TW202126198A - Electronic cigarette - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic cigarette is described which includes a housing comprising an air inlet; a vaporiser; a pressure sensor configured to activate the vaporiser in response to a sensed change in air pressure; and a pressure sensor housing comprising an internal cavity arranged to hold the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor housing comprises a pressure channel running between the internal cavity and a pressure channel opening on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing. The pressure channel is arranged to place the pressure sensor in communication with the vaporiser. The pressure sensor housing further comprises a main airflow through channel providing an air flow route between the air inlet and the vaporiser. In this way, because the pressure sensor is housed within a cavity in the pressure sensor housing and because the incoming air flow from the inlet is directed through the main airflow through channel and does not pass over the pressure sensor, the responsiveness of the pressure sensor is increased. In particular, the pressure in the cavity drops rapidly upon user inhalation, triggering the pressure sensor.

Description

e-cigarette

The present invention relates to vaporization devices for personal use, such as electronic cigarettes. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic cigarette configured to receive a disposable cartridge containing vaporizable material.

Electronic cigarettes are substitutes for conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating combustion smoke, the electronic cigarette vaporizes liquid that can be inhaled by the user. Liquids typically include aerosol-forming substances, such as glycerin or propylene glycol that generates vapor. Other common substances in liquids are nicotine and many different flavors. There are several different types of e-cigarettes. Generally, these e-cigarettes can be divided into liquid vaporizers, heated tobacco vaporizers, or combinations thereof (ie, mixing devices).

Electronic cigarettes are typically palm-type inhaler systems, including a mouthpiece part and a power supply part. Electronic cigarettes are usually configured to receive disposable cartridges containing vaporizable materials. The electronic cigarettes are further provided with a power supply part and a cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is used for accommodating the cartridge and for heating the substrate to produce Inhalable vapor to be sucked through the mouthpiece.

One known method of triggering the supply of power to the heater is to use a pressure sensor (sometimes called a "suck sensor") to determine when the user starts to suck in the mouthpiece and in response, turn on the power to the heater supply. The pressure sensor identifies the air flow rate associated with the user's inhalation at the mouthpiece by measuring the pressure change in the internal volume of the device in fluid communication with the mouthpiece.

A known problem with this device is that the air pressure sensor is correctly configured so that when the user inhales at the mouthpiece, the air pressure sensor is correctly triggered, but it will not be passed through the device (such as simple The air flow is triggered by moving the device or replacing the cartridge. The pressure sensor in the known device usually lacks appropriate responsiveness and cannot be triggered reliably.

The purpose of the present invention is to make progress in solving the above-mentioned problems of known devices.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette, the electronic cigarette comprising: a housing including an air inlet; a vaporizer; a pressure sensor configured to respond to sensing The air pressure changes to activate the vaporizer; a pressure sensor housing, the pressure sensor housing being positioned between the air inlet and the vaporizer, the pressure sensor housing including being arranged to hold the pressure sensor The internal cavity of the device; wherein the pressure sensor housing includes a pressure channel extending between the internal cavity and the pressure channel opening on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing, the pressure channel being arranged The pressure sensor is placed in communication with the vaporizer, and the pressure sensor housing further includes a main air flow through passage that provides an air flow path between the air inlet and the vaporizer.

In this way, because the pressure sensor is housed in the cavity in the pressure sensor housing, and since the incoming air flow from the inlet is guided through the main air flow through channel but not through the pressure sensor, Therefore, the responsiveness of the pressure sensor is improved. In particular, the air from the inlet is guided through the main air flow through passage, thereby avoiding the pressure sensor enclosed in a separate part of the air pressure sensor housing. In this way, when the user inhales, the pressure in the cavity drops rapidly, thereby triggering the pressure sensor.

As used herein, the term "inhaler" or "e-cigarette" may include e-cigarettes configured to deliver aerosols to users, and aerosols include aerosols for smoking. The aerosol used for smoking may refer to an aerosol with a particle size of 0.5-7 microns. The particle size can be less than 10 or 7 microns. Electronic cigarettes can be portable. The term "inhaler" or "e-cigarette" is also intended to cover a "heat-not-burn" device that generates an aerosol by heating a material (such as tobacco) to release vapor without burning the material.

Preferably, the pressure channel and the main air flow through channel are separated in the pressure sensor housing. In this way, the air flow from the air inlet does not pass through the cavity or pressure channel during inhalation, but bypasses the pressure sensor and passes through the main air flow through channel. Preferably, the main air flow through passage extends through the pressure sensor housing from the first side to the second side. The main air flow through passage may be approximately parallel to the pressure passage. In this way, the air leaving the main air flow through channel will not enter the pressure channel opening on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing.

Preferably, the pressure sensor housing is positioned between the vaporizer and the air inlet, wherein a first side of the pressure sensor housing faces the vaporizer, and a second opposite side of the pressure sensor housing To the air inlet; wherein the pressure channel opens on the first side of the pressure sensor housing. By positioning the pressure sensor housing between the air inlet and the vaporizer, the pressure sensor can be positioned in the air flow path in the electronic cigarette. Therefore, the pressure sensor can be configured to control the air flow through the device by blocking a portion of the air flow path and only allowing air to pass through the main air flow through passage. By positioning the pressure channel opening on the first side of the pressure sensor housing, the pressure channel opening points to the vaporizer, which means that pressure changes due to inhalation are more effectively directed to the pressure sensor, and the main air flow cannot enter Pressure channel.

