Aerosol generating system with wireless charging
The aerosol generating system with a movable housing and wireless charging assembly addresses the need for efficient wireless charging in aerosol generating devices, ensuring proper coil alignment and compatibility with new protection standards, while offering both wireless and wired charging options.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JT INTERNATIONAL SA
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-28
Smart Images
Figure EP2025082567_28052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating system, and in particular to an aerosol generating system that includes an aerosol generating device, and a portable (handheld) charger. The aerosol generating device is adapted to heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.
[0004] A wireless charging assembly of the charger may be used for wireless charging of an energy storage device, e.g., a rechargeable battery, of the charger.
[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 such as a universal serial bus (USB) charger, for example. A stick that looks like an ordinary cigarette may also be used as an aerosol generating article.
[0008] P51802WO-6621 In some arrangements, the aerosol generating device may be charged by inserting it into a portable (hand-held) charger (sometimes called a “pocket charger”). The charger may include an energy storage device such as a rechargeable battery that may be used instead of an external power source to charge the battery of the aerosol generating device when it is inserted into the charger. The battery of the charger may be charged from an external power source such as USB charger, for example. The battery of the aerosol generating device may hold enough charge to provide the user with a few consecutive vaping sessions (e.g., two or three) before its battery needs to be recharged by inserting it into the charger. The battery of the charger may have a larger capacity and may hold enough charge to allow the aerosol generating device to be charged multiple times before it needs to be re-charged from the external power source.
[0009] Wireless charging of portable consumer devices is known. The portable consumer device may include a wireless charging assembly with a receiving coil suitable for wireless inductive charging of a rechargeable battery of the portable consumer device. 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 wireless charging assembly of the portable consumer device 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 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 portable consumer device. New ingress protection standards may also mean that wired charging assemblies, e.g., those that might include a plug socket such as a 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 portable consumer devices. Using wireless charging may also avoid the need for a user to carry or use a separate charging cable.
[0010] There is a need for an improved aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating device and a charger where the charger is designed specifically for wireless charging of a battery or other energy storage device using a wireless charging assembly that is positioned within a
[0011] P51802WO-6621 housing of the charger. In particular, there is a need for an improved charger that has a mechanical structure that is suitable for wireless charging.
[0012] Summary of the Disclosure
[0013] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising: a first energy storage device (e.g., a first rechargeable battery); 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; and a hand-held charger (or “pocket charger”) comprising: a docking assembly adapted to engage with the aerosol generating device; a second energy storage device (e.g., a second rechargeable battery) adapted to charge the first energy storage device of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is engaged with the docking assembly; a wireless charging assembly comprising a receiving coil for wireless inductive charging; and a housing assembly comprising: a first housing adapted to support the docking assembly, the second energy storage device, and the receiving coil, the first housing comprising an opening adapted to receive the aerosol generating device when it is to be engaged with the docking assembly or after it has been disengaged from the docking assembly; and a second housing connected to the first housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second housing at least partially covers the opening and the aerosol generating device cannot be received through the opening, and in the second position the second housing does not fully cover the opening and the aerosol generating device may be received through the opening, e.g., so that the aerosol generating device may be inserted into an interior space of the first housing to be engaged with the docking assembly for recharging of the first energy storage device, or removed from the interior space of the first housing.
[0014] P51802WO-6621 Providing both the second energy storage device and the receiving coil in the first housing simplifies the electrical connections between these particular components. The second housing may be moved relative to the first housing, which first housing provides a stable support for the docking assembly, the second energy storage device, and the receiving coil of the wireless charging assembly. Because the second housing is a removable part that may not always be properly reconnected to the first housing (i.e., returned to the first position) after it has been moved to the second position, it is easier to ensure that the receiving coil is orientated correctly for wireless charging if it is supported on the first housing.
[0015] At least one end of the second housing may be removably connected to the first housing by one or more magnets. Each magnet will generate a magnetic field. The receiving coil is preferably positioned outside the magnetic field(s) - i.e., so that the magnetic field(s) generated by the one or more magnets will not interfere with the wireless charging of the second energy storage device of the charger. In general terms, one or more magnets may be provided on one or both of the first and second housings. If one or more magnets are provided on both of the first and second housings, facing magnets will be of opposite polarity. If one or more magnets are provided on only one of the first and second housings, the facing part of the other of the first and second housings may be made of a ferromagnetic material, for example. Using one or more magnets may provide an easy and convenient way to removably connect at least one end or side of the second housing to the first housing so that it is movable between the first and second positions.
[0016] The opening in the first housing may provide access to an interior space of the first housing in which the docking assembly is located and which is shaped and sized to accommodate the aerosol generating device when it is engaged with the docking assembly. The docking assembly is adapted so that the first energy storage device of the aerosol generating device may be charged from the second energy storage device when the aerosol generating device is engaged with it. The second energy storage device of the charger is charged using the wireless charging assembly. The wireless charging assembly is therefore electrically connected to the second energy storage device, e.g., using lead wires. The second energy storage device is normally also electrically connected to the docking assembly for charging the aerosol generating device. In some arrangements, the second energy storage device may also be charged by using a charging cable and the charger may include a wired charging assembly. The wired charging assembly may comprise a USB socket (or receptacle) such as a USB type-C (USB-C) socket for receiving a USB charging cable (plug) such as a USB-C
[0017] P51802WO-6621 charging cable, for example. The user may then selectively charge the second energy storage device wirelessly using the wireless charging assembly or by using a charging cable. If the charger comprises both wireless and wired charging assemblies, wireless charging may be used only when wired charging is unavailable. This is because the efficiency of wired charging is normally higher than the efficiency of wireless charging.
