EP3826494A2

EP3826494A2 - A control module for a modular aerosol generating device and a module for a modular aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: EP3826494A2
Application number: EP19755529.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard Hepworth; Patrick MOLONEY
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2019-07-24
Publication date: 2021-06-02
Also published as: JP2021531006A; CA3211605A1; KR102652299B1; GB201812060D0; KR20210030461A; US20240206550A1; CA3106423C; WO2020020955A2; WO2020020955A3; JP7264573B2; CA3106423A1

Abstract

There is described a control module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol. 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. The modules of the first module type contain an e-liquid for generating an aerosol and the modules of the second module type contain a material and comprise a heater that can be activated to heat the material. 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.

Description

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 bum tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke.

Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that bum tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning.

Examples of such products are 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. 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 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 6e 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; 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. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 - 300°C or more particularly around l50°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 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 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. ln 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. ln 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. ln 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. ln 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. ln 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 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. 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. 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 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. 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 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 (Pl) 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 (Pl) is a planar strip. In other examples, the electrical contact (Pl) 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 (Pl) 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. 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 Pl 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 P 1 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 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 heating 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 0.8ohm) and modules of the second module type may have a second different electrical resistance associated with them (for example l.2ohm). 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 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 electrical contact connector (RG) and a second annular electrical contact connector (P2') arranged at a top outlet end of the module. The first annular electrical contact connector (P G ) 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 (RG).

Each module further comprises a pair of connectors (P3 ') (P4'), for examples, finger sprung connectors at its base end, a first electrical path Lf between the first annular electrical contact (RG) 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 (RG) 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 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 (RG) 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 RG and P2'. Module 1 recognises that both power connections are active and uses RG. 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 P G 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'. 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 (R '), 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. 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 (^'L l ^" ) between the first electrical contact (RG') 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 (Pl") 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 (RG") 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 (Pl") and the second electrical contact (P2") of that module via the electrical pathways (Ll", 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 active and uses RG'. 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 P G ' 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. 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 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, 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, 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, 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 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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. A control module according to claim 1 wherein the configurations comprise 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 the module of the first module type is closer to the control module than is the module of the second module type.

3. A control module according to any preceding claim wherein the configurations comprise a second 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 the module of the second module type is closer to the control module than is the module of the first module type.

4. A control module according to any preceding claim wherein the configurations comprise a third multi-module configuration comprising two modules of the second module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.

5. A control module according to any preceding claim wherein the configurations comprise a fourth multi-module configuration comprising two modules of the first module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.

6. A control module according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to use the control module to select a first mode in which, in use, when a module of the first module type and a module of the second module type are connected together in a stacked arrangement, the control module controls the module of the first module type to generate an aerosol flow from the e- liquid in a time period when the heater of the module of the second module type is in active.

7. A control module according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to use the control module to select a second mode in which, in use, when a module of the first module type and a module of the second module type are connected together in a stacked arrangement, the control module controls the module of the first module type to generate an aerosol flow from the e-liquid in a time period when the heater of the module of the second module type is active.

8. A control module according to any preceding claim, wherein the control module comprises a first power connection for making a first electrical connection with a first or only module connected to the control module to supply power to the first or only module and a second power connection and a second power connection for making a second electrical connection to a first module connected to the control module to supply power, via the first module, to a second module connected to the first module.

9. A control module according to any preceding claim wherein the control module is configured to identify what type of module or order of types of modules is connected to the control module.

10. A module of a first module type for use with a control module of any of claims 1 to 9, the module of the first module type comprising a housing containing an e-cig liquid for generating a flow of aerosol when controlled by the control module.

11. The module of claim 10, the module comprising an aerosol generator for generating a flow of aerosol from the e-cig liquid when controlled by the control module.

12. The module of claim 11 wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of a heater, a heater and wick arrangement and a piezo electric arrangement.

13. The module of any of claims 10 to 12 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

14. The module of claim 13 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

15. The module of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

16. The module of any of claims 10 to 15 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

17. The module of claim 16 wherein the second connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and to route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

18. A module of a second module type for use with a control module of any of claims 1 to 9, the module of the second module type comprising a housing containing a material and a heater for heating the material to generate a flow of aerosol from the material when controlled by the control module.

19. The module of claim 18 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

20. The module of claim 19 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

21. The module of claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

22. The module of any of claims 18 to 21 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

23. The module of claim 22 wherein the second connection interface comprises an electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module and for routing electrical power from the control module to the subsequent module.

24. A kit comprising the control module of any of claims 1 to 9 and at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 10 to 17 and/or at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims 18 to 23.

25. A modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising:

the control module of any of claims 1 to 9;

at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 10 to 17; and/or; at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims 18 to 23.

26. 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.

27. A control module according to claim 26 wherein the configurations comprise 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 the module of the first module type is closer to the control module than is the module of the second module type.

28. A control module according to claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the

configurations comprise a second 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 the module of the second module type is closer to the control module than is the module of the first module type.

29. A control module according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to use the control module to select a mode in which, in use, when a module of the first module type and a module of the second module type are connected together in a stacked arrangement, the control module controls the module of the first module type to generate an aerosol flow from the e- liquid in a time period when the heater of the module of the second module type is in- active.

