阅读说明：本技术 具有可听连接的电子烟 (Electronic cigarette with audible connection ) 是由 凯尔·阿代尔 安德鲁·罗伯特·约翰·罗根 于 2020-03-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种包括吸入器本体和可移除烟弹的电子烟,该吸入器本体包括：电力单元和烟弹座体,该烟弹座体包括空腔,该空腔被布置用于将该烟弹接纳在该空腔内的保持位置上,其中,在该保持位置上,该烟弹和烟弹座体的相对表面相接触并且该烟弹电连接至该电力单元；该电子烟进一步包括：磁体,该磁体被布置用于提供磁力以将该可移除烟弹拉入至该保持位置；其中,该烟弹、该烟弹座体以及该磁力被配置为使得,当该烟弹在该空腔内被释放时,该烟弹在该磁体的力的作用下加速使得当该烟弹被接纳在该保持位置上时这些相对表面之间接触而产生可听信号。该电子烟向使用者提供该烟弹机械且电连接至装置的可靠的可听指示。(An electronic cigarette comprising an inhaler body and a removable cartridge, the inhaler body comprising: a power unit and a cartridge holder, the cartridge holder comprising a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge in a holding position within the cavity, wherein in the holding position opposing surfaces of the cartridge and cartridge holder are in contact and the cartridge is electrically connected to the power unit; the electronic cigarette further comprises: a magnet arranged to provide a magnetic force to pull the removable cartridge into the holding position; wherein the cartridge, the cartridge mount and the magnetic force are configured such that, when the cartridge is released within the cavity, the cartridge accelerates under the force of the magnet such that contact between the opposing surfaces produces an audible signal when the cartridge is received in the holding position. The e-cigarette provides a reliable audible indication to the user that the cartridge is mechanically and electrically connected to the device.)

1. An electronic cigarette comprising an inhaler body and a removable cartridge, the inhaler body comprising:

a power unit and a cartridge holder, the cartridge holder comprising a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge in a holding position within the cavity, wherein in the holding position opposing surfaces of the cartridge and cartridge holder are in contact and the cartridge is electrically connected to the power unit; the electronic cigarette further comprises:

a magnet arranged to provide a magnetic force to pull the removable cartridge into the holding position; wherein

The cartridge, the cartridge holder and the magnetic force are configured such that, when the cartridge is released within the cavity, the cartridge accelerates under the force of the magnet such that contact between the opposing surfaces produces an audible signal when the cartridge is received in the holding position.

2. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder comprises a magnet and the cartridge comprises a ferromagnetic material.

3. An electronic cigarette according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the one or more magnets provide a total flux density of between 4000 and 10000 gauss.

4. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic force exerted by the magnet and the mass of the cartridge are configured such that the acceleration of the cartridge under the force of the magnet is at least 12m/s²。

5. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the magnetic force exerted by the magnet, the mass of the cartridge, and the depth of the cavity of the cartridge holder are configured such that the cartridge reaches a velocity of at least 0.4m/s, preferably at least 0.7m/s, when the opposing surfaces are in contact when the cartridge is released from the opening of the cavity.

6. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the opposing contact surfaces each have a Brinell hardness value of greater than 50 or a Rockwell R scale value of hardness of greater than 75.

7. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the magnet is configured such that the magnetic force is sufficient to pull the cartridge into the retaining position only when the cartridge is partially inserted into the cavity by a user.

8. The electronic cigarette of claim 7, wherein the magnet is configured to apply sufficient force to pull the cartridge into the cavity only when the cartridge is inserted by a user at least 10% of the depth of the cavity.

9. The electronic cigarette according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity comprises an inner base surface having a recessed portion.

10. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the base of the cavity comprises an electrical connector and at least two magnets, wherein the electrical connectors are preferably placed in a central portion of the base and the at least two magnets are preferably placed on opposite sides of the electrical connectors.

11. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity comprises electronic connectors arranged for contact with corresponding electrical contacts on the cartridge, wherein the electronic connectors protrude from an inner base surface of the cavity and resiliently spring up so as to be retractable into the inner base surface when in contact with the cartridge.

12. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the opposing contact surfaces are provided by: a surface surrounding the rim of the opening of the cavity and an opposite surface of the cartridge; or an inner base surface of the cavity and an opposite base surface of the cartridge.

13. The electronic cigarette of any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge and/or cartridge mount is configured such that there are one or more gaps between the cartridge and cartridge mount when the cartridge is drawn into the holding position.

14. The electronic cigarette of claim 13, wherein the cartridge includes a rib extending along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

15. The electronic cigarette according to any preceding claim, comprising: a cartridge having a mass between 2g and 10g, the cartridge having a base comprising a ferromagnetic material; one or more magnets having a total flux density between 500 and 5000 gauss; a cavity having an insertion depth of at least 10 mm; and opposing contact surfaces comprising metal or rigid plastic.

