EP4649843A1

EP4649843A1 - Heating unit for a vaporizing device, pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device and system comprising the heating unit and the pod

Info

Publication number: EP4649843A1
Application number: EP24176620.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juraj LEHOCKY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2024-05-17
Filing date: 2024-05-17
Publication date: 2025-11-19

Abstract

A heating unit (30) for a vaporizing device (1) comprising a support body (31) removably connected to a main body (2) of a vaporizing device (1), a heating member (32), a conduit (33) connected to a pod (10) for the containment of the liquid to deliver liquid to the heating member (32), a twisted wick (35) arranged in the conduit (33) to transfer the liquid from the pod (10) to the heating member (32); the pod (10) for the containment of liquid comprising a housing (11) removably connected to the heating unit (30), the housing (11) comprising a reservoir (12) for the liquid, a duckbill valve (14) connected to the housing (11) and arranged at the aperture (13) thereof being switchable between a closed configuration to impede the exit of the liquid, when the housing (11) is decoupled from the heating unit (30), and an open configuration to allow the exit of the liquid, when the housing (11) is coupled to the heating unit (30), one blocking element (25) arranged to maintain the duckbill valve (14) in position.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a heating unit for a vaporizing device, a pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device and a system comprising the heating unit and the pod.
In particular, the present invention relates to a heating unit and a pod for the containment of liquid that can be used in a vaporizing device using a liquid to be heated and vaporized to be inhaled by a user.

