U.S. patent application number 17/515305 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for electronic vaping device with floating atomizer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fontem Holdings 1 B.V.. Invention is credited to Vaclav Borkovec, Emin Yener.
Application Number | 20220193350 17/515305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220193350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yener; Emin ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
ELECTRONIC VAPING DEVICE WITH FLOATING ATOMIZER
Abstract
An electronic vaping device is provided including a power supply
portion comprising a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir
portion comprising a liquid reservoir storing a liquid, and an
atomizer adapted to atomize the liquid stored in the liquid
reservoir when operated by the power supply. The atomizer is
adapted to float on the surface of the liquid in the liquid
reservoir.
Inventors: |
Yener; Emin; (Hamburg,
DE) ; Borkovec; Vaclav; (Hamburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. |
Amsterdam |
|
NL |
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|
Appl. No.: |
17/515305 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15765234 |
Mar 30, 2018 |
11197966 |
|
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PCT/EP2016/073442 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
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17515305 |
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International
Class: |
A61M 11/04 20060101
A61M011/04; A24F 1/30 20060101 A24F001/30; A61M 15/06 20060101
A61M015/06; A61M 11/00 20060101 A61M011/00; A24F 40/42 20060101
A24F040/42; A24F 40/46 20060101 A24F040/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 1, 2015 |
EP |
15187855.0 |
Claims
1. An electronic vaping device comprising: a power supply portion
including a power supply, an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion
including a liquid reservoir configured to store a liquid, and an
atomizer positioned within the liquid reservoir and electrically
coupled to the power supply via a noncontact-type connection, the
atomizer configured and arranged to float on the surface of the
liquid in the liquid reservoir, and atomize the liquid stored in
the liquid reservoir when operated by the power supply.
2. The electronic vaping device according to claim 1, wherein the
atomizer includes a floating element configured and arranged to
float on the liquid surface, and a heating element that is
supported by the floating element and is configured and arranged to
be positioned in contact with the liquid when the floating element
floats on the liquid surface, wherein the noncontact-type
connection includes a first antenna coil positioned within the
floating element, the first antenna coil configured to receive
energy from the power supply via inductive coupling.
3. The electronic vaping device according to claim 2, wherein the
power supply portion further includes control electronics
electrically coupled to the power supply, and a second antenna coil
electrically coupled to the control electronics; wherein the
control electronics are configured to supply power from the power
supply to the second antenna coil.
4. The electronic vaping device according to claim 3, wherein the
second antenna coil is configured to induce a magnetic field in
response to a current, and in response to the magnetic field a
voltage is induced at the first antenna coil thereby powering the
atomize.
5-10. (canceled)
11. The electronic vaping device according to claim 1, wherein the
noncontact-type connection is an inductive coupling.
12. The electronic vaping device according to claim 2, wherein the
floating element is a torus shape, and the first antenna coil
extends through the floating element in a planar spiral.
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. An atomizer for an electronic vaping device, the atomizer
comprising: an antenna coil, and a heating element electrically
coupled to the antenna coil, the heating element configured and
arranged to atomize liquid stored in a liquid reservoir of the
electronic vaping device in response to receiving a voltage from
the antenna coil.
16. The atomizer of claim 15, further including a floating element
configured and arranged to float on the liquid surface of the
liquid reservoir, the floating element supports the heating
element, and wherein the heating element is configured and arranged
to be positioned in contact with the liquid when the floating
element floats on the liquid surface.
17. The atomizer of claim 16, wherein the floating element is a
torus shape, and the antenna coil extends through the floating
element in a planar spiral.
18. (canceled)
19. The atomizer of claim 15, wherein the antenna coil is
configured and arranged to receive energy via an inductive coupling
and thereby power the heating element.
20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/765,234, filed 30 Mar. 2018, which was a
national phase filing based upon international application no.
