Electronic smoking device with liquid-filled valve
阅读说明：本技术 具有液体填充阀门的电子吸烟装置 (Electronic smoking device with liquid-filled valve ) 是由 S·比埃尔 D·琼斯 R·尼克尔斯 于 2018-12-18 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及具有雾化器/液体储器部分(114)的电子吸烟装置(100)并且涉及雾化器/液体储器部分(114)。为了帮助再填充雾化器/液体储器部分(114)的液体储器(134),雾化器/液体储器部分(114)包括对接阀门(146),用于对接待被储存在液体储器(134)中的液体的源(148),以及液体管道(156),适用于接收来自对接阀门(146)的液体(172)并且在距对接阀门(146)的预确定的距离(A)处通向可再填充的液体储器(134)。(The present invention relates to an electronic smoking device (100) having an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) and to an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114). To assist in refilling the liquid reservoir (134) of the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion (114), the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises a docking valve (146) for docking a source (148) of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134), and a liquid conduit (156) adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and to open to the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (a) from the docking valve (146).)
1. An electronic smoking device (100) comprising:
a power supply portion (112) including a power supply (18), an
An atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprising
A refillable liquid reservoir (134) adapted to store liquid (172),
an atomizer (26) operable when connected to the power source (18) to atomize liquid (172) stored in the liquid reservoir (134), and
a central passage (132) adapted to conduct aerosolized liquid, the central passage (132) extending through the refillable liquid reservoir (134),
wherein the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises
A docking valve (146) for docking a source (148) of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134),
a liquid conduit (156) adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and to open to the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (A) from the docking valve (146), and
a valve (181) for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir (134) when refilling the refillable liquid reservoir (134), the valve (181) comprising a flexible sealing element (182) and a substantially rigid opposing sealing element (186) formed by an outer sidewall segment (183) of the central passage (132).
2. The electronic smoking device (100) of claim 1, wherein the liquid conduit (156) opens to the refillable liquid reservoir (134) using an outlet orifice (166).
3. The electronic smoking device (100) of claim 2, wherein the outlet orifice (166) is arranged closer to a sidewall segment (170) of the refillable liquid reservoir (134) opposite the docking valve (146) than to the docking valve (146).
4. The electronic smoking device (100) of claim 1, wherein a section of the central passage (132) providing the rigid opposing sealing element (186) has a curved shape.
5. The electronic smoking device (100) according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the liquid conduit (156) extends substantially perpendicular to the central passage (132) at a convex section (176) of the central passage (132) and extends through the central passage (132).
6. The electronic smoking device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic smoking device (100) comprises a mouthpiece cap (140) in communication with an air intake port (136) for providing aerosolized liquid to a user, wherein the mouthpiece cap (140) comprises a refill position (R) and an e-cigarette inhaling position (V), wherein in the e-cigarette inhaling position (V) the mouthpiece cap (140) is closer to an opposite end of the electronic smoking device (100) than in the refill position (R), and/or wherein in the e-cigarette inhaling position (V) the mouthpiece cap (140) is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the electronic smoking device (100) by a predetermined angle compared to the refill position (R).
7. The electronic smoking device (100) of claim 6, wherein the docking valve (146) is covered by the mouthpiece cap (140) in the e-smoking position (V) and is accessible when the mouthpiece cap (140) is in the refill position (R).
8. The electronic smoking device (100) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the mouthpiece cap (140) comprises a closing element (184), the closing element (184) pushing the flexible sealing element (182) against the rigid opposing sealing element (186) when the mouthpiece cap (140) is in the e-vaping position (V).
9. Electronic smoking device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the closing element (184) is arranged at a distance from the flexible sealing element (182) when the mouthpiece cap (140) is in the refill position (R).
10. Electronic smoking device (100) according to any of the claims 6 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece cap (140) is held in the refill position (R) and/or in the e-smoking position (V) in a press-fit manner and/or in a form-fit manner.
11. Electronic smoking device (100) according to any of the claims 8 to 9, wherein a latching element (188) of a latching connection holding the mouthpiece cap (140) in the e-smoking position (V) and/or in the refill position (R) is provided by the closing element (184) and an opposite latching element (190, 192) is provided by an outer side wall section (194) of the central passage (132).