Background

Vaporizing devices for vaporizing a liquid to be inhaled by a user are largely common items nowadays.
They usually comprise a main body having a heating unit connected with a battery and a control unit. A pod for the containment of the liquid to be vaporized is connected to the main body in such a way that the liquid can be transferred from the pod to a heater of the heating unit.
Both the pods and the heating units of the known vaporizing device need to be replaced after a certain period of time.
According to an example of the prior art, the pods and the heating units are connected together, so that it is necessary to replace them together.
However, the heating unit usually has a longer lifetime. Hence, frequently, when the pod has to be replaced, the heating unit could be used for a longer period.
Additionally, the heating unit is often made of materials which are difficult to recycle.
Therefore, the disposal and recycling of the heating units connected to the pods are difficult and problematic.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heating unit for a vaporizing device, a pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device and a system comprising the heating unit and the pod able to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a heating unit for a vaporizing device, a pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device and system comprising the heating unit and the pod which can be easily, effectively and removably connected to each other.
This is achieved by means of the heating unit for a vaporizing device of claim 1, the pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device of claim 6 and the system comprising the heating unit and the pod of claim 15.
According to the invention, the heating unit for a vaporizing device comprises a support body configured to be removably connected to a main body of a vaporizing device, a heating member for heating a liquid arranged in the support body, a conduit configured to be connected to a pod for the containment of the liquid to deliver liquid to the heating member, a twisted wick arranged in the conduit to transfer the liquid from the pod to the heating member.
Due to this configuration, the heating unit according to the invention can be coupled and decoupled with a pod for the containment of liquid in an easy, quick and effective way.
Therefore, the heating unit according to the present invention can be replaced, disposed and recycled separately from the pod for the containment of liquid.
Additionally, the twisted wick allows air bubbles to enter the replaceable pod, thereby allowing pressure equalization. Further, potential leakage, for example at the interface between the pod and the heater (e.g. between the pod and the inlet nozzle) through the bubble path created by the twisted wick is captured by the wick, thus preventing leakage.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conduit may comprise an inlet nozzle protruding from the support body and arranged at an end of the conduit configured to couple with a valve, preferably a duckbill valve, of the pod.
This allows a safe connection between the heating unit and the pod, avoiding any leakage of liquid from the pod when the pod is decoupled from the heating unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating unit may comprise two or more conduits, preferably each comprising a corresponding inlet nozzle. Preferably, the conduits may protrude from the support body at least in part parallel to each other.
This configuration allows to obtain a more efficient and uniform conveyance of the liquid contained in the pod to the heating member of the heating unit, also allowing a substantially equally distributions of the liquid within the conduits.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each conduit may comprise a first portion and a second portion orthogonal to the first portion; the first portions being aligned to each other.
This allows to obtain a substantially symmetrical configuration of the conduits. This allows a simplification of the heating unit manufacture. Additionally, the flow of the liquid to the heating member is uniform and efficient.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the two or more conduits, preferably the two or more conduits and the corresponding inlet nozzles, may be fluidically connected to the heating member by means of said wick, preferably a single wick.
The wick allows the passage of an appropriate amount of the liquid along the conduits to the heating member due to the capillarity effect. Advantageously, the presence of a single wick allows to provide a balance in the transport of the liquid in the respective conduits.
Additionally, the single wick prevents leakage around the heater area since the wick is not cut. Indeed, when the wick is cut, it might not be able to hold the liquid, causing undesired leakages.
According to the invention, the pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device comprises a housing configured to be removably connected to the heating unit, the housing comprising a reservoir for storing the liquid to be vaporized and at least an aperture for letting the liquid out; the pod further comprises a duckbill valve connected to the housing and arranged at the aperture, the duckbill valve being switchable between a closed configuration to impede the exit of the liquid, when the housing is coupled to the heating unit, and an open configuration to allow the exit of the liquid, when the housing is coupled to the heating unit, at least one blocking element arranged to maintain the duckbill valve in position.
Due to this configuration, the pod for the containment of liquid according to the invention can be coupled and decoupled with the heating unit in an easy, quick and effective way.
Therefore, the pod for the containment of liquid according to the present invention can be replaced, disposed and recycled separately from heating unit.
With specific reference to the duckbill valve, it prevents undesired leakage of the liquid from the reservoir both when the pod for the containment of liquid is decoupled from the heating unit and when they are coupled together.
Indeed, when the pod is coupled with the heating unit, the conduit of the heating unit enters the duckbill valve, thereby opening it, but impeding leakage of liquid between the valve and the conduit.
On the other end, when the pod for the containment of liquid is decoupled from the heating unit, the duckbill valve returns in a closed configuration, avoiding leakage of liquid.
Furthermore, the blocking element avoids any undesired displacement of the duckbill valve when coupling and decoupling the pod with the heating unit. This guarantees the seal of the valve.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blocking element may be arranged between the housing and the duckbill valve.