[0018] The aerosol generating device may have a first end that comprises the heating chamber and an opening that allows the aerosol generating article to be received in the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device may have a second end, opposite the first end. The docking assembly may comprise first and second engaging members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the charger. The first engaging member may be adapted to engage with the first end of the aerosol generating device and the second engaging member may be adapted to engage with the second end of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is engaged with the docking assembly. The aerosol generating device may comprise a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a first printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more electronic components mounted on the first PCB. The one or more electronic components may include a first controller, e.g., first microcontroller unit (MCU) that may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC). The charger may comprise a second PCBA comprising a second PCB and one or more electronic components mounted on the second PCB. The one or more electronic components of the second PCBA may include a second controller, e.g., a second MCU, and a wireless charging receiver circuit that may both be implemented as ICs. The electric current generated in the receiving coil is an alternating current (AC) current. The wireless charging receiver circuit may be adapted to convert the AC current to a direct current (DC) current. The DC current may have an appropriate amplitude, e.g., an amplitude that is appropriate for charging the second energy storage device, and this may be output by the wireless charging receiver circuit, or by a converter circuit that is electrically connected to the wireless charging receiver circuit and the second energy storage device.
[0019] The second housing may comprise a first end and a second end. The second housing may be substantially U-shaped when in the first position. The second housing may have a first end (or side) that overlaps with a first side of the first housing, and a second end (or side), opposite the first end (or side), that overlaps with the second side of the first housing when the second housing is in the first position. The first and second sides of the first housing may be spaced apart along a transverse axis of the charger, where the transverse axis is perpendicular to the
[0020] P51802WO-6621 longitudinal axis of the charger. The first end of the second housing may be positioned adjacent the first side of the first housing, and the second end of the second housing may be positioned adjacent the second side of the first housing. The first housing may have third and fourth sides that extend between the first and second sides and are spaced apart along a lateral axis of the charger that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse axes. When the second housing is in the first position, the second housing may also overlap with the fourth side of the first housing. The opening is formed in the fourth side of the first housing. The third and / or fourth sides of the first housing may be planar, angled or curved, for example. When the second housing is in the first position, the part of the second housing that overlaps with the fourth side of the first housing may be planar, angled or curved, for example, so as to conform to the shape of the first housing.
[0021] In one arrangement, the first end of the second housing is fixedly connected to the first housing (e.g., glued or welded to the first side) and the second end of the second housing is removably connected to the first housing by one or more magnets. Using one or more magnets may provide an easy and convenient way to removably connect the second end of the second housing to the first housing. Because the first end of the second housing is fixedly connected to a side of the first housing without the need for any magnets, it is easier to find a suitable position for the receiving coil on this side of the first housing. In this arrangement, the second housing is not fully removable from the first housing. The second housing may be able to flex or hinge so that the second end may be removed from the first housing even though the first end remains fixedly connected to the first housing. For example, at least part of the second housing may be made of a flexible material. At least part of the second end of the second housing may be formed as a rigid panel for more stable mounting of the one or more magnets. When the second housing is in the first position, the second end may be connected to the first housing by the one or more magnets so that the opening is at least partially covered. In practice, the opening may be completely covered by the second housing so that the interior space and the docking assembly are completely enclosed by the first and second housings. When the second housing is in the first position, it is not possible to insert the aerosol generating device into the first housing through the opening, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged with the docking assembly, it is not possible to disengage and then remove the aerosol generating device from the first housing through the opening. When the second housing is in the second position, the second end may be removed or spaced apart from the first housing (e.g., from the second side of the first housing) so that the opening is not fully covered while the first end remains fixedly connected to the first
[0022] P51802WO-6621 housing. This allows the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the first housing through the opening and engaged with the docking assembly, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged with the docking assembly, it may be disengaged and then removed from the first housing through the opening. In practice, the opening may be substantially fully uncovered when the second housing is in the second position.
[0023] In another arrangement, the first end of the second housing is removably connected to the first housing by one or more non-magnet connectors or fasteners, e.g., one or more press-fit or snap-fit type connectors, or a hook-and-loop fastener such as a strip of hook-and-loop fastener tape. It will be generally understood that a hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first fastener substrate from which a plurality of hooks extend and a second fastener substrate from which a plurality of loops extend. The first fastener substrate is fixedly connected to one of the first end of the second housing and the facing surface of the first housing, and the second fastener substrate is fixedly connected to the other one of the first end of the second housing and the facing surface of the first housing. Engagement between the hooks and the loops of the hook- and-loop fastener removably connects the first end of the second housing to the first housing. The second end of the second housing is removably connected to the first housing by one or more magnets. In this arrangement, the second housing is fully removable from the first housing so that it may be replaced, e.g., with a second housing of a different colour or design, or that is made of a different material. The charger may be designed so that the first end of the second housing is securely connected to the first housing - i.e., although not fixedly connected, the first end of the second housing is only intended to be removed from the first housing when the second housing is being replaced with a different second housing. The first end of the second housing will normally remain connected to the first housing when the charger is being used and only the second end is moved to cover and uncover the opening. In other words, the one or more non-magnet connectors or fasteners keep the second housing stably connected to the first housing, but the one or more magnets may allow the second housing to be removed from the first housing more easily when the opening needs to be uncovered to insert or remove the aerosol generating device. Using non-magnet connectors or fasteners, and magnets, may provide an easy and convenient way to removably connect the first and second ends of the second housing to the first housing. The second housing may be able to flex or hinge. For example, at least part of the second housing may be made of a flexible material. At least part of the first and second ends of the second housing may be formed as rigid panels for more stable mounting of the non-magnet connector(s) or fastener(s), and the magnet(s), respectively. When the second housing is in the first position,
[0024] P51802WO-6621 the second end may be connected to the first housing by the one or more magnets so that the opening is at least partially covered. In practice, the opening may be completely covered by the second housing so that the interior space and the docking assembly are completely enclosed by the first and second housings. When the second housing is in the first position, it is not possible to insert the aerosol generating device into the first housing through the opening, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged with the docking assembly, it is not possible to disengage and then remove the aerosol generating device from the first housing through the opening. When the second housing is in the second position, the second end may be removed or spaced apart from the first housing (e.g., from the second side of the first housing) so that the opening is not fully covered while the first end remains securely connected to the first housing by the one or more first magnets. This allows the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the first housing through the opening and engaged with the docking assembly, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged with the docking assembly, it may be disengaged and then removed from the first housing through the opening. In practice, the opening may be substantially fully uncovered when the second housing is in the second position.