Preferably, the main air flow through passage extends through the pressure sensor housing from the second side to the first side. In this way, the size of the housing can be appropriately configured to provide the required air flow characteristics.

Preferably, the pressure sensor housing is configured such that the main air flow channel provides a unique air flow path from the air inlet in the electronic cigarette housing through the pressure sensor housing. Particularly preferably, this is achieved by arranging the pressure sensor housing such that the pressure sensor housing forms a seal across the internal volume of the electronic cigarette, that is, dividing the internal volume into air inlets. Part and the part that contains the vaporizer. The pressure sensor housing may extend between opposing inner surfaces of the housing to form a seal. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor housing may be combined with other components of the electronic cigarette to form a seal. For example, the sensor housing may extend between the internal components of the device to seal the air flow. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor housing extends across the device between one side of the battery and the opposite inner surface of the housing to seal the internal volume of the device.

Preferably, the pressure sensor housing includes an elastic material. Preferably, the pressure sensor housing includes an elastic deformable material. Using these materials, the pressure sensor housing can conform to the inner diameter of the housing formed by the inner surface and/or internal components of the housing to form a high-quality seal. In one example, the pressure sensor housing includes silicone.

Preferably, the vaporizer includes a vaporizer air inlet, wherein the vaporizer air inlet is larger than the housing air inlet. In this way, suction at the suction nozzle results in a rapid decrease in pressure because the air within the internal volume of the device leaves the device faster through the vaporizer inlet than it enters the device through the air inlet in the housing.

The vaporizer preferably includes a heating element and a liquid transport element for transporting liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element for vaporization. Preferably, the vaporizer is provided with a cartridge, that is, an atomized cartridge, the atomized cartridge including a liquid reservoir, a liquid transport element, a heating element, and a vapor flow path, the vapor flow path being arranged to allow the generated vapor Leave the atomized cartridge. The electronic cigarette preferably includes a cartridge holder body arranged to receive the removable cartridge, and the cartridge holder preferably includes electrical contacts to contact corresponding contacts on the cartridge so that the cartridge is heated The element can be connected to the battery. The air inlet of the carburetor may be provided by an air inlet in the cartridge holder, which provides an air flow path into the cartridge received in the cartridge holder.

The first cartridge may include aerosol-forming substances, such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol, and may contain other substances, such as nicotine and acids. Liquid L may also contain flavors such as tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavors. The mouthpiece may include a vapor outlet, and when the mouthpiece is in the closed position, the user can inhale the vapor generated in the first cartridge through the vapor outlet.

The electronic cigarette may further include an internal cavity in the housing, the internal cavity being positioned between the pressure sensor housing and the vaporizer. In this way, the flow of pressurized air leaving the pressure channel opening passes through the internal cavity before reaching the air inlet of the vaporizer.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette further includes an air inlet pipe arranged between the air inlet in the housing and the pressure sensor housing, wherein the air inlet pipe is connected to the pressure sensor The main air flow of the evaporator housing penetrates the passage, so that the air inlet pipe and the main air flow penetration passage together provide an air flow path from the air inlet to the vaporizer. The air inlet pipe may be a tubular member that extends over at least a part, preferably a majority, and more preferably the entire air flow path between the air inlet in the housing and the pressure sensor housing. The air inlet pipe includes a tubular passage, one end of which is connected to the air inlet, and the other end is connected to the main air flow through passage of the pressure sensor housing.

In some embodiments, the pressure channel opening is provided on a protruding part of the pressure sensor housing. In particular, the pressure sensor housing may include a protruding portion on the second side facing the air inlet, the protruding portion extending away from the second surface of the pressure sensor housing. The protruding part can be interfaced with other parts of the device to provide a tight seal. For example, the protruding part of the sensor housing may be configured to interface with the air inlet pipe to provide a sealed air flow path between the air inlet and the pressure sensor housing. In some embodiments, the protruding part may be sleeved on or inside the air inlet pipe. The protruding portion may include one or more circumferential ridges to improve sealing.

Preferably, the pressure sensor includes a flat pressure sensing surface, and the pressure channel is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface. In particular, the pressure sensor may include a pressure sensing membrane or diaphragm configured to move under applied pressure, where this movement may be sensed by, for example, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive, or electromagnetic sensing elements. By arranging the pressure channel to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface, for a given pressure, the movement of the pressure sensing surface increases, which means that the pressure sensor is more sensitive to pressure changes.

Preferably, the main air flow through passage is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface. This minimizes the amount of air passing through the main air flow through passage to the pressure sensor.