12. The electronic smoking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the docking valve (146) is adapted to form a snap-fit connection with an opposing docking valve (150) of a source of liquid.
13. The electronic smoking device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the docking valve (146) has a docking section comprising a convex shape or a concave shape.
14. A nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprising:
a reservoir (134) for the liquid,
an atomizer (26) operable when connected to a power source (18) for an electronic smoking device (100) to atomize liquid stored in the liquid reservoir (134), an
A central passage (132) adapted to conduct aerosolized liquid, the central passage (132) extending through the refillable liquid reservoir (134),
wherein the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion (114) comprises
A docking valve (146) for docking a source (148) of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir (134),
a liquid conduit (156) adapted to receive liquid (172) from the docking valve (146) and to open to the refillable liquid reservoir (134) at a predetermined distance (A) from the docking valve (146), and
a valve (181) for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir (134) when refilling the refillable liquid reservoir (134), the valve (181) comprising a flexible sealing element (182) and a substantially rigid opposing sealing element (186) formed by an outer sidewall segment (183) of the central passage (132).
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to electronic smoking devices and in particular to electronic cigarettes. The invention relates in particular to an electronic smoking device having a refillable liquid reservoir.
Background
Electronic smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) typically have a housing that houses a power source (e.g., a single-use or rechargeable battery, an electrical plug, or other power source) and an electrically operable atomizer. The atomizer evaporates or atomizes the liquid supplied from the reservoir and provides the evaporated or atomized liquid as an aerosol. The control electronics control activation of the atomizer. In some electronic cigarettes, an air flow sensor is provided within the electronic smoking device that detects a user drawing on the device (e.g., by sensing a negative pressure or air flow pattern through the device). The air flow sensor indicates or signals the suction to the control electronics to power up the device and generate vapor. In other e-cigarettes, a switch is used to power up the e-cigarette to generate a puff of vapour.
The electronic smoking device can be adapted to allow refilling of the liquid reservoir.
Disclosure of Invention
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic smoking device comprising a power supply portion comprising a power supply, and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion. The nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a refillable liquid reservoir adapted to store liquid, and a nebulizer operable to nebulize liquid stored in the liquid reservoir when connected to a power source. The nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a docking valve for docking a source of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir, and a liquid conduit adapted to receive liquid from the docking valve. The liquid conduit leads to a refillable liquid reservoir at a distance from the docking valve.
The features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention and the manner in which they are obtained, as described above, will become more apparent and be more clearly understood with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, which is to be construed with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Drawings
In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in each of the several views:
figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary electronic cigarette;
figures 2 to 7 show an exemplary embodiment of an e-cigarette in a ready to use state and in a refill state;
fig. 8 to 10 depict the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 7 in schematic cross-sectional views;
fig. 11 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 10 in another schematic cross-sectional view; and is
Fig. 12 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 11 in another schematic cross-sectional view.
Detailed Description
Throughout the following, the electronic smoking device will be described with exemplary reference to an electronic cigarette. As shown in figure 1, the e-cigarette 10 typically has a housing comprising a cylindrical hollow tube with an end cap 16. The cylindrical hollow tube may be a single piece of tube or multiple pieces of tube. In fig. 1, the cylindrical hollow tube is shown as a two-piece structure with a power supply portion 12 and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14. Together, the power supply portion 12 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 form a cylindrical tube that may be approximately the same size and shape as a conventional cigarette, typically about 100mm, with a 7.5mm diameter, but may range from 70 to 150 or 180mm in length and from 5 to 28mm in diameter.
The power supply portion 12 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 are typically made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or of a wear resistant plastic and function in conjunction with the end cap 16 to provide a housing for housing the components of the e-cigarette 10. The power supply portion 12 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 may be configured to fit together by friction push fit, snap fit or bayonet attachment, magnetic fit, or threads. An end cap 16 is provided at the front end portion of the power supply portion 12. The end cap 16 may be made of a clear plastic or other clear material to allow a Light Emitting Diode (LED)20 positioned adjacent the end cap to emit light through the end cap. The end caps may be made of metal or other material that does not allow light to pass through.
The air inlet may be provided in the end cap, next to the cylindrical hollow tube at the edge of the inlet, anywhere along the length of the cylindrical hollow tube, or at the connection of the power supply portion 12 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14. Fig. 1 shows a pair of air inlets 38 disposed at the intersection between the power supply portion 12 and the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14.