Background

Electronic cigarettes are a replacement for conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating a combustion smoke, an e-cigarette vaporizes a liquid that can be inhaled by a user. The liquid typically comprises an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerol or propylene glycol, which produces a vapour. Other common substances in liquids are nicotine and a number of different flavors.

The electronic cigarette is a handheld inhaler system comprising a mouthpiece portion, a liquid reservoir and a power supply unit. Vaporization is achieved by a vaporizer or heater unit, which typically includes a heating element in the form of a heating coil and a fluid transfer element, such as a wick, arranged to transfer fluid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. Vaporization occurs when the heater heats the liquid in the fluid transfer element until the liquid is converted to a vapor. The vapor may then be inhaled via an air outlet in the mouthpiece.

The electronic cigarette may include a cartridge receptacle in a power section of the device configured to receive a disposable consumable in the form of a cartridge. Cartridges that include a liquid reservoir and a vaporizer are commonly referred to as "vaporization cartridges". In this case, the vaporizer of the vaporization cartridge is connected to the power supply unit when received into the cartridge receptacle so that power can be supplied to the heater of the vaporization cartridge to heat the liquid to produce the vapor. Typically, some form of mechanical mechanism is used to maintain the cartridge in the cartridge holder so that it does not fall out and separate from the device.

A problem with such prior art devices is that the user is not always aware of when the required mechanical and electrical connections have been made to prepare the device for use. Further, even if one of the mechanical connection and the electrical connection has been completed, it is unclear whether the other has been established. This can result in the cartridge falling from the device during use or encourage the user to exert excessive pressure on the cartridge when trying to make the connection, causing damage to the components of the device.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic cigarette which advances in solving some of the problems of the prior art devices described above.

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette comprising an inhaler body and a removable cartridge, the inhaler body comprising: a power unit and a cartridge holder, the cartridge holder comprising a cavity arranged to receive the cartridge in a holding position within the cavity, wherein in the holding position opposing surfaces of the cartridge and cartridge holder are in contact and the cartridge is electrically connected to the power unit; the electronic cigarette further comprises: a magnet arranged to provide a magnetic force to pull the removable cartridge into the holding position; wherein the cartridge, the cartridge mount and the magnetic force are configured such that, when the cartridge is released within the cavity, the cartridge accelerates under the force of the magnet such that contact between the opposing surfaces produces an audible signal when the cartridge is received in the holding position.

In this way, the audible signal provides feedback to the user stating that the cartridge is mechanically and electrically connected to the inhaler body so that the device is ready for use. Since in the receiving position the opposing surfaces (which produce the audible signal) are in contact and the cartridge is connected to the power unit, the audible signal can be associated with the electrical connection of the cartridge, making it possible to provide a reliable indication that the device is ready for use.

The term "audible signal" is used to refer to the sound produced by contact between opposing surfaces that is audible to a user connected to the cartridge. Preferably, the audible signal comprises a peak intensity (log-averaged over the weighted sound pressure level) of at least 30dB, more preferably at least 40dB, so that the audible signal can be heard by the user in the presence of significant background noise. Preferably, the audible signal is a short duration, sharp sound so that it more accurately indicates the connection point. Preferably, the duration of the audible signal is less than 0.5 seconds, more preferably 0.3 seconds or less, most preferably less than 0.2 seconds, wherein the reduced duration makes the mechanical and electrical connection points more reliably indicated. Preferably, the audible signal has a frequency response with an intensity peak between 2.5kHz and 8kHz, i.e. preferably there is a peak intensity in one of the following 1/3 octave bands: 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6.3kHz or 8 kHz. This ensures that the audible signal is readily identifiable to the user even under significant ambient background noise. Preferably, the total peak intensity in the 1/3 octave response falls within this frequency range. In other examples, the audible signal may have additional intensity peaks in a lower frequency range, such as 100 to 160 Hz.

The opposing contact surfaces may be provided by, for example: a surface surrounding the rim of the opening of the cavity and an opposite surface of the cartridge; or an inner base surface of the cavity and an opposite base surface of the cartridge.

While the present invention is shown using an example of an electronic cigarette and a cartridge of liquid aerosol generating material, it should be clear that the inventive concepts presented herein and defined in the appended claims are distinct from the particular type of aerosol generating device and mechanism that forms a vapor. Thus, the concepts defined above and in the following disclosure may also be implemented with any form of aerosol-generating device including a removable cartridge or capsule. For example, if an e-cigarette or a heat-not-burn device in which the cartridge contains any form of aerosol-generating material (e.g. the cartridge contains a tobacco material or an induction heating capsule) includes the features defined in the appended claims, the e-cigarette or heat-not-burn device may be used as such.

