KR20230151077A - A power module for a modular aerosol generating device and a module for a modular aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating inhalable aerosols is described. The power module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device by selectively connecting a single module, either a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type, to the power module. A module of the first module type is for retaining non-e-liquid material and includes a heater that can be activated to heat the non-e-liquid material to generate an inhalable aerosol. The second module type is for holding e-liquid for generating an inhalable aerosol.

Description

A power module for a modular aerosol generating device and a module for a modular aerosol generating device {A POWER MODULE FOR A MODULAR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE AND A MODULE FOR A MODULAR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to power modules for modular aerosol generating devices, modules for modular aerosol generating devices, and modular aerosol generating devices.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use.

Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these cigarette-burning products by creating products that release the compounds without burning them.

Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating the material but not burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Another example is so-called e-cigarette devices. These devices typically hold a liquid, referred to as e-liquid, which is heated to vaporize the liquid to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol. The liquid may contain nicotine and/or flavorings and/or aerosol-generating substances, such as glycerol. E-cigarette devices typically do not hold or use cigarettes.

As another example, so-called hybrid devices exist. These hybrid devices typically hold the e-liquid and tobacco or other flavoring ingredients separately. The liquid is heated to evaporate the liquid to produce an inhalable vapor or aerosol, which passes through the tobacco or other flavoring material to impart flavor to the vapor or aerosol.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the power module comprising a single module that is either a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type. arranged to configure an aerosol generating device by selectively connecting to a power module, wherein a module of the first module type is configured to retain non e-liquid material and generate an inhalable aerosol. and a heater that can be activated to heat the non-e-liquid material, wherein the second module type is for retaining the e-liquid for generating an inhalable aerosol.

The power module may include a control circuit, wherein the control circuit applies a first control scheme suitable for controlling a module of the first module type when the module of the first module type is connected to the power module and a module of the second module type. It is configured to apply a second control scheme suitable for controlling modules of the second module type when connected to the power module.

The control circuit can be configured to identify which of the modules of the first module type and the modules of the second module type are connected to the power module.

The control circuit is configured to select which of the first control scheme and the second control scheme will be applied in response to identifying which of the modules of the first module type and the modules of the second module type are coupled to the control module. .

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a module of a first module type for use with a power module of the first aspect, the module of the first module type comprising: a housing for retaining non-e-liquid material, said housing includes a heater that can be activated to heat the non-e-liquid material to generate an inhalable aerosol, and a first module type connection interface for connecting the module to the power module.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a module of a second module type for use with the power module of the third aspect, the module of the second module type having a housing for holding e-liquid, the housing comprising e-liquid. -comprising an aerosol generating arrangement that can be activated to generate an inhalable aerosol from the liquid, -and a second module type connection interface for connecting the module to the power module.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a modular aerosol generating device is provided for generating an inhalable aerosol, the device comprising:

a power module of a first aspect; a module of the first module type of the second aspect; or a module of the second module type of the third aspect.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example only. Similar features appearing in different of the drawings are given the same reference numerals in the different drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a modular aerosol delivery device.
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a module of the first module type.
Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a module of a second module type.
Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the power module.
Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the mouthpiece.

1, an example of a modular aerosol delivery device 100 is schematically illustrated. Aerosol presentation device 100 is an inhalation device (i.e., a user uses the inhalation device to inhale the aerosol produced by device 100, and device 100 is a hand- held device). .

In general, when a user sucks on device 100, device 100 generates a vapor or aerosol that is transferred from device 100 to the user's mouth.

In this regard, first of all, it may be noted that in general vapor is a substance in the gaseous state at temperatures below its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid, for example by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature . On the other hand, an aerosol is generally a colloid of fine solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. A colloid is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance. For convenience, as used herein, the term "aerosol" should be construed to mean an aerosol, vapor, or a combination of an aerosol and a vapor.

Referring to FIG. 1 , device 100 includes a power module 200, a module 300 for holding material for generating an aerosol, and in this example a mouthpiece 600. Advantageously, and as described in more detail below, a user may configure device 100 by selecting the type of module 300 to connect to power module 200. In this example, module 300 is either a module of the first module type or a module of the second module type. A module of the first module type is for retaining non-e-liquid material and includes a heater that can be activated to heat the non-e-liquid material to generate an inhalable aerosol, and a module of the second module type is configured to: It is intended to contain e-liquid to create an inhalable aerosol.

