Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A CONTROL MODULE FOR A MODULAR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE,
A MODULE FOR A MODULAR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE,AND A
MODULAR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a control module for a modular aerosol
generating device, a module for a modular aerosol generating device and a
modular
aerosol generating device.
Background
Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during
use
to create tobacco smoke.
Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn
tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning.
Examples of such products arc heating devices which release compounds by
heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example
tobacco or other
non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
As another example, there are so-called e-cigarette devices. These devices
typically contain a liquid which is heated to vaporise the liquid to produce
an inhalable
vapour or aerosol. The liquid may contain nicotine and/or flavourings and/or
aerosol-
generating substances, such as glycerol. The known e-cigarette devices
typically do not
contain or use tobacco.
As yet another example, there are so-called hybrid devices. These hybrid
devices typically contain separately a liquid and tobacco or other flavour
material. The
liquid is heated to vaporise the liquid to produce an inhalable vapour or
aerosol which
passes through the tobacco or other flavour material so that a flavour is
imparted to the
vapour or aerosol.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-01-13
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Summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
control
module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable
aerosol
wherein the control module is arranged so that a user can configure the
aerosol
generating device by selectively connecting to the control module different
configurations of modules of a first module type and a second module type,
wherein
modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating an aerosol
and
wherein modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a
heater
that can be activated to heat the material, wherein the configurations
comprise: a first
single module configuration comprising a module of the first module type, a
second
single module configuration comprising a module of the second module type, and
at
least one multi module configuration comprising at least two modules selected
from
modules of the first and second module types connected together in a stacked
arrangement.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a control
module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable
aerosol
wherein the control module is arranged so that a user can configure the
aerosol
generating device by selectively connecting to the control module different
configurations of modules of a first module type and a second module type,
wherein
modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating a vapour
and
wherein modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a
heater
that can be activated to heat the material, wherein the configurations
comprise: at least
one multi module configuration comprising at least two modules of the first
module
type connected together in a stacked arrangement or at least two modules of
the second
module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a control
module
for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol
wherein the
control module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating
device
by selectively connecting to the control module different configurations of
modules of
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a first module type and a second module type, wherein modules of the first
module type
contain an e-liquid for generating an aerosol and wherein modules of the
second module
type contain a material and comprise a heater that can be activated to heat
the material,
wherein the configurations comprise: at least a first multi module
configuration
comprising a module of the first module type and a module of the second module
type
connected together in a stacked arrangement and wherein when the modular
aerosol
generating device is configured in the first multi module configuration the
control
module is controllable to operate the modular aerosol generating device in a
first mode
in which the module of the first module type generates an aerosol from the e-
liquid and
the heater of the module of the second module type is in-active and in a
second mode
in which the module of the first module type generates an aerosol from the e-
liquid and
the heater of the module of the second module type is active.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the
following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way
of
example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like
features appearing in different ones of the drawings are giving the same
reference
numerals in the different drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a modular aerosol provision device;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a module of a first module type;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a module of a second module type;
Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a control module;
Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a mouthpiece;
Figures 6a to be show schematic views of different configurations of modular
aerosol provision device;
Figure 7a illustrates schematic sectional plan and side views of two modules;
Figure 7b illustrates a schematic view of a configuration of a modular aerosol
provision device including electrical connections;
Figures 8a to 8d illustrate schematic views of illustrations of a modular
aerosol
provision device;
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Figures 9a to 9d illustrate schematic views of illustrations of another
modular
aerosol provision device.
Detailed Description
Referring to Figure 1, a schematic of a modular aerosol provision device 100
is
illustrated. The aerosol provision device 100 is an inhalation device (i.e. a
user uses it
to inhale an aerosol provided by the device 100) and the device 100 is a hand-
held
device.
In very broad outline, the device 100 generates a vapour or an aerosol which
passes from the device 100 into the mouth of a user when the user draws on the
device
100.
