Non-combustion aerosol supply device and power module for non-combustion aerosol supply device

Abstract

Described herein is a non-combustion aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a first power source for powering the aerosol generator, and a connector for selectively connecting the non-combustion aerosol delivery device to a power module. The power module includes a second power source for powering the aerosol generator. The non-combustion aerosol delivery device is configured such that the non-combustion aerosol delivery device is configurable to a first power mode when the power module is not connected to the non-combustion aerosol delivery device and is configurable to a second, different power mode when the power module is connected to the non-combustion aerosol delivery device, each of the first and second power modes determining the supply of power to the aerosol generator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-combustion aerosol supply system, a power module for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply system, and a kit of parts. Background

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn the tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called non-combustion heating products, also known as tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, a formulation such as tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, or a blended mixture. Summary

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustion aerosol supply device comprising an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a first power source for supplying power to the aerosol generator, and a connector for selectively connecting the non-combustion aerosol supply device to a power module, the power module comprising a second power source for supplying power to the aerosol generator, the non-combustion aerosol supply device being configured to be set to a first power mode when the power module is not connected to the non-combustion aerosol supply device and to be set to a second different power mode when the power module is connected to the non-combustion aerosol supply device, each of the first and second power modes determining the supply of power to the aerosol generator.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power module for use with a non-combustion aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, the power module being configured to supply power to the non-combustion aerosol supply device via a connector.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a non-combustion aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, a consumable for use in the non-combustion aerosol supply device, and a power module according to the second aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

[0007] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-forming material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-forming material to form an aerosol that can typically be inhaled without burning or combusting the aerosol-forming material. Such devices may be described as an "aerosol supply device", "aerosol generating device", "non-combustion heating device", "tobacco heated product device", or "tobacco heating device", or the like. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that typically vaporize a liquid-form aerosol-forming material that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0008] An aerosol - generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or subjected to energy in any other way. The aerosol - generating material may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant, and may be in the form of a solid, liquid, wax, or gel. In some examples, the aerosol - generating material may contain an "amorphous solid", which may also be called an "monolithic solid" (i.e., non - fibrous) in some cases. In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid that can hold some fluid such as a liquid within it. In some examples, the aerosol - generating material may contain from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0009] The aerosol - generating material may contain, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol - generating material may be, for example, a formulation or blend of materials. The aerosol - generating material may contain one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. The aerosol - generating material may also be known as a "smoking article".

[0010] As used herein, an active substance may be a bioactive material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychotropics. The active substance may be of natural origin or may be synthetically obtained. The active substance may contain, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6, B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their constituents, derivatives or formulations. The active substance may contain one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, hemp or another plant - based substance.

[0011] In some examples, the active substance contains nicotine. In some examples, the active substance contains caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0012] The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0013] The one or more other functional materials may contain one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol supply device is a device in which the aerosol-generating material is not burned or ignited in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user. In other words, the non-combustion aerosol supply device supplies an aerosol without burning or igniting the aerosol-generating material.

[0015] In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol supply device is an electronic cigarette, also known as an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that it is not an essential condition for the aerosol-generating material to contain nicotine. In such examples, the non-combustion aerosol supply device vaporizes the aerosol-generating material in liquid form.

[0016] In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol supply device is an aerosol-generating material heating device, such as a non-combustion heating device or a tobacco heating device, which is also known as described above. In such examples, the aerosol-generating material may not be in liquid form.

[0017] In some examples, the non-combustion aerosol supply device is a hybrid device that generates an aerosol using a formulation of aerosol-generating material. In some such examples, one or more aerosol-generating materials may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, wax or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a non-combustion aerosol supply device 100. The non-combustion aerosol supply device 100 will hereinafter be referred to simply as device 100. Device 100 comprises an aerosol generator 102, a first power source 104, and a connector 106. The aerosol generator 102 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The first power source is for supplying power to the aerosol generator 102. The connector 106 is for selectively connecting the device 100 to a power module. The power module (not shown in FIG. 1) comprises a second power source for supplying power to the aerosol generator 102, as will be further described below. The device 100 is configured to be set to a first power mode when the power module is not connected to the device 100. The device 100 is settable to a second different power mode when the power module is connected to the device 100. Each of the first and second power modes determines the supply of power to the aerosol generator 102.