[0025] The receiving coil may be supported by a side of the first housing that is adjacent the first end of the second housing - i.e., adjacent the glue or weld that fixedly connects the first end of the second housing or the one or more non-magnet connectors or fasteners. This means that the magnetic field(s) generated by the one or more magnets at the second end of the second housing will not interfere with the wireless charging of the second energy storage device of the charger. In other words, the receiving coil may be supported by the first side of the first housing and the one or more magnets may be at the second side of the first housing, for example. The receiving coil is therefore spaced apart from the one or more magnets along the transverse axis of the charger.
[0026] The one or more magnets that removably connect the second end of the second housing to the first housing may comprise a strip of magnetic material fixed to an inner surface of the second end or embedded in the second end. The facing part of the first housing may be provided with one or more magnets or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, for example. For example, one or more magnets may be fixed to an outer surface of the second side of the first housing or embedded in the second side, or the facing part of the second side may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0027] P51802WO-6621 In another arrangement, the first end of the second housing is removably connected to the first housing by one or more first magnets, and the second end of the second housing is removably connected to the first housing by one or more second magnets. In this arrangement, the second housing is fully removable from the first housing so that it may be replaced, e.g., with a second housing of a different colour or design, or that is made of a different material. Each first magnet may generate a first magnetic field and each second magnet may generate a second magnetic field that is less than the first magnetic field - i.e., the one or more second magnets are weaker than the one or more first magnets. The charger may be designed so that the first end of the second housing is securely connected to the first housing - i.e., although not fixedly connected, the first end of the second housing is only intended to be removed from the first housing when the second housing is being replaced with a different second housing. The first end of the second housing will normally remain connected to the first housing when the charger is being used and only the second end is moved to cover and uncover the opening. In other words, the one or more first magnets keep the second housing stably connected to the first housing, but the one or more second magnets, which are weaker, may allow the second housing to be removed from the first housing more easily when the opening needs to be uncovered to insert or remove the aerosol generating device. Using first and second magnets may provide an easy and convenient way to removably connect the first and second ends of the second housing to the first housing. The second housing may be able to flex or hinge. For example, at least part of the second housing may be made of a flexible material. At least part of the first and second ends of the second housing may be formed as rigid panels for more stable mounting of the first and second magnets. When the second housing is in the first position, the second end may be connected to the first housing by the one or more second magnets so that the opening is at least partially covered. In practice, the opening may be completely covered by the second housing so that the interior space and the docking assembly are completely enclosed by the first and second housings. When the second housing is in the first position, it is not possible to insert the aerosol generating device into the first housing through the opening, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged with the docking assembly, it is not possible to disengage and then remove the aerosol generating device from the first housing through the opening. When the second housing is in the second position, the second end may be removed or spaced apart from the first housing (e.g., from the second side of the first housing) so that the opening is not fully covered while the first end remains securely connected to the first housing by the one or more first magnets. This allows the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the first housing through the opening and engaged with the docking assembly, or if the aerosol generating device is already engaged
[0028] P51802WO-6621 with the docking assembly, it may be disengaged and then removed from the first housing through the opening. In practice, the opening may be substantially fully uncovered when the second housing is in the second position.
[0029] The one or more first magnets that removably connect the first end of the second housing to the first housing may comprise one or more magnets fixed to an inner surface of the first end of the second housing and one or more magnets fixed to the first housing. A plurality of magnets may be fixed to the inner surface of the first end of the second housing and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the charger. Each magnet that is fixed to the first end of the second housing may be received in a corresponding shaped and sized recess in a facing surface of the first housing (e.g., in the first side of the first housing). Each magnet may also be received in an elongate slot or recess in a facing surface of the first housing. The facing part of the first housing may be provided with one or more magnets or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, for example. For example, one or more magnets may be fixed to an outer surface of the first side of the first housing or embedded in the first side, or the facing part of the first side may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0030] The one or more second magnets that removably connect the second end of the second housing to the first housing may comprise a strip of magnetic material fixed to an inner surface of the second end or embedded in the second end. The facing part of the first housing may be provided with one or more magnets or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, for example. For example, one or more magnets may be fixed to an outer surface of the second side of the first housing or embedded in the second side, or the facing part of the second side may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0031] The receiving coil may be supported by a side of the first housing adjacent the one or more second magnets - i.e., so that the first magnetic field(s) generated by the stronger first magnet(s) will not interfere with the wireless charging of the second energy storage device of the charger. The second magnetic field(s) generated by the weaker second magnet(s) will have less of an effect on the adjacent components of the charger, including those of the wireless charging assembly. This may improve the efficiency and stability of the wireless charging. The receiving coil may be supported by the second side of the first housing. The receiving coil may be positioned outside the second magnetic field(s) or may be spaced apart from the one or more second magnets so that the second magnetic field(s) also will not substantially interfere with the wireless charging of the second energy storage device of the
[0032] P51802WO-6621 charger. In reality it will be understood that it may not be possible to position the receiving coil completely outside the second magnetic field(s) - i.e., so that the second magnetic field(s) do not impinge on the receiving coil at all. However, the positioning of the receiving coil relative to the second magnet(s) should be such that the second magnetic field(s) do not have any significant negative effect on, or do not significantly interfere with, the function of the receiving coil during wireless charging. The phrase “positioned outside the second magnetic field(s)” should therefore be interpreted accordingly. This may ensure good wireless charging efficiency. Spacing the receiving coil a sufficient distance from the one or more second magnets (e.g., along the lateral axis of the charger) is simple but may still provide effective shielding from the second magnetic field(s). The charger may be arranged so that the one or more second magnets do not overlap with the receiving coil - e.g., they are offset along the lateral axis. If additional shielding is needed, a shielding member may be positioned between the receiving coil and the one or more second magnets to shield the receiving coil from the second magnetic field(s). The shielding member may be a ferrite sheet or strip or a sheet or strip of ferrite -containing material, for example. It will be understood that ferrite is typically an iron-oxide containing magnetic ceramic material. The ferrite sheet or strip may be mounted on an inner surface of the second housing so that it is positioned between the one or more second magnets and the receiving coil when the second housing is in the first position. Alternatively, the ferrite sheet or strip may be mounted on an outer surface of the second side of the first housing.
