Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/05—Devices without heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/44—Wicks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
  • A61M11/005—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes using ultrasonics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators
  • A61M15/0085—Inhalators using ultrasonics
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators
  • A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M15/00—Inhalators
  • A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
  • A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/18—General characteristics of the apparatus with alarm
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
  • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated

Definitions

• the invention relates to an electronic cigarette making it possible to simulate a conventional cigarette in which tobacco is consumed.
• Resistance heating has several drawbacks.
• vaporization greatly raises the temperature of the liquid to be aspirated by the user.
• the liquid once vaporized, can reach temperatures well above 100 ° C.
• Some manufacturers offer electronic cigarettes in which the aspirated products reach temperatures of around 350 ° C. At these temperatures, the additives present in the vaporized liquid can be denatured. In particular, their chemical composition can be changed, which can lead to a change in the taste experienced by the user.
• the invention aims to overcome all or part of the problems mentioned above by providing an electronic cigarette where the vaporization of the liquid intended to be sucked by the user is avoided.
• the invention relates to an electronic cigarette in which the liquid is nebulized rather than vaporized.
• Nebulization consists of transforming the liquid into a cloud of extremely fine particles resembling a mist. During nebulization, the particles remain in liquid form. For this nebulization, it is therefore not necessary to provide the liquid with its latent heat of vaporization, which provides a significant gain in electrical consumption. In addition, nebulization does not raise the temperature of the liquid, which further reduces energy expenditure and allows the nebulized liquid to retain its properties.
• the invention relates to an electronic cigarette comprising:
• a porous membrane configured to nebulize the liquid, the membrane having the form of a thin film having two opposite faces distant from the thickness of the membrane, the liquid present in the reservoir coming into contact with a first of the two faces to pass through the membrane in its thickness,
• an actuator configured to vibrate the membrane so as to nebulize the liquid as it passes through the membrane.
• the electronic cigarette may further comprise a battery for supplying power to the actuator, the reservoir having an opening delimited by walls, the membrane being held on the walls to close the opening, an assembly formed by the membrane and the actuator integral with the membrane advantageously comprising a free end projecting from the walls, the free end comprising electrical pads connected to the actuator and allowing removable connection to the battery.
• the electronic cigarette comprises:
• a removable nozzle containing the reservoir, the membrane and the actuator, the nozzle being configured to allow a mixture of air and nebulized liquid.
• the electronic cigarette is configured to place the tip on the body, to ensure the air guidance upstream of the tip and to ensure the connection of the battery to the actuator in the same movement of translation.
• the body comprises elastic tabs connected to the battery, the electrical pads of the free end being arranged on either side. of the free end and the contacts of the body being configured to clamp the free end and connect to the electrical pads when the end piece is placed on the body.
• the electronic cigarette comprises a capillary element arranged inside the reservoir and in contact with the first face of the membrane, the capillary element being configured to drain the liquid from the reservoir towards the membrane.
• the capillary element comprises a first part disposed at the periphery of the reservoir so as to be bathed in the liquid contained in the reservoir and falling in the lower part of the reservoir by gravity for any orientation of the reservoir, the capillary element being absent from the center of the tank.
• the electronic cigarette can extend mainly along an axis.
• the reservoir advantageously has a tubular shape also extending along the axis, the reservoir being limited by a tubular wall and two plane walls perpendicular to the axis, the first part of the capillary element being of tubular shape and arranged in contact. with the tubular wall, the capillary element comprising a second radial part extending the first part so as to bring the liquid into contact with the membrane, the capillary element being absent from at least one of the two flat walls.
• the tip is advantageously configured to allow a mixture of air and nebulized liquid.
• the electronic cigarette advantageously further comprises a pressure sensor configured to detect an aspiration of a user and an electronic circuit receiving information from the pressure sensor and controlling the actuator as a function of the information received.
• the actuator is advantageously a piezoelectric actuator.