30. A control module according to any of claims 26 to 29 wherein the control module is configured to enable a user to use the control module to select a mode in which, in use, when a module of the first module type and a module of the second module type are connected together in a stacked arrangement, the control module controls the module of the first module type to generate an aerosol flow from the e- liquid in a time period when the heater of the module of the second module type is active.

31. A control module according to any of claims 26 to 30 wherein the control module comprises a first power connection for making a first electrical connection with a first or only module connected to the control module to supply power to the first or only module and a second power connection and a second power connection for making a second electrical connection to a first module connected to the control module to supply power, via the first module, to a second module connected to the first module.

32. A control module according to any of claims 26 to 31 wherein the control module is configured to identify what type of module or order of types of modules is connected to the control module.

33. A module of a first module type for use with a control module of any of claims 26 to 32 the module of the first module type comprising a housing containing an e-cig liquid for generating a flow of aerosol when controlled by the control module.

34. The module of claim 33, the module comprising an aerosol generator for generating a flow of aerosol from the e-cig liquid when controlled by the control module.

35. The module of claim 34 wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of a heater, a heater and wick arrangement and a piezo electric arrangement.

36. The module of any of claims 33 to 35 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

37. The module of claim 36 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

38. The module of claim 36 or claim 37 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

39. The module of any of claims 33 to 38 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

40. The module of claim 39 wherein the second connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and to route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

41. A module of a second module type for use with a control module of any of claims 26 to 32, the module of the second module type comprising a housing containing a material and a heater for heating the material to generate a flow of aerosol from the material when controlled by the control module.

42. The module of claim 41 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

43. The module of claim 41 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

44. The module of claim 42 or claim 43 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

45. The module of any of claims 41 to 44 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

46. The module of claim 45 wherein the second connection interface comprises an electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module and for routing electrical power from the control module to the subsequent module.

47. A kit comprising the control module of any of claims 1 to 9 and at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 10 to 17 and/or at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims 18 to 23.

48. A modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising:

the control module of any of claims 26 to 32;

at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 33 to 40; and/or;

at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims 41 to 46.

49. 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: 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.

50. A control module according to claim 49 wherein the configurations comprise 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 the module of the first module type is closer to the control module than is the module of the second module type.

51. A control module according to claim 49 or claim 50 wherein the

52. A control module according to any of claims 49 to 51 wherein the

configurations comprise a third multi-module configuration comprising two modules of the second module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.

53 A control module according to any of claims 49 to 52 wherein the

configurations comprise a fourth multi-module configuration comprising two modules of the first module type connected together in a stacked arrangement.

54. A control module according to any of claims 49 to 53, wherein the control module comprises a first power connection for making a first electrical connection with a first or only module connected to the control module to supply power to the first or only module and a second power connection and a second power connection for making a second electrical connection to a first module connected to the control module to supply power, via the first module, to a second module connected to the first module.

55. A control module according to any of claims 49 to 54wherein the control module is configured to identify what type of module or order of types of modules is connected to the control module.

56. A module of a first module type for use with a control module of any of claims 49 to 55, the module of the first module type comprising a housing containing an e-cig liquid for generating a flow of aerosol when controlled by the control module.

57. The module of claim 56, the module comprising an aerosol generator for generating a flow of aerosol from the e-cig liquid when controlled by the control module.

58. The module of claim 57 wherein the aerosol generator comprises at least one of a heater, a heater and wick arrangement and a piezo electric arrangement.

59. The module of any of claims 56 to 58 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

60. The module of claim 59 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

61. The module of claim 59 or claim 60 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

62. The module of any of claims 56 to 61 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

63. The module of claim 62 wherein the second connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and to route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

64. A module of a second module type for use with a control module of any of claims 49 to 55, the module of the second module type comprising a housing containing a material and a heater for heating the material to generate a flow of aerosol from the material when controlled by the control module.

65. The module of claim 64 further comprising a first connection interface for releasably connecting the module to the control module or for connecting the module to another module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

66. The module of claim 65 wherein the first connection interface comprises a first electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module to power the module when the module is the first module or the only module connected to the control module.

67. The module of claim 65 or claim 66 wherein the first connection interface comprises a second electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to the control module to receive power from the control module and route the power to a further module when the module is the first module in a stack of modules connected to the control module and the further module is a subsequent module in the stack of modules.

68. The module of any of claims 65 to 67 further comprising a second connection interface for releasably connecting the module to a mouthpiece or for connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module.

69. The module of claim 68 wherein the second connection interface comprises an electrical connection for electrically connecting the module to a subsequent module in a stack of modules that, in use, is connected to the control module and for routing electrical power from the control module to the subsequent module.

70. A kit comprising the control module of any of claims 49 to 55 and at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 56 to 63 and/or at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims 64 to 69.

71. A modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising:

the control module of any of claims 49 to 55;

at least one module of the module of the first module type of any of claims 56 to 63; and/or;

at least one module of the module of the second module type of any of claims

64 to 69.