U.S. patent application number 17/293156 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for flight safe mode for aerosol inhaler.
This patent application is currently assigned to JT International S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is JT International S.A.. Invention is credited to Robin Jergen, Damir Luso, Andrew Robert John Rogan.
Application Number | 20220007730 17/293156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220007730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogan; Andrew Robert John ;
et al. |
January 13, 2022 |
Flight Safe Mode For Aerosol Inhaler
Abstract
An electronic cigarette includes a mouthpiece portion having a
refillable liquid store having a sealable opening, a valve closing
member and an atomizer receiving section. The valve closing member
is configured to seal the opening and control a flow of liquid from
the liquid store to the atomizer receiving section. The flow of
liquid to an atomizer is enabled when an atomizer is present in the
atomizer receiving section. The atomizer is connectable to an inner
sleeve at the atomizer seating in a power supply portion. The
atomizer is moveable toward the valve closing member such that the
valve closing member is urged toward the open position, and away
from the valve closing member such that the valve closing member
cannot be urged toward the open position, by axially moving the
inner sleeve in relation to an outer sleeve with an actuator.
Inventors: |
Rogan; Andrew Robert John;
(Forres, GB) ; Luso; Damir; (Schlieren, CH)
; Jergen; Robin; (Zurich, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JT International S.A. |
Geneva |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
JT International S.A.
Geneva
CH
|
Appl. No.: |
17/293156 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
December 4, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2019/083750 |
371 Date: |
May 12, 2021 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/485 20060101
A24F040/485; A24F 40/10 20060101 A24F040/10; A24F 40/60 20060101
A24F040/60 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 5, 2018 |
EP |
18210528.8 |
Dec 5, 2018 |
EP |
18210529.6 |
Dec 5, 2018 |
EP |
18210530.4 |
Dec 5, 2018 |
EP |
18210531.2 |
Claims
1. An electronic cigarette, comprising: a mouthpiece portion
connectable to a power supply portion of an electronic cigarette,
wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises a refillable liquid store
having a sealable opening, a valve closing member and an
atomizer-receiving section, wherein the valve closing member is
configured to seal the opening and control a flow of liquid from
the liquid store to the atomizer-receiving section by movement
between an open position and a closed position, whereby a flow of
liquid is enabled from the refillable liquid store to an atomizer
in the atomizer-receiving section when an atomizer is present in
the atomizer-receiving section and when the valve closing is moved
towards the open position; a power supply portion with an atomizer
seating configured to receive a lower portion of an atomizer,
whereby the atomizer-receiving section in the mouthpiece portion is
configured to receive an upper portion of an atomizer, wherein an
inner sleeve at the atomizer seating is connectable to an atomizer,
and wherein the inner sleeve is axially moveable in relation to an
outer sleeve; an actuator configured to axially move an atomizer
away from the valve closing member into a portion of the power
supply portion such that the valve closing member seals the
opening; and wherein the valve closing member can be urged toward
the open position by the upper portion of the atomizer in the
atomizer seating.
2. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein: axially moving the
inner sleeve in relation to the outer sleeve moves an atomizer
toward the valve closing member to urge the valve toward the open
position; and axially moving the inner sleeve in a retracting
direction in relation to the outer sleeve moves an atomizer away
from the valve closing member such that the valve closing member
cannot be urged toward the open position.
3. The electronic cigarette of claim 2, wherein a portion of the
actuator is comprised in the outer sleeve, and wherein the
electronic cigarette further comprises a guiding arrangement
configured to provide axial movement of the inner sleeve.
4. The electronic cigarette of claim 3, wherein the guiding
arrangement comprises a guiding thread or groove wherein the inner
sleeve is coupled to the guiding thread or groove through a
follower pin, whereby the inner sleeve is movable in an axial
direction when the portion of the actuator comprised in the outer
sleeve is actuated.
5. The electronic cigarette of claim 3, wherein the inner sleeve is
connected to the portion of the actuator comprised in the outer
sleeve, wherein the portion of the actuator is an axially moveable
actuator for direct axial movement of the inner sleeve in relation
to the outer sleeve.
6. The electronic cigarette of claim 1, wherein the inner sleeve
comprises resilient clasps and the outer sleeve comprises slots
defined by bulges extending radially inwards, wherein the
electronic cigarette further comprises an atomizer including a
first engagement element in the form of an annular groove, and
wherein the clasps are configured to connect to the annular groove
and move within the slots to axially displace the atomizer.
7. The electronic cigarette according to claim 6, wherein the
atomizer further comprises a first angled surface defining a lower
ledge of the annular groove configured to enable the clasps to move
into the annular groove, over the first angled surface, when the
atomizer is pressed against the inner sleeve.
8. The electronic cigarette of claim 7, wherein the atomizer
further comprises a second angled surface defining an upper ledge
of the annular groove configured to abut the bulges when the inner
sleeve is retracted in relation to the outer sleeve thereby
releasing the atomizer from the clasps of the inner sleeve.
9. The electronic cigarette of claim 5, wherein the axially
moveable actuator is a sliding actuator.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for a tank in
an aerosol inhaler.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers are
becoming increasingly popular consumer products. In these products,
an aerosol-forming substance is stored in a tank in liquid form.
The tank typically has an outlet connected to a wicking or fluid
transfer element which supplies the aerosol forming substance to an
atomizer. In addition to the fluid transfer element, the atomizer
also includes a heating arrangement that vaporises the liquid
aerosol forming substance. A battery is connected to the atomizer,
which is typically activated to produce vapour by a button or an
air pressure sensor. Air inlets and airflow channels are provided
so that the user can draw air into the device through or past the
atomizer.
[0003] Electronic cigarettes may unintentionally deliver an excess
amount of liquid when being exposed to different atmospheric
pressures. For instance, when brought onto an airplane, liquid may
urge into the interior of the electronic cigarette as well as into
to the vaporization chamber and vapour flow tubes. This increases
the risk of liquid escaping from the electronic cigarette and
exposure to the user.
SUMMARY
[0004] An object of the present invention is to overcome and
mitigate some of the above-mentioned problems.
[0005] According to an aspect, the present invention provides a
mouthpiece portion of an electronic cigarette, the mouthpiece
portion comprising a mouthpiece having a liquid store, an
atomizer-receiving portion, a vapour outlet, and a vapour flow
tube, the vapour flow tube having an axial extension between the
atomizer-receiving portion and the vapour outlet, wherein the
liquid store has a liquid opening in a bottom portion thereof, and
wherein the mouthpiece portion further comprises an axially
moveable closing member which is movable between an open position
and a closed position, wherein the axially moveable closing member
is biased towards the closed position to seal the liquid opening,
and wherein the axially moveable closing member is urged towards
the open position when an atomizer is present in the
atomizer-receiving portion. In this way the liquid opening of the
liquid store can be automatically opened by the presence of an
atomizer and atomically closed by the biased axially moveable
closing member when an atomizer is not present. This obviates the
need for a user to manually open and close the liquid opening and
reduces the likelihood of spillage of liquid from the liquid store.
Preferably the axially moveable closing member is biased by a
spring.
[0006] Preferably the axially moveable closing member is guided by
the vapour flow tube, or the axially moveable closing member is
guided by an internal side of the liquid store. In this way the
closing member is guided to the liquid opening thereby ensuring
that a complete closing of the opening is achieved.
[0007] Preferably the closing member is a tubular sleeve. In this
way the tubular sleeve shape allows for interaction with the vapour
flow tube to enhance the guiding interaction as well as a closing
of the liquid opening.
[0008] Preferably the tubular sleeve is located around the vapour
tube. In this way the guiding interaction between the vapour flow
tube and the axially moveable closing member is enhanced.
[0009] Preferably the closing member has a sealing end provided
with a horizontal flange, and wherein the flange is configured to
seal against a bottom surface of the liquid store comprising the
liquid opening. In this way the horizontal flange ensures a
complete coverage of the liquid opening whist minimising the total
volume inside the liquid store that is dedicated to the axially
moveable closing member. Preferably the horizontal flange extends
radially from the closing member
[0010] Preferably the sealing end further comprises a resilient
seal connected to the horizontal flange and configured to seal
against the bottom surface of the liquid store comprising the
liquid opening and close the liquid opening. In this way the
resilient seal is compressible against the bottom surface of the
liquid store enhancing the prevention of liquid leakage.
[0011] Preferably the axially moveable closing member is moveable
in the axial direction when a liquid refill arrangement is present
in the atomizer-receiving portion. In this way the axially moveable
closing member and liquid opening provide a closeable opening which
is also opened by the presence of a liquid refill arrangement such
that the opening is opened in the presence of the liquid refill
arrangement and automatically closes upon the removal of the liquid
refill arrangement. This reduces the likelihood of liquid spillage
when refilling the liquid store.