This feature allows an effective and stable connection of the duckbill valve with the housing, thereby keeping the duckbill valve in the correct position and avoiding any displacement thereof.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve may comprise an annular base and a deformable cylindrical portion protruding from the annular base; the blocking element being at least in part arranged on the annular base.
This configuration allows to improve the effectiveness of the blocking element. Indeed, the annular base is a structural element of the duckbill valve which has a greater rigidity and can bear a greater load. Therefore, the blocking element can perform a more efficient action on the annular base.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing of the pod may comprise at least one sleeve arranged at the aperture; the duckbill valve being arranged in the sleeve.
Due to this feature, the duckbill valve can be easily and efficiently housed in the sleeve. In other words, the sleeve allows to house the duckbill valve stably and reliably, permitting the duckbill valve to remain in its position.
Additionally, the sleeve simplifies the placement of the duckbill valve during manufacturing.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may comprise a seat to accommodate the annular base.
The seat allows to house the annular base of the duckbill valve in a stable and reliable manner. As already mentioned, the annular base is a structural element having a greater rigidity and effectively contributes to the stable connection of the duckbill valve in the seat of the sleeve.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blocking element may comprise a plurality of locking bumps arranged on an external surface of the annular base.
Due to this feature, the locking bumps interact with the housing of the pod to increase the strength between the duckbill valve and the housing, thereby increasing the stability and reliability of the duckbill valve positioning.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking bumps may be linear bumps arranged along a direction having at least a component orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve.
This configuration allows to increase the efficiency of the locking bumps. Indeed, when in use and when the pod for the containment of liquid is coupled and decoupled with the heating unit, the duckbill valve is subjected to forces having a predominant component along its longitudinal axis. The locking bumps having a component orthogonal to the longitudinal axis help to oppose such forces, keeping the duckbill valve in the correct position.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking bumps may be arranged along a direction inclined with reference to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve.
Due to this configuration, the duckbill valve can be easily installed in the sleeve, while maintaining the necessary stability and reliance. Indeed, the component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve simplifies the installation thereof in the sleeve, which is made by pushing the duckbill valve in a direction parallel to its longitudinal direction. At the same time, the locking bumps component orthogonal to the longitudinal direction impedes any displacement along that direction when the duckbill valve is installed.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the blocking element may further comprise a retaining ring arranged in the seat and against the annular base of the duckbill valve to maintain the annular base in the seat.
The retaining ring is arranged against the annular base of the duckbill valve to firmly keep it in the seat. This contributes to avoid any undesired displacement of the duckbill valve during use.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining ring may be press-fitted in the seat.
This configuration realizes a quick and safe placement of the retaining ring in the seat. Indeed, during manufacture, the retaining ring is simply pushed into the seat against the annular base of the duckbill valve.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve may comprise at least a bottom sealing rib having a circular shape arranged at an internal surface of the annular base.
This allows to avoid undesired leakage of liquid when the pod for the containment of liquid is coupled to the heating unit. In detail, in this configuration, the conduit of the heating unit is placed in the duckbill valve. Therefore, the bottom sealing rib defines a seal between the conduit and the annular base of the duckbill valve, preventing any leakage.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve may comprise at least a top sealing rib having a circular shape arranged on an internal surface of the cylindrical portion at an end portion thereof; preferably the duckbill valve may comprise two top sealing ribs that are parallel to each other.
The top sealing rib achieves the same effect of the bottom sealing rib, thereby providing a seal between the conduit and the annular base of the duckbill valve, preventing any leakage. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical portion may comprise an extended sealing sleeve folded back and defining the end of the duckbill valve.
This feature allows to increase the seal of the duckbill valve when the pod is decoupled from the heating unit. In detail, in the decoupled configuration, the duckbill valve is not occupied by the conduit and the cylindrical portion of the duckbill valve tends to collapse to impede liquid to exit from the pod. The extended sealing sleeve provides an additional sealing effect as it is folded back in the uncoupled configuration. When the pod is coupled to the heating unit, the conduit also extends the extended sealing sleeve.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve may comprise at least a reinforcing ring arranged on an end portion of the cylindrical portion, preferably made of an elastic material.
The reinforcing ring strengthens the end portion of the cylindrical portion by stiffening it. Therefore, the end portion of the cylindrical portion increases its sealing effect when the pod is both coupled to and decoupled from the heating unit.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve may comprise at least two flexible inserts embedded in the cylindrical portion at an end portion thereof.
The two flexible inserts strengthen the end portion of the cylindrical portion by stiffening it. Therefore, the end portion of the cylindrical portion increases its sealing effect when the pod is both coupled to and decoupled from the heating unit.
According to the invention, a system comprising the pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device and the heating unit for the vaporizing device, wherein the conduit is insertable in the duckbill valve to switch it from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Hereinafter, the invention will be further described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, in which