PCT/EP2016/073442, filed 30 Sep. 2016, which claims the benefit of
priority to EP application no. 15187855.0, filed 1 Oct. 2015.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic vaping
devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An electronic vaping device, such as an electronic shisha,
typically has a housing accommodating an electric power source
(e.g. a single use or rechargeable battery, electrical plug, or
other power source), and an electrically operable atomizer. The
atomizer vaporizes or atomizes liquid supplied from a reservoir and
provides vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol. Control
electronics control the activation of the atomizer. In some
electronic vaping devices, an airflow sensor is provided within the
electronic vaping device, which detects a user puffing on the
device (e.g., by sensing an under-pressure or an air flow pattern
through the device). The airflow sensor indicates or signals the
puff to the control electronics to power up the device and generate
vapor. In other e-vaping devices, a switch or push button is used
to power up the e-vaping device to generate a puff of vapor.
[0004] In order to ensure constant operability of the electronic
vaping device, the atomizer has to be reliably supplied with liquid
to be vaporized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided an electronic vaping device including a power supply
portion and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion. The power supply
portion comprises a power supply. The atomizer/liquid reservoir
portion comprises a liquid reservoir storing a liquid, and an
atomizer adapted to atomize the liquid stored in the liquid
reservoir when operated by the power supply. The atomizer is
adapted to float on the surface of the liquid in the liquid
reservoir.
[0006] The characteristics, features and advantages of this
invention and the manner in which they are obtained as described
above, will become more apparent and be more clearly understood in
connection with the following description of exemplary embodiments,
which are explained with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings, same element numbers indicate same elements
in each of the views:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an
exemplary electronic vaping device;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a top view of an atomizer according to a first
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a top view of an atomizer according to a second
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2C is a top view of an atomizer according to a third
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2D is a top view of a variant of the atomizer of FIG.
2A;
[0013] FIG. 2E is a top view of an atomizer according to a fourth
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional illustration of an electronic
vaping device according to a second embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2G is a top view of an atomizer according to a fifth
embodiment;
[0016] FIGS. 2H and 2I illustrate a third embodiment of an
electronic vaping device in a cross-sectional front view and a
cross-sectional top view;
[0017] FIG. 2J is a top view of an atomizer according to a sixth
embodiment;
[0018] FIGS. 2K and 2L illustrate a fourth embodiment of an
electronic vaping device in a cross-sectional front view and a
cross-sectional top view;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an
electronic vaping device according to a fifth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Throughout the following, an electronic vaping device 10
will be exemplarily described with reference to an e-shisha.
However, the electronic vaping device 10 can be any electronic
inhalation device which vaporizes a liquid. As is shown in FIG. 1,
an electronic vaping device 10 typically has a housing comprising a
cylindrical hollow tube having a tapering top portion 16. The
cylindrical hollow tube may be a single-piece or a multiple-piece
tube. In FIG. 1, the cylindrical hollow tube is shown as a
two-piece structure having a power supply portion 12 as one piece
and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 together with the
tapering end portion 16 as the second piece.
[0021] The tapering end portion 16 may also be provided as a
separate piece, having varying geometrical shapes, e.g.
hemispherical. The power supply portion 12 may be provided in the
end portion 16. The size of the housing as well as the specific
geometry of the hollow tube portion may also vary. Typically, the
housing has a diameter of about 50 to 200 mm and a total height of
about 150 to 500 mm.
[0022] The power supply portion 12 and atomizer/liquid reservoir
portion 14 are typically made of metal, e.g. steel or aluminum,
ceramic, glass, or of hardwearing plastic and act together with the
tapering end portion 16 to provide a housing to contain the
components of the electronic vaping device 10. The power supply
portion 12 and an atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 may be
configured to fit together by a friction push fit, a snap fit, or a
bayonet attachment, magnetic fit, or screw threads.
[0023] A battery 18 and control electronics 20 are provided within
the cylindrical hollow tube power supply portion 12. An optional
airflow sensor 24 is provided in the housing, in the vicinity of an
opening 54 at the top end of the tapering end portion 16. The
battery 18 is electrically connected to the control electronics 22,
which are electrically connected to the airflow sensor 24.
[0024] The airflow sensor 24 acts as a puff detector, detecting a
user puffing or sucking on a mouthpiece 59 of a flexible tube 58
that is arranged at the top end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir
portion 14 of the electronic vaping device 10. By means of the
flexible tube 58, an air inhalation port 56 for the user is
provided. A suitable air inhalation port 56 can also be provided
directly at the opening 54, i.e. the flexible tube 58 is optional.