[0033] An additional shielding member may also be provided to shield the internal components of the charger from the electromagnetic field that is generated by an inductive transmitting coil of an external wireless charger, for example, during wireless charging. The shielding member may be a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite -containing material, for example. The additional shielding member may be positioned between the receiving coil and the internal components. In one arrangement, the wireless charging assembly may include a shielding member as a substrate on which the receiving coil is mounted or in which the receiving coil is embedded. Alternatively, the receiving coil may be mounted on an outer main surface of a non-shielding substrate or embedded in the substrate, and a shielding member may be mounted on an inner main surface of the substrate - i.e., on the main surface facing towards the internal components.
[0034] The first housing may comprise a recess in an inner surface thereof. The receiving coil may be supported in the recess. The recess may be provided in an inner surface of the first side or
[0035] P51802WO-6621 the second side of the first housing depending on where the receiving coil is preferably positioned. Locating the receiving coil in a recess may minimise the distance between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil of the external wireless charger during wireless charging. More particularly, the outer surface of the hand-held charger may be placed in contact with an outer surface of the external wireless charger. The outer surface of the external wireless charger is therefore only separated from the receiving coil by the thickness of the first and second housings. This thickness may be reduced by forming the recess in the inner surface of the first housing to accommodate and support the receiving coil. Minimising the distance between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil may improve wireless charging efficiency. If the receiving coil is mounted on a main surface of a substrate, the main surface is preferably that which faces towards the inner surface of the first housing. The substrate may also be positioned in the recess.
[0036] The receiving coil may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the first housing. This also minimises the distance between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil of external wireless charger during wireless charging.
[0037] The recess may be formed during injection moulding the first housing, for example. This allows the shape and size of the recess to match the receiving coil and there is no need for further machining of the first housing.
[0038] The receiving coil preferably comprises a plurality of turns arranged substantially in a common plane. The receiving coil may be formed of wire having an outer diameter of about 0.5 mm (24AWG) and may have between about 4 and about 8 turns, more preferably between 5 and 7 turns, and most preferably 6 turns. The receiving coil may be between about 60.00 and 64.00 mm long, more preferably between about 61.00 and 63.00 mm long, and most preferably about 62.00 mm long. The receiving coil may be between about 15.00 and 19.00 mm wide, more preferably between about 16.00 and 18.00 mm wide, and most preferably about 17.00 mm wide. The receiving coil may be about 0.5 mm deep.
[0039] The receiving coil may have a nominal operating voltage between about 9.84 and 9.95 V, most preferably about 9.89 V.
[0040] The aerosol generating article may comprise aerosol generating material.
[0041] P51802WO-6621 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 fdler, 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.
[0042] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of aerosolformers 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] P51802WO-6621 The aerosol generating article may comprise a mouthpiece through which the generated aerosol may be inhaled.
[0047] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a hand-held charger (or “pocket charger”) adapted to charge an aerosol generating device, the charger comprising: a docking assembly adapted to engage with the aerosol generating device; an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery) adapted to charge an energy storage device of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is engaged with the docking assembly; a wireless charging assembly comprising a receiving coil adapted for wireless inductive charging of the energy storage device; and a housing assembly comprising: a first housing adapted to support the docking assembly, the energy storage device, and the receiving coil, the first housing comprising an opening adapted to receive the aerosol generating device when it is to be engaged with the docking assembly or after it has been disengaged from the docking assembly; and a second housing connected to the first housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second housing at least partially covers the opening and the aerosol generating device cannot be received through the opening, and in the second position the second housing does not fully cover the opening and the aerosol generating device may be received through the opening, e.g., so that the aerosol generating device may be inserted into an interior space of the first housing to be engaged with the docking assembly for recharging of its energy storage device, or removed from the interior space of the first housing.
[0048] The aerosol generating device may comprise an energy storage device, e.g., a rechargeable battery.
[0049] The aerosol generating device may further comprise: 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.
[0050] P51802WO-6621 Further features of the charger and the aerosol generating device may be as described above.
[0051] Brief Description of the Drawings
[0052] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating system including a hand-held charger and an aerosol generating device showing a second side of the charger;
[0053] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the charger of Figure 1 with a second housing of the charger in a second position and an opening of a first housing uncovered;
[0054] Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a second side of the first housing of the charger of Figure 1 and with the second housing omitted;
[0055] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the second side of the first housing of the charger of Figure 1 showing the internal wireless charging assembly;
[0056] Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a first side of the charger of Figure 1;
[0057] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a first side of the first housing of the charger of Figure 1 and with the second housing omitted;
[0058] Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of a wireless charging assembly, an energy storage device, and a printed circuit board assembly of the charger of Figure 1 ;
[0059] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic detail view of the wireless charging assembly and printed circuit board assembly of Figure 7;
[0060] Figures 9 to 11 are diagrammatic views of the second housing of the charger of Figure 1;
[0061] Figure 12 is a diagrammatic cross section view of the second housing and part of the first housing of the charger of Figure 1 showing the receiving coil supported in a recess of the first housing;
[0062] Figure 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the wireless charging assembly with a receiving coil mounted on a substrate;
[0063] Figure 14 is a diagrammatic side view of the wireless charging assembly;
[0064] Figure 15 is a diagrammatic view of a second side of an alternative hand-held charger;
[0065] Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of a first side of the charger of Figure 15;
[0066] Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view of a second side of a first housing of the charger of Figure 15 with the second housing omitted;
[0067] Figure 18 is a diagrammatic view of a first side of a first housing of the charger of Figure 15 with the second housing omitted;
[0068] Figure 19 is a diagrammatic view of the first side of the first housing of the charger of Figure 15 showing the internal wireless charging assembly;
[0069] P51802WO-6621 Figures 20 and 21 are diagrammatic views of the second housing of the charger of Figure 15; and
[0070] Figure 22 is a diagrammatic cross section view of the second housing and part of the first housing of the charger of Figure 15 showing the receiving coil supported on the first housing.