A power supply, preferably a battery 18, LEDs 20, control electronics 22 and optionally an air flow sensor 24 are provided within the cylindrical hollow tube power section 12. The battery 18 is electrically connected to the control electronics 22, and the control electronics 22 are electrically connected to the LEDs 20 and the air flow sensor 24. In this embodiment, the LED20 is at the front end of the power supply portion 12, adjacent the end cap 16, and the control electronics 22 and air flow sensor 24 are disposed in the central cavity at the other end of the battery 18 adjacent the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14.
The air flow sensor 24 functions as a puff detector that detects a user puffing or sucking on the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 of the e-cigarette 10. The air flow sensor 24 may be any suitable sensor for detecting air flow or changes in air pressure, such as a microphone switch that includes a deformable membrane that moves due to changes in air pressure. Alternatively, the sensor may be a hall element or an electromechanical sensor.
Control electronics 22 are also connected to atomizer 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the atomizer 26 includes a heating coil 28, the heating coil 28 being wrapped around a wicking portion 30 that extends across a central passage 32 of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14. The coil 28 may be positioned anywhere in the atomizer 26 and may be transverse or parallel to the liquid reservoir 34. The wicking portion 30 and the heater coil 28 do not completely block the central passage 32. Instead, air slits are provided on either side of the heating coil 28 to enable air to flow through the heating coil 28 and the wicking portion 30. The atomiser may alternatively use other forms of heating element such as a ceramic heater, or a fibre or mesh material heater. Non-resistive heating elements such as acoustic, piezoelectric and jet sprays can also be used in the atomizer instead of heating coils.
The central passageway 32 is surrounded by a cylindrical liquid reservoir 34 with the end of the wicking portion 30 abutting or extending into the liquid reservoir 34. The wicking portion 30 may be a porous material, such as a bundle of fiberglass fibers, in which liquid in the liquid reservoir 34 is drawn by capillary action from the ends of the wicking portion 30 toward the central portion of the wicking portion 30 surrounded by the heater coil 28.
The liquid reservoir 34 may optionally include a pledget soaked in liquid surrounding the central passage 32, with the ends of the wicking portion 30 abutting the pledget. In other embodiments, the liquid reservoir 34 may comprise an annular cavity arranged to be filled with liquid and having an end of the wicking portion 30 extending into the annular cavity.
An air intake 36 is provided at the back end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14, remote from the end cap 16. The suction inlet 36 may be formed from the cylindrical hollow tube atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 or may be formed in the end cap.
In use, the user sucks on the e-cigarette 10. This causes air to be drawn into the e-cigarette 10 through one or more air inlets, such as air inlet 38, and through the central passage 32 towards the air intake 36. The resulting change in air pressure is detected by the air flow sensor 24, which generates an electrical signal that is communicated to the control electronics 22. In response to the signal, the control electronics 22 activates the heating coil 28, which causes the liquid present in the wicking portion 30 to be vaporized, creating an aerosol (which may contain both gaseous and liquid components) within the central passage 32. As the user continues to suck on the e-cigarette 10, the aerosol is drawn through the central passage 32 and is inhaled by the user. At the same time, the control electronics 22 also activate the LED20, causing the LED20 to light up, which is visible through the transparent end cap 16, mimicking the appearance of a glowing ember at the end of a conventional cigarette. As liquid present in the wick 30 is converted to aerosol, more liquid is drawn by capillary action from the liquid reservoir 34 into the wick 30 and is thus available for subsequent activation by the heater coil 28 to be converted to aerosol.
Some e-cigarettes are intended to be disposable and the power in the battery 18 is intended to be sufficient to evaporate the liquid contained within the liquid reservoir 34, after which the e-cigarette 10 is discarded. In other embodiments, the battery 18 is rechargeable and the liquid reservoir 34 is refillable. In the case where the liquid reservoir 34 is an annular cavity, this may be achieved by refilling the liquid reservoir 34 through a refill port. In other embodiments, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 of the e-cigarette 10 is detachable from the power supply portion 12 and a new atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 may be fitted with a new liquid reservoir 34, thereby replenishing the supply of liquid. In some cases, replacement of the liquid reservoir 34 may involve replacement of the heater coil 28 and wicking portion 30, along with replacement of the liquid reservoir 34. The replaceable unit comprising the atomizer 26 and the liquid reservoir 34 is called a disposable cartridge.