Referring now to Figure 2, an example of a module 300a of the first module type is illustrated. Module 300a of the first module type includes a housing 402, which includes a cylindrical channel 403 penetrating the housing 402. The cylindrical channel 403 includes an outlet 406 at one end 407, which is the proximal end of module 300a, and is closed at the other end 409, which is the distal end of module 300a. Module 300a receives material 408, a non-e-liquid material, in channel 403. In some examples, material 408 is loose material retained within channel 403. In these examples, housing 402 may include an outlet screen 412 to prevent material from escaping out of outlet 406. Outlet screen 412 may be removable to allow a user to refill material 408 within channel 403. Exit screen 412 is porous to allow aerosols to pass through.

In some examples, material 408 may be held in its own container (not illustrated), such as an open-ended tube, which is within channel 403. The tube may be formed from a suitable material, such as cellulose acetate packaging material or plastic.

The module 300a of the first module type further includes a heating arrangement 414 for heating the material 408. Heating arrangement 414 can be of any suitable type, including resistive heating arrangements, inductive heating arrangements, and radiative heating arrangements.

Material 408 typically includes tobacco, but some other botanicals or flavors may also be used.

In some examples, material 408 may be made of particles, such as powders, granules, grains, fibers, etc., to increase the active surface area of material 408 and thus maximize the amount of flavor provided by material 408. To shape, the material 408 has been ground or otherwise processed.

The module 300a of the first module type further comprises a first connection interface 418 of the first module type at the end 409 and a second connection interface 420 of the first module type at the outlet 406. Includes.

The first connection interface 418 is for detachably connecting the module 300a of the first module type to the power module 200. The first connection interface 418 mechanically and electrically connects the module 300a of the first module type to the power module 200.

The first connection interface 418 is, for example, a threaded connection for connection to a complementary threaded connection of the power module 200 to provide a simple, standardized mechanical connection between the first connection interface 418 and the power module 200. may include.

The second connection interface 420 is for detachably connecting the module 300a of the first module type to the mouthpiece 600.

Housing 400 further includes an air flow inlet 422 to allow air to flow into channel 403.

*Referring now to Figure 3, an example of a module 300b of the second module type is schematically illustrated. Module 300b of the second module type includes a housing 502 holding a liquid container 506 for holding e-cigarette liquid 508.

In this example, liquid container 506 is generally provided in the center of module 300b of the second module type, although other arrangements are possible. Liquid container 506 is cylindrical in shape, but may have different shapes such as conical, cylindrical, etc. Liquid container 506 is annular and defines a cylindrical channel 507 penetrating liquid container 506 . The cylindrical channel 507 includes an outlet 512 at one end 513 of the module and is closed at the other end 515 of the module. Liquid container 506 may be formed of rigid, watertight and airtight materials such as metal, suitable plastic, etc.

In this example, the module 300b of the second module type is provided with a heater 514 and a wick 516 in thermal contact with the heater 514. In this example, heater 514 and wick 516 are provided as a single unit, sometimes known as an “atomiser.” In this case, if the module 300b of the second module type includes an atomizer, this module is often referred to as an “atomizer”.

Wick 516 is in fluid contact with liquid 508. Wick 516 is generally absorbent and serves to draw liquid 508 from liquid container 506 by capillary action. Interlining 516 is preferably non-woven, such as cotton, wool material, etc., or may be a synthetic material or ceramic material, including, for example, polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, etc. In use, heater 514 heats liquid in wick 516 to create an aerosol.

In alternative examples, the module 300b of the second module type is not provided with a heater to heat the liquid to generate an aerosol, but is provided with an alternative aerosol generating arrangement, such as a piezoelectric arrangement. As is known, in these arrangements, the mesh can be attached directly or indirectly to the piezoelectric arrangement, which in use causes the mesh to vibrate in response to an applied control current/voltage. The liquid is positioned below the mesh, and when the mesh vibrates, the liquid is pushed through the mesh to form an aerosol.

The module 300b of the second module type further comprises a first connection interface 518 of the second module type at the end 515 and a second connection interface 520 of the second module type at the outlet 512. Includes.

The first connection interface 518 is for detachably connecting the module 300b of the second module type to the power module 200. The first connection interface 518 mechanically and electrically connects the module 300b of the second module type to the power module 200.

The first connection interface 518 is, for example, a threaded connection for connection to a complementary threaded connection of the power module 200 to provide a simple, standardized mechanical connection between the first connection interface 518 and the power module 200. (which may be the same as the screw connection of the module of the first module type).

The second connection interface 520 is for detachably connecting the module 300b of the second module type to the mouthpiece 600.

Housing 502 further includes an air flow inlet 522 to allow air to flow into channel 507.

Referring now to Figure 4, a schematic diagram of power module 200 is illustrated.

The power module 200 includes a power source 202, such as a battery, for powering the various components of the aerosol delivery device 100. Battery 202 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. In this example, control circuitry 204 is also provided to control the operation of the various components of device 100.