[0019] The first power source 104 may be a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, or any other type of battery suitable for use in a portable electronic device such as device 100. The battery may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable (disposable) battery that is replaced when exhausted. The power source 104 may be a plurality of batteries, such as a plurality of disposable batteries.

[0020] As described above, the aerosol generator 102 is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol generator 102 is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0021] In some examples, the aerosol generator 102 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, high pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material. In some such examples, the aerosol generator 102 comprises one or more piezoelectric elements that apply vibration to the aerosol-generating material.

[0022] In an example where the aerosol generator 102 is a heater, the heater may be, for example, a resistive heater or an induction heater. When an induction heater is used, the induction heater generates a varying magnetic field to heat one or more susceptor elements. The one or more susceptor elements may or may not form part of the aerosol generator 102 in such an example.

[0023] A susceptor material is a material that can be heated by penetration using a varying magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor material may be a conductive material, and as a result, its penetration using a varying magnetic field results in induction heating of the heating material. The susceptor material can be a magnetic material, and as a result, its penetration using a varying magnetic field results in magnetic hysteresis heating of the susceptor material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms.

[0024] The following description is in the context where the aerosol generator 102 is a resistive heater. However, it should be noted that the aerosol generator 102 is not so limited. The aerosol generator 102 is hereinafter referred to simply as the heater 102.

[0025] The first power source 104 is configured to supply power to the heater 102. For example, the first power source 104 supplies power to resistively heat the heater 102. In the example of FIG. 1, the device 100 includes a control circuit 108 (such as a circuit for supplying power from the first power source 104 to the heater 102) to enable the functions of the device 100. The control circuit 108 can determine which of the first power mode and the second power mode should be implemented and supply power to the heater 102 accordingly. The control circuit 108 is simple and may include, for example, electrical connections, switches, etc. between the components of the device 100. In some examples, the control circuit 108 may be more advanced. For example, the control circuit 108 may include a control unit that controls various functions of the device 100. The control unit may include a processor that communicates with a computer-readable data storage unit, and in that case, the processor executes computer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable data storage unit to control various functions of the device 100.

[0026] Device 100 can receive a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material for the supply of aerosol. In the example of FIG. 1, device 100 comprises an aerosol generation region 110 in which the consumable is received. The heater 102 and the aerosol generation region 110 are arranged such that the aerosol-generating material in the article received in the aerosol generation region 110 is heated by the heater 102.

[0027] The "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-generating material that is volatilized in use. The consumable may optionally contain other components. The user can insert the consumable into device 100 before the supply of the aerosol that the user will then inhale. The consumable may be of a predetermined or specific dimension, for example configured to be installed within the aerosol generation region of device 100 sized to receive the consumable. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating material can simply be placed in a released or unconstrained manner in the aerosol generation region of the device, for example loose leaf tobacco can be used in this way. In some examples, the consumable may be a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-generating material. The consumable may include any of the foregoing examples of aerosol-generating materials.

[0028] In some examples, the consumable for use with device 100 may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, one or more susceptor elements, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0029] In the context where the aerosol generator 102 is a heater, the aerosol generation region 110 may sometimes be referred to as a heating chamber 110. The heater 102 is arranged in device 100 to apply heat to the aerosol-generating material of the consumable received in the heating chamber 110 to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material.

[0030] Connector 106 can enable a physical connection to be made between device 100 and a power module (not shown in FIG. 1). Connector 106 can enable power to be supplied from the power module to heater 102 when the power module is connected to device 100. Connector 106 enables the power module to be connected, yet device 100 can be used for aerosol supply without the power module being connected. For example, power from the first power source 104 is supplied to heater 102, whereby heater 102 generates heat to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to supply an aerosol for inhalation. The connection of the power module provides additional functionality as further described below.