In this respect, first it may be noted that, in general, a vapour is a
substance in
the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which
means that for
example the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure
without
reducing the temperature. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a
colloid of fine
solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. A colloid is a
substance in which
microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another
substance. For reasons of convenience, as used herein the term aerosol should
be taken
as meaning an aerosol, a vapour or a combination of an aerosol and vapour.
Returning to Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a control module 200, a first
module of a first module type 300, a first module of a second module type 400
and a
mouthpiece 500.
Advantageously, and as will be explained in more detail below, the control
module 200 is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating
device 100
by selectively connecting to the control module 200 different configurations
of modules
of the first module type and modules of the second module type.
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Referring now to Figure 2, there is illustrated schematically a module of the
first
module type 300. The module of the first module type 300 comprises a housing
302
that contains a liquid container 306 for containing e-cig liquid 308.
5 The liquid
container 306 is provided generally centrally of the module of the
first module type 300. The liquid container 306 is cylindrical in shape, but
may have a
different shape, such as conical, cylindrical, etc. The liquid container 306
is annular and
defines a cylindrical channel 307 running through the length of the liquid
container 306.
The cylindrical channel 307 comprises an inlet 310 at one end of the module
and an
outlet 312 at the other end of the module. The liquid container 306 may be
formed of
rigid, watertight and airtight materials, such as metal, suitable plastics,
etc.
The module of the first module type 300 is provided with an aerosol generator
for generating an aerosol from the e-cig liquid. In this example, the aerosol
generator
comprises a heater 314 and a wick 316 in thermal contact with the heater 314.
In this
example, the heater 314 and the wick 316 are provided as a single unit,
sometimes
known as an "atomiser". In this case, where the module of the first module
type 300
includes an atomiser, such a module is often referred to as a "cartomiser". In
alternative
examples, the aerosol generator comprises a piezo-electric arrangement as is
generally
known in the art. For example, in such arrangements, a mesh may be attached,
either
directly or indirectly, to a piezo-electric arrangement, which in use causes
the mesh to
vibrate in response to an applied control current/voltage. The liquid is
located under
the mesh and as the mesh vibrates the liquid is pushed through the mesh to
form an
aerosol.
The wick 316 is in fluidic contact with the liquid 308. The wick 316 is
generally
absorbent and acts to draw in liquid 308 from the liquid container 306 by
capillary
action. The wick 316 is preferably non-woven and may be for example a cotton
or wool
material or the like, or a synthetic material, including for example
polyester, nylon,
viscose, polypropylene or the like, or a ceramic material.
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The module of the first module type 300 further comprises a first connection
interface 318 at the inlet 310 and a second connection interface 320 at the
outlet 312.
The first connection interface 318 is for releasably connecting the module of
the
first module type 300 to a control module 200 if the module of the first
module type
300 is the first module (i.e. the module closest to the control module 200) in
a stack of
modules connected to the control module 200 or if the module of the first
module type
300 is the only module connected to the control module 200. The first
connection
interface 318 is also for releasably connecting the module of the first module
type 300
to an immediately preceding module in a stack of modules connected to the
control
module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is not the first module
in the
stack.
The first connection interface 318 both mechanically and electrically connects
the module of the first module type 300 to the control module 200 or to a
preceding
module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200, as the case
may be.
The second connection interface 320 is for releasably connecting the module of
the first module type 300 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules
connected to
the control module 200 if the module of the first module type 300 is not the
final module
in the stack or is for releasably connecting the module of the first module
type 300 to a
mouthpiece 500 if the module of the first module type 300 is the only module
connected
to the control module 200 or is the final module in a stack of modules
connected to the
control module 200.
The second connection interface 320 both mechanically and electrically
connects the module of the first module type 300 to a subsequent module in a
stack of
modules connected to the control module 200 if the module of the first module
type 300
is not the final module in the stack.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a module of the second module
type 400. The module of the second module type 400 comprises a housing 402
that
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comprises a cylindrical channel 403 running through the length of the housing
400. The
cylindrical channel 403 comprises an inlet 404 at one end of the module and an
outlet
406 at the other end of the module.