• the electronic cigarette advantageously further comprises a level sensor making it possible to measure a liquid level in the reservoir.
• the electronic circuit advantageously comprises a processor configured to transmit to a user of the electronic cigarette operating information of the electronic cigarette.
• the electronic cigarette advantageously further comprises sealing means arranged between the membrane and the reservoir.
• Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette according to the invention
• Figure 2 shows the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 provided with a housing
• Figures 3 and 4 show a reservoir, a membrane and an actuator of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1;
• Figure 5 shows a first variant of a removable tip of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1;
• Figure 6 shows a second variant of a removable tip of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1;
• Figure 7 illustrates the path of air in the electronic cigarette of Figure 1;
• FIG. 8 represents, in the form of a block diagram, various functions performed by the electronic cigarette of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of an electronic cigarette according to the invention.
• Figure 10 shows in section the electronic cigarette of Figure 9
• Figure 11 shows the interior of a body of the electronic cigarette of Figure 9;
• Figure 12 shows an end of the body adapted to receive a tip of the electronic cigarette of Figure 9;
• Figure 13 shows in section the tip intended to be placed on the end of the body shown in Figure 12;
• Figure 14 shows the inside of the body and the tip of Figures 12 and 13 when assembled;
• Figure 15 shows the tip in perspective.
• FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette 10 according to the invention.
• the cigarette 10 shown is of revolution and extends along an axis 12. Its various components are also of revolution. Other tubular shapes along the axis 12, or even more varied, are possible within the framework of the invention.
• the cigarette 10 comprises a reservoir 14 containing a product in liquid form intended to be nebulized in order to be aspirated by a user.
• the cigarette 10 also includes a membrane 16 and an actuator 18 configured to vibrate the membrane 16.
• the membrane 16 is porous in order to allow the liquid to pass in the form of a mist. The liquid remains in the liquid phase when it passes through the membrane 16.
• the liquid On leaving the membrane 16, the liquid is in the form of droplets of liquids, the characteristic dimension of which is of the order of 1 to 10 ⁇ m.
• the membrane 16 is perforated with orifices having a cross section the size of the droplets. More precisely, the membrane 16 has the form of a thin film having two opposite faces 16a and 16b distant from the thickness of the membrane 16.
• the membrane 16 extends mainly perpendicular to the axis 12.
• the liquid present in the reservoir 14 comes into contact with face 16a to pass through membrane 16 in its thickness.
• the vibration of the membrane 16 operated by the actuator 18 causes the liquid to pass through the membrane 16.
• the vibration of the membrane 16 causes its deformation, mainly perpendicular to its thickness.
• the cigarette 10 also comprises a capillary element 20 disposed inside the reservoir 14 and in contact with the membrane 16.
• the capillary element 20 makes it possible to drain the liquid contained in the reservoir 14 towards the membrane 16.
• the actuator 18 can be supplied electrically.
• the power supply can be external to the cigarette 10.
• the cigarette 10 is equipped with a battery 22 making it possible to power the actuator 18.
• Wiring wires not shown in FIG. 1, connect the battery 22 and the actuator 18.
• the actuator 18 is a piezoelectric actuator. This type of actuator is well suited to ultrasonic frequencies.
• the actuator 18 here has the shape of a washer centered around the axis 12 and drilled in its center to let the diaphragm 16 vibrate freely.
• the supply of the actuator 18 by the battery 22 can be controlled by means of a switch operated by the user when he wishes to use the cigarette 10.
• the power supply of the actuator 18 can be controlled when the user sucks on the cigarette 10.
• suction can be detected by means of a pressure sensor 24 configured to detect the user's suction. More precisely, the pressure sensor 24 is placed in a chamber 25 of the cigarette 10, the pressure of which drops when the user sucks on the cigarette 10.
• the cigarette 10 comprises an electronic circuit 26 receiving an electronic circuit. information from the pressure sensor 24 and controlling the actuator 18 as a function of the information received from the pressure sensor 24.