[0031] In some examples, connector 106 comprises conductive contact pads / pins that contact complementary pads / pins of the power module when the power module is connected via connector 106, thereby enabling transfer of power from the power module to device 100. Connector 106 may also comprise a device-side mechanical connection mechanism that engages with a complementary module-side mechanical connection mechanism to securely attach the power module to device 100. In some examples, the same mechanism serves to securely attach the power module to device 100. In other examples, connector 106 comprises one mechanism for power supply and another mechanism for holding the power module to device 100.

[0032] In some examples, a known type of connector that enables electronic devices to be connected to each other may be used. For example, connector 106 may include a male or female portion of a connector such as a USB Type-C connector (further described below) that engages with a complementary connector of the power module. Various different connectors may be used. For example, USB Type-A, USB Type-B, USB Type-A mini, USB Type-B micro, or a proprietary connector, etc. The connector may be of a type other than a USB connector. Connector 106 may be of any type that enables the transmission of power from the power module and, in some examples, control signals from the power module to device 100.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example 200 of a power module. Power module 200 is configured to supply power to device 100 via connector 106. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 2, the power module includes a module-side connector 202. The specific features of module-side connector 202 vary depending on the type of connector 106 provided on device 100. For example, when the contact pads / pins described above are used, module-side connector 202 includes complementary pads / pins. Module-side connector 202 is configured to engage with connector 106 of device 100 so as to supply power to heater 102. Module-side connector 202 includes complementary connection means for forming a power supply connection with connector 106 and for forming a mechanical connection for secure attachment.

[0034] The power module 200 includes a second power source 204 for supplying power to the heater 102. The second power source 204 stores the power supplied to the heater 102 via the connector 106. The second power source 204 may be a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, or any other type of battery suitable for use in a portable electronic device such as the device 100 and / or the power module 200. For example, the second power source 204 may be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable (disposable) battery that is replaced when depleted. The power source 104 may be a plurality of batteries, such as a plurality of disposable batteries.

[0035] In the example of FIG. 2, the power module 200 includes a module-side control circuit 206 (such as a circuit for supplying power from the second power source 204 to the module-side connector 202 so that power can be transmitted from the module-side connector 202 to the connector 106 of the device 100 and to the heater 102) to enable the functions of the power module 200. The module-side control circuit 206 is simple and may include, for example, electrical connections, switches, etc. between the components of the power module 200. In some examples, the module-side control circuit 206 may be more advanced. For example, the module-side control circuit 206 may include a module-side control unit for controlling various functions of the power module 200. The module-side control unit may include a processor that communicates with a computer-readable data storage unit, and in that case, the processor executes computer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable data storage unit to control various functions of the power module 200. In some examples, the module-side control circuit 206 can additionally control one or more functions of the device 100 when the module 200 is connected to the device 100 via the module-side connector 202 and the connector 106 of the device 100. In some examples, the module-side control circuit 206 can determine which of the first power mode and the second power mode should be implemented and, accordingly, cause power to be supplied to the heater 102.

[0036] As described above, the device 100 can be set to a first power mode or a second power mode based on whether the power module is connected to the device 100, and the power mode determines the power supply to the heater 102. The first power mode may be a low power mode, and the second power mode may be a high power mode. The high power mode is a mode in which a larger amount of power is supplied to the aerosol generator compared to the power supplied to the aerosol generator in the low power mode.

[0037] Therefore, the device 100 can be set to the low power mode when the power module 200 is not connected to the device 100, and can be set to the high power mode when the module 200 is connected to the device 100. The power module 200 supplies power to the heater 102 in the high power mode. In the high power mode, the relevant circuit of the device 100 is arranged such that the heater 102 is supplied with additional power compared to the low power mode, and the additional power is provided by the power module 200 (specifically, the second power supply 204 of the power module 200).