The airflow sensor 24 can be any suitable sensor for detecting
changes in airflow or air pressure, such as a microphone switch
including a deformable membrane which is caused to move by
variations in air pressure. Alternatively the sensor may be a Hall
element or an electro-mechanical sensor.
[0025] The control electronics 20 are also connected to an atomizer
28. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a contact-type connection is
provided between the control electronics 20 and the atomizer 28,
namely via flexible conductive wires 40, which contact the atomizer
28 at respective contact ports 40. Alternatively, a connection
between the control electronics 20 and the atomizer 28 may be of a
non-contact-type, e.g. by inductive coupling.
[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the atomizer 28, which is
wickless, includes a heating wire 36 extending essentially along a
diameter of a ring-like floating element 32 (a top view of the
atomizer 28 is shown in FIG. 2A). The floating element 32 is
adapted to float on the surface 52 of the liquid provided in the
liquid reservoir 48 of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14.
The heating wire 36 is supported by the floating element 32 so
that, when the floating element 32 floats on the liquid surface 52,
the heating wire 36 is in contact with the liquid in the liquid
reservoir 48. In addition, according to this arrangement the
heating wire 36 is close to a vaping chamber 50 above the liquid
surface 52. Therefore, aerosol generated by operating the heating
wire 36 does not get cooled so fast compared to an arrangement in
which the heating wire 36 is arranged deep under the liquid surface
52. As a consequence, according to the present arrangement
including the floating atomizer 28, more vapor can be generated
with less energy required.
[0027] The atomizer 28 may alternatively use other forms of heating
elements 36, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber or mesh material
heaters. Nonresistance heating elements such as sonic, piezo and
jet spray may also be used in the atomizer in place of the heating
coil.
[0028] As already indicated above, an air inhalation port 56 is
provided at the end of a flexible tube 58 that is connected to the
top end of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 in the area of
the opening 54.
[0029] In use, a user sucks on the electronic vaping device 10,
i.e. on the air inhalation port 56. This causes air to be drawn
into the electronic vaping device 10 via one or more air inlets,
such as air inlets 60 provided in the side wall of the
atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14, and to be drawn through the
vaping chamber 50 towards the air inhalation port 56. The change in
air pressure which arises is detected by the airflow sensor 24,
which generates an electrical signal that is passed to the control
electronics 20. In response to the signal, the control electronics
20 activate the heating wire 36, which causes liquid present around
the heating wire 36 to be vaporized creating an aerosol (which may
comprise gaseous and liquid components) within the vaping chamber
50. As the user continues to suck on the mouthpiece 59 of the
electronic vaping device 10, this aerosol is drawn through the
flexible tube 58 and inhaled by the user. Due to the fact that the
atomizer 28 floats on the surface of the liquid in the liquid
reservoir 48 so that the heating wire 36 is in contact with the
liquid in the liquid reservoir, liquid is constantly available to
be converted into an aerosol through subsequent activation of the
heating wire 36.
[0030] Typically, the battery 18 is rechargeable and the liquid
reservoir 48 is refillable. In other embodiments the
atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 of the electronic vaping
device 10 is detachable from the power supply portion 12 and a new
atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14 can be fitted with a new
liquid reservoir 48 thereby replenishing the supply of liquid. In
some cases, replacing the liquid reservoir 48 may involve
replacement of the atomizer 28 along with the replacement of the
liquid reservoir 48. According to a preferred embodiment, the
atomizer 28 is provided separate from the liquid reservoir 48 and
is replaced if required, independent of refill or replacement of
the liquid reservoir 48.
[0031] Of course, in addition to the above description of the
structure and function of a typical electronic vaping device 10,
variations also exist. The airflow sensor 24 may be placed
somewhere inside the vapor chamber 50, e.g. in the vicinity of the
air inlets 60. The airflow sensor 24 may be replaced with a switch
or push button which enables a user to activate the electronic
vaping device manually rather than in response to the detection of
a change in air flow or air pressure.
[0032] Different types of atomizers may be used, as described in
detail with reference to FIG. 2A to 2E below.
[0033] In FIG. 2A, the atomizer 28 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in top
view. The atomizer 28 comprises a floating element 32 that is
ring-shaped or torus-shaped. The floating element 32 is adapted to
float on the surface 52 of the liquid provided in a liquid
reservoir 48 of an electronic vaping device 10, such as the
electronic vaping device of FIG. 1. Any suitable material can be
used to form the floating element 32, as long as respective
functionalities are provided, such as a suitably relative density,
and sufficient resistance with respect to humidity and heat.