For example, the control circuit 204 may control the first module (e.g., in terms of wattage, temperature, heating time, or combination thereof) of the heater 414 when a module 300a of the first module type is connected to the power module 200. Applying a first control method suitable for controlling a module 300a of type 2, when a module 300b of a second module type is connected to the power module 200 (e.g., wattage, temperature, heating time of heater 514) or a combination thereof) may be configured to apply a second control method appropriate for controlling the module 300b of the second module type.

The control circuit 204 may be configured to identify which of the first module type module 300b and the second module type module 300b is connected to the power module, wherein the first module type module 300a and in response to identifying which of the modules 300b of the second module type is connected to the power module, select which of the first control scheme and the second control scheme will be applied.

In one example, control circuit 204 performs electrical measurements to determine the type of modules connected to it. For example, modules of a first module type may have a first electrical resistance associated with them (purely by way of example only, 1.2 ohm to 1.3 ohm) and modules of a second module type may have a second different electrical resistance associated with them. (Purely, just by way of example, 1.7 ohm to 1.8 ohm). Modules of the first module type may have resistance values of 1 ohm to 3 ohm, while modules of the second module type may have resistance values of 0.5 ohm to 4 ohm. Modules of the first module type and the second module type may have resistance values different from those described above. Control circuit 204 may perform one or more resistance measurements to identify which module it is connected to. This may especially be the case if the resistance values of the first module type and the second module type are sufficiently different (i.e., the difference can be reliably detected by the control circuit 204).

In a further example, each module type may be provided with a transmitter, such as an RF transmitter (such as an RFID tag), that transmits an identification signal that identifies the module. Control circuit 204 may include a receiver for receiving identification signals.

The power module 200 further includes a power module connection interface 206 for detachably connecting the power module 200 to the module 300a of the first module type or the module 300b of the second module type.

The connection interface 206 is the first connection interface 418 of the module 300a of the first module type or the first connection interface 418 of the module 300b of the second module type, depending on which module type is connected to the power module 200. Perform mechanical connection with the connection interface 518.

The connection interface 206 may comprise a threaded connection for connecting a module of the first module type or a complementary threaded connection of a module of the second module type.

The connection interface 206 may also be connected to a module 300a of the first module type to supply power from the power source 202 to a module 300a of the first module type or a module 300b of the second module type, as the case may be. Electrical connection is performed with the first connection interface 418 of or the first connection interface 518 of the second module type module 300b.

Referring now to Figure 5, mouthpiece 600 is illustrated. Mouthpiece 600 includes a body 602 that is received in the user's mouth. Body 602 includes a channel 604 that runs along the length of mouthpiece 600 from mouthpiece inlet 606 to mouthpiece outlet 608.

The end of the inlet 606 of the mouthpiece 600 is for connecting to the outlet end of the module 300a of the first module type or the outlet end of the module 300b of the second module type.

Referring again to Figure 1, when device 100 is configured as a THP device, module 300 is module 300a of the first module type.

The module 300a of the first module type includes a control circuit ( It is electrically connected to the power source 202 of the power module 200 through 204).

When power is supplied to the heater arrangement 414 (which, as is already known, can be achieved, for example, by the user manipulating a button (not shown) on the power module 200 or by the puff detector (not shown) of the overall device 100 material 408, which may include tobacco, is heated (but not burned) by heater 414 to create an aerosol.

As the user sucks on the mouthpiece 600, air flows into the channel 403 from the outside of the housing 402 through the air flow inlet 422, and the material is volatilized or evaporated by the heater arrangement 415. 408 mixes with the air stream to create a stream of aerosol. A stream of aerosol enters through channel 403 and channel 604 of mouthpiece 600 for inhalation by the user.

Referring again to FIG. 1, when device 100 is configured as an e-cigarette device, module 300 is module 300b of the second module type.

The module 300b of the second module type includes a control circuit 204 to ensure that power is supplied to the heater 514 of the module 300b of the second module type according to a control method appropriate to the module 300b of the second module type. ) is electrically connected to the power source 202 of the power module 200.

When power is supplied to the heater 514 (this again, as is already known, for example by the user manipulating a button (not shown) on the power module 200 or on the puff detector (not shown) of the overall device 100 (can be implemented by), the liquid 508 introduced by the wick 516 from the liquid container 506 is heated by the heater 514 to generate an aerosol.

In use, the liquid 508 may be heated to a temperature of about 70°C to 300°C or especially to a temperature of about 150°C to 250°C. Liquid 508 may or may not contain nicotine.