Preferably, the cartridge, cartridge body and magnetic force are configured such that the audible signal generated is substantially constant regardless of the orientation of the device, particularly when the device is oriented vertically or horizontally.

The process of audible signal generation is as follows. When the cartridge is placed within the cavity and released, the magnet provides a magnetic force that pulls the cartridge into the cavity. The cartridge accelerates under the influence of magnetic force such that it increases in speed as it moves towards the holding position. When the cartridge reaches the holding position, the opposing surfaces meet to stop the cartridge from advancingAnd moving in one step. Kinetic energy of the cartridge at impactIs converted to acoustic energy to produce an audible signal, the ratio being primarily dependent on the surface hardness of the opposing surfaces. Thus, by appropriately configuring the magnetic force provided by the cartridge, the cartridge body and the magnetic connection, the desired audible signal can be generated. The value of the magnetic force, the dimensions of the cartridge holder, the mass of the cartridge, and the materials of the opposing surfaces of the cartridge and the cartridge holder may be selected experimentally to provide an audible signal. Exemplary ranges for these parameters are provided below, which may advantageously enhance the audible signal and ensure that the audible signal is consistent regardless of the orientation of the device as described below.

The electronic cigarette may comprise one or more magnets arranged to provide a magnetic connection between the cartridge and the inhaler body, the one or more magnets providing a defined magnetic force. The one or more magnets may be disposed on the cartridge, the cartridge holder, or both the cartridge and the cartridge holder.

Preferably, the cartridge holder comprises a magnet and the cartridge comprises a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may be steel, such as stainless steel. This provides a strong response to the magnetic field of the magnet and a high surface hardness so that the kinetic energy upon impact of the cartridge is efficiently converted into acoustic energy in the audible signal. Preferably, the ferromagnetic material is provided as a layer on the base surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic element may be provided as an end plug and may be configured to seal the bottom of the cartridge.

Preferably, the one or more magnets provide a total flux density of between 500 and 10,000 gauss, more preferably between 500 and 5000 gauss. In some examples of the invention, the one or more magnets provide a total magnetic flux density of between 3000 gauss and 15000 gauss, more preferably at least 4000 gauss. Magnetic flux in these ranges provides strong magnetic forces to reliably pull the cartridge into the holding position and accelerate it sufficiently to provide the desired audible signal. Preferably, the magnet provides a total flux density of between 500 and 5000 gauss. This provides a good balance between the strength of the magnetic force producing the click sound (click) and the cost of the magnetic component. This further ensures that the cartridge is easily released from the holding position with one hand. The magnetic flux in this range further ensures that the audible signal is substantially constant regardless of the orientation of the device. Thus, using a magnetic flux density in these ranges ensures that the magnet is strong enough to pull the capsule into the cavity and to rest the capsule correctly. This further ensures that the cartridge subsequently remains correctly seated during use and transport of the device, while ensuring that the magnetic force is not so strong that the cartridge is not easily and conveniently removed by the user.

Providing a magnet with a strength in between the above ranges means that the magnetic force is more pronounced compared to the force caused by gravity. This helps to ensure that the acceleration, and thus the intensity of the audible signal, is substantially constant regardless of the orientation of the device, i.e. the audible signal has substantially the same intensity regardless of whether the device is oriented vertically or horizontally.

In some examples of the invention, the one or more magnets may be electromagnets, wherein, for example, upon user activation, a current is applied to the electromagnets to apply a magnetic force to pull and/or hold the cartridge into a holding position.

Preferably, the magnetic force exerted by the magnet and the mass of the cartridge are configured such that the acceleration of the cartridge under the force of the magnet is at least 10m/s²Preferably at least 12m/s². This ensures that the cartridge reaches sufficient velocity at impact to produce an audible signal over a wide range of sizes of cartridge body.

Preferably, the mass of the cartridge when filled is between 1 and 20g, preferably between 2 and 20g, more preferably between 5 and 10 g. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the mass of the cartridge is between 1.5 and 10 g. This ensures that the kinetic energy at impact is sufficient to translate a sufficient amount of acoustic energy for a wide range of other parameters of the device (e.g., surface hardness and depth of the cavity), which helps ensure that the audible signal is consistent regardless of the orientation of the device.

Preferably, the magnetic force exerted by the magnet, the mass of the cartridge, and the depth of the cavity of the cartridge holder are configured such that the cartridge reaches a velocity of at least 0.4m/s, preferably at least 0.7m/s, when the opposing surfaces are in contact when the cartridge is released from the opening of the cavity. This ensures that the kinetic energy at impact is sufficient to translate a sufficient amount of acoustic energy for a wide range of other parameters of the device, such as surface hardness and mass.

Preferably, the depth of the cavity is 10-30mm, preferably 15-25 mm. These ranges provide sufficient range of motion for the cartridge to ensure that the cartridge reaches sufficient velocity and thus kinetic energy, while maintaining reasonable dimensions for the device to remain easy to grasp and use.