[0034] The floating element 32 supports a heating element 36, which
is shown in FIG. 2A in the form of a heating wire 36. The heating
wire 36 extends essentially along a diameter of the ring-shaped
floating element 32. The arrangement of the heating element 36 with
respect to the floating element is such that the heating element 36
is in contact with liquid when the floating element 32 floats on
the surface 52 of liquid provided in a liquid reservoir 48.
[0035] The heating wire 36 can be electrically contacted via the
contact ports 40 at the outer surface of the floating element 32
through which the ends of the heating wire 36 extend (as indicated
by the dotted lines in FIG. 2A). The geometric form of the floating
element 32 can vary, the floating element can e.g. be U-shaped or
L-shaped and the heating wire 36 can extend between the respective
legs of the U or L.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, which illustrates a second embodiment
of an atomizer 128 in top view, also a plurality of floating
elements 132a, 132b can be provided in order to build an atomizer
128. The two floating elements 132a, 132b are connected and kept
separated by suitable distance elements 38. The floating elements
132a, 132b are ball-shaped. Different geometrical forms, such as
cuboids or the like, are possible. Also the number of floating
elements used to form a floating atomizer may vary. The heating
wire 36 extends between the two floating elements 132a, 132b and
can again be electrically contacted to respective control
electronics via respective contact ports 40. The overall
arrangement of the atomizer 128 of FIG. 2B is such that the heating
wire 36 is in contact with liquid of a liquid reservoir 48 when the
atomizer 128, by means of the floating elements 132a, 132b, floats
on the respective liquid surface 52.
[0037] In FIG. 2C, a third embodiment of an atomizer 228 is
illustrated in top view. In contrast to the atomizer 128 of FIG.
2B, the floating elements 232a, 232b have an elongate shape and a
plurality of heating wires, in the specific example three heating
wires 36a, 36b, 36c, extend between the floating elements 232a,
232b. Each of these heating wires 36a, 36b, 36c, can separately be
contacted via respective contacts ports 40a, 40b, 40c.
[0038] In FIG. 2D, a variant of the atomizer 28 of FIG. 2A is shown
in plan view. Floating tubes 46 are directly connected to the
atomizer 28 in the area of the contact ports 40. The tubes 46 are
adapted to enclose the flexible conductive wires 44 via which the
atomizer 28 can be connected to a power source 18. Due to the fact
that the tubes 46 are adapted to also float on the surface 52 of
the liquid, together with the atomizer 28, a contact to a power
source 18 that, in contrast to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, is
provided at a side wall of the liquid reservoir 48 can easily be
provided. The tubes 46 can move up and down on the surface of the
liquid.
[0039] In FIG. 2E, another variant of an atomizer 328 is
illustrated in top view. The atomizer 328, in order to be operated
by the power supply 18, is adapted to be connected to the power
supply 18 by means of a noncontact-type connection, namely via
inductive coupling. To that end, an antenna coil 34a is integrated
into the floating element 32, as indicated by the dotted line in
FIG. 2E. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the
atomizer 328 comprises a heating element 136 in the form of a
ceramic heater. However, any other heating element 136 that is
configured to be operated by inductive coupling can be used.
[0040] A respectively configured electronic vaping device 110
according to a second embodiment is illustrated in a
cross-sectional view in FIG. 2F. The electronic vaping device 110
in FIG. 2F essentially equals the electronic vaping device 10
according to FIG. 1. In order to contact the atomizer 328
inductively, an antenna coil 34b is provided, which is connected to
the control electronics 20, instead of the conductive wire 44 shown
in FIG. 1.