• the electronic circuit 26 may include a comparator connected to the pressure sensor 24 to one of its inputs and to a voltage reference to the other of its entries.
• the reference voltage is representative of the pressure below which the actuator 18 must be used.
• the output of the comparator delivers a binary signal depending on the sign of the difference between the signal received from the pressure sensor 24 and the reference voltage.
• the electronic circuit 26 may comprise a processor, for example included in a microcontroller and performing the comparison operation described by means of the comparator. The interest of the implementation of a processor is that it can also fulfill other tasks mentioned below.
• the electronic circuit 26 can be produced on a printed circuit.
• the pressure sensor 24 can be soldered to the printed circuit.
• Figure 2 shows the electronic cigarette 10 equipped with a housing comprising a body 30 and a tip 32 also visible in Figure 1.
• the body 30 has the shape of a tube extending along the axis 12 between two ends 34 and 36.
• the body 30 is open at its end 36 and closed at its end 34, except for the possibility of an air inlet which will be described later.
• the battery 22 and the electronic circuit 26 are inserted into the body 30 by its end 36.
• the end piece 32 may at least partly contain the reservoir 14 and the capillary element 20 as well as the membrane 16 and the actuator 18.
• L 'mouthpiece 32 can be removable and easily removable from body 30.
• the nozzle 32 and the components it contains can form an interchangeable element that the user changes when the reservoir 14 is empty or when he wishes to change the type of liquid. .
• Figures 3 and 4 show in perspective the reservoir 14, the membrane 16 and the actuator 18.
• the reservoir 14 is of tubular shape extending around the axis 12.
• An axial groove 40 is formed in one face external of a tubular wall 42 of the reservoir 14.
• the groove 40 extends parallel to the axis 12 and puts in communication the chamber 25 where the pressure sensor 24 is located and another chamber called the suction chamber 43 located in the tip 32 and in direct contact with the user's mouth. It is possible to make several grooves 40 in the wall 42 depending on the required air flow. In the suction chamber 43, the air mixes with the nebulized liquid.
• the reservoir extends along the axis 12 between two flat walls 44 and 46 perpendicular to the axis 12.
• the wall 44 comprises an opening 48 closed by the membrane 16.
• the membrane 16 is placed on the wall 44.
• the central part of the membrane 16 can vibrate freely opposite the opening 48.
• two electrical connections 50 and 52 appear between the two walls 44 and 46.
• the connections 50 and 52 allow the actuator 18 to be supplied with power. by the battery 22, for example through the electronic circuit 26.
• the electrical connections 50 and 52 can end in pads on which the elastic contacts belonging to the body 30 and connected to the electronic circuit 26 are supported.
• end 32 on the body 30 is made in a translational movement along axis 12. During this movement, the contacts of the body 30 come to rest on the pads of the electrical connections 50 and 52.
• Figure 5 shows the nozzle 32 in which are inserted the reservoir 14, the membrane 16 and the actuator 18.
• the nozzle 32 has a substantially conical shape around the axis 12 flaring from a first end 54 that the user brings to the mouth towards a second end 56 through which are inserted the reservoir 14, the membrane 16 and the actuator 18.
• its conical shape may have an angle at the end. almost zero apex at the end 54 and an angle at the apex increasing as it approaches the end 56.
• the end piece 32 may have a cylindrical portion 58 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter. of the body 30.
• the reservoir 14 can protrude from the end 56 in order to be inserted by fitting into the body 30.
• the reservoir allows the positioning of the end piece 32 relative to the body 30.
• a locking system not shown allows to temporarily fix the end piece 32 on the c orps 30.
• This system can be for example a screw-nut system or a bayonet system or a system of magnets.