Preferably, the opposing contact surfaces each have a Brinell hardness value (Brinell hardness value) of greater than 50, more preferably greater than 70. Alternatively, preferably, the opposing contact surfaces each have a Hardness Rockwell R-scale value (Hardness Rockwell R-scale value) of greater than 75, more preferably greater than 95. The values in these ranges ensure that a sufficient proportion of the kinetic energy is converted to acoustic energy in the audible signal for a wide range of parameters.

Preferably, the magnet is configured such that the magnetic force is sufficient to pull the cartridge into the retaining position only when the cartridge is partially inserted into the cavity by a user. This ensures that the magnetic force is only active when the cartridge is positioned in the cavity opening, thereby preventing the force from acting when the cartridge is not properly positioned. This ensures that the user must initially position the cartridge within the cavity and then release to rest the cartridge, and that the user first orients the cartridge correctly to achieve correct resting of the cartridge, while improving ease of use because the user must only initially position the cartridge and then the magnetic force acts to rest the cartridge. Preferably, the magnet is configured to apply sufficient force to pull the cartridge into the cavity only when the cartridge is inserted by a user into at least 10% of the depth of the cavity. More preferably, the magnet is configured to apply sufficient force to pull the cartridge into the cavity only when the cartridge is inserted by the user to at least 25% of the depth of the cavity, thereby preventing the cartridge from falling out of the cavity when released by the user when the device is not held vertically.

Preferably, the cartridge is pulled into the holding position in a single, uninterrupted motion so that the user does not need to apply further force, thus making the cartridge easier to insert and ensuring that there is only one contact and associated audible signal so that this can be reliably associated with the mechanical and electrical connection points.

Preferably, the cavity comprises an inner base surface having a recessed portion. In this way, if any liquid leaks from the cartridge or condensate accumulates in the cartridge body, the liquid will preferentially accumulate in the depression so that it does not obstruct the audible signal-producing contact between the opposing surfaces. Preferably, the recessed portion is centrally located on a base surface of the cavity. Alternatively, the recessed portion may be provided around the circumference of the base surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the base of the cavity comprises electrical connectors that protrude from the inner base surface of the cavity and resiliently spring up so as to be retractable into the inner base surface when in contact with the cartridge. Thus, electrical contact between the electrical connector and the corresponding contact on the cartridge may be ensured when the electrical connector is protruding, but contact between the opposing surfaces is hindered when the electrical connector is retractable.

Preferably, the base of the cavity comprises an electrical connector and at least two magnets, wherein the electrical connectors are preferably placed in a central portion of the base and the at least two magnets are preferably placed on opposite sides of the electrical connectors. The plurality of magnets ensure that the cartridges are uniformly connected to the cartridge holder. This ensures that the magnetic attraction is not concentrated at a single point, but is spread out to secure the entire base surface of the cartridge to the cartridge holder. If the cartridge has a substantially rectangular base surface, it is advantageous to provide two magnets at each end of the rectangular base. This also simplifies the arrangement of the electrical contacts, as they can be placed between the magnets and thus axially centered with the heating element.

Preferably, the cartridge and/or cartridge mount is configured such that there are one or more gaps between the cartridge and cartridge mount when the cartridge is drawn into the holding position. This allows air to escape the cavity when the cartridge is pulled into the receiving position, preventing contact from being impeded by trapped pressure or air between the opposing contact surfaces. This further prevents the airflow sensor (used to turn on the heater when the user inhales) from being triggered by the cartridge entering the cavity, increasing air pressure.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises ribs extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, or the cartridge body comprises ribs extending along the inner surface, in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is the direction of insertion of the cartridge. The ribs provide air passages between the cartridge and the cartridge holder through which air can escape from the cavity when the cartridge is inserted. These ribs further reduce friction so that the impact velocity is increased.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises one or more circumferential ribs extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction around the cartridge. The vertical ribs reduce friction and may be used to alter the characteristics of the audible signal. Preferably, the cartridge holder body comprises projections arranged for contact with the circumferential rib to produce a series of audible signals when the cartridge is moved to the holding position. The audible signal generated on the last contact in the holding position may be different from the audible signal generated by the rib during movement of the cartridge, so that the connection point may be reliably determined.

Preferably, the cartridge body comprises a resilient member arranged such that when the cartridge is moved to the retaining position, the cartridge displaces and releases the resilient member, thus generating an additional audible signal.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette comprises a cartridge having a mass between 2g and 10g, the cartridge having a base comprising a ferromagnetic material; one or more magnets having a total flux density between 500 and 5000 gauss; a cavity having an insertion depth of at least 10 mm; and opposing contact surfaces comprising metal or rigid plastic. In some examples, the magnet may have a flux of at least 4000 gauss to provide an increased securing force to rest the cartridge.