[0041] In FIGS. 2G and 2J, further variants of atomizers 428, 528
are illustrated in top view. These atomizers 428, 528, in order to
be operated by the power supply 18, are again adapted to be
connected to the power supply 18 by means of a contact-type
connection. However, in contrast to the embodiment according to
FIGS. 1 and 2, where the atomizer 28 is connected to the power
supply 18 by means of the conductive wires 44 that are permanently
and fixedly connecting the atomizer 28 to the power supply 18, the
contact-type connection of the atomizers 428, 528 to the power
supply 18 is rather loose. In order to establish a respective loose
conductive connection between the atomizer 428, 528 and the power
supply 18, the atomizers 428, 528 include conductive contacting
elements 62, 66 on an outer surface. The contacting elements 62, 66
are configured, when the respective atomizer 428, 528 floats on the
liquid surface 52, to be guided by conductive guiding elements 64,
68 that are provided in the liquid reservoir 48 and that are
conductively connected to the power supply 18. The contacting
elements 62, 66, while being guided by the guiding elements 64, 68,
are loosely conductively connected to the guiding elements, and
thus to the power supply 18.
[0042] As show in FIG. 2G with respect to the atomizer 428, the
conductive contacting elements can e.g. be provided in the form of
conductive wire brushes 62. Such wire brushes 62 are configured to
be guided by conductive guiding elements in the form of conductive
guiding troughs 62, as described below with respect to FIGS. 2H and
2I.
[0043] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2J with respect to the
atomizer 528, the conductive contacting elements can e.g. be
provided in the form of conductive loops 66. Such loops 66 are
configured to be guided by conductive guiding elements in the form
of conductive guide wires 68, as described below with respect to
FIGS. 2K and 2L.
[0044] Embodiments of vaping devices 210, 310 that are adapted to
include atomizers 428, 528 of the above described type are
illustrated in FIGS. 2H, 2I and 2K, 2L. The respective vaping
devices 210, 310 are intended to be used by a single user. The
geometry of the vaping devices 210, 310, which is essentially
rod-shaped, slightly differs from the geometry of the vaping
devices 10, 110 in FIG. 1, 2F, because the vaping devices 210, 310
are intended to be used one-handedly, i.e. by only using a single
hand. There is no flexible tube 58 at the top end of the
atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14, where a respective mouthpiece
159 providing an inhalation port 56 is directly located. This
design choice, however, does not influence the general function of
the respective electronic vaping devices 210, 310 when a user puffs
on the vaping device, which function has already been described in
detail with respect to FIG. 1.
[0045] FIGS. 2H and 2I illustrate an embodiment of a vaping device
210 in a cross-sectional front view (FIG. 2H) and in a
cross-sectional top view (FIG. 2I; with respect to line A-A in FIG.
2H), which includes the atomizer 428 according to FIG. 2G. In the
liquid reservoir 48, at opposing inner surfaces, conductive guide
troughs 64 extending along the longitudinal direction of the liquid
reservoir 48 are provided, which are connected to the power supply
18. The atomizer 428, while floating on the surface of the liquid
in the liquid reservoir 48, loosely contacts the conductive guide
troughs 64 by means of the wire brushes 62, irrespective of the
current level of the fluid, as illustrated in FIG. 2H.
[0046] FIGS. 2K and 2L illustrate an embodiment of a vaping device
310 in a cross-sectional front view (FIG. 2K) and in a
cross-sectional top view (FIG. 2L; with respect to line B-B in FIG.
2K), which includes the atomizer 528 according to FIG. 2J. In the
liquid reservoir 48, at opposing sides, conductive guide wires 68
extending along the longitudinal direction of the liquid reservoir
48 are provided, which are connected to the power supply 18. The
atomizer 528, while floating on the surface 52 of the liquid in the
liquid reservoir 48 and irrespective of the current level of the
fluid, loosely contacts the conductive guide wires 68 by means of
the conductive loops 66, as illustrated in FIG. 2L.
[0047] The number of the contacting elements and the specific
position on the surface of the atomizer at which the contacting
elements are located may vary, with corresponding variations with
respect to the number and position of the guiding elements in the
liquid reservoir of the electronic vaping device, as long as the
above described concept of a loose conductive coupling of the
atomizer to the power supply can be ensured.
[0048] While the electronic vaping device 10 according to FIG. 1 is
intended to be used by a single user, electronic vaping devices
that can simultaneously be used by multiple users can be provided.
An exemplary embodiment of such a multi-user electronic vaping
device 410 is illustrated in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 3.