[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
an electronic cigarette comprising a mouthpiece portion provided
with a mouthpiece, a power supply portion and an atomizer, wherein
the mouthpiece portion comprises an atomizer-receiving portion
configured to receive an upper portion of the atomizer, and wherein
the power supply portion comprises an atomizer seating configured
to receive a lower portion of the atomizer, wherein the mouthpiece
portion comprises a liquid store having a liquid opening in a
bottom portion thereof and a vapour flow tube extending from the
receiving cavity to the mouthpiece, and wherein the mouthpiece
portion further comprises an axially moveable closing member which
is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein
the closing member is biased towards the closed position to seal
the liquid opening, and wherein the closing member is urged towards
the open position when the atomizer is received in the
atomizer-receiving portion. In this way the liquid opening of the
liquid store is automatically opened and closed based upon the
presence of the atomizer or lack thereof. This obviates the need
for a user to manually open and close the liquid opening and
reduces the likelihood of spillage of liquid from the liquid store.
Preferably the axially moveable closing member is biased by a
spring.
[0013] Preferably the axially moveable closing member is guided by
the vapour flow tube, or the axially moveable closing member is
guided by an internal side of the liquid store. In this way the
closing member is guided to the liquid opening thereby ensuring
that a complete closing of the opening is achieved.
[0014] Preferably the atomizer comprises at least one liquid inlet,
a fluid transfer element and a heating element, and wherein the
atomizer liquid inlet is configured to extend into the
atomizer-receiving portion of the mouthpiece portion such that the
atomizer abuts the axially moveable closing member and the axially
moveable closing member is released from a surface of the liquid
store comprising the liquid opening such that a fluidic connection
between the liquid store and the fluid transfer element is
established through the liquid inlet when the mouthpiece portion is
connected to the power supply portion and the atomizer is present
in the atomizer seating. In this way liquid from the liquid store
can automatically enter the atomizer when the mouthpiece portion is
connected to the power supply portion and the atomizer is present
in the atomizer seating. Correspondingly, when the atomizer is not
present, such as when the power supply portion is not connected to
the mouthpiece portion, the liquid opening is automatically closed.
This simplifies the operation of the device for the user whilst
minimising the risk of leakage from the liquid store.
[0015] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a refillable reservoir portion of an electronic cigarette, the
refillable reservoir portion comprising a refillable liquid store,
an axially moveable valve closing member and a first biasing
member, wherein the refillable liquid store is provided with a
liquid opening in a bottom portion thereof and the axially moveable
valve closing member is moveable between an open position and a
closed position, wherein the first biasing member configured to
bias the axially moveable closing valve member towards the closed
position to seal the liquid opening, and wherein the axially
moveable valve closing member is moved into the open position when
the refillable reservoir portion and a refilling bottle are engaged
with each other. In this way the liquid opening of the refillable
liquid store can be automatically closed by the biasing applied to
the axially moveable valve closing member by the first biasing
member. This obviates the need for a user to manually close the
liquid opening and reduces the likelihood of spillage of liquid
from the liquid store. Preferably the first biasing member is a
spring.
[0016] Preferably the axially moveable valve closing member is
guided by a vapour flow tube. In this way the closing member is
guided to the liquid opening thereby ensuring that a complete
closing of the opening is achieved.
[0017] Preferably the axially moveable valve closing member is a
tubular sleeve which is located around the vapour tube. In this way
the tubular sleeve shape allows for interaction with the vapour
flow tube to enhance the guiding interaction as well as a closing
of the liquid opening.
[0018] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a refilling bottle configured to connect with a refillable
reservoir portion of an electronic cigarette, the refilling bottle
comprising a liquid tank configured to store a liquid, and a liquid
transfer arrangement configured to transfer liquid from the liquid
tank to a refillable liquid store in an electronic cigarette, the
liquid transfer arrangement having a housing, a connection portion
attached to the liquid tank and an axially moveable refilling valve
located inside the housing and movable between a closed position
and an open position, wherein the axially moveable refilling valve
is biased towards the closed position by a second biasing member.
In this way the tank can be automatically closed by the biasing
applied by the second biasing member. This obviates the need for a
user to manually close the refilling bottle and reduces the
likelihood of spillage of liquid from the liquid tank. Preferably
the second biasing member is a spring.
[0019] Preferably the axially moveable refilling valve comprises a
plunger having a liquid intake portion located within the liquid
tank and a liquid delivery portion located outside the liquid tank
and configured to be introduced into a refillable reservoir portion
of an electronic cigarette, wherein the plunger is urged towards an
open position when the liquid delivery portion is moved into a
receiving portion of the refillable reservoir portion of an
electronic cigarette. In this way the a user does not have to
manually open the refilling bottle before bringing it into
agreement with a refillable reservoir portion of an electronic
cigarette as the plunger is automatically urged to an open position
when the refilling bottle is moved into the receiving portion of a
refillable reservoir portion of an electronic cigarette. This
reduces the likelihood of liquid spillage when using the bottle to
refill an electronic cigarette.
[0020] Preferably the liquid intake portion comprises at least one
liquid inlet and the liquid delivery portion comprises at least one
liquid outlet, wherein the at least one liquid inlet and the at
least one liquid outlet are in fluid connection, and the at least
one liquid inlet and the at least one liquid outlet extend
respectively, at least partially, in a transverse direction,
relative to the axial direction of the plunger. In this way liquid
can flow from the liquid tank to a refillable reservoir portion of
an electronic cigarette by way of the plunger.
[0021] Preferably the housing further comprises an annular seal and
wherein the at least one liquid inlet is separated from the liquid
tank by the seal when the plunger is in a closed position. In this
way the likelihood of leakage from the bottle is reduced.
[0022] Preferably the liquid delivery portion of the plunger
further comprises an annular seal which is located below the at
least one liquid outlet, wherein the seal is configured to seal
against an internal housing of the refillable reservoir portion of
an electronic cigarette. In this way the likelihood of leakage from
the bottle is reduced.
[0023] Preferably when the plunger is biased into a closed
position, the liquid intake portion is sealed against an inner
surface of the liquid transfer arrangement. In this way liquid in
the liquid tank cannot pass into the plunger, and therefore cannot
escape the liquid tank, when the plunger is in a closed
position.
[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a liquid refilling system for an electronic cigarette, the liquid
refilling system comprising a refillable reservoir portion of an
electronic cigarette and a refilling bottle. The refillable
reservoir portion comprises a refillable liquid store, an axially
moveable valve closing member and a first biasing member, wherein
the refillable liquid store is provided with a liquid opening in a
bottom portion thereof and the axially moveable valve closing
member is moveable between an open position and a closed position,
wherein the first biasing member configured to bias the axially
moveable closing valve member towards the closed position to seal
the liquid opening, and wherein the axially moveable valve closing
member is moved into the open position when the refillable
reservoir portion and a refilling bottle are engaged with each
other. The refilling bottle is configured to connect with a
refillable reservoir portion of an electronic cigarette, the
refilling bottle comprising a liquid tank configured to store a
liquid, and a liquid transfer arrangement configured to transfer
liquid from the liquid tank to a refillable liquid store in an
electronic cigarette, the liquid transfer arrangement having a
housing, a connection portion attached to the liquid tank and an
axially moveable refilling valve located inside the housing and
movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the
axially moveable refilling valve is biased towards the closed
position by a second biasing member. In this way the liquid opening
of the refillable liquid store can be automatically closed by the
biasing applied to the axially moveable closing member by the first
biasing member. This obviates the need for a user to manually close
the liquid opening and reduces the likelihood of spillage of liquid
from the liquid store. The tank can be automatically closed by the
biasing applied by the second biasing member. This obviates the
need for a user to manually close the refilling bottle and reduces
the likelihood of spillage of liquid from the liquid tank. In this
way an electronic cigarette can be refilled in a controlled manner,
negating liquid spillage.
[0025] Preferably the axially moveable valve closing member is
guided by a vapour flow tube. In this way the closing member is
guided to the liquid opening thereby ensuring that a complete
closing of the opening is achieved.
[0026] Preferably the axially moveable valve closing member is a
tubular sleeve which is located around the vapour tube. In this way
the tubular sleeve shape allows for interaction with the vapour
flow tube to enhance the guiding interaction as well as a closing
of the liquid opening.
[0027] Preferably the axially moveable refilling valve comprises a
plunger having a liquid intake portion located within the liquid
tank and a liquid delivery portion located outside the liquid tank
and configured to be introduced into a refillable reservoir portion
of an electronic cigarette, wherein the plunger is urged towards an
open position when the liquid delivery portion is moved into a
receiving portion of the refillable reservoir portion of an
electronic cigarette. In this way the a user does not have to
manually open the refilling bottle before bringing it into
agreement with a refillable reservoir portion of an electronic
cigarette as the plunger is automatically urged to an open position
when the refilling bottle is moved into the receiving portion of a
refillable reservoir portion of an electronic cigarette. This
reduces the likelihood of liquid spillage when using the bottle to
refill an electronic cigarette.