Preferably, the pressure sensor housing includes one or more wire through holes extending through the housing for making connections between electrical components of the device pass through the pressure sensor housing, Wherein, the holes include a film that seals one side of the wire through holes to prevent air from passing through the wire through holes. In this way, a connection can be established between the components sealed on both sides of the pressure sensor housing while maintaining the seal with the pressure sensor housing. In particular, by providing a film that seals one side of the wire through hole, the film is only pierced when the connection is made during the assembly process of the device, and the film is preferably elastic so that the film surrounds the wire. Seal to maintain the seal across the pressure sensor housing.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette further includes a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), wherein the plane of the PCB is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the pressure sensing surface of the pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette may further include an air passage plug arranged in the outer casing sleeve between the closed end of the outer casing including the air inlet and the pressure sensor housing, The air passage plug includes an air passage arranged to provide at least a part of an air flow path connecting the air inlet to the cartridge holder. Preferably, the air passage plug is arranged to provide a seal across the internal volume of the housing so that air entering the air inlet is restricted to pass through the air passage to the pressure sensor housing. In this way, the air flow path into the device can be better defined to provide a more constant pressure drop when the device is inhaled, thereby allowing more reliable activation of the heater.

Preferably, the air passage plug extends from the inner surface of the housing at the air inlet to the pressure sensor housing, and the air passage connects the air inlet to the main pressure sensor housing. The air flow channel is connected.

The air passage plug is preferably a block of solid material that is positioned in the outer casing at the closed end of the outer casing sleeve. The air passage plug preferably fills the inner volume of the outer sleeve from the closed end to a specific position along the length of the outer sleeve. The air passage is preferably arranged to pass through the air passage plug to define the air flow path into the device.

Preferably, the air passage plug extends from the closed end of the outer sleeve over 25% of the length measured from the closed end to the open end of the outer sleeve. This especially provides enhanced protection for the electronic components of the e-cigarette. This also allows the air passage to provide an air flow path leading to the air inlet of the cartridge holder.

Preferably, the air channel plug includes an elastically deformable material, such as an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. This allows the air passage plug to conform to the inner surface of the outer casing and internal components of the electronic cigarette.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette may include: an outer casing sleeve having an open end and a closed end; a functional insert, the functional insert including electrical components, wherein the functional insert is arranged to pass through The open end of the outer casing sleeve is introduced and held in the outer casing sleeve. By combining the functional electronic components together on the functional insert, and by providing the device housing in the form of a sleeve, since the functional components can be assembled in the first assembly step, and then assembled in a single step The functional components are sleeved in the outer shell, thus simplifying the assembly process, thereby reducing the complexity of the assembly procedure. Before a separate integral structure is sheathed in the housing, it is easier to assemble the functional components with the correct arrangement and repeatably when executed on the separate integral structure, thereby reducing the change in the performance of the electronic cigarette.

In these embodiments, the functional insert preferably includes a pressure sensor and a pressure sensor housing, so that these components can be properly assembled and connected before being inserted into the housing.

The term "functional insert" refers to a part that includes a functional part of a device, that is, a part associated with the function of generating an aerosol for inhalation, especially an electrical part. The functional insert is preferably an integral part to which the functional element of the electronic cigarette is attached or accommodated.

The outer casing sleeve preferably includes a hollow tubular casing having an open end and a closed end, and the functional insert can be inserted into the device through the open end during assembly. The closed end is "closed" because the insert can only be introduced through the open end, but the closed end may include one or more openings, for example to accommodate an air inlet and/or a charging port.

The functional insert preferably includes: a cartridge holder for receiving a removable cartridge; a battery; and an electronic circuit system for supplying power from the battery to the cartridge received in the battery during use The cartridge in the cartridge holder. These components require careful assembly and relative positioning, so providing them in the form of integral functional inserts significantly reduces manufacturing complexity. The functional insert preferably includes one or more of the following items: PCB; an air flow sensor for sensing the inhalation at the mouthpiece so that power can be activated to the cartridge in the cartridge holder; Used to connect the battery to the charging port of the mains power supply; used to connect to the connection mechanism of the suction nozzle.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette further includes: a mouthpiece part (also called a mouthpiece), the mouthpiece part is movably connected to the outer shell sleeve or the functional insert by a connecting mechanism; wherein the connecting mechanism is configured to The suction nozzle part can move between the closed position and the open position relative to the functional insert or the housing. In the closed position, the first cartridge holder is enclosed in the electronic cigarette; in the open position, the first cartridge The base body is exposed so that the first cartridge can be received, and the mouthpiece part is maintained in connection with the functional insert or the outer casing sleeve by the connecting mechanism.

Preferably, the mouthpiece portion includes a second cartridge seat body configured to receive a second cartridge. Therefore, the characteristics of the generated steam can be formed as a combination of two kinds of steam generated from the corresponding cartridge, so that the characteristics of the steam can be adjusted and enhanced, thereby improving the user experience. Preferably, the second cartridge is replaceable. The second cartridge can be inserted into the second cartridge holder through the opening in the second cartridge holder. The second cartridge holder can be provided by a mouthpiece channel that extends from the vapor outlet through the mouthpiece to an internal opening in the second contact surface, through which vapor is sucked in. When the mouthpiece is in the closed position, The second contact surface is adjacent to the first cartridge seat body. The opening in the cartridge seat body may be provided by a vapor outlet in the mouthpiece portion, so that the second cartridge can be inserted when the mouthpiece is in the closed position. The second cartridge may be configured such that the second cartridge provides a mouthpiece through which the user can inhale the generated vapor. In particular, when the second cartridge is inserted, a part of the second cartridge may protrude from the mouthpiece portion, thereby providing the mouthpiece.