[0038] It is advantageous that different amounts of power can be supplied to the heater 102 according to the power mode, which can affect the supply of the aerosol. For example, in the high power mode, a larger amount of electrical energy is supplied to the heater 102 per unit time. Therefore, the heater 102 reaches a high temperature, and as a result, more heat is applied to the aerosol generating material. By doing so, the characteristics of the generated aerosol are affected. For example, in the high power mode, certain components of the aerosol generating material that are not volatilized in the low power mode can be volatilized. Thereby, for example, the flavor or taste of the resulting aerosol can be changed. For example, in the high power mode, at least one component of a larger amount of the aerosol generating material can be volatilized per unit time. Thereby, for example, a more powerful aerosol can be supplied to the user per puff.

[0039] Thus, by implementing a high-power mode and a low-power mode, a user is supplied with aerosols having different characteristics using the same device and the same aerosol-generating material. The magnitude of the power supplied to heater 102, and the power difference between the high-power mode and the low-power mode, vary depending on the characteristics of the device and the characteristics of the aerosol-generating material intended to be used with device 100. In a particular example, a power of 6.5 watts to 8 watts is supplied to heater 102 in the low-power mode, and a power of 8 watts to 10 watts is supplied to heater 102 in the high-power mode.

[0040] The first power source 104 of device 100 may not be as powerful as to be able to supply a greater power according to the high-power mode, or the first power source 104 may be used up very quickly if the first power source 104 were used as the sole power source in the high-power mode. Thus, by implementing the high-power mode when the power module 200 is connected, device 100 may be provided with a smaller and / or less powerful power source that is sufficient for the low-power mode.

[0041] In some examples, the power mode may be automatically set to the high-power mode in response to the power module 200 being connected to device 100. For example, by connecting the power module 200 to connector 106, a power mode switch (which may be part of the internal components of device 100 and the control circuit 108 therein) may be interlocked. In such an example, when the power mode switch is interlocked, the power mode switch causes a greater power to be supplied to heater 102 according to the high-power mode during use (e.g., when heater 102 is drawing power to heat the aerosol-generating material during use). In such an example, by connecting the power module 200, the operation of the control circuit 108 of device 100 is changed to automatically implement the high-power mode.

[0042] The control circuit 108 of the device 100 may be configured to detect whether the power module 200 is connected to the device 100. Alternatively or in addition, the module-side control circuit 206 may be configured to detect whether the power module 200 is connected to the device 100. The power mode may be set based on the result of such detection. For example, the control circuit 108 of the device 100 and / or the module-side control circuit 206 may be configured to detect whether the power module 200 is connected to the device 100 based on a signal indicating that the power module 200 is connected to the device 100. The signal may be an electrical signal. The power module 200 is for supplying power. When the power module 200 is connected to the device 100, the electrical connection is made between the power module 200 and the device 100 via the module-side connector 202 and the connector 106 of the device 100. Therefore, when the power module 200 is connected so that the power module 200 can supply power to the device 100, the power module 200 affects the behavior of the control circuit 108 of the device 100 and the module-side control circuit 206. By electrically connecting the device 100 and the power module 200 together, certain characteristics of the control circuit 108 of the device 100 and the module-side control circuit 206 can be changed. In some examples, the change in the characteristics (such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, combinations thereof, etc.) of the control circuit 108 of the device 100 and / or the module-side control circuit 206 may constitute a signal. The signal may optionally be detected by a detector that detects changes such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, inductance, combinations thereof, etc. The device 100 and / or the power module 200 may include such a detector. The detector can optionally generate and transmit a signal indicating a change in the relevant characteristics of the control circuit 108 of the device 100 or the module-side control circuit 206.