[0028] Preferably the liquid intake portion comprises at least one
liquid inlet and the liquid delivery portion comprises at least one
liquid outlet, wherein the at least one liquid inlet and the at
least one liquid outlet are in fluid connection, and the at least
one liquid inlet and the at least one liquid outlet extend
respectively, at least partially, in a transverse direction,
relative to the axial direction of the plunger. In this way liquid
can flow from the liquid tank to a refillable reservoir portion of
an electronic cigarette by way of the plunger.
[0029] Preferably the housing further comprises an annular seal and
wherein the at least one liquid inlet is separated from the liquid
tank by the seal when the plunger is in a closed position. In this
way the likelihood of leakage from the bottle is reduced.
[0030] Preferably the liquid delivery portion of the plunger
further comprises an annular seal which is located below the at
least one liquid outlet, wherein the seal is configured to seal
against an internal housing of the refillable reservoir portion of
an electronic cigarette. In this way the likelihood of leakage from
the bottle is reduced.
[0031] Preferably when the plunger is biased into a closed
position, the liquid intake portion is sealed against an inner
surface of the liquid transfer arrangement. In this way liquid in
the liquid tank cannot pass into the plunger, and therefore cannot
escape the liquid tank, when the plunger is in a closed
position.
[0032] Preferably the first biasing member has a first spring
coefficient and the second biasing member has a second spring
coefficient, wherein the first spring coefficient is smaller than
the second spring coefficient such that the axially moveable valve
closing member in the refillable liquid store opens before the
axially moveable refilling valve in the liquid transfer arrangement
of the refill bottle, upon engagement between the refill bottle and
the refillable reservoir portion of the electronic cigarette. In
this way the refillable liquid store will always be open to receive
liquid from the refilling bottle when the refilling valve of the
bottle is in an open position thereby preventing liquid from
leaving the refilling bottle and not being be able to enter the
liquid store of the electronic cigarette thus reducing the risk of
spillage.
[0033] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
an electronic cigarette comprising a mouthpiece portion and a power
supply portion, wherein the power supply portion comprises an
atomizer seating configured to receive an atomizer, an atomizer
lock located in the atomizer seating and movable between an open
position and a locked position, wherein the atomizer lock is
configured to selectively grip the atomizer when it is received in
the atomizer seating and release the atomizer from the atomizer
seating, and an ejection mechanism comprising a biased ejection
surface movable within the atomizer seating between a retracted
position and an extended position, wherein the ejection surface is
biased towards the extended position, wherein the ejection
mechanism is movable into the retracted position when an atomizer
is introduced into the atomizer seating, and the atomizer lock is
configured to grip the atomizer and hold it in a fixed position,
and wherein the atomizer is ejected from the atomizer seating when
the atomizer lock is opened. In this way the atomizer can be easily
released from the electronic cigarette.
[0034] Preferably the atomizer lock includes an outer sleeve and an
inner sleeve, which is movable in relation to the outer sleeve, and
an actuator configured to selectively move the inner sleeve
relative to the outer sleeve in order to grip or release the
atomizer. In this way the user can operate the actuator to lock and
unlock the atomizer so that it can be easily released from the
electronic cigarette.
[0035] Preferably the actuator is configured to rotate the inner
sleeve in relation to the outer sleeve, and the atomizer is
configured to rotate in unison with the inner sleeve. More
preferably the atomizer is gripped or released depending on the
rotational position of the inner sleeve in relation to the outer
sleeve. More preferably the electronic cigarette further comprises
the atomizer which comprises a first engagement element configured
to engage with the inner sleeve and a second engagement element
configured to engage with the outer sleeve. In this way each of
these preferences contributes to providing a user-friendly
mechanism that is both quick and simple to operate.
[0036] Preferably the second engagement element is an annular
flange and the first engagement element is a slot or cut-out in the
annular flange that defines an axial keyway through the flange.
More preferably the inner sleeve comprises a first protrusion and
the outer sleeve comprises a second protrusion, wherein the first
and second protrusions extend radially inwards into the atomizer
seating, and wherein the first protrusion on the inner sleeve can
be aligned with the second protrusion upon rotation of the actuator
such that the keyway of the atomizer can pass in the axial
direction over the first and the second protrusion and be
accommodated in the atomizer seating. In this way the atomizer can
be easily received in the atomizer seating when the atomizer lock
is in an unlocked position, requiring minimal user effort.
[0037] Preferably the first protrusion is axially positioned to be
aligned with the annular flange and the second protrusion is
axially positioned to be above the first protrusion such that the
annular flange can pass below the second protrusion wherein the
annular flange of the atomizer is unlocked from the atomizer
seating when the first and second protrusions are aligned with each
other such that the atomizer is released from the atomizer seating,
and the annular flange of the atomizer is locked in the atomizer
seating when the first and second protrusions are misaligned from
each other such that the second protrusion is positioned above and
abutting the annular flange. In this way, the atomizer can be
received in and ejected from atomizer seating when the first
protrusion and second protrusion are in alignment such that the
atomizer lock is in an unlocked arrangement. The atomizer can be
locked into the atomizer seating by rotating the inner sleeve such
that the annular flange of the atomizer is held in place by the
second protrusion when the first and second protrusions are
misaligned so that the atomizer lock is in a locked arrangement.
The atomizer can therefore be easily received, locked and released
from the atomizer seating.
[0038] Preferably the inner sleeve comprises one or more resilient
tongues and the outer sleeve comprises grooves configured to
accommodate the resilient tongues. In this way the grooves provide
defined locked and unlocked positions such that the movement of the
tongues between the grooves provides the user with a haptic
feedback thereby indicating to the user that electronic cigarette
has moved between the locked and unlocked positions. Preferably the
outer sleeve comprises two sets of grooves, one set corresponding
to the unlocked position and the other set corresponding to the
locked position.
[0039] Preferably the resilient tongues comprise free guiding ends
to enable the tongues to move in and out of the slots when a torque
above a threshold level is applied to the inner sleeve. In this way
a smooth movement between the grooves is achieved, making it easier
for the user to lock and unlock the atomizer. Preferably the free
guiding ends have a rounded shape.
[0040] Preferably the atomizer is biased in a direction out of the
atomizer seating, such that when the atomizer is released from the
atomizer lock, the atomizer is ejected. In this way the atomizer is
fully ejected from the atomizer seating without requiring physical
contact between a user and the atomizer.
[0041] Preferably the power supply portion comprises the biased
ejection surface and a biasing member and wherein the biasing
member is biased against a stationary surface in the power supply
portion and provides the biasing for the ejection mechanism. In
this way the atomizer ejected outward from the atomizer seating
without requiring physical contact between a user and the atomizer.
Preferably the biased surface is an electrical terminal. In this
way a separate biasing member and electrical terminal are not
required, thereby minimising the number of required components and
providing a more compact device.
[0042] Preferably the actuator is configured to axially move the
inner sleeve in relation to the outer sleeve between an extended
position and a retracted position such that the atomizer is locked
to the inner sleeve as the inner sleeve is retracted into the outer
sleeve.
[0043] Preferably the inner sleeve is provided with a connector in
the form of a clasp configured to engage with a circular groove on
the atomizer.
[0044] Preferably the stationary surface is an abutment formed in
the inner sleeve and whereby the axial position of the abutment
surface is displaceable in the longitudinal axial direction of the
power supply portion.
[0045] According to an aspect, the present invention provides an
electronic cigarette, comprising a mouthpiece portion connectable
to a power supply portion of an electronic cigarette, wherein the
mouthpiece portion comprises a refillable liquid store having a
sealable opening, a valve closing member and an atomizer receiving
section, wherein the valve closing member is configured to seal the
opening and control a flow of liquid from the liquid store to the
atomizer receiving section by movement between an open position and
a closed position, whereby a flow of liquid is enabled from the
refillable liquid store to an atomizer in the atomizer receiving
section when an atomizer is present in the atomizer-receiving
section and when the valve closing is moved towards the open
position, the electronic cigarette further comprising an actuator
for axially moving the atomizer away from the valve closing member
into a portion of the power supply portion such that the valve
closing member seals the opening. In this way the electronic
cigarette can be disabled to prevent the egress of liquid from the
liquid store. This is especially useful when the electronic
cigarette is likely to be subject to changes in air pressure which
could otherwise force liquid out of the liquid store.