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vaporizing device comprising a heating unit for a vaporizing device and a pod for the containment of liquid according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the vaporizing device of Fig. 1 in an exploded view;
Fig. 3 shows the exploded view of Fig. 2 in a sectional view;
Figs. 4a to 7 represent respective views of corresponding embodiments of a duckbill valve of the pod for the containment of liquid according to the present invention;
Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the pod for the containment of liquid according to the present invention.
Fig. 9 shows a view of an embodiment of a twisted wick of the heating unit according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to the attached figures, a pod for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device according to the invention is indicated with the numeral 10 and a heating unit for a vaporizing device according to the invention is indicated with the numeral 30.
According to the attached figures, the vaporizing device is indicated with the numeral 1.
The vaporizing device 1 may comprise the pod 10 for the containment of liquid according to the invention and the heating unit 30 according to the invention.
Further, the vaporizing device 1 may comprise a main body 2. The main body 2 preferably has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1.
Preferably, the main body 2 may contain the components necessary for the functioning of the vaporizing device 1, such as the electronic control element 5 and the battery 6, for example.
The main body 2 may comprise a coupling portion 3 configured to house the heating device 30. The coupling portion 3 may present at least an alignment slit 4 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1.
Preferably, the coupling portion 3 presents two alignment slits 4 extending along the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1 in opposed positions in a planar symmetrical configuration.
The heating unit 30 is configured to be coupled with the main body 2 of the vaporizing device 1.
The heating unit 30 comprises a support body 31 configured to be removably connected to the main body 2 of the vaporizing device 1. Specifically, the support body 31 is configured to be removably connected to the coupling portion 3 of the main body 2.
For example, the support body 31 may be made of food-grade ABS plastic or polycarbonate. As a mere example, the support body 31 may be injection molded or 3D printed.
The support body 31 may comprise an alignment pin 36 protruding therefrom along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1.
When the heating unit 30 is coupled to the main body 2, the alignment pin 36 is housed and moves along the alignment slit 4 to allow a correct positioning of the support body 31 with respect to the coupling portion 3.
Preferably, the support body 31 may comprise two alignment pins 36 protruding therefrom along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1 in opposed positions in a planar symmetrical configuration. When the heating unit 30 is coupled to the main body 2, each alignment pin 36 is housed and moves along the corresponding alignment slit 4.
The heating unit 30 further comprises a heating member 32 arranged in the support body 31 for heating a liquid. Specifically, the support body 31 may comprise a central cavity 37 housing the heating member 32.
The central cavity 37 is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30. When the heating unit 30 is coupled to the main body 2 of the vaporizing device 1, the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30 may substantially coincide with the longitudinal axis of the vaporizing device 1.
For example, the heating member 32 may be a coil made of stainless steel, nickel, titanium or Kanthal^®.
The heating unit 30 according to the invention further comprises at least a conduit 33 configured to be connected to the pod 10 for the containment of the liquid to deliver liquid to the heating member 32.
The conduit 33 may comprise a first portion and a second portion orthogonal to the first portion. More in detail, the first portion may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30, while the second portion may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30.
Furthermore, the conduit 33 may comprise an inlet nozzle 34 protruding from the support body 31 and arranged at an end of the conduit 33. Specifically, the inlet nozzle 34 may be arranged at an end of the second portion. The inlet nozzle 34 is configured to couple with a valve of the pod 10 which will be described later.
The conduit 33 may be fluidically connected to the heating member 32. This ensures efficient heating and vaporization of the liquid.
In detail, the conduit 33 may be fluidically connected to the central cavity 37 housing the heating member 32. More in detail, the first portion of the conduit 33 may develop from the central cavity 37.
Preferably, the heating unit 30 may comprise two or more conduits 33.
Each conduit 33 may comprise the first and the second portion orthogonal to each other. Each first portion may develop from the central cavity 37. The second portions of the conduits 33 may be parallel to each other.
Further, each conduit 33 may comprise a corresponding inlet nozzle 34 arranged at the end of each second portion.
According to the example disclosed in the figures, the heating unit 30 may comprise two conduits 33. In this case, the first portions of the two conduits 33 may be aligned to each other.
In other words, according to the disclosed example, the conduits 33 are arranged in a planar symmetrical configuration with regard to the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30.