• the membrane 16 and the actuator 18 are attached to the reservoir 14. This attachment can be provided by various means. It is in particular possible to provide a first film of glue between the membrane 16 and the reservoir 14 and a second film of glue between the actuator 18 and the diaphragm 16. Alternatively, it is possible to keep the actuator 18 and the valve under pressure. membrane 16 against the reservoir by means of a mechanical system and in particular by means of suitable shapes of the nozzle 32. For example, the conical shape of the nozzle 32 can hold the actuator 18 and the membrane 16 during the insertion of the reservoir 14 into the nozzle 32.
• the cigarette 10 advantageously comprises sealing means between the membrane 16 and the reservoir 14 in order to prevent liquid leaks from the reservoir 14.
• the first film of adhesive placed between the membrane 16 and the reservoir 14 can fulfill the sealing function.
• a seal 57 between the membrane 16 and the reservoir 14 has the form of '' a washer centered around the axis 12 and drilled in its center to let the membrane 16 vibrate freely.
• the seal 57 may have a flat shape similar to that of the actuator 18.
• the seal 57 has an O-ring shape and is disposed in an annular groove 59 winding around the axis 12.
• the groove 59 is produced in the wall 44 of the reservoir 14. The pressure exerted by the actuator 18 on the membrane 16 makes it possible to crush the seal 57 and ensure the desired seal.
• the capillary element 20 can completely fill the reservoir 14.
• the liquid contained in the reservoir completely wets the capillary element 20.
• the material forming the capillary element 20 is chosen so that, regardless of the orientation of the cigarette 10, the capillary element 20 remains homogeneously wetted by the liquid. This is obtained when the capillary forces are greater than the force of gravity in the dimensions of the reservoir 14. This is for example obtained with cotton wool. Other hydrophilic materials are of course possible.
• the capillary element 20 being in contact with the membrane 18, as long as the liquid is contained in the reservoir 14, this liquid will come into contact with the membrane 16. Thus all of the liquid contained in the reservoir 14 can be nebulized.
• FIG. 6 represents a variant of the reservoir 14 assembled in the nozzle 32 and making it possible to overcome this difficulty. To do this, it is possible to take advantage of the gravity which drives the liquid towards one of the walls of the reservoir 14.
• the capillary element 20 By arranging the capillary element 20 in a layer along the internal faces of the walls of the reservoir 14, and by extending the capillary element 20 to bring it into contact with the membrane 16, the liquid is conducted towards the membrane 16 as long as the liquid is contained in the reservoir 14 and regardless of the orientation of the cigarette 10.
• the element capillary 20 comprises a first part 60 disposed at the periphery of the reservoir 14 against its walls and a second part 62 extending the first part 60, the second part being in contact with the membrane 16.
• the first part 60 is bathed in whatever liquid.
• the orientation of the reservoir 14 and the second part 62 allows the liquid to be drained from the first part 60 towards the membrane 16.
• the axis 12 is oriented around a horizontal direction.
• the axis 12 can be inclined but it is rare that this axis is perfectly vertical.
• the first part 60 is only placed in contact with the tubular wall 42.
• the first part 60 is absent from at least one of the two walls 44 and 46.
• the second part 62 extends radially around the axis 12 of the first part 60 towards the membrane 16.
• Figure 7 illustrates the path of the air in the electronic cigarette 10.
• the cigarette 10 may include a connector 70 for recharging the battery 22.
• This connector is for example arranged according to the axis 12 on the end 34 of the body 30.
• the body 30 comprises an orifice 72 allowing outside air to reach the chamber 25. It is possible to use the functional clearance between the connector 70 and the body 30 as orifice 72.
• the air bypasses the battery 22 and the electronic circuit 26 to reach the chamber 25 where the pressure sensor is located 24.
• the path of the air around the battery 22 and the electronic circuit 26 is represented by arrows 74.
• the air leaves the chamber 25 to bypass the reservoir 14 through the groove 40 and thus reach the suction chamber 43 in the nozzle 32.
• the path of the air between the chamber 25 and the suction chamber 43 is indicated by an arrow 76.
• the suction chamber 43 the mixture between the air and the nebulized mist by the membrane 16 is achieved. It is possible to insert a seal 78 at the junction between the body 30 and the nozzle 32.