As the user sucks on the mouthpiece 500, air flows into the channel 507 from the outside of the housing 502 through the air flow inlet 522, and material ( 508) mixes with the air stream to create a flow of aerosol. A stream of aerosol enters through channel 507 and channel 604 of mouthpiece 600 for inhalation by the user.

Therefore, the user can very simply switch the device 100 to either a THP device or an e-cigarette device by simply switching the type of module connected to the power module 200. It must be recognized that it exists. This is very convenient and means that the user does not need to carry around both a separate THP device and an e-cigarette device if the user prefers to use both types of devices.

1 to 5, a control scheme appropriate for either the module 300a of the first module type or the module 300b of the second module type depending on which module is connected to the power module 200. The control circuit 204 for applying is provided as part of the power module 200 itself. In alternative examples, rather than being provided on power module 200, a suitable control circuit is provided on each of module 300a of the first module type and module 300b of the second module type. In these examples, when module 300a of the first module type or module 300b of the second module type is connected to the power module 200, the control circuitry of that module is connected to the power source 202 of the power module 200. It is electrically connected, and a control method suitable for the corresponding module is applied. In these examples, a module 300a of the first module type or a module 300b of the second module type may be a module provided with custom control circuitry, as well as any suitable power module arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the modules. Can be used with module 200.

In the examples described above, the mouthpiece 600 may be separate from and detachably attachable to the module 300a of the first module type and the module 300b of the second module type. In alternative examples, mouthpiece 600 may be part of module 300a of a first module type and/or part of module 300b of a second module type.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavor” refer to ingredients that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers, when local regulations allow. can do. These include extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint). , aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherries, berries, peaches, apples, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch ( 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, green pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensory 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 charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or Other additives such as breath freshening agents may be included. These may be man-made, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid, solid or powder. For example, a liquid, oil or other such fluid flavoring agent can be impregnated into a porous solid material to impart flavor and/or other properties to that solid material. Accordingly, the liquid or oil is a constituent of the material with which it is impregnated.

The foregoing embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, as well as one or more features of any other of the embodiments or any of the embodiments. It should be understood that it can be used with any combination of other embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not previously described may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (13)

A power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising:
the power module is arranged so that a user can configure the aerosol generating device by selectively connecting a single module, either a module of a first module type or a module of a second module type, to the power module;
A module of the first module type is for retaining non e-liquid material and includes a heater that can be activated to heat the non e-liquid material to produce an inhalable aerosol. and wherein the module of the second module type is for holding e-liquid for generating an inhalable aerosol. According to claim 1,
The power module includes a control circuit, the control circuit applying a first control scheme suitable for controlling a module of the first module type when the module of the first module type is connected to the power module, and applying a first control scheme suitable for controlling the module of the first module type and the second module type. A power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, configured to apply a second control scheme suitable for controlling a module of the second module type when a module of the module type is connected to the power module. According to clause 2,
The power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, wherein the control circuit is configured to identify which of the modules of the first module type and the modules of the second module type are connected to the power module. According to clause 3,
The control circuit determines which of the first control scheme and the second control scheme to apply in response to identifying which of the modules of the first module type and the modules of the second module type are coupled to the power module. A power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, configured to select whether to generate an inhalable aerosol. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The power module for a modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, wherein the power module includes a connection interface capable of connecting the power module to a module of the first module type or to a module of the second module type. According to clause 5,
wherein the connection interface comprises a threaded connection for connecting a module of the first modular type or a complementary threaded connection of a module of the second modular type. module. A module of a first module type for use with the power module of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
A module of the first module type may include a housing for holding a non e-liquid material, the housing being activatable to heat the non e-liquid material to generate an inhalable aerosol. A module of a first module type, comprising a heater, and a first module type connection interface for connecting the module to the power module. According to clause 7,
A module of the first module type, wherein the module further comprises a module control circuit for controlling the heater when in use. A module of a second module type for use with the power module of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
A module of the second module type includes a housing for retaining e-liquid, the housing comprising an aerosol generating arrangement that can be activated to generate an inhalable aerosol from the e-liquid, and the module comprising the power supply. A module of a second module type, comprising a second module type connection interface for connecting to the module. According to clause 9,
A module of a second module type, wherein the aerosol generating arrangement includes one of a heater and a piezoelectric arrangement. According to claim 10,
The module of the second module type, wherein the module further includes a module control circuit for controlling the heater or the piezoelectric arrangement when in use. A modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, the modular aerosol generating device comprising:
The power module of any one of claims 1 to 6;
A module of the first module type of claim 7 or 8; or
A modular aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable aerosol, comprising a module of a second modular type according to any one of claims 9 to 11. A kit of parts for the modular aerosol generating device of claim 12, comprising:
The kit includes the power module, a module of the first module type, and a module of the second module type.