[0046] Preferably the electronic cigarette further comprises a
power supply portion with an atomizer seating configured to receive
a lower portion of an atomizer, whereby the atomizer-receiving
section in the mouthpiece portion is configured to receive an upper
portion of the atomizer, and wherein the valve closing member can
be urged toward an open position by the upper portion of the
atomizer in the atomizer seating. In this way the valve closing
member can be easily opened and closed by movement of the
atomizer.
[0047] Preferably the atomizer is connectable to an inner sleeve at
the atomizer seating, and the inner sleeve is axially moveable in
relation to an outer sleeve. In this way the atomizer can be moved
toward and away from the valve thereby providing a mechanism for
the user to easily open and close the valve.
[0048] Preferably the atomizer is moveable toward the valve closing
member by axially moving the inner sleeve in relation to the outer
sleeve to urge the valve toward the open position, and the atomizer
is moveable away from the valve closing member by axially moving
the inner sleeve in a retracting direction in relation to the outer
sleeve such that the valve closing member cannot be urged toward
the open position. In this way the user can easily close the valve
to enable a flight safe mode so that changes in air pressure do not
force liquid out of the liquid store.
[0049] Preferably a portion of the actuator is comprised in the
outer sleeve and the electronic cigarette further comprises a
guiding arrangement, configured to provide the axial movement of
the inner sleeve. In this way the user can physically control when
the valve is opened and closed.
[0050] Preferably the guiding arrangement comprises a guiding
thread or groove wherein the inner sleeve is coupled to the guide
through a follower pin, whereby the inner sleeve is movable in the
axial direction when the portion of the actuator comprised in the
outer sleeve is actuated. In this way the user can move the
atomizer toward and away from the valve by twisting the actuator,
thereby providing a simple to operate mechanism for the user to
open and close the valve.
[0051] Preferably the inner sleeve is connected to the portion of
the actuator comprised in the outer sleeve, wherein the portion of
the actuator is an axially moveable actuator, such as a sliding
actuator for direct axial movement of the inner sleeve in relation
to the outer sleeve. In this way the user can move the atomizer
toward and away from the valve by sliding the actuator, thereby
providing a simple to operate mechanism for the user to open and
close the valve.
[0052] Preferably the inner sleeve comprises resilient clasps and
the outer sleeve comprises slots defined by bulges extending
radially inwards, wherein the atomizer comprises a first engagement
element in the form of an annular groove, and wherein the clasps
are configured to connect to the annular groove and move within the
slots to axially displace the atomizer. In this way the atomizer
can be gripped by the inner sleeve and guided inward and outward of
the outer sleeve.
[0053] Preferably the atomizer further comprises a first angled
surface defining a lower ledge of the annular groove configured to
enable the clasps to move into the annular groove, over the first
angled surface, when the atomizer is pressed against the inner
sleeve. In this way a secure grip is provided between the inner
sleeve and the actuator. Furthermore a haptic feedback is provided
to the user as the clasps snap over the first angled surface as
they move into the annular groove during engagement of the
atomizer. This haptic feedback can indicate that the atomizer is
securely arranged in the electronic cigarette. Likewise a haptic
feedback is provided to the user when the clasps snap back over the
first angled surface during disengagement of the atomizer so that
the user is aware that the atomizer is disengaged.
[0054] Preferably the atomizer further comprises a second angled
surface defining an upper ledge of the annular groove configured to
abut the bulges when the inner sleeve is retracted in relation to
the outer sleeve thereby releasing the atomizer from the clasps of
the inner sleeve. In this way the second angled surface of the
atomizer interacts with the bulges to apply a resistance to the
atomizer opposing the inwardly directed movement of the atomizer
with respect to the outer sleeve.
[0055] As the atomizer is retracted into the outer sleeve the
atomizers path is blocked by the bulges. This allows for the
atomizer to move away from the valve to close the liquid store but
without then being retractable all the way into the outer sleeve.
Advantageously, because the atomizer is prevented from retracting
further whilst the inner sleeve continues to retract, the atomizer
becomes disengaged from the inner sleeve. If the mouthpiece portion
is removed, the disengagement of the atomizer from the inner
sleeve, due to the interaction with the bulges, allows for the user
to easily remove the atomizer without physically contacting it.
Another advantage is that, if the atomizer is electrically
connected to the electronic cigarette by the inner sleeve, for
example through a biased abutment surface which retracts with the
inner sleeve, it allows for a simple electrical disconnection of
the atomizer when the inner sleeve retracts and the atomizer is
prevented from retracting further.
[0056] Any combination of the preceding preferable features can be
included in any of the preceding aspects where appropriate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of
example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0058] FIGS. 1a and 1b show electronic cigarettes according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 1c shows an exploded view of an electronic cigarette
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 2a shows a diagram of a mouthpiece according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIGS. 2b and 2c shows a cross-sectional diagram of a
mouthpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 2d shows a cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece
according to an alternate embodiment to that of FIG. 2b.
[0063] FIG. 3a shows a diagram of a mouthpiece according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 3b shows a cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 4a shows a diagram of an atomizer according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 4b shows a cross-sectional diagram of an atomizer
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 5a shows diagrams of an atomizer being received in a
power supply portion of an electronic cigarette according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 5b shows cross-sectional diagrams of an atomizer being
received in a power supply portion of an electronic cigarette
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 6a shows a diagram of an electronic cigarette with a
closed valve according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0070] FIG. 6b shows a diagram of an electronic cigarette with an
open valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 7a shows a diagram of an atomizer seating with an
atomizer lock according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0072] FIGS. 7b and 7c show cross-sectional diagrams of an atomizer
seating with an atomizer lock according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0073] FIG. 7d shows a partially transparent diagram of an atomizer
seating with an atomizer lock according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0074] FIGS. 8a-8c show cross-sectional diagrams of a leakage
prevention system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0075] FIGS. 9a-9c show diagrams a leakage prevention system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] FIGS. 10a and 10b show diagrams of a refilling bottle
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 10c is a cross-sectional view of a refilling bottle in
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 10d shows an exploded view of a refilling bottle
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 11a shows a cross-sectional diagram of the interaction
between a refilling bottle and mouthpiece portion of an electronic
cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention in
which a liquid store of the mouthpiece portion and a liquid tank of
the refilling bottle are both closed.
[0080] FIG. 11b shows a cross-sectional diagram of the interaction
between a refilling bottle and mouthpiece portion of an electronic
cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention in
which a liquid store of the mouthpiece portion and a liquid tank of
the refilling bottle are both closed.
[0081] FIG. 11c shows a cross-sectional diagram of the interaction
between a refilling bottle and mouthpiece portion of an electronic
cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention in
which a liquid store of the mouthpiece portion is open and a liquid
tank of the refilling bottle is closed.
[0082] FIG. 11d shows a cross-sectional diagram of the interaction
between a refilling bottle and mouthpiece portion of an electronic
cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention in
which a liquid store of the mouthpiece portion and a liquid tank of
the refilling bottle are both open.
[0083] FIG. 12a is an exploded view of an electronic cigarette in
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 12b is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette
shown in FIG. 12a, when assembled.
[0085] FIG. 12c is a detailed perspective view of the electronic
cigarette shown in FIG. 12b showing the atomiser and a guiding
arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1a to 1c, an electronic cigarette 2
according to embodiments of the present invention is illustrated.
The electronic cigarette 2 comprises mouthpiece portion 4, a power
supply portion 6 and an atomizer 12 which are releasably connected
to each other.
[0087] The power supply portion 6 is provided as an elongate body
having a proximal end 62 connectable to the mouthpiece portion 4
and an opposite distal end 64, a power supply unit or battery and
an electrical circuitry (not shown). The distal end 64 may be
provided with a charging socket in order to recharge the power
supply unit. The electrical circuitry may include a control unit, a
memory and sensor. The electrical circuitry is configured to
control the operation of the electronic cigarette 2 such as to
control the activation of the vaporization and any displayed
features and communication to the user. As best seen in FIGS. 5a
and 5b, the proximal end 62 further comprises an atomizer seating
66 configured to receive the atomizer 12 and electrically connect
the atomizer 12 to the battery.
[0088] As illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3a and 3b, the
mouthpiece portion 4 comprises a refillable liquid store 10, a
mouthpiece 8 and a vapour flow tube 32 and a valve 40. The vapour
flow tube 32 provides a vapour flow channel 400 which extends
between an atomizer receiving portion 67 and a vapour outlet 9 in
the mouthpiece 8. The mouthpiece portion 4 is provided with a
connection portion 50. The connection portion 50 is configured to
securely connect with a cooperating connection on the proximal end
62 of the power supply portion 6. The connection portion 50 is
located at an opposite distal end of the mouthpiece portion 4 to
the mouthpiece 8. As seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the mouthpiece
portion 8 can have a fixed mouthpiece portion 8a and a movable
mouthpiece portion 8b. The movable mouthpiece portion 8b can be
connected to the vapour flow tube 30 which is also movable.