[0071] Detailed Description of Embodiments
[0072] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0073] Referring to Figures 1 to 14, an aerosol generating system 1 comprises a hand-held charger (or “pocket charger”) 2 and an aerosol generating device 100.
[0074] The aerosol generating device 100 includes an energy storage device 102, e.g., a rechargeable battery. A heating chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 is adapted to receive an aerosol generating article 106, which in this case may be formed as a stick containing tobacco material. A heater 108 is adapted to heat the aerosol generating article 106 when it is received in the heating chamber 102.
[0075] The charger 2 includes a docking assembly 4 that is adapted to engage with the aerosol generating device 100.
[0076] The charger 2 also includes an energy storage device 6, e.g., a rechargeable battery (see Figure 7). The energy storage device 6 is adapted to charge the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 when the aerosol generating device 100 is engaged with the docking assembly 4 as described in more detail below.
[0077] A wireless charging assembly 8 includes a receiving coil 10 for wireless inductive charging. The receiving coil 10 is mounted on a main surface of a substrate 12 that acts as a shielding member to shield the internal components of the charger 2 from the electromagnetic field that is generated by an inductive transmitting coil of an external wireless charger, for example, during wireless charging. The substrate 12 may be a ferrite sheet or a sheet of ferrite- containing material, for example. The substrate 12 is positioned between the receiving coil 10 and the internal components.
[0078] P51802WO-6621 A housing assembly 14 of the charger 2 includes a first housing 16 adapted to support the docking assembly 4, the energy storage device 6, and the receiving coil 10. The first housing 16 has an opening 18 that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating device 100 when it is to be engaged with the docking assembly 4 or after it has been disengaged from the docking assembly 4. The housing assembly 14 also includes a second housing 20 that is connected to the first housing 16 and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, which is shown in Figures 1 and 5, for example, the second housing 20 at least partially covers the opening 18 and the aerosol generating device 100 cannot be received through the opening 18 - in fact, as shown in Figures 1 and 5 the opening 18 is fully covered. In the second position, the second housing 20 does not fully cover the opening 18 and the aerosol generating device 100 may be received through the opening 18, e.g., so that the aerosol generating device 100 may be inserted into an interior space of the first housing 16 to be engaged with the docking assembly 4 or removed from the interior space of the first housing. In Figure 2, one end 20b of the second housing 20 is shown to be spaced apart from the first housing 16 so that the opening 18 is not fully covered. In Figures 3, 4 and 6 the second housing 20 has been removed completely from the first housing 16 for clarity. The first housing 16 provides a stable support for the docking assembly 4, the energy storage device 6, and the receiving coil 10 of the wireless charging assembly 8. Because the second housing 20 is a removable part that may not always be properly reconnected to the first housing 16 (i.e., returned to the first position) after it has been moved to the second position, it is easier to ensure that the receiving coil 10 is orientated correctly for wireless charging if it is supported on the first housing 16.
[0079] As described in more detail below, at least one end of the second housing 20 (e.g., the second end 20b) may be removably connected to the first housing 16 by one or more magnets. Each magnet will generate a magnetic field. The receiving coil 10 is preferably positioned outside the magnetic field(s) - i.e., so that the magnetic field(s) generated by the one or more magnets will not interfere with the wireless charging of the energy storage device 6 of the charger 2. In general terms, one or more magnets may be provided on one or both of the first and second housings 16, 20. If one or more magnets are provided on both of the first and second housings 16, 20, facing magnets will be of opposite polarity. If one or more magnets are provided on only one of the first and second housings 16 20, the facing part of the other of the first and second housings 16, 20 may be made of a ferromagnetic material, for example. Using one or more magnets may provide an easy and convenient way to removably connect the second housing 20 to the first housing 16 so that it is movable between the first and second positions.
[0080] P51802WO-6621 The docking assembly 4 is adapted so that the energy storage device 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 may be charged from the energy storage device 6 when the aerosol generating device 100 is engaged with it. The energy storage device 6 of the charger 2 is charged using the wireless charging assembly 8. The wireless charging assembly 8 is therefore electrically connected to the energy storage device 6 of the charger 2, e.g., using lead wires. The energy storage device 6 is normally also electrically connected to the docking assembly 4 for charging the aerosol generating device 100. Although not shown, in some arrangements, the energy storage device 6 may also be charged by using a charging cable and the charger 2 may include a wired charging assembly. The wired charging assembly may comprise a USB socket (or receptacle) such as a USB type-C (USB-C) socket for receiving a USB charging cable (plug) such as a USB-C charging cable, for example. The user may then selectively charge the energy storage device 6 wirelessly using the wireless charging assembly or by using a charging cable. If the charger 2 comprises both wireless and wired charging assemblies, wireless charging may be used only when wired charging is unavailable. This is because the efficiency of wired charging is normally higher than the efficiency of wireless charging. At the moment, the infrastructure for wireless charging may be limited for some users as compared with wired charging. Providing the option for both wireless and wired charging may give the user more opportunities for useful charging depending on the availability of infrastructure.
[0081] The aerosol generating device 100 may have a first end 100a that includes the heating chamber 104 and an opening 110 that allows the aerosol generating article 106 to be received in the heating chamber 104. The aerosol generating device 100 may have a second end 100b, opposite the first end 100a. The docking assembly 4 includes first and second engaging members 4a, 4b spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the charger 2. (In Figure 1, the longitudinal axis is labelled “X” and is perpendicular to both a transverse axis (labelled “Z”) and a lateral axis (labelled “Y”) of the charger 2 as shown.) The first engaging member 4a is adapted to engage with the first end 100a of the aerosol generating device 100 and the second engaging member 4b is adapted to engage with the second end 100b of the aerosol generating device 100 when the aerosol generating device 100 is engaged with the docking assembly 4.