The channel 403 is for receiving a material 408 which is a non e-liquid
material.
In some examples, the material 408 is a loose material that is contained
within the
channel 403. In those examples, the housing 402 may comprise an inlet screen
410 for
preventing material 408 from passing out of the inlet 404 and an outlet screen
412 for
preventing material from passing out of the outlet 406. The outlet screen 412
may be
removeable to allow a user to replenish material 408 within the channel 403.
Both the
inlet screen 410 and the outlet screen 412 may be porous to allow aerosol to
pass
through.
In some examples, the material 408 may be held within its own container, for
example an open-ended tube, which is itself within the channel 403. The tube
may be
formed of a suitable material, for example, a cellulose acetate wrapping.
The module of the second module type 400 further comprises a heating
arrangement 414 for heating the material 408. The heating arrangement 414 may
be of
any suitable type including a resistive heating arrangement, an inductive
heating
arrangement and a radiative heating arrangement.
The material 408 typically comprises tobacco although some other botanical or
flavourant agent may also be used.
In some examples, the material 408 has been ground or otherwise treated so
that
it is in the form of particles, for example, powder, granules, grains, fibres,
pellets or the
like so as to increase the active surface area of the material in order to
maximise the
amount of flavour impartable by the material 408. In some examples, the
material 408
is a gel.
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The module of the second module type 400 further comprises a first connection
interface 418 at the inlet 404 and a second connection interface 420 at the
outlet 406.
The first connection interface 418 is for releasably connecting the module of
the
second module type 400 to a control module 200 if the module of the second
module
type 400 is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control
module 200
or if the module of the second module type 400 is the only module connected to
the
control module 200. The first connection interface 418 is also for releasably
connecting
the module of the second module type 400 to an immediately preceding module in
a
stack of modules connected to the control module if the module of the second
module
type 400 is not the module in the stack that is directly connected to the
control module
200.
The first connection interface 418 mechanically and electrically connects the
module of the second module type 400 to the control module 200 or to a
preceding
module in a stack of modules connected to the control module 200, as the case
may be.
The second connection interface 420 is for releasably connecting the module of
the second module type 400 to a subsequent module in a stack of modules
connected to
the control module 200 if the module of the second module type 400 is not the
final
module in the stack or is for releasably connecting the module of the second
module
type 400 to the mouthpiece 500 if the module of the second module type 400 is
the only
module connected to the control module 200 or is the final module in a stack
of modules
connected to the control module 200.
The second connection interface 420 mechanically and electrically connects the
module of the second module type 400 to a subsequent module in a stack of
modules
connected to the control module 200 if the module of the second module type
400 is
not the final module in the stack.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is illustrated a schematic drawing of a
control
module 200.
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The control module 200 comprises a power source 202, for example, a battery
for powering various components of the aerosol provision device 100. The
battery 202
may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. A control circuitry 204
is also
provided for controlling the operation of various components of the device
100, as will
be discussed further below.
The control module 200 further comprises a connection interface 206 for
releasably connecting the control module 200 to a module of the first module
type 300
or to a module of the second module type 400.
Referring now to Figure 5, there is illustrated a mouthpiece 500. The
mouthpiece 500 comprises a body 502 for being received in the mouth of a user.
The
body 502 comprises a channel 504 that runs along the length of the mouthpiece
500
from a mouthpiece inlet 506 to a mouthpiece outlet 508.
The inlet end 506 of the mouthpiece 500 is for connecting to the outlet end of
a
module of the first module type 300 or to the outlet end of a module of the
second
module type 400.
Referring now to Figures 6a to 6e, there is schematically illustrated six
different
configurations of the device 100.
In a first configuration illustrated in Figure 6a, the device 100 is arranged
in a
first single module configuration. In a single module configuration just one
and no
further module or dummy module is connected to the control module 200. In this
first
single module configuration, the device comprises the control module 200, a
single
module, in this configuration a module of the first type 300, connected to the
control
module 200, and a mouthpiece 500 connected to the module of the first module
type
300.