However, in preferred embodiments illustrated in e.g. FIGS. 3a and
3b, the mouthpiece portion 8 is fixed. A fixed mouthpiece portion
reduces the risk of debris building up between a movable portion
and a fixed portion and is also more comfortable for the user. The
vapour flow tube 32 further comprises an abutment surface 32a,
which enables the mouthpiece to eject an atomizer 12 when received
in the atomizer receiving portion 67.
[0089] The liquid store 10 comprises a housing 11 having a top
surface S1 and a bottom surface S2 located inside the liquid store
10. The top and the bottom surfaces S1, S2 may be arranged in
transverse to the longitudinal extension of the electronic
cigarette 2. The liquid store 10 is fluidically connected with the
atomizer 12 via a liquid opening 7 in the bottom surface S2. The
atomizer-receiving portion 67 is located at the connection portion
50 and configured to receive the top portion 12a of the atomizer
12.
[0090] In order to avoid free flow of liquid through the liquid
opening 7 when the mouthpiece portion 4 is disconnected from the
power supply portion 6, a valve 40 is provided inside the liquid
store 10. The valve 40 comprises a valve closing member 44, a
biasing member 42 and a sealing surface 43. The sealing surface 43
can be provided on the bottom surface S2 of the liquid store 10.
The biasing member 42 is configured to bias the closing member 44
into a closed position in order to close the liquid opening 7 in
the bottom surface S2 of the liquid store 10.
[0091] As seen in FIGS. 1a to 3b, the closing member 44 can be a
sleeve 44, which is located around and guided by the vapour tube
32. A sealing member 34 may be positioned between the closing
member 44 and the vapour flow tube 32. The sealing member 34
prevents liquid from entering the vapour flow tube 32. The closing
member 44 has an axial length that is shorter than the distance
between the top surface S1 and the bottom surface S2 of the liquid
store 10. The closing member 44 is thus configured to move in the
axial direction of the liquid store 10 between an open position and
a closed position, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal
extension of the electronic cigarette.
[0092] The closing member 44 is provided with a horizontal flange
47 (i.e. perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal
extension of the electronic cigarette) with a diameter larger than
the liquid opening 7. The biasing member 42 is encircling the
closing member 44. The biasing member 42 has a first end in contact
with the horizontal flange 47 and a second end in contact (i.e.
biased against) the top surface S1 of the liquid store 10. The
biasing member 42 is advantageously a compression spring 44.
Alternatively, any biasing member 42 that provides a biasing effect
can be used, such as a piece of resilient or elastic material.
[0093] The horizontal flange 47 of the valve closing member 44 can
optionally be further provided with an elastic seal 46. The elastic
seal 46 is fixedly connected to the horizontal flange 47 such that
the seal 46 is substantially arranged between the horizontal flange
47 and the bottom surface S2 of the liquid store 10. The seal 46 is
configured to both seal against the sealing surface 43 and an upper
portion of the atomizer 12. The elastic seal 46 and the flange 47
may be attached to each other by a friction fit and or by
cooperating geometries.
[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, in an alternative embodiment, the
closing member 44 can be guided along an inner side of the liquid
store. In this case, the flange 47 extends inwardly and seals the
liquid opening 7 in the bottom surface of the liquid store 10. The
region of the flange 47 not aligned with the liquid opening 7
preferably comprises a liquid permeable portion so as to relieve
the pressure created below the flange 47 as it moves downward
compressing the liquid in the bottom portion of the liquid store
10. This allows liquid in the bottom portion of the liquid store 10
to be displaced upwardly as the valve closing member 44 moves
downward.
[0095] As best seen in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the atomizer 12 may
comprise a vaporization chamber 18, a heating element 20 and a
fluid transfer element 22 located inside the vaporization chamber
18. The heating element 20 is not limited to any particular type.
In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 20 can be a
resistive heating coil 20 comprising e.g. titanium. The heating
element 20 can be arranged with its central aperture coinciding
with the axial direction of the electronic cigarette 2, i.e.
configured as a so called "vertical coil". The vertical coil is
advantageous as it fits with the cylindrical shape of the atomizer
so as to form a compact atomizer 12. However, a horizontal coil
arrangement can also be used.
[0096] As best seen in FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5a, the atomizer 12 is
provided with a valve engaging portion 12a configured to be
received into the atomizer-receiving portion 67 in the mouthpiece
portion 4 and a seating portion 12b configured to be received in
the atomizer seating 66 in the power supply portion 6. The
valve-engaging portion 12a has an axial length exceeding the axial
length of the atomizer-receiving portion 67. Hence, the
valve-engaging portion 12a of the atomizer 12 partially extends
into the liquid store 10 when the mouthpiece portion 4, the
atomizer 12 and the power supply portion 6 are assembled
together.
[0097] When the atomizer 12 partially extends into the liquid store
10, the valve closing member 44 is released from the sealing
surface 43 and positioned at a location further upwards in the
axial direction of the mouthpiece portion 4 such that the liquid
opening 7 is opened. This opens a liquid communication from the
liquid store 10 to the atomizer 12, as shown in FIG. 2c. It is
noted that the atomizer itself is not shown in FIG. 2c, but the
valve closing member 44 is displaced vertically in the mouthpiece
portion as if an atomizer is present in the atomizer-receiving
portion 67.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the closing member 44 may further
comprise a connector 49 configured to sealingly connect the vapour
flow tube 32 to the closing member 44. The connector 49 is placed
at a distance from a connection end 51 of the vapour flow tube 32.
When the atomizer 12 is located inside the atomizer receiving
portion 67, the connector 49 abuts against the connection end 51 of
the vapour flow tube 32 creating the vapour flow channel 400
between the atomizer and the mouthpiece 8. The connector 49 may
advantageously be integrally formed with the seal 46. The connector
49 may also be funnel-shaped such that is surrounds a tapered
connection end 51 of the vapour flow tube 40. In this way, the
tapered connection end 51 of the vapour flow tube 40 extends into
the connector 49 such that a sealed connection is achieved between
the vaporisation chamber 18 and the vapour outlet 9.
[0099] The atomizer 12 comprises at least one liquid inlet 24
arranged in the proximity of the fluid transfer element 22.
Preferably, a plurality of liquid inlets 24 are provided and
arranged around the circumference of the atomizer 12. The liquid
inlet or inlets 24 are arranged in the atomizer 12 such that when
the atomizer 12 partially extends into the liquid store 10 the
liquid inlet or inlets 24 are inside the liquid store 10. At least
one air inlet 26 is located in the bottom portion of the atomizer
12. The air inlet 26 can be configured as an aperture.
Alternatively, the air inlet 26 can be achieved by a clearance or
gap in the bottom portion of the vaporization chamber 18.
[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the valve 40 in the
liquid store 10 can be opened when an object is applying a force
and displacing the valve closing member 44 upwards in the axial
direction of towards the mouthpiece 8. As seen in FIG. 6a, the
valve 40 is closed when the power supply portion 6 is disconnected
from the mouthpiece portion 4. As seen in FIG. 6b, the valve 40 is
opened when the power supply portion 6 with the atomizer attached
is attached to the mouthpiece portion 4.
[0101] The atomizer 12 is configured to be fixedly connectable to
an atomizer seating 66 in the power supply portion 6. This provides
an advantage that the atomizer 12 can be reliably electrically
connected to the battery. Additionally, it is advantageous if the
atomizer 12 stays connected to the power supply portion 6 and does
not fall out if the mouthpiece portion 4 is disconnected from the
power supply portion 6.
[0102] In an embodiment, the atomizer 12 is configured to be locked
to the atomizer seating 66 by a relative rotation between the power
supply portion 6 and the atomizer 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 7a to
7c, the atomizer seating 66 in the power supply portion 6 may
therefore comprise an atomizer lock 120. The atomizer lock 120
comprises an outer sleeve 124 and an inner sleeve 122 which are
rotatable in relation to each other. The outer sleeve 124 comprises
a first protrusion 126 extending inwardly in the radial direction
of the atomizer seating 66. The inner sleeve 122 comprises a second
protrusion 128 extending inwardly in the radial direction of the
atomizer seating 66.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4a, 7b and 7c, the atomizer 12 is
provided with an engagement element 21 in the form of an annular
ridge 21. The annular ridge 21 is only partially encircling the
atomizer 12. This can be done by the ridge not performing a
complete circle, or by a cut-out 23 in the annular ridge 21.