The heating unit 30 according to the present invention further comprises a wick 35 arranged in the conduit 33 to transfer the liquid from the pod 10 to the heating member 32.
The wick 35 allows the transfer of liquid along the conduit 33 by means of capillarity effect.
According to the invention, the wick 35 is twisted (see for example Fig. 9).
Preferably, the wick 35 is twisted with a pitch of 2 to 5 mm. The term pitch it is used herein to indicate the linear distance for a complete turn (preferably along a longitudinal axis) of the wick. This allows to obtain an effective balance in the transport of the liquid in the respective conduits 33.
For example, the wick 35 may be preferably made of cotton. Alternatively, the wick 35 may be made of silica.
The wick is preferably made by a single thread (for example a thread of cotton fibres) that it is twisted.
For example, the thread of the wick can be twisted by providing a complete turn (thus the pitch) in the linear extension (along a longitudinal axis) of 2 to 5 mm.
The diameter of the wick, preferably of a single thread, can be 3 to 1 mm, preferably 2 mm.
The wick, preferably the single thread, can be provided with a straight portion intended to be inserted in a first portion of the conduit 33. The straight portion can have a length of 12 to 8 mm, preferably of about 10mm.
As for example shown in Fig. 9, the wick 35 can be provided as a single wick having two parallel straight portions, thus forming a substantially U-shaped.
A coil of the heating member 32 can be arranged in a central, linear portion of the wick 35. The coil is in contact with the wick 35, thus forming a helical groove 35a (see for example Fig. 9).
It has to be noted that the coil is not shown in Fig. 9 to show the helical groove 35a. In use, the coil of the heating member 32 is at least in part housed in the helical groove 35a.
When the heating unit 30 comprises said two or more conduits 33, the heating unit 30 may comprise a single wick 35 arranged inside the conduits 33.
The support body 31 may also comprise a coupling body 38 arranged along the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30. The coupling body is configured to be coupled with the pod 10 to improve stability of the connection.
Preferably, the coupling body 38 may be cylindrical and coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30.
Preferably, the heating unit 30 may also comprise an output duct 39 developing from the support body 32 along the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30. The output duct 39 may be in fluidic communication with the central cavity 37 to take the vaporized liquid from the heating unit 30.
Preferably, the output duct 39 may be arranged inside the coupling body 38. Preferably, the output duct 39 may be coaxial with the coupling body 38.
Next, the pod 10 for the containment of liquid according to the invention is described.
The pod 10 comprises a housing 11 configured to be removably connected to the heating unit 30.
The housing 11 develops along a longitudinal axis of the pod 10. When the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30, the longitudinal axis of the pod 10 substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 30.
The housing 11 is at least in part hollow and comprises a reservoir 12 for storing the liquid to be transferred to the heating unit 30 and vaporized. An opening (not shown) is arranged in the housing 11 to have access to the reservoir 12 to fill it.
Further, the housing 11 presents at least an aperture 13 to let the liquid out of the reservoir 12.
According to the invention, at least a duckbill valve 14 is connected to the housing 11 and arranged at the aperture 13 to control the discharge of the liquid contained in the reservoir 12.
In detail, the duckbill valve 14 is switchable between a closed configuration to impede the exit of the liquid and an open configuration to allow the exit of the liquid.
The closed configuration is taken when the pod 10 is decoupled with the heating unit 30 and the open configuration is taken when the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30. More specifically, the closed configuration is taken when the housing 11 of the pod 10 is decoupled from the heating unit 30 and the open configuration is taken when the housing 11 of the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30.
The switching mechanism will be described in detail later.
The housing 11 may further comprise at least a sleeve 24 arranged at the aperture 13. The space within the sleeve 24 may be in fluidic connection with the reservoir 12 through the aperture 13.
The sleeve 24 may be cylindrical-shaped. Preferably, the sleeve 24 is coaxial with the aperture 13. Preferably, the sleeve 23 may protrude from a base of the housing 11 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pod 10. Preferably, the sleeve 23 may protrude from a base of the housing 11 away from the reservoir 12.
The duckbill valve 14 may be arranged in the sleeve 24 to provide a stable connection between the duckbill valve 14 and the housing 12 at the aperture 13.
More in detail, the duckbill valve 14 may comprise an annular base 15 and a deformable cylindrical portion 16 protruding from the annular base 15.
Preferably, the annular base 15 and the deformable cylindrical portion 16 are made in one piece. For example, the duckbill valve 14 is made of rubber, preferably high-temperature food grade silicon.
The annular base 15 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 16. Further, the annular base 15 may have a thickness larger than the thickness of the cylindrical portion 16.
In view of this, the annular base 15 may have a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the cylindrical portion 16. Therefore, the annular base 15 may provide a structural and supportive function.