In some examples, an electronic cigarette includes: a cartridge having a mass between 2g and 20g, the cartridge having a base comprising a ferromagnetic material; a magnet having a flux of at least 4000 gauss; a cavity having an insertion depth of at least 10 mm; and opposing contact surfaces comprising metal or rigid plastic.

The inventors have determined that a device having these parameters provides a strong, reliable audible signal that is substantially constant for any orientation of the device between horizontal and vertical.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge may contain a tobacco substrate, such as ground tobacco powder or shredded tobacco impregnated with an aerosol-forming substance. Such cartridges may be used in a primary inhaler device configured to heat tobacco to a temperature at which vaporization occurs. The tobacco cartridge may be formed from a ferromagnetic material which is attracted by at least one magnet located in the bottom of the cartridge body. In a similar manner to that described in connection with the liquid cartridge, an audible sound is generated once the cartridge is in contact with the bottom of the cartridge holder. This enables the user to determine that the cartridge is mechanically and electrically (or thermally) connected to the main device.

The tobacco within the cartridge may be heated by induction or conduction. Alternatively, vapour from a second liquid cartridge arranged upstream of the tobacco cartridge along a vapour flow path through the e-cigarette may be injected into the cartridge.

Drawings

Figure 1 schematically shows an electronic cigarette according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates an electronic cigarette according to the invention, in which the inhaler body and the internal components of the cartridge are shown.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates an electronic cigarette with a cartridge partially received in a cartridge receptacle.

Figure 4 is a graph showing the intensity of the audible signal produced when the cartridge is released in both the vertical and horizontal positions.

Figure 5 is an end view of the cavity of the inhaler body.

Fig. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an alternative cartridge for use in the present invention.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates an alternative cartridge for use in the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electronic cigarette 1 according to the invention comprising an inhaler body 10 and a removable cartridge 20. As shown in the internal view of fig. 2, the inhaler body 10 includes a power unit 11 and a cartridge body 12. The cartridge holder 12 is arranged for receiving a removable cartridge 20 in a holding position, as shown in fig. 1, wherein the cartridge 20 is in contact with an opposing surface of the cartridge holder and the cartridge 20 is electrically connected to the power unit 11.

The electronic cigarette 1 further comprises a magnet 13 arranged to provide a magnetic force to pull the removable cartridge 20 into the holding position. The surface hardness of the opposing surfaces of the cartridge 20 and the cartridge holder body 12 and the force exerted by the magnet 13 are configured such that contact between the opposing surfaces of the cartridge 20 and the cartridge holder body 12 generates an audible signal when the cartridge 20 is pulled into the holding position by the magnet 13 (as shown in figure 1).

In other examples of the invention, a magnet on the cartridge and magnetic material or another magnet positioned in the cartridge holder may provide the magnetic connection.

In the example of fig. 1 and 2, the inhaler body 20 has an elongated shape with a cartridge body disposed at one end. Thus, the cartridge 20 may provide a mouthpiece of the device, located at the proximal end and having an air outlet 21 through which the generated vapour may be inhaled by the user. Thus, the cartridge 20 is shaped such that the shape of the proximal end with the air inlet 21 is configured such as to allow a user to inhale vapor from one end.

In the example shown in the figures, the cartridge 20 comprises a vaporising cartridge comprising a heater assembly in the form of a heating coil 22 wrapped around a wick 23 arranged such that liquid contained in a reservoir 24 is passed to the heating coil so that it can be vaporised, the vapour produced being drawn through an outlet 21. When the cartridge 20 is received in the holding position within the cartridge holder body 12, power is supplied to the heating coil from the power source 11. In particular, the cartridge holder body 12 includes two or more contacts 14 that are connected to the power source 11 via the electrical circuit 15 such that when the cartridge 20 is received within the cartridge holder body 12, the contacts 14 of the cartridge holder body 12 make electrical contact with corresponding contacts 25 of the cartridge 20, thereby allowing power to flow from the power source 11 to the heating coil 22.

In the example shown in the figures, two magnets 13 are provided at the inner base surface 16 of the cartridge holder body 12 and a ferromagnetic material 26 is provided on the opposite base surface 26 of the cartridge 20. The ferromagnetic element may be provided as a layer deposited directly on the bottom surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic element may be provided as an end plug and may be configured to seal the bottom of the cartridge and accommodate a wire connected to the heating element. In this way, the magnet 13 is configured so as to attract the ferromagnetic base surface 26 of the cartridge.