[0082] The charger 2 includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 22 comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) 24 and one or more electronic components mounted on the PCB 24. The one or more electronic components includes a controller 26, e.g., a microcontroller unit (or
[0083] P51802WO-6621 MCU), and a wireless charging receiver circuit 28. Both the controller 26 and the wireless charging receiver circuit 28 may be implemented as ICs. The electric current generated in the receiving coil 10 is an alternating current (AC) current. The wireless charging receiver circuit 28 is electrically connected to the receiver coil 10 and is adapted to convert the AC current to a direct current (DC) current. The DC current may have an appropriate amplitude, e.g., an amplitude that is appropriate for charging the energy storage device 6, and this may be output by the wireless charging receiver circuit 28, or by a converter circuit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the wireless charging receiver circuit 28 and the energy storage device 6. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the receiving coil 10 is electrically connected to the PCB 24 by a pair of wires 30. The end of the wires 30 includes a connector 32 that is compatible with a connector 34 mounted to the PCB 24. For example, one of the 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.
[0084] The second housing 20 has a first end 20a and a second end 20b. The edges of the first and second ends 20a, 20b may be substantially straight or may be angled as shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 9 to 11, for example. The second housing 20 may be substantially U-shaped when in the first position - see Figures 9 and 10, for example, which show the second housing 20 in the first position but separately from the first housing 16 for clarity. A planar first side of the second housing 20 overlaps with a planar first side 16a of the first housing 16, and a planar second side of the second housing 20 overlaps with a planar second side 16b of the first housing 16, opposite the first side 16a. The first and second sides 16a, 116b of the first housing 16 are spaced apart along the transverse axis (labelled “Z” in Figure 1) of the charger 2. The first end 20a (and the first side) of the second housing 20 is positioned adjacent the first side 16a of the first housing 16, and the second end 20b (and the second side) of the second housing 20 is positioned adjacent the second side 16b of the first housing 16. The first housing 16 also includes a curved third side 16c and a curved fourth side 16d that are spaced apart along the lateral axis (labelled “Y” in Figure 1). It will be understood that the third side 16c and / or the fourth side 16d may also be planar or angled. The opening 18 is formed in the fourth side 16d. The second housing 20 overlaps with the fourth side 16d of the first housing 16 when it is in the first position.
[0085] The first end 20a of the second housing 20 is removably connected to the first housing 16 by a plurality of first magnets 36 that are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (labelled “X” in Figure 1) of the charger 2 as shown in Figure 10. The first magnets 36 are fixed to an inner
[0086] P51802WO-6621 surface of the first end 20a of the second housing 20. The first magnets 36 may be aligned with corresponding magnets (not shown) that are fixed to an outer surface of the first side 16a of the first housing 16 or embedded in the first side 16a. Alternatively, the facing part of the first side 16a of the first housing 16 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0087] The second end 20b of the second housing 20 is removably connected to the first housing 16 by a second magnet 36 implemented as a strip of magnetic material as shown in Figure 9. The second magnet 36 is fixed to an inner surface of the second end 20b of the second housing 20. Alternatively, the second magnet 36 may be embedded in the second end 20b. The second magnet 36 may be aligned with one or more corresponding magnets (not shown) that are fixed to an outer surface of the second side 16b of the first housing 16 or embedded in the second side 16b. Alternatively, the facing part of the second side 16b of the first housing 16 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0088] In this arrangement, the second housing 20 is fully removable from the first housing 16 so that it may be replaced, e.g., with a second housing of a different colour or design, or made of a different material. Each first magnet 36 will generate a first magnetic field and the second magnet 38 (i.e., the magnetic strip) will generate a second magnetic field that is less than the first magnetic field - i.e., the second magnet 38 is weaker than the first magnets 36. The charger 2 is designed so that the first end 20a of the second housing 20 is securely connected to the first housing 14 - i.e., although not fixedly connected, the first end 20a of the second housing 20 is only intended to be removed from the first housing 14 when the second housing 20 is being replaced with a different second housing. The first end 20a of the second housing 20 will normally remain connected to the first housing 14 when the charger 2 is being used and only the second end 20b is moved to cover and uncover the opening 18. In other words, the first magnets 36 keep the second housing 20 stably connected to the first housing 14, but the second magnet 38, which is weaker, may allow the second end 20b of the second housing 20 to be removed from the first housing 14 more easily when the opening 18 needs to be uncovered - see Figure 2, for example. Using first and second magnets 36, 38 therefore provides an easy and convenient way to removably connect the first and second ends 20a, 20b of the second housing 20 to the first housing 14. The second housing 20 may be able to flex or hinge. For example, at least part of the second housing 20 may be made of a flexible material. At least part of the first and second ends 20a, 20b of the second housing 20 may be formed as rigid panels for more stable mounting of the first and second magnets 36, 38. In this case, the part of the second housing 20 between the rigid panels will preferably by made
[0089] P51802WO-6621 of a flexible material. When the second housing 20 is in the first position, the second end 20b is connected to the first housing 16 by the second magnet 38 so that the opening 18 is at least partially covered. In practice, the opening 18 may be completely covered by the second housing 20 so that the interior space and the docking assembly 5 are completely enclosed by the first and second housings 16, 20. When the second housing 20 is in the first position, it is not possible to insert the aerosol generating device 100 into the first housing 16 through the opening 18, or if the aerosol generating device 100 is already engaged with the docking assembly 4, it is not possible to disengage and then remove the aerosol generating device 100 from the first housing 16 through the opening 18. When the second housing 20 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 2, for example, the second end 20b is removed or spaced apart from the first housing 16 (e.g., from the second side 16b of the first housing 16) so that the opening 18 is not fully covered while the first end 20a remains securely connected to the first housing 16 by the first magnets 36. This allows the aerosol generating device 10 to be inserted into the first housing 16 through the opening 18 and engaged with the docking assembly 4, or if the aerosol generating device 100 is already engaged with the docking assembly 4, it may be disengaged and then removed from the first housing 16 through the opening 18. In practice, the opening 18 may be substantially fully uncovered when the second housing 20 is in the second position as shown in Figure 2.