[0049] In contrast to the electronic vaping device 10 of FIG. 1,
according to FIG. 3 three inhalations ports 56a, 56b, 56c are
provided in the tapering top end portion 16 so that three users can
simultaneously use the electronic vaping device 410. In the
vicinity of the respective openings 54a, 54b, 54c of the top
portion 16 of the atomizer/liquid reservoir portion 14, at which
openings 54a, 54b, 54c the respective flexible tubes 58a, 58b, 58c
with mouthpieces 59a, 59b, 59c are arranged, respective airflow
sensors 24a, 24b, 24c are provided. According to the specific local
arrangement of the airflow sensors 24a, 24b, 24c, it can not only
be detected by the air flow sensors 24a, 24b, 24c that a users
puffs at an inhalation port, but it can be detected at which
inhalation port 56a, 56b, 56c a respective user puffs or at which
of the inhalation ports 56a, 56b, 56c multiple users simultaneously
puff. In other words, to each inhalation port 56a, 56b, 56c a
respective airflow sensor 24a, 24b, 24c is assigned, which is
arranged in the vaping chamber so as to detect a user puffing at
the respectively assigned inhalation port 56a, 56b, 56c.
[0050] Further, in contrast to the electronic vaping device 10
shown in FIG. 1, according to FIG. 3 multiple atomizers 28a, 28b,
28c are provided in the liquid reservoir 48. Each of these
atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c equals the atomizer 28 shown in FIG. 2A and
is separately connected to the control electronics 20 by respective
conductive wires 44a, 44b, 44c. The control electronics 20 are
adapted to separately and selectively operate each of the atomizers
28a, 28b, 28c, one after another or simultaneously, as
required.
[0051] To each of the inhalations ports 56a, 56b, 56c one of the
atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c is respectively assigned. In case e.g. the
airflow sensor 24a, which is assigned to the inhalation port 56a,
detects a user puffing at this inhalation port 56a, the control
electronics 20, based on a respective puff signal received from the
airflow sensor 24a, operates the atomizer 24a, which is assigned to
the inhalation port 56a, in order to generate an aerosol.
Analogously, users puffing at the other inhalation ports 56b, 56c
cause the control electronics 20 to operate the respectively
assigned atomizers 28b, 28c, based on puffing signals received by
the airflow sensors 28b, 28c. E.g. in case that three users
simultaneously puff at the inhalation ports 56a 56b, 56c, all three
atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c are operated simultaneously by the control
electronics. In other words, each of the atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c is
assigned to one of the potential multiple users and is adapted to
be operated when the respectively assigned user uses the electronic
vaping device 410.
[0052] As already mentioned above with respect to FIG. 1, also in
the context of this embodiment, respective switches or push buttons
can be used, instead of the air flow sensors 24a, 24b, 24c, in
order to power up the respective atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c. In this
case, one switch or push button would be assigned to each of the
atomizers 28a, 28b, 28b, respectively.
[0053] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown in the
figures), instead of the three atomizers 28a, 28b, 28c, one
atomizer 228 according to FIG. 2C can be used in the electronic
vaping device 410. Each of the heating wires 36a, 36b, 36c is then
connected to the control electronics 20 by separate conductive
wires 44a, 44b, 44c. The control electronics 20 are then adapted to
separately and selectively operate each of the heating wires 36a,
36b, 36c of the atomizer 228. It is apparent that a multi-user
usage can be handled with respect to such an embodiment just as
described above with respect to FIG. 3. In other words, the
atomizer 228 can be operated depending on the number of users that
simultaneously use the electronic vaping device.
[0054] The atomizer 228 according to FIG. 2C, further to the usage
in a multi-user setting as just described, can advantageously also
be used in a single-user setting. In case an airflow sensor 24 is
adapted to not only detect that a users puffs at an inhalation
port, but also to detect the duration and/or the intensity of the
puff, by means of the atomizer 228 more or less vapor can be
generated by simultaneously operating more than one of the heating
wires 36a, 36b, 36c or by operating just one of the heating wires
36a, 36b, 36c.
[0055] In summary, in one aspect an electronic vaping device
includes a power supply portion comprising a power supply, an
atomizer/liquid reservoir portion comprising a liquid reservoir
storing a liquid, and an atomizer adapted to atomize the liquid
stored in the liquid reservoir when operated by the power supply.
The atomizer is adapted to float on the surface of the liquid in
the liquid reservoir.