In particular, when the cartridge 20 enters the range of the magnet 13 such that the force increases beyond a threshold value, the cartridge 20 is drawn into the cartridge holder body 12 such that the ferromagnetic base surface 26 of the cartridge 20 is in contact with the base surface 16 of the cartridge holder body. In this holding position shown in fig. 1, the base surface 16 of the cartridge holder body is in contact with the opposing surface 26 of the cartridge so that the corresponding contacts 14 of the cartridge holder body 12 are in contact with the contacts 25 of the cartridge 20. Preferably, the magnetic connecting elements 13 are embedded in the device housing and are spaced apart with respect to each other such that the at least one magnet and the ferromagnetic element are arranged at a distance from each other when the cartridge rests in the cartridge holder.

The cartridge holder body 12 is provided as a cavity that is suitably shaped to receive a portion 28 of the cartridge 20 when the cartridge is in the holding position. In particular, the cavity 12 may be a hollow elongate recess positioned at one end of the inhaler body 10 to receive a cartridge 20 through the end opening 17, as shown in fig. 3. The shape of the cavity 12 of the cartridge holder and the cartridge 20 is configured such that when the cartridge 20 is received in the holding position as shown in figure 1, a portion of the cartridge extends out of the cavity 12, providing a mouthpiece of the device 1. The magnet 13 and the electrical contacts 14 are disposed on an inner base surface 16 of the cavity 12. That is, the magnet and the electrical contact are disposed on the distal surface in an insertion direction that is perpendicular to the elongate axis and the insertion direction in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures.

As described, the magnet 13 is configured to provide a suitable magnetic force such that when the cartridge 20 is partially inserted into the cavity 12 and released as shown in fig. 3, the magnet provides sufficient force to pull the cartridge 20 into a holding position such that there is agile contact between the base surface 16 of the cavity 12 and the opposing surface 26 of the cartridge 20. The magnet 13 is configured to provide sufficient magnetic force relative to the weight of the cartridge 20 such that the acceleration of the cartridge 20 is sufficient to bring the cartridge 20 to a velocity such that contact between the opposing surfaces provides an audible signal in the form of a clear noise or "click". This noise is generated when the opposing surfaces 16, 26 come into contact, which provides a feedback signal to the user that the cartridge 20 is mechanically and electrically connected to the inhaler body 10.

Because the contacts 14 are provided on the base surface 16 of the cartridge body 12, contact between these surfaces provides a reliable audible indication that the cartridge is electrically connected to the power source 11. The user then knows that the cartridge is correctly engaged and that the device 1 is ready for use.

The inventors have found that the magnetic flux, the surface hardness of the opposing surfaces, the mass of the cartridge 20 when filled, and the distance the cartridge moves before the opposing surfaces come into contact may be selected so as to provide a strong audible signal indicating that the mechanical and electrical connection of the cartridge and the inhaler body 10 is established. The problem to be solved is to obtain a sufficient audible signal by using a magnet of minimum strength. This reduces the cost of the magnet and improves user-friendliness as the cartridge can be easily introduced into the cartridge holder and then magnetically attracted.

The inventors have found that a reliable audible signal can be produced which is substantially independent of the device orientation in the case of an electronic cigarette having a cartridge with a mass between 2g and 20g, the cartridge having a base comprising a ferromagnetic material; one or more magnets having a total flux of at least 4000 gauss; a cavity with an insertion depth of 10 to 30 mm; and opposing contact surfaces comprising metal or rigid plastic.

The inventors have surprisingly found that magnetic flux in this range provides a constant peak intensity of the generated audible signal regardless of the orientation of the device. This is important to provide a consistent audible connection signal to the user so that the connection is clearly communicated to the user that it is established. For example, if the audible signal has inconsistent intensity depending on the orientation of the device, the user is not aware of whether the cartridge is properly connected into the cartridge holder. Figure 4 shows a comparison between the noise (indicated by lines 41, 42 in the chart 40 of figure 4) generated by a cartridge drawn into a holding position when the inhaler body is oriented in a vertical position 41 and a horizontal position 42. Thereby generating a reliable and consistent feedback signal to inform the user that the cartridge 20 is electrically and mechanically connected to the power source 11 regardless of the orientation of the device 1.

Such magnetic forces and the associated strong audible signal are provided regardless of the orientation of the device 1, for example by selecting the following parameters, whereby the widest range ensures the response as shown in fig. 4, and more preferably the narrower range provides a louder, shorter signal, while optimizing the size and cost of the components.

Example 1

Weight when the cartridge is full: 1 to 20g, preferably 1.5 to 10g or 5 to 10 g.

Total flux density provided by the magnet: over 2500 gauss, preferably between 4000 and 10000 gauss.

Depth of the chamber L: at least 5mm, preferably 10 to 30 mm.

Surface hardness of each opposing surface: greater than 50 brinell hardness values (or greater than 70 rockwell R scale values). In practice, the appropriate hardness may be provided by a hard plastic or metal surface material.