[0043] For example, the power module 200 can change the voltage between specific components of the control circuit 108 of the device 100. In some examples, the device 100 may include a voltage detector 112 (an example of a detector as discussed above) for detecting the voltage with respect to the connector 106. The voltage detector 112 detects different voltages at the connector 106 when the power module 200 is connected to the device 100 via the connector 106. In such an example, a signal indicating that the power module 200 is connected may be generated by the voltage detector 112. In a simple example, the voltage detector 112 can provide a signal to a circuit component of the control circuit 108 that is interlocked with the aforementioned power mode switch. Alternatively or in addition, the power module 200 may include, for example, a module-side voltage detector (not shown in FIG. 2) that generates a signal based on a voltage change at the module-side connector 206. Various different methods can be used to generate the aforementioned signal. In some examples, the signal may be generated by a switch that is interlocked when the power module 200 forms a mechanical connection with, for example, the connector 106. In the aforementioned example where the switch is interlocked when the power module 200 forms a mechanical connection with the connector 106, that switch may be the aforementioned power mode switch.

[0044] The control circuit 108 can set the power mode of the device 100 to a high power mode, for example, based on the reception of a signal. In some examples, the connector 106 enables data communication between the power module 200 and the device 100. For example, data can be communicated between the control circuit 108 and the module-side control circuit 206 via the connector 108 of the device 100 and the module-side connector 206.

[0045] In some such examples, the module-side control circuit 206 can detect that the power module 200 is connected to the device 100 and can convey this to the control circuit 108 of the device 100 via respective connectors, and then the control circuit 108 can set the power mode of the device 100. In some examples, the module-side control circuit 206 can take over the control of setting the power mode of the device 100. For example, the control circuit 108 of the device 100 can determine (based on a signal) that the power module 200 is connected and can pass the control to the module-side control circuit 206. For example, the module-side control circuit 206 can determine (based on a signal) that the power module 200 is connected and can request and obtain the control of the power mode of the device 100. For example, the control circuit 108 and the module-side control circuit 206 can determine (based on respective signals as described above) that the power module 200 is connected and can implement a protocol in which the module-side control circuit takes over the control of setting the power mode.

[0046] In an example where the power mode is automatically set to the high power mode in response to the connection of the power module 200, the presence of the signal can cause the power mode to be set to the high power mode in any of the above ways.

[0047] In some examples, the power mode may not be automatically set to the high - power mode. The power mode may be set to the high - power mode in response to a user input when the power module 200 is connected to the device 100. In other words, in some examples, a user input may be required to set the power mode to the high - power mode. In some examples, the device 100 includes a user input unit for receiving a user input. In the example of FIG. 1, the device 100 includes an input unit 114. The user input unit 114 may be in various forms, such as one or more buttons, one or more switches, a touch - sensitive user interface, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the user input may be received from the user input unit 208 of the power module 200. The module - side user input unit 208 may also be in various forms, such as one or more buttons, one or more switches, a touch - sensitive user interface, etc.

[0048] In some examples, the user can determine whether the power mode should be automatically set to the high - power mode or a user input is required when the power module is connected. The user can, optionally, use the input unit 114 of the device 100 or the module - side input unit 208 to input the relevant instructions. As described above, either the control circuit 108 or the module - side control circuit 206 may set the power mode to the high - power mode. The relevant control circuit can, optionally, receive a user input from the input unit 114 of the device 100 or the module - side input unit 208.

[0049] In an example where the power module 200 is connected and the power mode is not automatically set to the high power mode when the device 100 is used in the low power mode, the power module 200 may be used to improve the battery life of the device 100 and the power module 200 system. In such an example, the second power source 204 of the power module 200 can charge the power source 104 of the device 100. Alternatively or in addition, the power module 200 may supply power to the heater 102 when operating in the low power mode to extend the overall battery life in the low power mode.