[0104] The atomizer lock 120 can be changed between a receiving
position as illustrated in FIG. 7b and a locked position as
illustrated in FIG. 7c. In the receiving position, the atomizer 12
can be inserted and removed from the atomizer seating 66 by an
axial movement. This is possible because the first 126 and the
second protrusions 128 are aligned with each other so as to form a
"guide rail" in the axial direction of the atomizer seating 66. The
atomizer 12 can therefore be introduced into the atomizer seating
66 by aligning the cut-out 23 in the annular ridge 21 with the
first 126 and second protrusions 128.
[0105] The inner sleeve 122 further comprises a support surface 123
positioned such that the annular ridge 21 of the atomizer can rest
against the support surface 123. The support surface 123 is thus
configured to position the atomizer 12 at a correct depth in the
atomizer seating 66.
[0106] In the locked position, as shown in FIG. 7c, as a
consequence of the inner sleeve 122 and outer sleeve 124 having
been rotated with respect to one another, the first protrusion 126
and second protrusion 128 are brought out of alignment with one
another. The first protrusion 126 can therefore be arranged above
the annular ridge 21 of the atomizer 12 when it is located in the
atomizer seating 66, thereby locking the atomizer 12 in the
atomizer seating 66. By rotating the first protrusion 126 and
second protrusion 128 back into alignment the protrusions 126, 128
can pass through the cut-out 23 of the annular ridge thereby
unlocking and releasing the atomizer 12 from the atomizer
seating.
[0107] The inner sleeve 122 may further comprise a pair of
resilient tongues 129a, 129b. The tongues 129a, 129b are biased
radially outwards in the radial direction of the atomizer seating
66. The outer sleeve 124 further comprises slots 132a, 132b
configured to receive the tongues 129a, 129b. When the tongues
129a, 129b are received into the slots 132a, 132b, the inner sleeve
122 and the outer sleeve 124 are rotationally locked in relation to
each other. When the first protrusion 126 and the second protrusion
128 are in alignment, the tongues 129a, 129b are positioned in the
first slots 132a, and when the first protrusion 126 and second
protrusion 128 are out of alignment the tongues 129a, 129b are
received in the second slots 132b. Hence, when the atomizer lock
120 is in an open position and when the atomizer lock 120 is in a
closed position, the tongues 129a, 129b are received inside the
slots 132a, 132b. This enables the atomizer lock 120 to provide a
bi-stable operation and a haptic feedback to the user such that it
becomes clear when the atomizer 12 is locked and released from the
atomizer seating 66. The placement of the tongues 129a, 129b in the
first slots 132a and the second slots 132b therefore respectively
defines the aligned and misaligned positions of the first
protrusion 126 and the second protrusion 128 with respect to one
another by rotationally locking the inner sleeve 122 and the outer
sleeve 124 in place until a sufficient torque is applied to move
the tongues 129a, 129b from one slot to the other. The resilient
tongues 129a, 129b may further comprise a convex protrusion or a
bulging portion 130. The convex protrusion 130 is configured to
guide the resilient tongues 129a, 129b into and out from the slots
132a, 132b. The resilient tongues are only locked inside the slots
132a, 132b until a sufficiently large torque is applied to the
inner sleeve 122.
[0108] The torque can be applied to the inner sleeve by manually
rotating the atomizer 12. This is because the atomizer 12 is
coupled to the inner sleeve 122 via the protrusion 128 in the inner
sleeve 122.
[0109] Alternatively, in an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a to
7d, the power supply portion 6 comprises an actuator 70 in the form
of a rotating ring or sleeve 70 and is located on the exterior
housing of the power supply portion 6. The rotating ring 70 is
operationally connected to the inner sleeve 122 such that they
rotate in unison. The actuator 70 can thus be used to lock in the
atomizer 12 into the atomizer seating 66.
[0110] It is advantageous to provide a biased abutment surface 72
in the atomizer seating 66. The biased abutment surface 72 can be
configured as an electrical terminal. The biased abutment surface
72 is thus biased against a corresponding electrical connection
portion of the atomizer 12.
[0111] The biased abutment surface 72 is coupled to a biasing
member 74 such as a compression spring. The biasing member 74 has
an upper end in contact with the biased surface 72 and a lower end
in contact with a stationary surface 75 inside the power supply
portion 6. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 7c, the
stationary surface 75 remains in the same position within the power
supply portion 6. The biased surface 72 is configured to move
between an ejection position and retracted position. The biased
surface 72 can be a surface of a cylinder. The cylinder has a
closed end, configured as the biased surface and an open end
through which the spring exits. The open end of the cylinder can be
provided with a circumferential flange which extends outwardly in
the radial direction of the biased abutment member.
[0112] When the atomizer 12 is arranged in the atomizer seating 66,
such that annular ridge 21 of the atomizer rests against the
support surface 123, the bottom of the atomizer displaces the
biased abutment surface 72 downward into the power supply portion
thereby compressing to the biasing member 74 from an equilibrium
state (i.e. uncompressed or at rest state) to a compressed state
between the biased surface 72 and the stationary surface 75. As
previously described, the first protrusion 126 locks the atomizer
12 in place in the atomizer seating 66 when the first protrusion
126 and second protrusion 128 are out of alignment; this maintains
the compression applied to the biasing member 74.
[0113] The biased abutment surface 72 acts as an ejection mechanism
to the atomizer 12 when the atomizer lock 120 is in an open
position, such that the atomizer 12 can be released from the
atomizer seating 66 without having to manually touch the atomizer
12. This avoids the user from being in contact with liquid when
replacing a used atomizer 12.
[0114] It is preferable to replace the atomizer 12 after certain
durations of use. When the atomizer 12 has been used, it can
sometimes be covered with vaporization liquid. It is therefore
advantageous if the user can discard the atomizer 12 without
touching it. The biased abutment surface 72 is also configured to
apply a biasing force onto the bottom portion 13 of the atomizer
12.
[0115] The biased abutment surface 72 therefore urges the atomizer
12 out from the atomizer seating 66. An atomizer ejection mechanism
is therefore provided by the combination of the atomizer lock 120
and the biased abutment surface 72. The actuator 70 (rotating
sleeve) is rotated to release/unlock the atomizer 12 from the
atomizer seating 66 and the biased abutment surface ejects the
atomizer 12 from the atomizer seating 66. That is to say, when the
first protrusion 126 and second protrusion 128 are brought into
alignment, such that the first protrusion 126 is no longer locking
the atomizer 12 in the atomizer seating 66, the biasing applied by
the biasing member 74 forces the atomizer 12 from the atomizer
seating 66 as the compression is released and the biasing member 74
moves from a compressed state to an equilibrium state.
[0116] To reduce the risk of leakage, it is also advantageous to be
able to close the liquid flow from the liquid store 10 to the
atomizer 12 when the mouthpiece portion 4 is connected to the power
supply portion 6. For instance, when travelling on an airplane, the
low pressure in the ambient air at a high altitude will expand the
air inside the liquid reservoir in response to an increase in
altitude. This leads to the liquid being expelled with a greater
force from the liquid store 10 to the atomizer 12. At the same
time, less resistance is provided by the surrounding air, wherefore
the liquid inside the liquid store 10 can more easily leave the
liquid store 10 as the flow resistance is reduced at high
altitude.
[0117] Referring back to FIG. 2a, the liquid store 10 is
fluidically connected to the vapour outlet 9 in the mouthpiece 8
via the atomizer 12 and vapour tube 30. Hence, liquid may leak into
the vapour flow channel and may potentially also leak out from the
mouthpiece 8. Even if liquid only leaks into the vapour tube 30, it
can reach the user as unvaporized liquid as the user inhales from
the mouthpiece 8. Additionally, the fluid transfer element in the
atomizer 12 can get oversaturated and the electronic cigarette may
form projections of unvaporized liquid next time when the
electronic cigarette 2 is being used.
[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c, another
embodiment of a leakage prevention system can be provided. The
mouthpiece portion 4 is configured in a similar way as the
embodiment previously discussed with regard to the valve 40.
However, the proximal end of the power supply portion 6 is
different, as will be described subsequently.
[0119] The leakage prevention system can easily be provided with
the components of the valve 40 of the mouthpiece portion 4 and the
atomizer lock 120. The leakage prevention system is based on a
realization that the valve 40 is opened when the valve engaging
portion of the atomizer 12a is located inside the liquid store 10.
When the valve engaging portion of the atomizer 12a is located in
the liquid store 10, the valve closing member 44 is released from
the sealing surface 43 so that the outlet 7 is opened. Hence, the
valve 40 is closed when the vaporizer 12 is removed from engagement
with the valve closing member 44 of the liquid store 10.
[0120] Rather than removing the mouthpiece portion 4, however, the
atomizer 12 can be retracted into the power supply portion 6 so
that it no longer extends into the liquid store 10. Hence, the
valve 40 can be released from the atomizer 12 and closed without
disconnecting the mouthpiece portion 4 from the power supply
portion 6.