The second cartridge may also include aerosol-forming substances, such as tobacco, propylene glycol, and/or glycerol, and may contain other substances, such as nicotine and acids. The liquid may also contain flavors such as tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavors. Preferably, the second cartridge includes a tobacco matrix. In this way, the vapor generated in the first cartridge passes through the tobacco matrix, thereby absorbing compounds that give the generated vapor an improved flavor and nicotine content, thereby enhancing the user experience.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette is arranged such that when the mouthpiece portion is brought to the closed position, a vapor flow path is created between the first cartridge and the second cartridge. In particular, when the first cartridge is received in the first cartridge holder, the second cartridge is received in the second cartridge holder and the mouthpiece is brought to the closed position, in the first cartridge, the second cartridge A fluid connection is formed between the second cartridge and the suction nozzle. In this way, before the user inhales the vapor through the mouthpiece, the vapor generated in the first cartridge flows through the second cartridge, which imparts new characteristics to the generated vapor. Therefore, a wide range of vapor characteristics can be provided, thereby enhancing the user experience, and the inhaled vapor can have an improved flavor or active ingredient content.

Preferably, the hinge mechanism that connects the suction nozzle to the first end of the functional insert includes an internal lever, one end of which is fixedly connected to the suction nozzle portion, and the opposite end is rotatably connected to the first end of the functional insert. In the acceptance part. By providing an internal hinge mechanism, the mechanism is protected in the functional insert, thereby increasing the life of the mechanism, and the external shape of the device can be consistent, thereby improving usability.

Preferably, the lever is L-shaped, and the lever connects the center point in the nozzle portion to a point near the edge of the functional insert. This allows the inner lever to provide increased displacement of the nozzle part in the case of small movements of the lever. In particular, the lever may be connected near the radial end of the first contact surface and near the center of the second contact surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit including: an electronic cigarette and a removable cartridge, wherein the electronic cigarette includes: a housing, the housing including an air inlet; a cartridge holder, the cigarette The cartridge body is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge including a vaporizer; a pressure sensor configured to activate the vaporizer in response to a sensed change in air pressure; a pressure sensor housing, the The pressure sensor housing includes an internal cavity arranged to hold the pressure sensor; wherein the pressure sensor housing includes the internal cavity and the pressure sensor on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing. A pressure channel extending between the pressure channel openings, the pressure channel being arranged to place the pressure sensor in communication with the vaporizer, the pressure sensor housing further includes a main air flow through channel, the main air flow penetrating the channel An air flow path is provided between the air inlet and the vaporizer. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first cigarette cartridge configured for use with an electronic cigarette defined in any one of the appended claims.

Figures 1 to 3 schematically show the electronic cigarette 1 according to the present invention. The electronic cigarette 1 includes a housing 10 having an air inlet 17 (as shown in cross-sections in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3 ), a vaporizer assembly 60, a pressure sensor 90 and a pressure sensor housing 80. The pressure sensor 90 is configured to activate the vaporizer 60 in response to a sensed change in air pressure. The pressure sensor housing 80 includes an internal cavity 81 arranged to hold the pressure sensor 90. The pressure sensor housing 80 further includes a pressure passage 82 that connects the internal cavity 81 to a pressure passage opening 84 on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing 80. The pressure channel 82 is arranged to place the pressure sensor 90 in communication with the vaporizer 60, and the pressure sensor housing 80 further includes a main air flow through channel 83, so that the air inlet 17 in the housing 10 is between the vaporizer 60 and the air inlet 17 Provide air flow routes between.

By arranging the air pressure sensor 90 in the internal cavity 81 of the pressure sensor housing 80, and using the pressure channel 82 to fluidly connect the air pressure sensor to the vaporizer 60, the pressure sensor 90 is protected from The main air flow path is influenced by the main air flow path that is guided through the main air flow through passage 83 in the sensor housing 80. The pressure sensor housing 80 also fills a part of the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 1, so that the pressure sensor is held in the cavity 81 with a reduced volume, and the cavity will be changed more significantly due to the user's inhalation. 81, so it is more sensitive to the user's inhalation.

The vaporizer 60 can be provided by any known means to vaporize the liquid. In this example, the vaporizer 60 includes a heating element and a liquid transport element (not shown) configured to transport the aerosol generating liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element for vaporization. In the example shown in the figure, the vaporizer is arranged in a replaceable cartridge 40 (ie, "atomized cartridge"), which includes a heating element, a liquid reservoir, and a liquid transmission element in addition to the vapor channel , The vapor channel is configured to provide a vapor flow path from the heating element to the air outlet for the user to inhale.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, the electronic cigarette 1 includes a first cartridge holder 21, which is arranged to receive a replaceable cartridge 40 and connect the electrical contacts on the replaceable cartridge 40 It is connected to the battery 22 in the body of the electronic cigarette 1. By selectively supplying power from the battery 22 to the heating element of the removable cartridge 40 received in the first cartridge holder 21, the vaporizable liquid held in the cartridge 40 is vaporized and passed through the vapor The passage 42 is transported out of the cartridge 40 and the cartridge holder 21 so as to be inhaled through the mouthpiece portion 30. In the example shown in the figure, the electronic cigarette 1 further includes a second cartridge holder 32 in the mouthpiece portion 30, wherein the second cartridge holder 32 is configured to receive a second cartridge 41, which The bomb is arranged so that the vapor generated in the first cartridge 40 passes through the second cartridge and is inhaled by the user. The second cartridge 41 is received in the cartridge seat body 32 so that a part of the second cartridge 41 protrudes from the mouthpiece portion 30, thereby providing a mouthpiece, and the user can put his lips around the mouthpiece to inhale vapor . In the case that the function of other components of the device described herein is not affected, the second cartridge is completely optional, and other examples may use only a single cartridge.