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The module of the first module type 300 is electrically connected to the
battery
202 in the control module 200 via the control circuitry to enable the heater
314 in the
module of the first module type 300 to be powered. When the heater 314 is
powered
(which may be instigated for example by the user operating a button (not
shown) of the
5 control module 200 or by a puff detector (not shown) of the overall
device 100, as is
known per se), liquid 308 drawn in from the liquid container 306 by the wick
316 is
heated by the heater 314 so as to generate an aerosol.
In use, the liquid 308 may be heated to a temperature of between around 100 -
10 300 C or more particularly around 150 C to 250 C. The liquid 308
may, or may not,
comprise nicotine.
As the user draws on the mouthpiece 500, air is drawn through an air inlet
(not
shown) in the control module 200 that is in fluid communication with the
channel 307
of the module of the first module type 300. The liquid 308 is volatised or
vaporised by
the heater 314 into the air from the air inlet (not shown) thereby to produce
a flow of
an aerosol. The flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel 307 and through
the
channel 504, which in this example are aligned, and out from the device 100
for
inhalation by a user.
In this first configuration therefore, the device 100 functions as an E-cig
device.
In a second single module configuration illustrated in Figure 6b, the device
100
comprises the control module 200, a single module, in this configuration a
module of
the second module type 400, connected to the control module 200, and a
mouthpiece
500 connected to the module of the second module type 400.
The module of the second module type 400 is electrically connected to the
battery 202 in the control module 200 via the control circuitry to enable the
heater
arrangement 414 in the module of the second module type 400 to be powered.
When
the heater arrangement 414 is powered (which may be instigated for example by
the
user operating a button (not shown) of the control module 200 or by a puff
detector (not
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shown) of the overall device 100, as is known per se) the material 408 which
may
comprise tobacco is heated (but not burnt) by the heater 314 so as to generate
an aerosol.
As the user draws on the mouthpiece 500, air is drawn through an air inlet
(not
shown) in the control module 200 that is in fluid communication with the
channel 403
in the module of the second module type 400. The material 408 is volatised or
vaporised
by the heater arrangement 415 into the air from the air inlet (not shown)
thereby to
produce a flow of an aerosol. The flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel
403 and
through the channel 504, which in this example are aligned, and out from the
device
100 for inhalation by a user.
In this second configuration therefore, the device 100 functions as a Tobacco
Heating Product device.
In a third configuration illustrated in Figure 6c, the device 100 comprises
the
control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a module of the first
module type
300 connected to the control module 200 and a module of the second module type
400
connected to the module of the first module type 300. A mouthpiece 500 is
connected
to the module of the second module type 400.
In this third configuration, the device 100 is operable in a number of
different
user selectable modes which may be, for example, selected by a user using a
control
input (not shown) on the device 100.
In a first mode, the heater 314 in the module of the first module type 300 is
powered (which again may be instigated for example by the user suitably
operating the
control input of the control module 200 or by a puff detector (not shown) of
the overall
device 100, as is known per se), liquid 308 drawn in from the liquid container
306 by
the wick 316 is heated by the heater 314 so as to generate an aerosol.
As the user draws on the mouthpiece 500, air is drawn through an air inlet
(not
shown) in the module of the first module type 300. The liquid 308 is volatised
or
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vaporised by the heater 314 into the air from the air inlet (not shown)
thereby to produce
a flow of an aerosol.
The flow of aerosol is drawn through the channel 307 and into the channel 403
of the module of the second module type 400, which is fluid communication with
and
preferably aligned with the channel 307 in the module of the first module type
300.
The flow of aerosol picks up (entrains) flavour (and/or other constituents)
from
the material 408 as the aerosol flows through the material 408. One or more
constituents
of the material 408 is thereby mixed with the aerosol flow which passes out of
the
mouthpiece 500 thereby enhancing the sensory experience of a user.