Minimum velocity at which the cartridge impacts: 0.4m per second, preferably at least 0.7m per second. Speeds in this range are generated by selecting the above parameters in the indicated range.

It should be understood that the above parameters merely provide examples of suitable parameters that may provide a reliable audible signal. These parameters may be selected to provide a suitable audible signal for the device, with the above broadly defined parameters providing a response as shown in fig. 4, wherein the peak intensity of the audible signal remains equal for both the vertical and horizontal orientations of the device. This provides an important advantage in that the mechanical and electrical connection of the cartridge 20 to the inhaler body 10 can be confirmed regardless of the orientation of the device.

The magnet 13 may be configured such that the magnetic force exceeds the total depth L of the cartridge 20 when inserted into the cavity 12₁A certain percentage of the time required to pull the cartridge 20 into the holding position so that the cartridge accelerates through the remaining distance x, as shown in figure 3. In particular, the magnets may be configured such that the total distance L when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity 12₁Is pulled into the holding position by at least 10%. This creates a sufficient acceleration distance and encourages the user to place the cartridge within the cavity and then release to prevent the cartridge from falling out of the device before it is in the range of the magnet. This can be increased to 25% to ensure that this is even the case regardless of the orientation of the device between vertical and horizontal.

Table 1 below shows the average test data for devices having parameters within the above ranges. In particular, the representation shows the total intensity L of the audible signal when the cartridge 20 is released in the cavity 12 in a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation in the case of a full, half-full and empty cartridge 20_Aeq,TsAnd peak intensity L_Apk,0.025sA change in (c). For each test, a log average is taken of six independent repeated measurements to provide a weighted equivalent sound pressure level L for the complete noise emission period of the product at each orientation_Aeq,Ts. The highest 0.025s period within each of the six independent repeated measurements has been logarithmically averaged for each test to provide the maximum peak (L) for each test condition_Apk,0.025s) And (4) grading.

TABLE 1

The averaged data in the above table shows that the difference between the peak intensity when released in either the vertical or horizontal orientation is less than 8% regardless of how full the cartridge 20 is, so that a strong reliable audible signal can be used to provide feedback to the user that the cartridge is electrically and mechanically connected when the cartridge 20 is received in the device 1 regardless of the orientation of the device.

Preferably, the audible signal comprises a peak intensity (taking a logarithmic average of the weighted sound pressure level) of at least 40dB in order to provide a strong reliable audible signal to the user. Preferably, the audible signal has a duration of less than 0.5 seconds to provide a sharp signal indicative of the contact between the opposing surfaces and the connection associated with the power source 11.

Audible signals may also be classified by the frequency response, in particular the intensity (dB) of the different frequency bands within the click. The parameters of the e-cigarette and cartridge are preferably selected to provide a frequency response that is easily recognizable by the user and clearly audible under background noise. The frequency response may be classified by 1/3 frequency doubling bands of the click. The 1/3 fold frequency bands for the device falling within the definition of example 1 above are shown in table 2 (provided as an appendix). Table 2 shows the weighted equivalent sound pressure level L for the complete noise emission period_AeqAnd peak averages (all in dB) are shown in the second column. The sound pressure level (dB) for each 1/3 octave band from 100Hz to 10kHz for each fill level and orientation of the cartridge is also shown.

The audible signal in the form of the frequency response indicated in table 2 is particularly clear and recognizable under background noise. In particular, it is preferred that the peak of the audible signal has a maximum intensity at a frequency between 2.5 and 8kHz, for example the peak intensity of the audible signal occurs at 0.025 seconds. This makes the audible signal easily identifiable. Similarly, it is preferred that the audible signal has a peak intensity in the 2.5 to 8kHz range as a whole. In some cases, the audible signal may also have peaks at very low frequencies (e.g., in the 100 or 125Hz band) that are more difficult for the user to identify, but an important feature is the presence of intensity peaks in the 1/3-fold frequency band between 2.5kHz and 8kHz, i.e., 2.5kHz, 3.15kHz, 4kHz, 5kHz, 6.3kHz, or 8 kHz.

The e-cigarette may be further provided with additional features that optimize the audible signal generated when the cartridge 20 is received in the cartridge holder body 12. First, the contacts 14 of the cartridge body may protrude from the inner base surface 16 of the cavity but spring up elastically so that they can retract into the base surface 16 of the cavity 12 when in contact with the cartridge 20. This ensures that the contacts of the cartridge body make good connection with the corresponding contacts 25 on the base surface 26 of the cartridge 20 when these contacts are biased into the protruding arrangement shown in figure 2 pressing them against the base surface 26 of the cartridge 20. However, because the contacts are retractable under force, the contacts do not significantly obstruct contact between the opposing surfaces of the cartridge body 12 and the cartridge 20, such that the contacts have only a negligible effect on the strength of the audible signal produced by contact between the opposing surfaces.