[0090] The receiving coil 10 is supported by the second side 16b of the first housing 16 adjacent the second magnet 38 - i.e., so that the first magnetic fields generated by the stronger first magnets 36 will not interfere with the wireless charging of the energy storage device 6 of the charger 2. The second magnetic field generated by the weaker second magnet 38 will have less of an effect on the adjacent components of the charger 2, including those of the wireless charging assembly 8. This may improve the efficiency and stability of the wireless charging. The receiving coil 10 may be positioned outside the second magnetic field or may be spaced apart from the second magnet 38 so that the second magnetic field also will not substantially interfere with the wireless charging of the energy storage device 6 of the charger 2. In reality it will be understood that it may not be possible to position the receiving coil 10 completely outside the second magnetic field - i.e., so that the second magnetic field does not impinge on the receiving coil 10 at all. However, the positioning of the receiving coil 10 relative to the second magnet 38 should be such that the second magnetic field does not have any significant negative effect on, or does not significantly interfere with, the function of the receiving coil 10 during wireless charging. The phrase “positioned outside the second magnetic field” should therefore be interpreted accordingly. This may ensure good wireless charging
[0091] P51802WO-6621 efficiency. Spacing the receiving coil 10 a sufficient distance from the second magnet 38 (e.g., along the lateral axis (labelled “Y” in Figure 1) of the charger 2 is simple but may still provide effective shielding from the second magnetic field. Put another way, the second magnet 38 does not overlap with the receiving coil 10. If additional shielding is needed, a shielding member 40 may be positioned between the receiving coil 10 and the second magnet 38 to shield the receiving coil 10 from the second magnetic field. The shielding member 40 may be a ferrite sheet or strip or a sheet or strip of ferrite -containing material, for example. The shielding member 40 may be mounted on an inner surface of the second housing 20 so that it is positioned between the second magnet 38 and the receiving coil 10 when the second housing 20 is in the first position. Alternatively, the shielding member 40 may be mounted on an outer surface of the second side 16b of the first housing 16.
[0092] As shown most clearly in Figure 12, the inner surface of the second side 16b of the first housing 16 has a recess 16e. The receiving coil 10 and the substate 12 are supported in the recess 16e. Locating the receiving coil 10 in the recess 16e minimises the distance between the receiving coil 10 and the transmitting coil of the external wireless charger (not shown) during wireless charging. More particularly, the outer surface of the hand-held charger 2 may be placed in contact with an outer surface of the external wireless charger (not shown). The outer surface of the external wireless charger (not shown) is therefore only separated from the receiving coil 10 by the thickness of the first and second housings 16, 20. This thickness may be reduced by forming the recess 16e in the inner surface of the first housing 16 to accommodate and support the receiving coil 10 and the substrate 12. Minimising the distance between the receiving coil 10 and the transmitting coil may improve wireless charging efficiency. The receiving coil 10 is in direct contact with the inner surface of the first housing 16 as shown in Figure 12.
[0093] The recess 16e may be formed during injection moulding the first housing 16, for example. This allows the shape and size of the recess 16e to match the receiving coil 10 (and the mounting substrate 12) and there is no need for further machining of the first housing 16.
[0094] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the receiving coil 10 has plurality of turns arranged substantially in a common plane. The receiving coil 10 is formed of wire having an outer diameter of about 0.5 mm (24AWG) and has 6 turns. The receiving coil is about 62.00 mm long, about 17.00 mm wide, and about 0.5 mm deep. The substrate 12 may have a thickness of about 0.20 mm.
[0095] P51802WO-6621 The receiving coil may have a nominal operating voltage of about 9.89 V.
[0096] In an alternative arrangement shown in Figures 15 to 22, a hand-held charger 42 includes housing assembly 44. In most other respects, the charger 42 is similar to the charger 2 described above and like components have been given the same reference sign. The housing assembly 44 includes a first housing 46 with a planar first side 46a, a planar second side 46b, a curved third side 46c, and a curved fourth side 46d. It will be understood that the third side 46c and / or the fourth side 46d may also be planar or angled. The housing assembly 44 also includes a second housing 48 with a first end 48a and a second end 48b. The edges of the first and second ends 48a, 48b may be substantially straight or may be angled as shown in Figures 15, 16, 20 and 21, for example. The first housing 46 is adapted to support the docking assembly 4, the energy storage device 6, and the receiving coil 10, which are identical to those described above. The first housing 46 has an opening 50 that is adapted to receive the aerosol generating device 100 when it is to be engaged with the docking assembly 4 or after it has been disengaged from the docking assembly 4. The opening 50 is formed in the fourth side 46d of the first housing 46.
[0097] The first end 48a of the second housing 48 is fixedly connected to the first housing 46 (e.g., glued to the first side 46a and where the glue or other permanent adhesive 54 is shown in Figure 22). The second end 48b of the second housing 48 is removably connected to the first housing 46 by a magnet 52 implemented as a strip of magnetic material as shown in Figure 20. The magnet 52 is fixed to an inner surface of the second end 48b of the second housing 48. Alternatively, the magnet 52 may be embedded in the second end 48b. The magnet 52 may be aligned with one or more corresponding magnets (not shown) that are fixed to an outer surface of the second side 46b of the first housing 46 or embedded in the second side 46b. Alternatively, the facing part of the second side 46b of the first housing 46 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
[0098] Because the first end 48a of the second housing 48 is fixedly connected to the first side 46a of the first housing 46 without the need for any magnets, it is easier to find a suitable position for the receiving coil 10 on this side of the first housing 46. In this arrangement, the second housing 48 is not fully removable from the first housing 46. In an alternative arrangement that is not shown, the second housing 48 may be fully removable from the first housing 46 if the first end 48a of the second housing 48 is removably connected to the first side 46a of the first
[0099] P51802WO-6621 housing using one or more non-magnet connectors or fasteners such as a strip of hook-and- loop fastener, for example. This would allow the first end 48a of the second housing 48 to be securely connected to the fust housing 46 unless the second housing 48 needed to be removed from the first housing, so that it may be replaced, e.g., with a second housing of a different colour or design, or that is made of a different material. Using non-magnet connectors or fasteners (not shown) also makes it is easier to find a suitable position for the receiving coil 10 on the first side 46a of the first housing 46. The second housing 48 may be able to flex or hinge so that the second end 48b may be removed from the first housing 46 even though the first end 48a remains fixedly connected to the first housing 46. For example, at least part of the second housing 48 may be made of a flexible material. At least part of the second end 48b of the second housing 48 may be formed as a rigid panel for more stable mounting of the magnet 52. If the first end 48a of the second housing 48 is connected using one or more non- magnet connectors or fasteners, at least part of the first end 48a may also be formed as a rigid panel for more stable mounting of the non-magnet connectors or fasteners. When the second housing 48 is in the first position, the second end 48b is connected to the first housing 46 by the magnet 52 so that the opening 50 is at least partially covered. In practice, the opening 50 may be completely covered by the second housing 48 so that the interior space and the docking assembly 4 are completely enclosed by the fust and second housings 46, 48. When the second housing 48 is in the first position, it is not possible to insert the aerosol generating device 100 into the first housing 46 through the opening 50, or if the aerosol generating device 100 is already engaged with the docking assembly 4, it is not possible to disengage and then remove the aerosol generating device 100 from the first housing 46 through the opening 50. When the second housing 48 is in the second position, the second end 48b is removed or spaced apart from the first housing 46 (e.g., from the second side 46b of the first housing 46 similar to what is shown in Figure 2) so that the opening 50 is not fully covered while the first end 48a remains fixedly connected to the first housing 46. This allows the aerosol generating device 100 to be inserted into the first housing 46 through the opening 50 and engaged with the docking assembly 4, or if the aerosol generating device 100 is already engaged with the docking assembly 4, it may be disengaged and then removed from the first housing 46 through the opening 50. In practice, the opening 50 may be substantially fully uncovered when the second housing 48 is in the second position.