The cylindrical portion 16 may be deformable to assume a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration.
In detail, in the collapsed configuration, the wall defining the cylindrical portion 16 is flattened on itself in such a way that a passage therethrough is completely closed. This configuration is assumed as a resting position. In other words, this configuration is assumed when the duckbill valve 14, and specifically, the cylindrical portion 16, is not occupied by any element.
In the extended configuration, the wall defining the cylindrical portion 16 is widened by a specific element which penetrates the cylindrical portion 16 allowing the passage of fluid.
In this regard, when the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30, the conduit 33 enters the duckbill valve 14 and widens the cylindrical portion 16 from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration to define the open configuration of the duckbill valve 14. In this configuration, the liquid contained in the reservoir 12 can exit through the aperture 13 and can reach the conduit 33 and the wick 35 contained therein to deliver the liquid to the heating member 32.
When the pod 10 is decoupled from the heating unit 30, the conduit 33 are extracted from the duckbill valve 14. When the duckbill valve 14 is not occupied by the conduit 33 anymore, the cylindrical portion 16 autonomously returns to the resting position, collapsing on itself, reaching the collapsed configuration to define the closed configuration of the duckbill valve 14. In this case, the liquid is prevented from exiting the reservoir 12.
The sleeve 24 may comprise a seat 26 arranged therein to accommodate the annular base 15 of the duckbill valve 14.
The seat 26 may be defined on an internal lateral surface of the sleeve 24. Preferably, the seat 26 may be annular-shaped. Preferably, the seat 26 may have a diameter substantially equal to the outermost diameter of the annular base 15 in such a way to avoid any displacement of the annular base 16 along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the pod 10.
The sleeve 24 may also present an accommodation portion 24a of the internal surface having a diameter lower than the diameter of the seat 26. The diameter of the accommodation portion 24a of the internal surface may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical portion 16 of the duckbill valve 15 to accommodate it.
The seat 26 and the accommodation portion 24a are separated by a step defined by an annular contact surface 24b arranged between the seat 26 and the accommodation portion 24a.
When the duckbill valve 14 is arranged in the seat 26, the annular base 15 is in contact with the lateral cylindrical surface defining the seat 26 and with the annular contact surface 24b.
According to the invention, the pod 10 further comprises at least one blocking element 25 arranged to maintain the duckbill valve 14 in position.
The blocking element 25 may be at least in part arranged on the annular base 15.
For example, the blocking element 25 may comprise a plurality of locking bumps 23 arranged on an external surface of the annular base 15. The locking bumps 25 may protrude from a lateral surface of the annular base 15.
Preferably, the locking bumps 23 may be linear bumps arranged along a direction having at least a component orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve 14. The longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve 14 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pod 10.
Preferably, the locking bumps 23 are arranged along a direction inclined with reference to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve 14.
When the duckbill valve 14 is arranged in the seat 26, the locking bumps 23 are in contact with the seat 26 increasing the friction therebetween, impeding any displacement of the annual base 15 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve 15.
Additionally, the blocking element 25 may comprise a retaining ring 27 arranged in the seat 26 and against the annular base 15 of the duckbill valve 14 and to maintain the annular base 15 in the seat 26.
In detail, the retaining ring 27 may be arranged in the seat 26 in such a way to be parallel to the annular contact surface 24b and the annular base 15.
The retaining ring 27 may be arranged in such a way to push the annular base 15 against the annular contact surface 24b
Additionally, the retaining ring 27 may be press-fitted in the seat 26 in such a way to press against the lateral surface defining the seat 26 and to be maintained in position due to interference.
Considering again the duckbill valve 15, in the following a description of various embodiments will be given.
With reference to Fig. 4c, the duckbill valve 14 may comprise at least a bottom sealing rib 18 having a circular shape arranged at an internal surface of the annular base 15. The bottom sealing rib 18 may protrude inwards from the internal surface of the annular base 15.
This allows to avoid undesired leakage of liquid when the pod for the containment of liquid is coupled to the heating unit. In detail, in this configuration, the conduit of the heating unit is placed in the duckbill valve. Therefore, the bottom sealing rib defines a seal between the conduit and the annular base of the duckbill valve, preventing any leakage.
Still considering Fig. 4c, the duckbill valve 14 may comprise at least a top sealing rib 19 arranged on an internal surface of the cylindrical portion 16 at an end portion 16a thereof. The top sealing rib 19 may protrude inwards from the internal surface of the cylindrical portion 16.