When the pressure sensor 90 senses the pressure drop in the device 1, the current supply from the battery 22 to the heating element of the removable cartridge 40 received in the first cartridge holder 21 is activated. The pressure sensor may be provided by any suitable sensor configured to sense the pressure change in the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 1 with appropriate accuracy in order to trigger the power supply to the heating element. The pressure sensor 90 may include a deformable membrane 91 that is distorted under an applied pressure, wherein the distortion of the membrane can be measured in order to determine the pressure change communicated to the membrane.

In the example of FIG. 2, the film is a flat film 91 that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the pressure sensor 90. The pressure sensitive membrane 91 communicates with an air flow path leading to the suction nozzle through the pressure sensor housing 80 via the pressure channel 81. As shown in the figure, the air pressure sensor 90 is arranged so that the membrane 91 has a space directly above the membrane in the internal cavity 81, thereby allowing the membrane to deform upward under negative pressure. That is, the pressure sensor 90 is positioned such that a part of the volume of the internal cavity 81 remains unoccupied above the pressure sensor film 91, thereby allowing the film to bend upward.

In known devices, generally, the internal space of the device is large, and a large amount of air enters through holes in the casing, for example, through a charging port, which may result in insufficient responsiveness of the air flow sensor. In the present invention, the air pressure sensor housing 80 provides many features that reduce this effect and provide a more reliable activation of the pressure sensor 90.

First, the pressure sensor housing 80 separates the main air flow through passage 83 from the pressure sensor cavity 81 and the pressure passage 82. In particular, the pressure sensor cavity 81 is centrally disposed in the pressure sensor housing and is connected to the outer surface only by the pressure channel 82. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure channel 82 is connected to the pressure channel opening 84 on the first side 85 of the pressure sensor housing 80, and the first side faces the first cartridge 40 in the first cartridge holder 21 Carburetor components. Therefore, the pressure change caused by the user inhaling at the mouthpiece 41 of the second cartridge 41 shown in FIG. 1B is transmitted to the pressure sensor 19 through the vapor flow path, which includes the second cartridge 41 The steam passage 43 in the first cartridge 40, the steam passage 42 in the first cartridge 40, the entrance 61 leading to the first cartridge holder 21 and finally through the air pressure passage 82 to the pressure sensor received in the pressure sensor cavity 81器90. The pressure sensor cavity 81 is preferably sealed on the opposite second side 86 of the pressure sensor housing 80, so that the volume of the pressure sensor cavity 81 is relatively small, and therefore is not A given volume of air will experience more significant pressure changes.

The main air flow through passage 83 provides an air flow path between the second side 86 and the first side 85 of the pressure sensor housing 80. The main air flow through passage 83 is separated from the pressure sensor cavity 81 in the pressure sensor housing 80 so that no air passes through the air flow sensor from the inlet 17. This arrangement significantly improves the sensitivity of the air pressure sensor 90. As shown by the arrow indicating the air flow route in Figure 3, when the user inhales at the mouthpiece 30, the air enters the housing 10 through the inlet 17 at the base 12 of the device 1, passes into the device, and passes through the pressure sensor. The main air flow of the housing 80 penetrates the passage 83. Then, air circulates into the vaporizer inlet 61 at the base of the first cartridge holder 21.

The air flow sensor housing preferably extends over at least a part of the internal volume of the housing 10 to prevent air from passing around the pressure sensor housing 80 and the inner wall of the housing 10. In some embodiments, the air pressure sensor housing 80 may extend across the entire cross-section of the internal volume of the device. In other examples, as depicted in FIG. 2, the air flow sensor housing 80 extends between the internal components of the device 1 to seal the air flow path through the device 1. In the example of FIG. 2, the pressure sensor housing 80 extends between the battery 22 and the opposite surface of the inner housing 10 wall to seal this part of the internal volume of the device 1.

4A and 4B show the pressure sensor housing 80 from two different views. The air pressure sensor housing 80 is preferably made of an elastic material (such as silicone), which can conform to the inner surface of the component and the housing 10 to provide air traversing into the internal volume of the device 1. Sealing of the flow path. As shown in FIG. 4, the air pressure sensor housing 80 is generally disc-shaped, and its first side 85 includes an opening 84 leading to the pressure passage 82, wherein the first side 85 is arranged to point to the vaporizer 60. The opposite second side 86 of the housing 80 is arranged to face the air inlet 17 in the device housing 10. The second side 86 includes an opening to the main air flow through passage 83, which opening may be provided on a protruding portion 87 of the housing 80, which extends toward the air inlet 17 when the housing is properly oriented within the device 1 .