[0056] According to an embodiment, the atomizer comprises a
floating element that is adapted to float on the liquid surface and
a heating element that is supported by the floating element so that
the heating element is in contact with the liquid when the floating
element floats on the liquid surface.
[0057] According to an embodiment, the heating element comprises at
least one heating wire. Alternative heating elements can be
provided, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber or mesh material
heaters. Nonresistance heating elements such as sonic, piezo and
jet spray may also be used in the atomizer in place of the heating
wire.
[0058] According to an embodiment, the heating element comprises a
plurality of heating wires, each of these heating wires being
adapted to be operated selectively.
[0059] According to an embodiment, the atomizer, in order to be
operated by the power supply, is connected to the power supply by
means of a contact-type connection, e.g. the atomizer is connected
to the power supply via a flexible conductive wire.
[0060] According to an embodiment, the flexible conductive wire is
at least partially enclosed by a floating tube that is connected to
the atomizer and that is adapted to float on the liquid
surface.
[0061] According to an embodiment, in case the atomizer is
connected to the power supply by means of a contact-type
connection, the atomizer can include conductive contacting elements
on an outer surface. The contacting elements are configured, when
the atomizer floats on the liquid surface, irrespective of the
current level of the fluid, to be guided by conductive guiding
elements that are provided in the liquid reservoir and that are
conductively connected to the power supply. While being guided by
the guiding elements, the contacting elements are loosely
conductively coupled to the guiding elements, and thus to the power
supply.
[0062] The conductive contacting elements can e.g. be provided in
the form of conductive wire brushes that are guided by conductive
guiding elements in the form of conductive guiding troughs.
Alternatively, the conductive contacting elements can e.g. be
provided in the form of conductive loops that are guided by
conductive guiding elements in the form of conductive guide
wires.
[0063] According to an embodiment, the atomizer, in order to be
operated by the power supply, is connected to the power supply by
means of a noncontact-type connection. The atomizer can e.g. be
adapted to be connected to the power supply via inductive
coupling.
[0064] Typically, the atomizer is wickless. However, the atomizer
can also comprise a wick to draw the liquid towards the
atomizer.
[0065] According to an embodiment, the electronic vaping device is
adapted to be simultaneously used by multiple users. In this case,
the atomizer is adapted to be operated depending on the number of
users simultaneously using the electronic vaping device.
[0066] According to another embodiment, the electronic vaping
device is adapted to be simultaneously used by multiple users and
comprises a plurality of atomizers. Each of these atomizers is
assigned to one of the potential multiple users and is adapted to
be operated when the respectively assigned user uses the electronic
vaping device.
[0067] According to another aspect, an atomizer for an electronic
vaping device is provided. The atomizer is adapted to atomize
liquid stored in a liquid reservoir of the electronic vaping device
when operated by a power supply of the electronic vaping device.
The atomizer is particularly adapted to float on the surface of the
liquid in the liquid reservoir.
[0068] Various embodiments of such an atomizer can be provided, as
described above with respect to the atomizer of the electronic
vaping device according to the first aspect.
[0069] While this invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the
disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the scope of the appended claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0070] 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 electronic vaping device [0071] 12
power supply portion [0072] 14 atomizer/liquid reservoir portion
[0073] 16 tapering end portion [0074] 18 battery [0075] 20 control
electronics [0076] 24, 24a, 24b, 24c airflow sensor [0077] 28, 128,
228, 328, 428, 528 atomizer [0078] 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 132a, 132b,
232a, 232b floating element [0079] 34a, 34b antenna coil [0080] 36,
36a, 36b, 36c heating wire [0081] 38 distance element [0082] 40,
40a, 40b, 40c contact port [0083] 44, 44a, 44b, 44c conductive wire
[0084] 46 floating tube [0085] 48 liquid reservoir [0086] 50 vaping
chamber [0087] 52 liquid surface [0088] 54, 54a, 54b, 54c opening
[0089] 56, 56a, 56b, 56c air inhalation port [0090] 58 flexible
tube [0091] 59, 59a, 59b, 59c, 159 mouthpiece [0092] 60 air inlets
[0093] 62 wire brush [0094] 64 guide trough [0095] 66 loop [0096]
68 guide wire [0097] 136 heating element
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