• the pressure sensor 24 can detect a vacuum during suction on the nozzle 32 by the user, the pressure drop undergone by the air upstream of the chamber 25 during its passage through the The orifice 72, along the battery 22 and the electronic circuit 26 must be greater than the pressure drop between the chamber 25 and the suction chamber 43.
• FIG. 8 represents, in the form of a block diagram, various functions performed by the electronic cigarette 10.
• a processor 80 forms the central element of the electrical architecture of the cigarette 10.
• the processor 80 receives information coming from the pressure sensor 24, information that it compares with a reference REF to control the actuator 18 triggering the nebulization.
• the triggering of the actuator 18 can be binary. More precisely, the actuator 18 is supplied as soon as the pressure in the chamber 25 is lower than a setpoint given by the reference REF. Alternatively, it is possible to use an actuator 18 whose amplitude can be modulated.
• the control of the actuator 18 can be proportional to the difference between the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 24 and the setpoint.
• the nebulization is proportional to the vacuum generated by the user when he aspires on the nozzle 32. In other words, the more the user inhales, the greater the nebulization.
• a switch 82 operable by the user and allowing the actuator to be stopped or started. 18. The switch is then placed in series between processor 80 and actuator 18.
• the processor 80 is powered by the battery 22 which can be recharged through the connector 70.
• the processor can manage the charge level of the battery 22.
• a general switch 84 can interrupt the general supply of the cigarette 10.
• the cigarette 10 can include a level sensor 86 making it possible to know the filling level of the reservoir 14.
• the level sensor 86 communicates with the processor 80.
• An alarm can be provided for example under in the form of a light-emitting diode present on the body 30 and making it possible to inform the user about the level of liquid in the reservoir 14.
• Communication module 88 can be wired and use connector 70 or wireless.
• the communication module 88 can transmit parameters of use of the cigarette, for example to inform the user on the state of charge of the battery 22, on the level of liquid in the reservoir 14, on its consumption of nicotine, when nicotine is present in the liquid present in the reservoir 14.
• the power supply to the actuator 18 may require an inverter generating an alternating voltage at ultrasonic frequency.
• This inverter is disposed between the actuator 18 and the processor 80 which controls it.
• Other converters may be necessary in particular to measure the voltage of the battery 22 and to convert the information received from the sensors 24 and 86 into binary information that can be used by the processor 80.
• a memory may be added to the processor 80 to store a program therein allowing its operation and to store information about the use of the cigarette 10.
• FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 9 represents an electronic cigarette 100 extending mainly along an axis 102.
• the electronic cigarette 100 comprises a body 104 and a removable tip 106.
• the cigarette 100 opens perpendicularly to the axis 102 and the user holds the cigarette 100 substantially vertically when using the electronic cigarette upright.
• the orientation of the opening of the nozzle 32 or 106 is given only by way of example and can follow any direction.
• FIG 10 shows in section the electronic cigarette 100 in a plane containing the axis 102.
• the tip 106 is mounted on the body 104.
• the cigarette 100 comprises a reservoir 108 containing a liquid to be nebulized, a membrane 110 and an actuator 112 configured to vibrate the membrane 110.
• the membrane 110 is porous in order to allow the liquid to pass in the form of. a fog.
• the liquid passes through the membrane 110 in its thickness from its face 110a, in contact with the liquid present in the reservoir 108, to its face 110b partially delimiting the suction chamber 114 where the nebulized liquid is mixed with water. air.
• the membrane 110 extends mainly parallel to the axis 102.
• Figure 11 shows in perspective the interior of the body 104 and allows to better distinguish the components which are arranged there.
• the circulation of air upstream of the suction chamber 114 essentially follows channels formed in the body 104.
• the air can enter the body 104 through the orifice 72 located around the connector 70 making it possible in particular to recharge the battery 22.