The new liquid reservoir 34 may be in the form of a cartridge having a central passageway 32 through which the user inhales the aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol may flow around the exterior of the cartridge 32 to the air intake 36.
Of course, there are variations in addition to the above description of the structure and function of the exemplary e-cigarette 10. For example, the LED20 may be omitted. The air flow sensor 24 may be positioned adjacent to the end cap 16 rather than in the middle of the e-cigarette. The airflow sensor 24 may be replaced by a switch that enables the user to activate the e-cigarette manually rather than in response to detection of a change in airflow or air pressure.
Different types of atomizers may be used. Thus, for example, the atomizer may have heating coils in cavities in the interior of a porous body that is soaked in a liquid. In this design, the aerosol is generated by evaporating the liquid within the porous body, heating the porous body by activation of the coil or alternatively by heated air passing over or through the porous body. Alternatively, the atomizer may use a piezoelectric atomizer to create the aerosol, alone or in combination with a heater.
Figures 2-7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the e-cigarette 100 in a ready-to-use and refill state. The
Optionally, the
Figure 2 shows the e-cigarette 100 in a ready-to-use state in which a user of the
The atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114 of the exemplary embodiment of figure 2 is disposed between the
Fig. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 in a refill state. In the refill state, the
In its refill position R, the
Alternatively or additionally, the
Arrow MO indicates a possible path of movement of the
At least in the refill position R and optionally also in the e-vaping position V, the
In the exposed or uncovered state of the
Fig. 4 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 and 3, wherein the
Fig. 5 shows the
Fig. 6 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 5. To detach the
Fig. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 6.
The exemplary embodiment of the electronic smoking device comprising the
Figure 8 shows the exemplary embodiment of figures 2 to 7 in a cross-sectional view, wherein the cross-section extends along the longitudinal direction L of the
Fig. 9 shows an enlarged detail I of fig. 8.
Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate the liquid reservoir 134 of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114. The
The atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114 is formed with a liquid conduit 156, the liquid conduit 156 being adapted to receive liquid from the
The
For example, the sealing element 158 has a spherical shape, such as a bead shape. The elastic member 160 is, for example, a spring and, for example, a coil spring.
The resilient element 160 in particular seeks to press the sealing element 156 into its sealing position perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 8 and 9, the
The
The embodiment of the
The liquid conduit 156 opens to the liquid reservoir 134 using an outlet orifice 166. The outlet orifice 166 is arranged at a predetermined distance from a sidewall segment 168 of the liquid reservoir 134 at which the
Arrow FI indicates the inflow path of liquid 172 flowing from
Fig. 10 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 9 in cross-sectional views of fig. 8 and 9, wherein no refill bottle is docked with the
Fig. 11 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 10 in a further cross-sectional view, wherein the cross-section extends along the longitudinal direction L. The
The cross-sectional plane extends along a longitudinal direction L through the
The
The section of the
The atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114 comprises at least one flexible sealing element 182, which at least one flexible sealing element 182 rests against an outer sidewall section 183 of the male section 176 and thereby closes off the outflow path FO. When refilling the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114, forcing liquid out of the
The flexible sealing element 182 may be an umbrella-shaped sealing portion or may comprise at least one flexible sealing tongue or lip having a fixed end in the longitudinal direction L and a free end opposite the longitudinal direction L.
In the refill position R the closure element 184 is arranged at a distance from the flexible sealing element 182 against the longitudinal direction L. In the e-vapor inhaling position V of the
The embodiment of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 114 with the flexible sealing element 182, the closing element 184 and the rigid opposing sealing element 186 is hereby advantageous in itself and independently of the embodiments disclosed above and below.
Fig. 12 shows the exemplary embodiment of fig. 2 to 11 in the cross-sectional view of fig. 10.