The top sealing rib 19 may assume a circular shape when the cylindrical portion 16 is in the extended configuration as being occupied by the conduit 33.
Preferably, the duckbill valve 1 may comprise two top sealing ribs 19 that are parallel to each other along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve 14.
The top sealing ribs achieve the same effect of the bottom sealing rib, thereby providing a seal between the conduit and the annular base of the duckbill valve, preventing any leakage.
With reference to Fig. 5, according to an embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical portion 16 may comprise an extended sealing sleeve 20 folded back and defining the end 14a of the duckbill valve 14.
In detail, when the pod 10 is decoupled from the heating unit 30, as already mentioned, the duckbill valve 14 is not occupied by the conduit 33 and the cylindrical portion 16 of the duckbill valve 14 is in the collapsed configuration. As the extended sealing sleeve 20 is folded back, it provides for additional sealing effect as it.
When the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30, the conduit 33 is introduced in the duckbill valve 14 and it extends the cylindrical portion 16 and the extended sealing sleeve 20, unrolling it and opening the passage for the liquid.
With reference to Fig. 6, according to an embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve 14 may comprise at least a reinforcing ring 21 arranged on the end portion 16a of the cylindrical portion 16, preferably made of an elastic material, to stiffen the end portion 16a, increasing the sealing effect.
With reference to Figs. 7a and 7b, according to an embodiment of the invention, the duckbill valve 14 may comprise at least two flexible inserts 22 embedded in the end portion 16a cylindrical portion 16.
Preferably, the flexible inserts 22 may be made of a material having a higher stiffness than the material of the duckbill valve 14 to increase the rigidity of the end portion 16a of the cylindrical portion 16.
The housing 11 of the pod 10 may comprise two or more apertures 13 and two or more corresponding sleeves 24 arranged at the apertures 13.
In this case, the pod 10 may further comprise two or more duckbill valves 14, each arranged in a respective sleeve 24, with corresponding blocking means 25.
The apertures 12, the sleeves 24, the duckbill valves 14 and the blocking elements 25 are the same as those described above.
In the example described in the drawings, the housing 11 of the pod 10 may comprise two apertures 13 and two corresponding sleeves 24 arranged at the apertures 13.
In this case, the pod 10 may further comprise two duckbill valves 14, each arranged in a respective sleeve 24.
The apertures 12, the sleeves 24 and the duckbill valves 14 together with the described blocking element 25 are arranged in a planar symmetrical configuration with regard to the longitudinal axis of the pod 10.
In any case, preferably, the number and position of apertures 12, sleeves 24 and duckbill valves 14 are equal to the number and position of the conduits 33 of the heating unit 30 to allow an effective coupling therebetween.
Coming back to the housing 11, it may further comprise an output tube 28 to let the vaporized liquid coming from the heating unit 30 to exit and to be inhaled by a user. The output tube 28 is preferably arranged inside the reservoir 12 along the longitudinal axis of the pod 10. Preferably, the output tube 28 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the pod 10.
When the pod 10 is coupled to the heating unit 30, the output tube 28 is preferably in fluid communication with the output duct 39 of the heater 30. Preferably, the output tube 28 is aligned and coaxial with the output duct 39 of the heater 30.
Additionally, the housing 12 may comprise a coupling element 12a arranged at the base of the housing 12 configured to be coupled and in contact with the coupling body 38 of the heating unit 30 when the pod 10 is coupled with the heating unit 30.
Preferably, the coupling element 12a of the pod 10 is counter-shaped (e.g. it is shaped in a complementary way) with respect to the coupling body 38 of the heating unit 30 to provide a stable connection between the pod 10 and the heating unit 30 when they are coupled together.
Further, the housing 12 may comprise at least one alignment tab 29 configured to be slidably inserted in the alignment slit 4 of the main body 2 of the vaporizing device 1 when both the pod 10 and the heating unit 30 are coupled with the main body 2.
Preferably, the housing 12 may comprise two alignment tabs 29 protruding therefrom along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the pod 10 in opposed positions in a planar symmetrical configuration.
Preferably, when the pod 10 and the heating unit 30 are coupled to the main body 2, each alignment tab 29 is housed and moves along the corresponding alignment slit 4.
According to the invention, it is also provided a system comprising the pod 10 for the containment of liquid and the heating unit 30 as described above.
As already mentioned, the conduit 33 of the heating unit 30 is configured to be inserted in the duckbill valve 14 of the pod 10 to switch it from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
Naturally, the description set forth herein above concerning embodiments and examples that apply the principles recognized by the inventors is provided solely by way of example of these principles and is therefore not to be understood as a limitation of the scope of the invention claimed herein. Thus, although detailed embodiments and examples have been described, they only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention defined by the independent claim and are not to be seen as limiting.