• the air then runs along the electronic circuit 26 and in particular the pressure sensor 24 then the battery 22.
• the path of the air is similar to that of the first embodiment and is indicated by the arrow 74.
• the body 104 comprises a protuberance 120 intended to be inserted into a receptacle 122, complementary to the nozzle 106, during the establishment of the nozzle 106 on the body 104.
• the protuberance 120 and the receptacle 122 make it possible to ensure the positioning of the tip 106 and of the body 104, to ensure the guiding of the air in the electronic cigarette 100 of the body 104 towards the tip 106 and the electrical connection of the body 104 and the tip 106 and more precisely from the battery 22 through the electronic circuit 26 and the actuator 112. Any other form than that shown is of course possible to perform these functions. It is for example possible to provide a protuberance in the tip 106 penetrating into a complementary receptacle of the body 104.
• the protuberance 120 and the receptacle 122 are configured to allow the fitting of the end piece 106 on the body 104 in a translational movement along the axis 102.
• the electrical connection of the body 104 and of the nozzle 106 can be achieved in different ways. It is for example possible to have respectively in the protuberance 120 and in the receptacle 122 two parts of a connector cooperating with one another. It is also possible to provide in the end piece 106 electrical connections ending in pads as shown in Figure 4. Resilient contacts belonging to the body 104 come to rest on these pads.
• FIGS 12, 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment of the electrical connection of the nozzle 106 on the body 104 particularly simple to implement.
• the diaphragm 110 is in the form of a disc and the actuator 112 is in the form of a washer surrounding the disc.
• the reservoir 108 forms a volume delimited by walls 124.
• the reservoir 108 has an opening 126 closed by the membrane 110.
• the membrane 110 is held on the walls 124 to close the opening 126.
• the actuator 112 is integral with the membrane. 110.
• the assembly formed by the membrane 110 and the actuator 112 has a free end 127 projecting beyond the walls 124.
• the assembly formed by the membrane 110 and the actuator 112 has a substantially flat shape projecting beyond walls 124 of the reservoir 108 so that the two faces of the flat shape can be accessed.
• the free end 127 comprises electrical pads 128 connected to the actuator 112.
• the pads 128 allow a removable connection to the battery 22.
• the body 104 comprises elastic tabs 129 electrically connected to the battery 22 via the intermediary. of the electronic circuit 26. When the end piece 106 is placed on the body 104, the resilient tongues 129 come into contact with the pads 128 to allow the actuator 112 to be powered.
• the pads 128 can be arranged on the same face of the free end 127 or, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, each on one face. The elastic tabs 129 then clamp the free end 127.
• the filling of the reservoir 108 can be achieved through the opening 126 before closing the opening 126 by the assembly formed by the membrane 110 and the actuator 112. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an additional opening of the reservoir 108 for its filling.
• the end piece 106 may include a cover 130 formed in two parts 130a and 130b.
• the reservoir 108, the membrane 110 and the actuator 112 can be maintained between the two parts 130a and 130b of the cover 130.
• the reservoir 108 can be made of a material having elastic properties such that the assembly of the two parts 130a and 130b pressurizes the membrane 110 against the reservoir 108 and seals the reservoir 108 at the level of its opening 126. It is for example possible to make the reservoir 108 in a silicone-based material.
• an orifice 132 can be provided in one of the parts 130a or 130b or at the junction between these two parts. Port 132 provides access to reservoir 108 from the outside.
• the reservoir 108 can be filled by means of a syringe introduced through the orifice 132 and piercing a wall of the reservoir 108.
• the silicone exhibiting self-healing properties, the sealing of the reservoir 108 is not compromised when the syringe is withdrawn. .

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Anesthesiology (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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• Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

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• 2019
  • 2019-11-15 FR FR1912760A patent/FR3103084B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-11-16 WO PCT/EP2020/082207 patent/WO2021094602A1/fr unknown
  • 2020-11-16 EP EP20803873.7A patent/EP4057849A1/de active Pending

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