c) of the outer sleeve (2).

11. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a rigid chassis (8) at least partially embedded in the outer sleeve (2).

12. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 11, wherein the chassis (8) comprises a first part (8a) that is at least partially embedded in the rear wall (2c) of the outer sleeve (2) and adapted to support the rear wall (2c), and a second part (8b) that is at least partially embedded in the bottom wall (b) of the outer sleeve (2) and adapted to support the bottom wall (2b), wherein the chassis (8) further comprises a first edge part (8c) adapted to support the top wall (2a) of the outer sleeve (2), a second edge part (8d) adapted to support at least part of the front wall (2d) of the outer sleeve (2), a third edge part (8e) adapted to support the right side wall (2e) of the outer sleeve (2), and a fourth edge part (8f) adapted to support the left side wall (2f) of the outer sleeve (2).

13. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 12, wherein the first edge part (8c) of the chassis (8) is integrally formed with at least one of the third and fourth edge parts (8e, 8f) of the chassis (8) and / or the second edge part (8d) of the chassis (8) is integrally formed with at least one of the third and fourth edge parts (8e, 8f) of the chassis (8).

14. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to claim 13, wherein the third edge part (8e) of the chassis (8) comprises a top part (8el) adjacent the first edge part (8c) and a bottom part (8e2) spaced apart from the top part (8el), and wherein the fourth edge part (8f) of the chassis (8) comprises a top part (8fl) adjacent the first edge part (8c) and a bottom part (8f2) spaced apart from the top part (8fl), wherein the first edge part (8c) of the chassis (8) is integrally formed with the top part (8el, 8f 1 ) of at least one of the third and fourth edge parts (8e, 8f) of the chassis (8) and / or the second edge partP51790WO-6464- 19 -(8d) of the chassis (8) is integrally formed with the bottom part (8e2, 8f2) of at least one of the third and fourth edge parts (8e, 8f) of the chassis (8).

15. A wireless charging accessory (1) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein a part of the front wall (2d) of the outer sleeve (14) that is adjacent the second charging port (14) is not supported by the second edge part (8d) of the chassis (8).P51790WO-6464

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