In this first mode of the third configuration, the heating arrangement 414 of
the
module of the second module type 400 is in-active and so the material 408 is
not heated.
In a second mode, which is a variation of the first mode, the heating
arrangement
414 of the module of the second module type 400 is activated so that the
material 408
is heated or hot when the when the aerosol flow generated from the e-liquid of
the
module of the first module type 300 passes through the material 408.
In a third mode, the heater 314 of the module of the first module type 300 is
not
active so that there is no flow of aerosol generated from the e-liquid in the
module of
the first module type 300. The heater arrangement 414 of the module of the
second
module type 400 is powered so that the material 408 is heated (but not burnt)
by the
heater arrangement 414 so as to generate an aerosol flow that is inhaled by
the user.
In a variation (not illustrated) of this configuration, the module of the
second
module type 400 is connected directly to the control module 200 and the module
of the
first module type 300 is connected to the module of the second module type
400.
In a fourth configuration illustrated in Figure 6d, the device 100 comprises
the
control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a first module of the
first module
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type 300a connected to the control module 200 and a second module of the first
module
type 300b connected to the first module of the first module type 300a. A
mouthpiece
500 is connected to the second module of the first module type 300b.
The e-liquids contained in the first module of the first module type 300a the
second module of the first module type 300b may be identical or different in
some way.
For example, if different, the e-liquids may comprise different flavours.
In this fourth configuration, the device 100 is again operable in a number of
different user selectable modes each of which may be selected, for example, by
a user
using the controller input means (not shown).
When in any given one of the modes, the heater of the first module of the
first
module type 300a and/or the heater of the second module of the first module
type 300b
may be activated in response to a user using the controller input means (not
shown) or
by a puff detector so that the following described functionality is provided.
In a first mode, there is at least one time period during which the heater of
the
first module of the first module type 300a and the heater of the second module
of the
first module type 300b are both on at the same time. Accordingly, in this time
period
both the first module of the first module type 300a and the second module of
the first
module type 300b both generate an aerosol flow from their respective e-liquids
which
flows mix together in the channel of the second module of the first module
type 300b
before passing through the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user.
In this first mode, if the e-liquids of the modules comprise different
flavours
then these flavours will be mixed together when the respective aerosol flows
of the
modules mix which may enhance a user's experience.
In this first mode, if the e-liquids of the modules comprise the same flavour.
the
intensity of this flavour perceived by a user will be increased as a result of
respective
aerosol flows of the modules mixing.
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In this first mode, if the e-liquids of the modules both comprise nicotine,
then
the nicotine concentration inhaled by a user will be higher as a result of the
respective
aerosol flows of the modules mixing.
In a second mode of operation, the heater of the first module of the first
module
type 300a is on but the heater of the second module of the first module type
300b is off.
Accordingly, in this second mode, only the first module generates an aerosol
flow
which passes through device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500 into the mouth
of a
user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500.
A user may therefore select this second mode if, for example, the user wishes
to
experience the particular sensory experience associated with the e-liquid in
the first
module of the first module type 300a taken alone.
In a third mode of operation, the heater of the second module of the first
module
type 300b is on but the heater of the first module of the first module type
300a is off.
Accordingly, in this third mode, only the second module generates an aerosol
flow
which passes through the device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500 into the
mouth of
a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500.
A user may therefore select this third mode if, for example, the user wishes
to
experience the particular sensory experience associated with the e-liquid in
the second
module of the first module type 300b taken alone.
In a fifth configuration illustrated in Figure 6e, the device 100 comprises
the
control module 200 and two further modules, namely, a first module of the
second
module type 400a connected to the control module 200 and a second module of
the
second module type 400b connected to the first module of the second module
type 400a.
A mouthpiece 500 is connected to the second module of the second module type
400b.
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The materials contained in the first module of the second module type 400a and
the second module of the second module type 300b may be identical or different
in
some way. For example one of the materials may comprise a tobacco product
whilst
the other materials does not comprise tobacco but comprises a different
flavour
5 material.