[0121] The proximal portion of the power supply portion 6 comprises
an inner sleeve 222 and an outer sleeve 224. The outer sleeve 224
further comprises an actuator 70 in the form of a rotatable sleeve
70. The rotatable sleeve 70 is operationally coupled to the inner
sleeve 222. For instance, the rotatable sleeve 70 is operationally
coupled to the inner sleeve 222 through a follower pin 71 located
on the inner side of the actuator 70 and a thread 73 located on the
outer sleeve 224.
[0122] As seen in FIGS. 8a to 8c, 9a to 9c and 12a to 12c the
electronic cigarette 2 may be further provided with a guiding
arrangement 500, configured to axially displace the inner sleeve
222 between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding arrangement 500
comprises the axially displaceable inner sleeve 222, a pin 71 with
a first portion located inside an axial groove 93 and a second
portion located inside a guiding thread 95 on the inner side of the
actuator 70'. Hence, the guiding arrangement 500 is configured to
translate a rotational displacement of the actuator 70 to a linear
(i.e. axial) displacement of the inner sleeve 222.
[0124] The inner sleeve 222 is thus axially moveable inside the
power supply portion 6 between an extended position and a retracted
position.
[0125] When the actuator 70 is rotated, the pin forces the threaded
sleeve in a first direction or a second direction such that the
axial position of the atomizer 12 is changed. The atomizer 12 can
thus be positioned such that it extends into the liquid store, or
that it is moved so that it is not actuating the valve 40 which
then remains closed.
[0126] However, in a non-illustrated embodiment, it is also
possible that the actuator 70 is linearly displaceable in the
axial-longitudinal direction of the power supply portion and
configured to move the inner sleeve in the axial direction.
[0127] In the extended position (i.e. in an operating position), as
shown in FIG. 8b, the atomizer 12 is partially extending into the
liquid reservoir 10 such that a fluidic connection between the
liquid store 10 and the atomizer 12 is established. In the
retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. 8c, the atomizer 12 is
retracted into the body of the power supply portion 6 such that the
atomizer 12 is no longer abutting against the valve closing member
44. In the retracted position, the liquid outlet 7 in the bottom of
the liquid store 10 is closed. Hence, as the atomizer is connected
to the inner sleeve 222, the axial displacement mechanism also
enables the atomizer 12 to move between an extended position and a
retracted position.
[0128] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c, the
engagement element 81 on the atomizer 12 can be in the form of an
annular groove 81, the annular groove 81 defining an upper edge 82
toward the end of the atomizer 12 comprising the valve engaging
portion 12a and a lower ledge 83 toward the end of the atomizer
comprising the seating portion 12b. The inner sleeve 122 is
provided with a connector 128 in the form of a clasp 128. In a
preferred embodiment, a plurality of clasps 128 are provided. A
plurality of clasps 128 provides a good connection between the
clasps and the atomizer 12 such that the atomizer 12 can be
securely connected to the inner sleeve 122. The clasps 128 are
configured as resilient elongate members with projections 128a
extending radially inward to sleeve at the atomizer receiving end.
The clasps elastically deform over the lower edge 83 of the
atomizer 12 when the atomizer 12 is pushed into the inner sleeve
222 such that the projections 128a are positioned in the annular
groove 81 of the atomizer 12, abutting the lower edge 83, thereby
clasping the atomizer in the inner sleeve 222 so that the atomizer
12 is engaged in the inner sleeve 222. The outer sleeve 124 is
provided with axial slots 232 configured to guide the clasps 128 in
the axial direction of the power supply portion 6. The electronic
cigarette 2 in the embodiments of FIGS. 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c may
also be provided with an atomizer ejection mechanism 800 by the
combination of the clasps 128 which lock or retain the atomizer to
the inner sleeve 222, and a movable biased abutment surface 72. In
this way, the atomizer ejection mechanism 800 is configured to
selectively retain/lock the atomizer 12 and eject the atomizer
12.
[0129] The biased abutment surface 72 is biased by a biasing member
74, a retaining flange 225 and a stationary biasing surface S. The
biasing member 74, which can be a compression spring, is arranged
in-between the biased surface 72 and the stationary biasing surface
S. As the distance between the biasing surface 72 and the
stationary biasing surface S varies, the level of compression of
the biasing member 74 varies.
[0130] As seen in FIG. 8a, when the atomizer 12 is pushed into the
inner sleeve 222, a bottom portion of the atomizer 12 can engage
the biased abutment surface 72. The inner sleeve 222 can engage the
biased abutment surface 72 via the flange 225 such that it can be
retracted with the inner sleeve 222 into the body of the power
supply. The flange 225 enables the biased abutment surface 72 to
move in unison with the inner sleeve 222 as it is retracted into
the power supply portion 6.
[0131] As is presented in FIG. 8a, before the atomizer 12 is
engaged in the inner sleeve 222, the biasing member 74 is
uncompressed. The biased abutment surface 72 is not pushed against
the biasing surface S and the biasing member 74 is free from
compression. However, when the atomizer 12 is pushed into and
engaged in the inner sleeve 222 in an operating mode, as presented
in FIG. 8b, the biased abutment surface 72 is pushed toward the
biasing surface S and a compression is applied to the biasing
member 74 between the biased abutment surface 72 and the biasing
surface S.
[0132] As is presented in FIG. 8c, the inner sleeve 222 can be
retracted into the outer sleeve 224. The inner sleeve 222 clasps
the atomizer 12 and so when the inner sleeve 222 is retracted it
retracts the atomizer 12 into the outer sleeve, away from the
mouthpiece portion. Consequently, the valve engaging portion 12a of
the atomizer 12 no longer engages the valve closing member 44 of
the mouthpiece portion 4, and the biasing member 42 of the
mouthpiece portion 4 biases the closing member 44 to the closed
position, thereby closing the liquid opening of the liquid store 10
of the mouthpiece portion 4. As the atomizer 12 is retracted, the
bulges 127 of the outer sleeve 224 engage the upper ledge 82 of the
annular groove of the atomizer 12 thereby providing a stopping
position such that the atomizer cannot be retracted further. The
abutment of the upper ledge 82 against the bulges 127, when coupled
with the further retraction of the inner sleeve 222, causes the
clasps 128 to elastically deform over the lower ledge 83 when a
great enough force is applied thereby releasing the atomizer 12
from the inner sleeve 222. When the projections 128a of the clasps
128 move over the lower ledge 83 the movement creates a haptic
feedback to the user which indicates that the valve in the
electronic cigarette is closed as the valve engaging portion 12a of
the atomizer 12 has been retracted from the closing member of the
mouthpiece. As the inner sleeve 222 moves further into the outer
sleeve 224, the biasing surface S is no longer in contact with the
biasing member 74, whereby the biased abutment surface 72 no longer
applies an expelling force to the atomizer 12. The atomizer 12 is
disengaged from the inner sleeve 222 before the biasing surface S
has retracted enough to suitably remove the compressive force from
the biasing member 74. This can be achieved either by the inner
sleeve 222 retracting before the biasing surface S arranged on
element 77 retracts, or by the biasing surface S arranged on
element 77 retracting simultaneously but more slowly than the inner
sleeve 222.
[0133] If the mouthpiece portion is removed, and the inner sleeve
222 is retracted and the consequent abutment of the upper ledge 82
against the bulges 127 causes the clasps 128 to elastically deform
over the lower ledge 83, thereby disengaging the atomizer 12 from
the inner sleeve 222, and atomizer ejection is achieved. As noted,
the atomizer 12 disengages from the inner sleeve 222 before or at
the same time the biasing surface disengages from the biasing
member such that the biasing member is still under a compressive
force when the atomizer is disengaged. As a consequence of the
atomizer disengaging from the inner sleeve the biasing force
applied by the biasing member 74 to the biased abutment surface 72
by the compression is released so as to eject the atomizer 12 from
the power supply portion. Advantageously, the flange or stationary
surface 225 engages the biased abutment surface during the ejection
to prevent the biased abutment surface itself from also being
ejected.
[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 8c, the biased abutment surface 72
can be released from engagement with the bottom portion of the
atomizer 12 when the inner sleeve 222 is in a retracted position.
The biased surface can be shaped as a cylinder having a closed end
configured as the biased surface and an open end through which the
spring exits. The biased abutment surface 72 has its lower end
abutting against a stationary surface 225. The stationary surface
remains in the same position within the power supply portion 6. The
open end of the cylinder can be provided with a flange. The
cylinder is configured to move in the axial direction in unison
with the inner sleeve 122. The inner sleeve may therefore be
provided with an abutment 225 located vertically above the cylinder
flange portion. When the atomizer 12 is placed in a fully retracted
position, the biased abutment surface 72 is retracted and is no
longer in contact with the bottom portion of the atomizer. The
biased abutment surface 72 can be configured as an electrical
terminal. The terminal is thus biased against a corresponding
electrical connection portion of the atomizer 12 when the inner
sleeve 222 is extended outwardly from the outer sleeve 224.