The electronic cigarette may also include an air inlet tube 18 positioned between the air inlet 17 and the pressure sensor housing 80 and arranged to provide air between the air inlet 17 and the main air flow through passage 83 At least part of the flow route. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3, the air inlet pipe connects the air inlet with the main air flow through passage 83 of the pressure sensor housing 80. In the example in the figure, the protruding portion 87 of the sensor housing 80 is partially sleeved in the air inlet pipe 18 to provide a sealed air flow path between the air inlet 17 and the main air flow through passage 83. In this way, the air flow does not pass through internal components of the device such as the battery 22 and the PCB 220, thereby reducing the risk of contaminating the air flow, and reducing the volume of the air flow channel between the air inlet 17 and the vaporizer, thereby making The pressure drops faster during inhalation, and correspondingly, the response speed of the air pressure sensor 90 is faster. The projecting portion 87 of the housing including the main air flow through passage 83 may additionally include one or more circumferential ridges 88 arranged to engage within the air inlet pipe 18 in the housing 10 to provide a sealed connection .

As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure sensor housing 80 may include one or more wire through holes 89 extending from the first upper side 85 of the housing 80 to the second lower side 86 of the housing 80. The wire through hole 89 includes a larger diameter opening 891 on the first side of the housing and a second opening 892 with a reduced diameter on the second side 86 of the housing 80. Prior to insertion in the device 1, the reduced diameter second opening 892 may be sealed with a film 893 or a thin layer of housing material. Then, when connecting the components of the device, the wire can be pushed through the wire through hole 89 so that the film 893 at the second opening 892 is pierced to provide a seal around the wire, and the wire passes through the wire through hole 89 to prevent air flow Pass through the sensor housing 80 at this point.

As shown in FIG. 3, this allows the vaporizer 60 to be connected to components below the sensor housing 80. FIG. 3 shows how to provide a connection 221 between the vaporizer 60 provided on the upper side of the sensor housing 80 and the PCB 220 provided on the lower side of the housing 80. In this way, it is possible to connect between the components positioned above the pressure sensor housing 80 and the components below the pressure sensor housing 80 while maintaining a seal across the internal volume of the electronic cigarette 1. The film 893 is preferably an elastic material that, after being pierced, is bonded to the wire to provide a seal.

In order to further improve the sensitivity of the air pressure sensor 90, the air inlet may be appropriately configured to improve the responsiveness. In particular, the air inlet 61 of the vaporizer 60 is preferably larger than the air inlet 17 into the housing 10 of the device 1. In this way, when the user inhales at the mouthpiece, the air in the housing 10 is removed more quickly than when replacing through the inlet 17. This results in a rapid drop in pressure, thus providing a pressure sensor 90 that responds more quickly. When a suitably sized air inlet is used in combination with other features of the pressure sensor housing 80, especially a small internal cavity with a pressure channel 82 (the pressure channel is separated from the main air flow through channel 83 by the housing 80) At this time, the reliability of the sensor 90 can be significantly improved. In addition, the electronic cigarette 1 may further include an internal cavity positioned between the pressure sensor housing 80 and the vaporizer 60 in the housing 10. In this way, the compressed air flow needs to leave the pressure channel 82 and pass through the internal cavity 19 before reaching the inlet 61 leading to the cartridge holder 21.

As described above, the pressure sensor 90 is basically flat and includes a flat pressure-sensing surface 91 in the form of a membrane, which deforms under the action of pressure changes, and the electronic components in the pressure sensor 90 can sense Measure the deformation of the film. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure channel is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface 91. This conveys the pressure change to the pressure sensing surface 91 most effectively to improve the sensitivity of the pressure sensor 90. The main air flow through passage 83 is also arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface, so that the air flow passing through the air flow passage 83 is not directed across the opening 84 leading to the pressure passage 82, where the air flow The flow may be transmitted to the pressure sensor 90.

Fig. 6 schematically shows an alternative example of the electronic cigarette 1 according to the present invention. As in the previous example, the electronic cigarette 1 includes a pressure sensor housing 240 positioned between the vaporizer assembly 60 and the air inlet 117 on the closed end 102 of the housing 100. The example of FIG. 6 is different from the previously described electronic cigarette 1 in that the electronic cigarette further includes an air passage plug 210, which is arranged in the outer casing sleeve 100 in the closure of the outer casing sleeve 100 Between the end 102 and the functional insert 200. The air passage plug 300 includes an air passage 310 that provides at least a part of an air flow route connecting the air inlet 117 of the outer shell 100 to the cartridge holder 221. The air passage plug 300 is a material plug that occupies a portion of the internal volume of the outer casing 100 at the first end 102. In particular, the air passage plug 300 may include a piece of material that substantially fills the inner volume of the closed end 102 of the outer casing sleeve 100 and extends a certain length L1 from the closed end 102 toward the open end 101.

The air passage plug 300 serves a variety of purposes. First, the air passage plug is used to only allow air to flow into the device 1 through the defined air flow path 310. In some devices that do not include this air channel plug, air can enter the device through an opening on the casing (for example, a charging port), which reduces the pressure drop when inhaled through the suction nozzle and may affect the air The sol is generated and affects the correct triggering of the pressure sensor 90 to activate the device 1. In addition, the air channel plug 300 can protect the electrical components of the device from contact with the closed end in the outer casing sleeve 100, which can cause damage to the electronic cigarette when dropped, for example. minimize.