[0100] The receiving coil 10 is supported by the first side 46a of the first housing 46 as shown in Figure 22. The magnetic field generated by the magnet 52 at the second end 48b of the second housing 48 will not interfere with the wireless charging of the energy storage device 6 of the
[0101] P51802WO-6621 charger 2. In other words, the receiving coil 10 is spaced apart from the magnet 52 along the transverse axis (labelled “Z” in Figure 1) of the charger 2.
[0102] The receiving coil 10 is in direct contact with the inner surface of the first side 46a of the first housing 46 as shown in Figure 22. Alternatively, the receiving coil 10 and the substrate 12 may be supported in a recess formed in the inner surface like the recess 16e described above.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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”.
[0106] P51802WO-6621
Claims
- 26 -Claims1. An aerosol generating system (1) comprising: an aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a first energy storage device (102); a heating chamber (104) adapted to receive an aerosol generating article (106); and a heater (108) adapted to heat the aerosol generating article (106) when received in the heating chamber (104); and a hand-held charger (2) comprising: a docking assembly (4) adapted to engage with the aerosol generating device (100); a second energy storage device (6) adapted to charge the first energy storage device (102) of the aerosol generating device (100) when the aerosol generating device (100) is engaged with the docking assembly (4); a wireless charging assembly (8) comprising a receiving coil (10) for wireless inductive charging; and a housing assembly (14; 44) comprising: a first housing (16; 46) adapted to support the docking assembly (4), the second energy storage device (6), and the receiving coil (10), the first housing (16; 46) comprising an opening (18; 50) adapted to receive the aerosol generating device (100) when it is to be engaged with the docking assembly (4) or after it has been disengaged from the docking assembly (4); and a second housing (20; 48) connected to the first housing (16; 46) and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second housing (20; 48) at least partially covers the opening (18; 50) and the aerosol generating device (100) cannot be received through the opening (18; 50), and in the second position the second housing (20; 48) does not fully cover the opening (18; 50) and the aerosol generating device (100) may be received through the opening (18; 50).
2. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second housing (20; 48) is removably connected to the first housing (16; 46) by one or more magnets (36, 38;P51802WO-662152), each magnet (36, 38; 52) generating a magnetic field, and wherein the receiving coil (10) is positioned outside the magnetic field(s).
3. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second housing (48) comprises a first end (48a) and a second end (48b), wherein the first end (48a) is fixedly connected to the first housing (46) or is removably connected to the first housing by one or more non-magnet connectors or fasteners, and the second end (48b) is removably connected to the first housing (46) by one or more magnets (52), and wherein the receiving coil (10) is supported by a side (46a) of the first housing (46) that is adjacent the first end (48a).
4. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second housing (20) comprises a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), wherein the first end (20a) is removably connected to the first housing (16) by one or more first magnets (36), each first magnet (36) generating a first magnetic field, and the second end (20b) is removably connected to the first housing (16) by one or more second magnets (38), each second magnet (36) generating a second magnetic field that is less than the first magnetic field.
5. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving coil (10) is supported by a side (16b) of the first housing (16) adjacent the one or more second magnets (38).
6. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the receiving coil (10) is positioned outside the second magnetic field(s) or is spaced apart from the one or more second magnets (38).
7. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the one or more second magnets (38) do not overlap with the receiving coil (10).
8. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein a shielding member (40) is positioned between the receiving coil (10) and the one or more second magnets (38).P51802WO-66219. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first housing (16) comprises a recess (16e) in an inner surface thereof, and wherein the receiving coil (10) is supported in the recess (16e).
10. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the recess (16e) is formed during injection moulding the first housing (16).
11. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving coil (10) directly contacts an inner surface of the first housing (16; 46).
12. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the charger (2) further comprises a printed circuit board assembly (22) comprising a printed circuit board PCB (24) and a wireless charging receiver circuit (28) mounted on the PCB (24), wherein the wireless power receiver circuit (28) is adapted to convert an alternating current AC current outputted by the receiving coil (10) into a direct current DC current, and to output the DC current.
13. An aerosol generating system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving coil (10) comprises a plurality of turns arranged substantially in a common plane, wherein the receiving coil (10) is formed of wire having an outer diameter of about 0.5 mm (24AWG) and has between about 4 and about 8 turns.
14. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the receiving coil (10) is between about 60.00 and 64.00 mm long, between about 15.00 and 19.00 mm wide, and about 0.5 mm deep.
15. An aerosol generating system (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the receiving coil (10) has a nominal operating voltage between about 9.84 and 9.95 V.P51802WO-6621