The
In general, in one aspect, an electronic smoking device includes a power supply portion including a power supply, and a nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion including a refillable liquid reservoir adapted to store liquid, and a nebulizer operable to nebulize liquid stored in the liquid reservoir when connected to the power supply. The nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a docking valve for docking a source of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir. For example, the source of liquid is a refill bottle filled with liquid to be stored in a liquid reservoir. Further, the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a liquid conduit adapted to receive liquid from the docking valve and to open into the refillable liquid reservoir at a distance from the docking valve. An advantage of the present aspect may be that due to the distance between the opening of the liquid conduit and the docking valve, the volume remaining between the opening of the liquid conduit and the docking valve, which is filled as the last volume of the liquid reservoir, enables gas and in particular air to escape through this volume.
According to one embodiment, the liquid conduit leads to the refillable liquid reservoir using an outlet orifice, wherein the outlet orifice is arranged at a predetermined distance from a sidewall segment of the refillable liquid reservoir at which the docking valve is arranged. According to one embodiment, the outlet orifice faces or faces away from a longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking device, the longitudinal direction extending between two extreme ends of the electronic smoking device.
According to one embodiment, the outlet aperture is arranged closer to a sidewall segment of the refillable liquid reservoir opposite the docking valve than to the docking valve.
According to one embodiment, the electronic smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, comprises a central passage adapted to conduct atomized liquid. According to one embodiment, the central passage extends through the refillable liquid reservoir. According to one embodiment, the electronic smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, comprises a valve for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir when refilling the refillable liquid reservoir, the valve comprising a flexible sealing element and a substantially rigid opposing sealing element formed by an outer sidewall segment of the central passage. Thus, one possible advantage of this embodiment may be that the valve does not require much space, since the central passage may be used as part of the valve, wherein air replaced by liquid in the liquid reservoir can be easily released.
According to one embodiment, the section of the central passage providing the opposing sealing elements that are rigid has a curved shape. Due to the curved shape, one advantage may be that the flexible sealing element is able to rest against the rigid opposing sealing element over a larger surface area, thereby improving the sealing characteristics of the valve.
According to one embodiment, the liquid conduit extends substantially perpendicular to and through the central passage at the convex section of the central passage. According to one embodiment, the male segments provide opposing sealing elements. Thus, one advantage of the present embodiment may be that liquid from a source of liquid can easily flow to a volume of the liquid reservoir at a distance from the liquid conduit, wherein the total cross-section of the central passage is substantially unaffected or reduced by the liquid conduit. Another advantage of this embodiment may be that the convex section provides the opposing sealing element with a substantially symmetrical and in particular rotationally symmetrical form around the longitudinal direction of the electronic smoking device, thereby aiding the producibility and usability of the electronic smoking device.
According to one embodiment, the electronic smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, comprises a mouthpiece cap for providing atomized liquid to a user. According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap comprises a refill position and an e-cigarette inhaling position. According to one embodiment, in the e-smoking position, the mouthpiece cap is closer to the opposite end of the e-smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, than in the refill position. Alternatively or additionally, according to one embodiment, in the e-smoking position, the mouthpiece cap is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the e-smoking device and in particular of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion by a predetermined angle compared to the refill position. According to an embodiment, the predetermined angle may be up to 45 degrees, up to 90 degrees, up to 135 degrees, up to 180 degrees or even up to 270 degrees.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve is covered by a mouthpiece cap in the e-smoking position. An advantage of this embodiment may be that particles, such as dust, cannot enter and affect the docking valve when the electronic smoking device and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion is in use. According to one embodiment, the docking valve is accessible, i.e. not covered, when the mouthpiece cap is in the refill position. Thus, one advantage of this embodiment may be that the docking valve can be easily accessed and docked to the source of liquid when refilling of liquid is required.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is captively or non-detachably attached to the electronic smoking device and in particular to the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, at least in the refill position and alternatively or additionally in the e-smoking position. Thus, one advantage of this embodiment may be that the mouthpiece cap is not lost when the electronic smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, is in use or is refilled.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap comprises a closing element that pushes the flexible sealing element against the rigid sealing element when the mouthpiece cap is in the e-cigarette inhaling position. One advantage of this embodiment may be that when the mouthpiece cap is in the e-smoking position, and thus when the electronic smoking device, and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, is not being refilled, i.e. in use or retained, no liquid is able to flow past the valve for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir.