By managing the air flow path entering the device through the air channel 310 in the air channel plug 300, it can be ensured that the air flow pressure applied at the suction nozzle due to inhalation is guided to the sensor 242, and the sensor 242 does not It is triggered by the air flowing on the air flow sensor 242 through the opening at the base of the device 1. This also reduces the vacant internal volume of the device, which may cause the sensor 242 to lack response. The air passage plug 300 is preferably made of an elastic deformable material such as an elastic material (such as silicone), which deforms into the shape of the internal volume in the outer housing 100 and provides shock absorption in the device 1 , To protect the electrical components of the device. The air passage plug 300 also provides a seal on the cross-section of the inner volume of the outer casing 100 so that the flow of air entering the outer casing 100 is restricted except for passing through the passage via the air passage 310.

The air passage plug 300 preferably extends from the closed end 102 of the outer casing toward the open end, and the length is equivalent to more than 25% of the total length of the housing measured from the closed end 102 to the open end 101. This provides sufficient shock absorption to prevent damage due to accidental dropping of the device, and also provides the advantage that the cartridge holder 221 can be properly positioned and the cartridge air inlet can be arranged in the device.

The air passage 310 is preferably arranged such that the air passage passes through the air passage plug 300, that is, the air passage passes through the deformable elastomer material block from the center. The air passage 310 and the air passage plug 300 accommodating the air passage may extend upward from the closed end of the device enough to engage with the main air flow through passage 241 in the pressure sensor housing 240.

As described above, the electronic components may be provided in the form of an integral functional insert 200 arranged to be inserted through the open end of the tubular housing sleeve 100 and fixed in the device 1. The fixed connection between the functional insert 200 and the air channel plug 300 can be realized in many different ways. In the example of FIG. 6, the PCB 220 extends from its connection with the battery 222 and the cartridge holder 221 along the elongation axis of the device 1 toward the second base end 102. At the second base end, the PCB and the set The slot 301 in the air passage plug 300 engages. In this way, the PCB 220 connected to the electronic components of the functional insert 200 extends downwards toward the closed end of the housing 100 along the elongation axis, and extends within the slot 301 provided in the air passage plug 300, the slot The PCB is retained to provide a mechanical connection between the functional insert 200 and the air channel plug 300.

The electronic cigarette 1 may also include a charging port 302 that allows the device to be connected to a mains power source to charge the battery 222. In the example of FIG. 6, the charging port 302 is provided in the air passage plug 300 and is connected to the electronic components of the functional insert 200 through the electrical circuit system 303. This provides another connection between the air passage plug 300 and the functional insert 200. In particular, the charging port 302 is generally arranged to receive the metal aperture of the mains charger and can be fully or partially positioned within the elastomeric material of the air channel plug 300, while the open end of the charging port extends from the base, so that The open end protrudes sufficiently to align with the orifice at the closed end 102 of the outer casing sleeve 100. The charging port 302 may be connected to the PCB 220 in the slot 301 in the air passage plug 300. In this way, using the existing features of these components, that is, without any additional fixing components, a mechanical connection and an electrical connection are provided between the functional insert 200 and the air passage plug 300.

FIG. 6 further shows how the air flow sensor housing 240 containing the air flow sensor 242 is connected to the air passage plug 300. The internal cavity 243 holding the air flow sensor is in fluid communication with the first cartridge holder 221, so that the air flow sensor is triggered when the user inhales at the mouthpiece 30. As above, the air flow sensor 242 is also connected to the power source to activate the power supply from the battery to the heater when the air pressure change corresponding to the user's inhalation at the device is detected. As shown in FIG. 8, the air flow sensor housing 240 also includes a separate air flow through channel 241 that is not connected to the internal chamber. The air flow through passage 241 is connected to the air flow passage 310 in the air passage plug 300. Therefore, the air flow through passage 241 of the air flow sensor housing 240 and the air passage 310 of the air passage plug together provide an air flow path from the air inlet 117 in the outer casing 100 to the cartridge holder 221.

The air flow sensor housing 240 may also include a material similar to the air passage plug 300, for example, an elastic deformable material such as an elastic material (for example, silicone). The air passage plug 300 and the air flow sensor housing 240 together provide an air flow path from the inlet 117 to the cartridge holder 221 and ensure that the air flow path does not pass on the air flow sensor 242. This prevents the air flow sensor 242 from being triggered via the air flow passing through the inlet 117, but only via the decrease in air pressure caused by the user's inhalation at the mouthpiece, which air flow is delivered directly to the air The internal chamber of the flow sensor housing. A series of arrows A shows the air flow path from the inlet 117 in the outer shell 100 to the cartridge holder 221.

In this example, the air passage plug 300 extends upward from the closed end 102 of the housing to meet the air flow sensor housing 240. In addition, the air flow channel 310 provided in the air channel plug 300 directly connects the air inlet 117 in the outer casing 100 to the air flow through channel 241 in the air flow sensor housing 240. Therefore, the air passage plug 300 and the air flow sensor housing 240 together form an air flow path from the air inlet to the cartridge holder 221. In particular, as indicated by arrow A, air enters the air inlet 117, passes through the air flow passage 310 of the air passage plug 300, and the air flow entering the air flow sensor housing 240 passes through the passage 241 and is guided to the cartridge In the base of the seat body 221, the vapor generated therein is extracted and carried to the suction nozzle 30. Because there is no air flow directly from the inlet on the air flow sensor, the air flow sensor is more sensitive to changes in air flow pressure caused by suction at the nozzle.