[0050] The power module 200 may include an additional module-side connector separate from the module-side connector 202 shown in the example of FIG. 2. The power module 200 may be combined with other modules that include such module-side connectors so that the device 100 is connected to multiple modules. Each of the different modules may provide different functionality. For example, a user interface module that provides a more advanced user interface compared to the user interface of the device 100 may be connected.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary non-combustible aerosol supply system 300. The system 300 includes a device 100 and a power module 200. In the example of FIG. 3, when the power module 200 is connected to the device 100 via a connector 106, the power module 200 partially surrounds the device 100. In some examples, the device 100 can include a tubular housing or sleeve. In such examples, the power module 200 entirely or partially covers the periphery of the device 100. Such a configuration improves the strength and durability of the connection between the device 100 and the power module 200 and provides a generally robust system. Such a configuration can, for example, reduce the possibility that the connection will accidentally break during use. Such a configuration can further be more economical in use than other configurations, provide a more seamless integration, and enable an improvement in user comfort. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the device 100 and the power module 200 are configured to be slid into a position defined for the device 100 to connect to the power module 200. In such a configuration, the power module 200 and the device 100 assist in properly aligning the connector 106 and the module-side connector 202. For example, the housing of the power module 200 may include guide grooves in which protrusions disposed on the housing of the power module 200 can be slid to properly align the connector 106 of the device 100 and the module-side connector 202. It is advantageous to enable the power module 200 to accommodate a larger second power source 204 without further increasing the overall length of the system 300 compared to the shape of the power module 200 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0052] Figure 3 also shows a consumable 302 received in the device 100. A kit of parts including the device 100, the power module 200, and the consumable 302 may be provided.

[0053] The above examples should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further examples of the present invention are contemplated. Any feature described in relation to any one example may be used alone or in combination with any other feature described, and further, in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples, or in any combination of any other of the examples. It should also be understood that equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** A non-combustible aerosol supply device, an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, a first power source for supplying power to the aerosol generator, and a connector for selectively connecting the non-combustible aerosol supply device to a power module, the power module comprising a second power source for supplying power to the aerosol generator, the connector comprising, the non-combustible aerosol supply device being configurable to a first power mode when the power module is not connected to the non-combustible aerosol supply device, and configurable to a second different power mode when the power module is connected to the non-combustible aerosol supply device, each of the first and second power modes determining the supply of power to the aerosol generator, the first power mode being a low power mode and the second different power mode being a high power mode, the high power mode being a mode in which a greater amount of power is supplied to the aerosol generator compared to the power supplied to the aerosol generator in the low power mode, a non-combustible aerosol supply device. **Claim 2** the connector enabling power to be supplied from the power module to the aerosol generator, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The aerosol generator reaches a higher temperature in the second power mode than in the first power mode, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1. **Claim 4** the power module supplying power to the aerosol generator in the high power mode, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1. **Claim 5** the power mode being automatically set to the high power mode in response to the power module being connected to the aerosol generating device, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1. **Claim 6** the power mode being set to the high power mode in response to a user input when the power module is connected to the non-combustible aerosol supply device, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1. **Claim 7** a user input unit for receiving the user input comprising, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 6. **Claim 8** The user input is received from a module-side user input unit of the power module. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 6.

9. A control circuit configured to detect whether the power module is connected to the non-combustion aerosol supply device. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising the control circuit.

10. The control circuit is configured to detect whether the power module is connected to the non-combustion aerosol supply device based on a signal instructing that the power module is connected to the non-combustion aerosol generation device. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 9.

11. The connector enables data communication between the power module and the non-combustion aerosol supply device. The signal is received from the power module via the connector. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 10.

12. A voltage detector for detecting a voltage with respect to the connector. The voltage detector, wherein the signal is generated by the voltage detector. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 10, further comprising the voltage detector.

13. In the low power mode, power of 6.5 watts to 8 watts is supplied to the aerosol generator. In the high power mode, power of 8 watts to 10 watts is supplied to the aerosol generator. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1.

14. A power module for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1. The power module is configured to supply power to the non-combustion aerosol supply device via a connector.

15. The non-combustion aerosol supply device according to claim 1. Consumables for use in the non-combustion aerosol supply device, and The power module according to claim 14 A kit of parts comprising the above.

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