According to one embodiment, the closing element is arranged at a distance from the flexible sealing element when the mouthpiece cap is in the refill position. One advantage of this embodiment may be that gas can easily escape the liquid reservoir when refilling the liquid reservoir.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is held in a press-fit manner in the refill position and/or in the e-smoking position, for example by a latching connection. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the mouthpiece cap cannot inadvertently change its position, thereby affecting refilling or causing liquid spillage.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is held in the e-smoking position by a latch connection.
According to one embodiment, the latching element of the latching connection is provided by the closing element and the at least one opposing latching element is provided by an outer side wall section of the central passage. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the latch connection requires less space.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve is adapted to form a snap-fit connection with an opposing docking valve of a source of liquid, such as a refill bottle. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the snap-fit connection between the source of liquid and the docking valve cannot be opened unintentionally. Another possible advantage of this embodiment may be that a user refilling the electronic smoking device and in particular the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, gets a tactile response when the connection between the source of liquid and the docking valve is completed, due to the snap-in mating connection.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve has a docking section comprising a convex shape or a concave shape. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the convex shape or the concave shape provides a small amount of space for the snap-fit connection.
In general, in another aspect, a refill bottle for refilling an electronic smoking device and in particular a nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion having a docking valve for docking the refill bottle is provided. According to one embodiment, the refill bottle comprises opposing docking valves adapted to form a snap-fit connection with the docking valves of the electronic smoking device and in particular with the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion described above.
According to one embodiment, the opposing docking valve comprises a resilient latching claw arranged around a central axis of the opposing docking valve. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the resilient latching claw provides a snap-fit connection with low requirements for space and at low cost.
According to one embodiment, the latching claw is curved towards or away from the central axis. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the latching claw, which is bent towards the centre axis, can be placed onto the docking valve, which can thus be received in the opposite docking valve, thereby easily providing a snap-fit connection. Another possible advantage of this embodiment may be that latching pawls that are curved away from the central axis can be easily introduced into the docking valve, thereby providing a snap-fit connection at low cost and with low space requirements.
In yet another aspect, there is provided a nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprising a refillable liquid reservoir adapted to recover liquid, and a nebulizer operable to nebulize liquid stored in the liquid reservoir when connected to a power source for an electronic smoking device. According to one embodiment, the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a docking valve for docking a source of liquid to be stored in the liquid reservoir. According to one embodiment, the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a liquid conduit adapted to receive liquid from the docking valve and to open into the refillable liquid reservoir at a distance from the docking valve.
According to one embodiment, the liquid conduit leads to the refillable liquid reservoir using an outlet orifice, wherein the outlet orifice is arranged at a predetermined distance from a sidewall segment of the refillable liquid reservoir at which the docking valve is arranged. According to one embodiment, the outlet orifice faces or faces away from the longitudinal direction of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, which longitudinal direction extends between the two extreme ends of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion.
According to one embodiment, the outlet aperture is arranged closer to a sidewall segment of the refillable liquid reservoir opposite the docking valve than to the docking valve.
According to one embodiment, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a central passage adapted to conduct atomized liquid. According to one embodiment, the central passage extends through the refillable liquid reservoir. According to one embodiment, the nebulizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a valve for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir when refilling the refillable liquid reservoir, the valve comprising a flexible sealing element and a substantially rigid opposing sealing element formed by an outer sidewall segment of the central passage. Thus, one possible advantage of this embodiment may be that the valve does not require much space, since the central passage may be used as part of the valve, wherein air replaced by liquid in the liquid reservoir can be easily released.
According to one embodiment, the section of the central passage providing the opposing sealing elements that are rigid has a curved shape. Due to the curved shape, one advantage may be that the flexible sealing element is able to rest against the rigid opposing sealing element over a larger surface area, thereby improving the sealing characteristics of the valve.
According to one embodiment, the liquid conduit extends substantially perpendicular to and through the central passage at the convex section of the central passage. According to one embodiment, the male segments provide opposing sealing elements. Thus, one advantage of the present embodiment may be that liquid from a source of liquid can easily flow to a volume of the liquid reservoir at a distance from the liquid conduit, wherein the total cross-section of the central passage is substantially unaffected or reduced by the liquid conduit. Another advantage of this embodiment may be that the convex segments provide the opposing sealing elements with a substantially symmetrical and in particular rotationally symmetrical form around the longitudinal direction of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, thereby aiding the producibility and usability of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion.