1: Electronic cigarette 10: Shell 12: Base 17: Air inlet 18: Air inlet pipe 19: Internal cavity 21: The first cartridge body 22: battery 30: Nozzle part 32: The second cartridge body 40: First Smoke Bomb 41: Second Smoke Bomb 42: steam passage 43: steam passage 60: Vaporizer 61: entrance 80: Pressure sensor housing 81: Pressure sensor cavity 82: Pressure channel 83: The main air flow runs through the channel 84: Pressure channel opening 85: first side 86: second side 87: protruding part 89: Wire through hole 90: pressure sensor 91: Membrane 100: Outer shell sleeve 101: open end 102: closed end 117: Air inlet 200: Function insert 220: PCB 221: Cigarette holder 222: Battery 240: Pressure sensor housing 241: The main air flow through the channel 242: Air flow sensor 243: Internal cavity 300: Air channel plug 301: Slot 302: Charging port 310: Air Channel 891: larger diameter opening 892: Second opening with reduced diameter 893: Film

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention by way of example, and in the accompanying drawings, similar features are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in which:

[Figure 1A] and [Figure 1B] respectively show an external view and a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention;

[Figure 2] shows a part of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention;

[Figure 3] Schematically shows a part of the electronic cigarette according to the present invention;

[Figure 4A] and [Figure 4B] schematically show views of the pressure sensor housing according to the present invention;

[Figure 5] schematically shows the pressure sensor housing according to the present invention;

[Figure 6] Schematically shows the electronic cigarette according to the present invention.

none

1: Electronic cigarette

10: Shell

17: Air inlet

18: Air inlet pipe

19: Internal cavity

21: The first cartridge body

30: Nozzle part

32: The second cartridge body

41: Second Smoke Bomb

43: steam passage

60: Vaporizer

80: Pressure sensor housing

83: The main air flow runs through the channel

Claims (16)

An electronic cigarette, including: A housing, the housing including an air inlet; Vaporizer A pressure sensor configured to activate the vaporizer in response to a sensed change in air pressure; A pressure sensor housing, the pressure sensor housing being positioned between the air inlet and the vaporizer, the pressure sensor housing including an internal cavity arranged to hold the pressure sensor; wherein, The pressure sensor housing includes a pressure channel extending between the internal cavity and a pressure channel opening on the outer surface of the pressure sensor housing, the pressure channel being arranged to place the pressure sensor In communication with the vaporizer; the pressure sensor housing further includes: The main air flow passes through the passage, and the main air flow passes through the passage to provide an air flow path between the air inlet and the vaporizer. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the pressure channel and the main air flow through channel are separated in the pressure sensor housing. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side of the pressure sensor housing faces the vaporizer, and the second opposite side of the pressure sensor housing faces the air inlet; wherein, the The pressure channel opens on the first side of the pressure sensor housing. The electronic cigarette according to claim 3, wherein the main air flow through passage extends through the pressure sensor housing from the second side to the first side. The electronic cigarette according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pressure sensor housing forms a seal across the internal volume of the electronic cigarette between the inlet and the vaporizer. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor housing includes an elastic material. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vaporizer includes a vaporizer air inlet, wherein the vaporizer air inlet is larger than the housing air inlet. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an internal cavity in the housing, and the internal cavity is positioned between the pressure sensor housing and the vaporizer. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor includes a flat pressure sensing surface, and the pressure channel is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface. The electronic cigarette according to claim 9, wherein the main air flow through passage is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the pressure sensing surface. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air inlet pipe arranged between the air inlet in the housing and the pressure sensor housing, wherein the air inlet pipe is connected The main air flow to the pressure sensor housing passes through the passage, so that the air inlet pipe and the main air flow pass through passage together provide an air flow path from the air inlet to the vaporizer. The electronic cigarette according to claim 11, wherein the pressure channel opening is provided on a protruding part of the pressure sensor housing, and the protruding part is sleeved in or around the air inlet pipe to prevent the air A sealed connection is provided between the inlet pipe and the main air flow through passage of the pressure sensor housing. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor housing includes one or more wire through holes extending through the housing for making connections between electrical components of the device pass through Through the pressure sensor housing, the holes include a film that seals one side of the wire through holes to prevent air from passing through the wire through holes. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an air passage plug, the air passage plug is positioned in the housing between the air inlet and the pressure sensor housing, wherein the air The channel plug includes an air inlet channel, and the air channel plug is arranged to provide a seal across the inner volume of the housing so that air entering the air inlet is restricted to pass through the air channel to the pressure sensor housing body. The electronic cigarette according to claim 14, wherein the air channel plug extends from the inner surface of the housing at the air inlet to the pressure sensor housing, and the air channel is connected to the pressure sensor housing. The main air flow channel of the sensor housing is connected. The electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a PCB, wherein the plane of the PCB is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the pressure sensing surface of the pressure sensor.

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