In this fifth configuration, the device 100 is again operable in a number of
different user selectable modes each of which may be selected, for example, by
a user
using the controller input means (not shown).
When in any given one of the modes, the heating arrangement of the first
module of the second module type 400a and/or the heating arrangement of the
second
module of the second module type 400b may be activated in response to a user
using
the controller input means (not shown) or by a puff detector so that the
following
described functionality is provided.
In a first mode, there is at least one time period during which the heater of
the
first module of the second module type 400a and the heater of the second
module of the
second module type 400b are both on at the same time.
Accordingly, in this time period both the first module of the second module
type
400a and the second module of the second module type 400b both generate an
aerosol
flow from their respective materials and the flow from the first module of the
second
module type 400a passes through the material in the second module of the
second
module type 400b before the flows mix together in the channel of the second
module
of the second module type 400b before passing through the mouthpiece 500 into
the
mouth of a user.
In a second mode of operation, the heater of the first module of the second
module type 400a is on but the heater of the second module of the second
module type
400b is off.
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Accordingly, in this second mode, only the first module generates an aerosol
flow which passes through the material in the second module and then out of
the
mouthpiece 500 into the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece
500.
In this mode, material from the second module becomes entrained in the aerosol
flow generated by the first module and may alter the flavour or other property
of the
flow.
In a third mode of operation, the heater of the second module of the second
module type 400b is on but the heater of the first module of the second module
type
400a is off. Accordingly, in this third mode, only the second module generates
an
aerosol flow which passes through the device 100 and out of the mouthpiece 500
into
the mouth of a user when a user draws on the mouthpiece 500.
In this mode the first module is effectively idle.
Referring now to Figure 7a, which schematically illustrates sectional plan and
side views of two modules (Module 1, Module 2) to show how the modules may be
electrically connected when arranged in a stack. Each of Module 1 and Module 2
may be a module of the first module type or a module of the second module
type.
On the right-hand side, Figure 7a illustrates a (exploded) sectional side view
of
Module 1 and Module 2 arranged in a stack. Module 1 is connected to a control
module (not illustrated) and Module 2 is connected to Module 1. A mouthpiece
is
connected to Module 2.
On the left-hand side, Figure 7a illustrates sectional plan view illustrating
electrical contacts at the inlet end connection interface (BASE) of Module 1
and at the
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outlet end connection interface (TOP) of Module 2. It will be appreciated that
the
inlet end connection interfaces of Module 1 and Module 2 have the same
configuration and that the outlet end connection interfaces of Module 1 and
Module 2
also have the same configuration.
Each module (Module 1 and Module 2) comprises an annular electrical contact
(P1) at its inlet end connection interface arranged in the plane of the inlet
and an
elongate electrical contact (P2) that extends through the module, for example
through
the centre of the module, from the outlet end connection interface to the
inlet end
connection interface. In this example, the annular electrical contact (P1) is
a planar
strip. In other examples, the electrical contact (P1) need not be annular but
may be
shaped differently, for example, rectangular or square shaped.
The housing of each module (Module 1 and Module 2) provides a ground
connection (-).
The control module (not shown in Figure 7a) comprises the connection
interface 206 that comprises a first electrical contact for electrically
connecting to the
annular electrical contact (P1) of the Module that is connected to the control
module,
a second electrical contact for connecting to the elongate electrical contact
(P2) and a
third electrical contact that is connected to ground.
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These connections enable power to be supplied from the power supply 202 in
the control module 200 to Module 1 and Module 2 to power the heaters of the
modules.
The inlet end and outlet end connection interfaces may also comprises one or
more complimentary mechanical connectors (MC) for making a mechanical
connection.
In the example configuration shown in Figure 7b, Module 1 is connected to
the control module 200 and receives power via the connections P1 and P2.
Module 1
recognises that both power connections are active and uses Pl.
Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that power is available on
its connection P2, that power being supplied via Module l's P2 connection. In
short,
each Module will use either P1 if it is connected to the control module or P2
if it is
connected to the control module 200 or another Module as summarised in the
table
below:
Module 1 Module 2
Ground (-) Common Common
Power 1 (+) In use N/A
Power 2 (+) N/A In use
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The control circuitry 204 of the control module 200 is arranged to be able to
identify what configuration of modules is connected to the control module 200
in
order to ensure that the correct beating control parameters (e.g. wattage,
temperature,
time etc) are applied in respect of each module.
In one example, the control module 200 makes electrical measurements to
determine the configuration of modules connected it. For example, modules of
the
first module type may have a first electrical resistance associated with them
(for
example 0.80hm) and modules of the second module type may have a second
different electrical resistance associated with them (for example 1.20hm). The
control
circuitry 204 may make one or more resistance measurements to identify what
module
or combination of modules is connected to it.
In a further example each module type may be provided with a transmitter, for
example, a RF transmitter that transmits an identity signal that identifies
the module.
The control circuitry 204 of the control module 200 may comprises a receiver
for
receiving the identity signals.
Referring now to Figures 8a to 8d, there are schematic illustrations of a
device
100' (Fig 8a) comprising a control unit 200', a stack of two modules (Module A
and
Module B) (Fig 8b) each of which may be either a module of the first module
type or a
module of the second module type as described above and a mouthpiece 500'. The
device 100' may be configured in any of the configurations of the device 100
described
above and functions substantially in the same way as described above.
Components
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identical or similar to components previously described having been given the
same
reference numeral with a'.
In this example, each module (Module 1 and Module 2) comprises a first annular
5 electrical contact connector (P1') and a second annular electrical
contact connector
(P2') arranged at a top outlet end of the module. The first annular electrical
contact
connector (P1') and the second annular electrical contact connector (P2') are
concentric
and the second annular electrical contact connector (P2') lies within the
first annular
electrical contact connector (P1').
Each module further comprises a pair of connectors (P3') (P4'), for examples,
finger sprung connectors at its base end, a first electrical path Li' between
the first
annular electrical contact (P1') and a first one of the connectors (P3'), and
a second
electrical path L2' between the second annular electrical contact (P2') and a
second one
of the connectors (P4').
The connectors enable a module to be connected either to the top end of
another
module in a stack or to the control module 200'. When a module is connected to
an
earlier module in a stack, the first connector makes an electrical connection
with the
first annular electrical contact connector (P1') of the earlier module and the
second
connector makes an electrical connection with the second annular electrical
contact
connector (P2') of the earlier module. As the annular electrical contact
connectors are
circular, this arrangement is advantageous because as long as the longitudinal
axes of
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the modules are aligned it enables the modules to be connected together in any
angular
orientation.
When a module is connected to the control module 200', the first connector and
the second connector each makes a separate electrical connection with the
control
circuitry 204'to enable power to be applied separately from the power supply
202'to
the first annular electrical contact (P1') and the second annular electrical
contact (P2')
of that module via the electrical pathways.
These connections enable power to be supplied from the power supply 202' in
the control module 200' to Module 1 and Module 2.
Module 1 is connected to the control module 200' and receives power via the
connections P1' and P2'. Module 1 recognises that both power connections are
active
and uses P1'. Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that power is
available on its connection P2', the power being supplied via Module l's P2'
connection. In short, each Module will use either P1' if it is connected to
the control
module 200' or P2' if it is connected to another Module.
Figures 8a and 8d further illustrates an air inlet 210 in the control model
200'
that is in fluid communication with the channels (Flow Channel) in the Modules
and
the mouthpiece 500'.
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Referring now to Figures 9a to 9d, there are schematic illustrations of
another
device 100" (Fig 9a) comprising a control unit 200", a stack of two modules
(Module
1" and Module 2") (Fig 9b) each of which may be either a module of the first
module
type or a module of the second module type as described above and a mouthpiece
500".
The device 100" may be configured in any of the configurations of the device
100
described above and functions substantially in the same way as described
above. The
device 100' may be configured in any of the configurations of the device 100
described
above and functions substantially in the same way as described above.