Figure 5 shows an end view of the inhaler body 10 looking into the opening 17 of the cartridge body forming cavity 12. Two magnets 13 and retractable contact pins 14 are provided on the base surface 16 of the cavity 12. The electrical connector 14 is positioned at a more central portion of the base surface 16 relative to the magnet 13. This spaced arrangement reduces interference between the magnets 13 to ensure that the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic field is suitable for use to provide the above-described effect in terms of audible signals. Fig. 5 further shows a recessed portion 18 provided in the base surface 16 of the cavity 12. The recessed portion 18 has a greater depth than the remainder of the cavity. The recessed portion 18 is arranged to collect any liquid present in the base of the chamber 12. In particular, any liquid will preferentially collect in the recessed portion 18 rather than in the peripheral surface 16 of the base of the cavity 12. For example, liquid resulting from condensation may collect at the base of the cavity or liquid leaking from the reservoir 24 of the cartridge 20 may enter the bottom of the chamber 12.

Any liquid collected in this region may impede contact between the opposing surfaces 16, 26 when the cartridge is received in the cartridge holder body 12, thereby reducing or altering the characteristics of the generated audible signal. By providing a recessed portion 18 that collects liquid, this problem is solved because the remainder of the contact surface 16 remains substantially free of liquid and thus provides agile contact as desired. The surface may also slope downwardly partially toward the recessed portion 18 to assist in liquid collection.

In an alternative example of the invention, the depth of the cavity L1 may be slightly greater than the length of the receiving portion 28 of the cartridge 20. In particular, as shown in fig. 2, the cartridge 20 may comprise a mouthpiece area 27 and a receiving portion 28 arranged for being received by the cavity 12 of the cartridge body. In an alternative example, the length L2 of the receiving portion 28 in the elongate direction is less than the depth L1 of the cavity such that the base surface of the cartridge 26 is in contact with the electrical connector 14 but not in contact with the base surface 16 of the cavity 12. In contrast, the nozzle portion 27 is in contact with the rim 19 surrounding the opening 17 of the cavity 12 due to its larger diameter. Thus, in this example, the audible signal producing contact between the opposing surfaces is between the rim 19 of the cavity 12 and the opposing surface 29 of the cartridge 20. The same applies to the present example, wherein the opposite contact surfaces are the rim 19 of the cavity 12 and the opposite rim 29 at the connection between the mouthpiece 27 and the receiving portion 24 of the cartridge 20.

In an alternative example shown in fig. 6A and 6B of the cartridge 60, a longitudinal array of ridges 61 is disposed about the receiving portion 68 of the cartridge 60. In particular, a plurality of protruding ridges 61 are provided around the circumference of a portion 68 of a cartridge 60 that is received in the cavity 12 of the inhaler body 10. The longitudinal ridge 61 is arranged for contact with the inner side wall of the cavity 12. The provision of these ridges 61 reduces the surface area of contact between the cartridge and the inner surface of the cavity 12. This reduces any detrimental effect of condensate on the inner walls of the cavity 12 on the movement produced by the cartridge 60 and the corresponding audible signal. In particular, such condensation may create a barrier effect or prevent air from escaping the cavity 12 around the cartridge 60, thus creating an air cushion that blocks contact between opposing surfaces and reduces the intensity of the audible signal generated. These ridges ensure that there are channels through which air can escape, thus allowing the cartridge 60 to accelerate to the appropriate speed to provide the required intensity in the audible signal. As shown in fig. 6B, the ridges may be disposed around the circumference of the receiving portion 68 of the cartridge 60. Alternatively, the ridges 61 may be provided on the inner surface of the cavity in a corresponding manner to achieve the same effect.

Another alternative example of a cartridge 70 is shown in figure 7. The cartridge 70 is similar to the cartridge 60 but lacks the longitudinal ridges 61 and has circumferential ribs 71 extending along the longitudinal length at periodic locations around the circumference of the receiving portion 78 of the cartridge 70. These ribs 71 may have a similar effect on reducing the surface contact between the cartridge and the inner wall of the cavity. Furthermore, the ribs 71 may be arranged to contact a portion of the inner surface of the cavity 12 to produce a series of audible signals when the cartridge is drawn into the cavity 12 by the magnet 13. This may lengthen and strengthen the audible signal to provide greater feedback to the user that the cartridge 70 has been received in the cavity 12. Additional means of enhancing the audible signal may be provided. For example, a resilient or spring-loaded member may be provided on the inner surface of the cavity 12, which member is displaced and released by a protrusion or rib 71 on the cartridge 20 as the cartridge 20 is drawn into the cavity. By charging and discharging the vibrating member in this manner, a prolonged and distinct sound may be generated, providing a more pleasant audible signal to the user to confirm that the cartridge has been received in the holding position.

Table 2: 1/3 octave band data