Advantageously, when the inner sleeve is retracted, and the biased
abutment surface 72 is no longer is in contact with the bottom
portion of the atomizer, the atomizer is electrically disconnected
from the electrical terminal thereby ensuring the atomizer is not
inadvertently switched on when not in use.
[0135] To re-engage the atomizer 12 with the inner sleeve 222, the
inner sleeve 222 can be extended upwards against the atomizer 12
such that the clasps 128 are extended outwardly from the outer
sleeve 224 such that the clasps re-engage with the atomizer 12 in
the annular groove 81. The valve engaging portion 12a of the
atomizer 12 abuts the mouthpiece portion 4 and an opposing force is
applied to the atomizer 12; this leads to the projections 128a of
the clasps 128 moving over the lower ledge 83 into the annular
groove 81 of the atomizer such that the atomizer 12 is again held
by the clasps 128. When the projections 128a of the clasps 128 move
back over the lower ledge 83 the movement creates a haptic feedback
to the user which indicates that the valve in the electronic
cigarette is again opened as the valve engaging portion 12a of the
atomizer 12 is again extended so as to urge the closing member of
the mouthpiece to the open position.
[0136] The inner sleeve 222 can be moved further in the axial
direction in relation to the outer sleeve 224 such that the biasing
force from the biased surface 72 exceeds the radial biasing force
of the clasps 128. Hence, when the biasing force from the ejector
surface exceeds the radial biasing force of the clasps 128, the
atomizer 12 is ejected from the atomizer seating 66. The inner
sleeve 122 is thus configured to grasp the atomizer 12, when the
clasps 128 engage the lower ledge 83 of the atomizer 12, and move
the atomizer 12 in the axial direction further into the power
supply portion 6.
[0137] It is also advantageous to provide a leakage reduction
system for refilling the liquid store 10 which is configured to
interact with the valve 40 of the mouthpiece portion 4. FIGS. 10a
to 10d illustrate a refill bottle 90 configured to be used together
with the previously described mouthpiece portion 4 of the present
invention. The refill bottle 90 comprises a liquid reservoir 92 a
liquid transfer arrangement 96. The refill bottle 90 may also
comprise a cap 94 to protect the liquid transfer arrangement 96.
The liquid reservoir 92 is preferably made from a flexible material
such that it can be squeezed to expel liquid. The present refill
bottle 90 enables to balance the volume of liquid and air inside
the liquid store. As illustrated in FIGS. 10a to 10d, the liquid
transfer arrangement 96 comprises a housing 98, a reservoir
connection portion 99 and a refilling valve 100. The refilling
valve 100 has a plunger 106 axially moveable within the housing 98.
The liquid transfer arrangement 96 can be fixedly connected to a
refill bottle 90 through e.g. an ultrasonic heat treatment.
Alternatively, the liquid transfer arrangement 96 can be releasably
connected to the liquid reservoir 92 through a threaded connection
160 (as seen in the figures).
[0138] The plunger 106 has a first end configured as a liquid
delivery portion 108 and a second end configured as a liquid intake
portion 112. The liquid delivery portion 108 is located outside
housing and is configured to be insertable into the mouthpiece
portion (the refill side) 4 of the electronic cigarette 2. The
liquid intake portion 112 is located inside the housing on the
opposite end of the plunger 106.
[0139] The liquid intake portion 112 comprises at least one liquid
inlet 114. The liquid inlet in the liquid intake portion is in
fluidic communication with the liquid reservoir 92. The liquid
delivery portion 108 comprises at least one liquid outlet 110. The
liquid outlet 110 is configured to deliver liquid into the liquid
store 10 of the mouthpiece portion 4 in the electronic cigarette 2.
The liquid inlet 114 and the liquid outlet 110 are in fluid
communication by a channel 107 connecting them within the plunger
106. The liquid can advantageously be expelled by squeezing the
refill bottle 90 and holding it upside down.
[0140] The plunger 106 is configured to move in the axial direction
of the bottle 90 between and extended position and a depressed
position. In the extended position the plunger 106 is extending out
from the housing 98 at its maximum such that the liquid inlets 112,
114 are closed and in the retracted position, the plunger 106 is
retracted against a biasing member 104 into the housing 98 such
that the liquid inlets 114 are in fluid communication with the
liquid in the reservoir 92. The plunger 106 is connected to the
biasing member 104 which is configured to bias the plunger 106 into
the extended position. The extended position is thus a rest
position of the plunger 106. The biasing member 104 can be a
compression spring or any elastic resilient material. The plunger
106 can be depressed by applying an axial force exceeding the
biasing force, whereby the refill bottle 90 is open.
[0141] It is desirable to fixedly connect the refill bottle 90 to
the mouthpiece portion 4 during refilling to ensure that the valves
of the refill bottle and the mouthpiece portion are in a correct
axial position. The housing 98 of the refill bottle 90 and the
mouthpiece portion 4 may therefore further comprise an
inter-engaging locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is
configured to releasably connect the mouthpiece portion and the
refill bottle during refilling. The inter-engaging locking
arrangement may be configured as a bayonet coupling. The housing of
the fluid transfer arrangement may therefore be provided with a
locking element 115, such as a locking pin. In the illustrated
embodiment, the locking pin 115 may extend in the transverse
direction (in relation to the axial direction of the bottle). The
mouthpiece portion of the electronic cigarette will therefore be
provided with marching cut-out and groove. Alternatively, in a
non-illustrated embodiment, the inter-engaging locking arrangement
may be provided as a screw connection.
[0142] As best seen in FIGS. 11a to 11d, a fluidic connection
between the mouthpiece portion 4 and the refill bottle 90 is
established when the mouthpiece portion 4 and the liquid transfer
arrangement 96 are connected.
[0143] In their rest position (when they are not connected), the
liquid store 10 and the refilling valve 100 are both biased into a
closed position. However, the valve 40 of the liquid store and the
valve 100 of the refill bottle are opened when the refill bottle 90
and the mouthpiece portion 4 are engaged with each other. The
plunger 106 of the refill bottle 90 can be depressed by engagement
with the closing member 44 of the valve 40 in the mouthpiece
portion 4. In the same way, the closing member 44 in the mouthpiece
portion 4 is moved upwards away from the sealing surface such that
the liquid opening 7 in the bottom surface S2 of the liquid store
10.
[0144] In order to avoid leakage and expulsion of excess liquid
that does not enter the liquid store in the mouthpiece portion, it
is desirable that the liquid store 10 of the mouthpiece portion 4
remains open longer than the refill bottle 90 in order to receive
liquid whenever the valve in the refill bottle 90 is opened.
[0145] To this effect, the spring coefficient of the liquid store
10 in the mouthpiece portion 4 can be smaller than the spring
coefficient of the refill recipient 90 such that the liquid store
10 opens before the refill bottle 90 and closes after the refill
bottle 90. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring coefficient of
the liquid refill bottle is 3 N/mm and the spring coefficient of
the mouthpiece liquid store is 1.145 N/mm.
[0146] The liquid inlets 114 are preferably in a transverse
direction in relation to the axial direction of the plunger 106.
The housing 98 further comprises an annular seal arranged around
the inner circumference of the housing. The seal is provided in an
axial position which coincides with the position of the liquid
inlets when the plunger 106 is in a rest position. Hence, the
liquid inlets are closed off by the seal when the plunger is in an
extended position.
[0147] The liquid outlets 110 in the plunger 106 can also be in the
transverse direction in relation to the axial direction of the
plunger 106. The top portion is thus configured to abut against the
bottom flange of the closing member 44. A liquid passage is formed
in the horizontal direction of the liquid store 10 as the sleeve is
moved up. By having the liquid outlets arranged in the transverse
direction, liquid can freely flow into the liquid store.
[0148] The liquid delivery portion of the plunger 106 further
comprises an annular seal 113 which is located axially between the
the liquid outlets 110 and the liquid inlets 114, wherein the seal
113 is configured to seal against an internal housing of the
mouthpiece portion.
[0149] It will be understood that well known processes and elements
have not been described in detail and may have been omitted for
brevity. Specific steps, structures and materials have been
described, by way of example. However, the present disclosure is
not limited to those specific examples. It will be appreciated that
some of the specific features described may be substituted for
well-known alternatives, and that the method steps described may
not necessarily be performed in the sequences given by way of
example.
[0150] This disclosure has described a number of separate
embodiments. However, it will be understood that features of
different embodiments may be combined in any conceivable
permutation. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also
possible without departing from the scope of the claims.
* * * * *