Components
identical or similar to components previously described having been given the
same
reference numeral with a ".
In this example, the housing of each module is generally rectangular in cross-
section and each housing comprises a step 612 at one side at the outlet end of
the module
and a corresponding recess 614 at the one side of the inlet end of the module.
As is
illustrated in Figure 9b, the modules may be connected together in a stack
with the step
612 of a lower module (Module 1") fitting in the recess of a higher module
(Module
2").
In this example, each module (Module 1" and Module 2") comprises a first
electrical contact connector (P1"), a second electrical contact connector
(P2") and a
ground electrical contact (PG) arranged in a line on the step 612 at the
outlet end of the
module.
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Each module further comprises a set of three connectors, for examples, a set
of
three finger sprung connectors at its inlet end, a first electrical path (L1")
between the
first electrical contact (P1") and a first one of the connectors, a second
electrical path
(L2") between the second electrical contact (P2") and a second one of the
connectors,
and a third electrical path (L3) between the ground electrical contact (P3")
and a third
one of the connectors
The connectors enable a module to be connected either to the top end of
another
module in a stack or to the control module 200". When a module is connected to
an
earlier module in a stack, the first connector makes an electrical connection
with the
first electrical contact connector (P1") of the earlier module, the second
connector
makes an electrical connection with the second electrical contact connector
(P2") of
the earlier module and the third connector makes an electrical connection with
the third
electrical contact connector (P1") of the earlier module.
When a module is connected to the control module 200", the first connector
and the second connector each makes a separate electrical connection with the
control
circuitry 204" to enable power to be applied separately to the first
electrical contact
(P1") and the second electrical contact (P2") of that module via the
electrical pathways
(L1", L2"). These connections enable power to be supplied from the power
supply
202" in the control module to Module 1 and Module 2.
Module 1 is connected to the control module 200" and receives power via the
connections Pl" and P2". Module 1 recognises that both power connections are
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active and uses Pl". Module 2 is connected to Module 1 and recognises that
power is
available on its connection P2", the power being supplied via Module l's P2"
connection. In short, each Module will use either Pl" if it is connected to
the control
module 200' 'or P2" if it is connected to another Module.
Although in the examples described above, the material 408 is described as
being a flavour material that may modify a flavour of a aerosol generated from
an e-
liquid when the aerosol flows through the body of material or which may be
heated to
generate its own flow of aerosol this is not essential and instead (or in
addition) the
material 408 may be for modifying a property of the e-liquid aerosol other
than (or in
addition) to flavour.
In some examples, the material 408 may modify one or more other organoleptic
properties of the e-cig aerosol (e.g. modifying the feel or smell or look of
the aerosol to
the user).
In some examples, the material may be a material that modifies the PH of the e-
liquid aerosol by either lowering or raising the PH (e.g. modifying the
acidity or the
basicity of the e-liquid aerosol).
In some examples, the material 408 may modify (e.g. reduce) the amount of
aldehydes in the aerosol.
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In some examples, the material 408 may be a material that modifies different
combinations of two or more of these or indeed other properties of the e-
liquid aerosol.
In some examples, the electrical connections may be used to pass data back
from
5 the modules to the control module.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" may refer to materials
which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste
or aroma
in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice,
hydrangea,
10 Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol,
Japanese
mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple,
Drambuie,
bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery,
cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil,
vanilla,
lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage,
fennel,
15 piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species
of the genus
Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial
receptor site
activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose,
acesulfame
potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose,
fructose,
sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll,
minerals,
20 botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation,
synthetic or natural
ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example,
oil, liquid,
solid, or powder. For example, a liquid, oil, or other such fluid flavourant
may be
impregnated in a porous solid material so as to impart flavour and/or other
properties
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to that porous solid material. As such, the liquid or oil is a constituent of
the material in
which it is impregnated.
The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the
invention. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to
any one
embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described,
and
may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the
embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore,
equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the
accompanying claims.