According to one embodiment, the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion comprises a mouthpiece cap for providing atomized liquid to a user. According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap comprises a refill position and an e-cigarette inhaling position. According to one embodiment, in the e-smoking position, the mouthpiece cap is closer to the opposite end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion than in the refill position. Alternatively or additionally, according to one embodiment, in the e-smoking position, the mouthpiece cap is rotated about a longitudinal axis of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion by a predetermined angle compared to the refill position. According to an embodiment, the predetermined angle may be up to 45 degrees, up to 90 degrees, up to 135 degrees, up to 180 degrees or even up to 270 degrees.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve is covered by a mouthpiece cap in the e-smoking position. One advantage of this embodiment may be that particles, such as dust, cannot enter and affect the docking valve when the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion is in use. According to one embodiment, the docking valve is accessible, i.e. not covered, when the mouthpiece cap is in the refill position. Thus, one advantage of this embodiment may be that the docking valve can be easily accessed and docked to the source of liquid when refilling of liquid is required.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is captively or non-removably attached to the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion, at least in the refill position and alternatively or additionally in the e-vaping position. Thus, one advantage of this embodiment may be that the mouthpiece cap cannot be lost when the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion is in use or is refilled.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap comprises a closing element that pushes the flexible sealing element against the rigid sealing element when the mouthpiece cap is in the e-cigarette inhaling position. One advantage of this embodiment may be that when the mouthpiece cap is in the e-vaping position, and thus when the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion is not being refilled, i.e. in use or retained, no liquid is able to flow past the valve for releasing gas from the refillable liquid reservoir.
According to one embodiment, the closing element is arranged at a distance from the flexible sealing element when the mouthpiece cap is in the refill position. One advantage of this embodiment may be that gas can easily escape the liquid reservoir when refilling the liquid reservoir.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is held in a press-fit manner in the refill position and/or in the e-smoking position, for example by a latching connection. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the mouthpiece cap cannot inadvertently change its position, thereby affecting refilling or causing liquid spillage.
According to one embodiment, the mouthpiece cap is held in the e-smoking position by a latch connection.
According to one embodiment, the latching element of the latching connection is provided by the closing element and at least one opposite latching element is provided by the outer wall section of the central passage. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the latch connection requires less space.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve is adapted to form a snap-fit connection with an opposing docking valve of a source of liquid, such as a refill bottle. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the snap-fit connection between the source of liquid and the docking valve cannot be opened unintentionally. Another possible advantage of this embodiment may be that the user refilling the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion gets a tactile response when the connection between the source of liquid and the docking valve is completed due to the snap-fit connection.
According to one embodiment, the docking valve has a docking section comprising a convex shape or a concave shape. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the convex shape or the concave shape provides a small amount of space for the snap-fit connection.
While the invention has been described with reference to what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
List of reference numerals
10. 100 electronic smoking device
12. 112 power supply section
14. 114 atomizer/liquid reservoir portion
16 end cap
18 cell
20 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
22 control electronic device
24 air flow sensor
26. 126 atomizer
28 heating coil
30 wicking part
32. 132 central passage
34. 134 liquid reservoir
36. 136 air intake port
38. 138 air inlet
140 mouth piece cap
Outside of 142-mouth cap
144 outside of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion
146 butt joint valve
148 refill bottle
150 opposite butt joint valve
152. 154 side wall of refill bottle
156 liquid conduit
158 sealing element
160 elastic element
162 recess
164 resilient latch pawl
166 outlet orifice of liquid pipe
168 liquid reservoir sidewall segment with docking valve
170 side wall segment of the liquid reservoir opposite the docking valve
172 liquid
174 to the inlet opening of the valve
176 central passage convex segment
178. 180 pathway segment
181 valve
182 flexible sealing element
183 outer sidewall segment of male segment of central passage
184 closing element
186 rigid opposed sealing elements
188 latch element
190. 192 opposite latch elements
194 outer sidewall segment of central passage with opposing latch elements
Distance A
Path of AP atomized liquid
D butt joint position
FI inflow path
FO egress path
L longitudinal direction
Path of movement of the MC from the e-cig to the refill position
MD motion path for butt joint
Movement path of MO from refilling to electronic cigarette smoking position
Movement path of MU for undocking
R refill position
V-suction electronic cigarette position
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