Claims

Heating unit (30) for a vaporizing device (1) comprising:
a support body (31) configured to be removably connected to a main body (2) of a vaporizing device (1);

a heating member (32) for heating a liquid arranged in the support body (31);

a conduit (33) configured to be connected to a pod (10) for the containment of the liquid to deliver liquid to the heating member (32);

further comprising a wick (35) arranged in the conduit (33) to transfer the liquid from the pod (10) to the heating member (32);

wherein the wick (35) is twisted.
Heating unit (30) according claim 1, wherein the conduit (33) comprising an inlet nozzle (34) protruding from the support body (31) and arranged at an end of the conduit (33) configured to couple with a valve (14), preferably a duckbill valve, of the pod (10).
Heating unit (30) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two or more conduits (33) each comprising a corresponding inlet nozzle (34); preferably the conduits (33) protruding from the support body (31) at least in part parallel to each other.
Heating unit (30) according to claim 3, wherein each conduit (33) comprises a first portion and a second portion orthogonal to the first portion; the first portions being aligned to each other.
Heating unit (30) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said two or more conduits (33) and the corresponding inlet nozzle (34) are fluidically connected to the heating member (32) by means of said wick (35), preferably a single wick (35).
Pod (10) for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device (1), comprising:
a housing (11) configured to be removably connected to a heating unit (30) of a vaporizing device (1); the housing (11) comprising a reservoir (12) for storing the liquid to be vaporized and at least an aperture (13) for letting the liquid out;

a duckbill valve (14) connected to the housing (11) and arranged at the aperture (13); the duckbill valve (14) being switchable between a closed configuration to impede the exit of the liquid, when the housing (11) is decoupled from the heating unit (30), and an open configuration to allow the exit of the liquid, when the housing (11) is coupled to the heating unit (30);

at least one blocking element (25) arranged to maintain the duckbill valve (14) in position.
Pod (10) according to claim 6, wherein the blocking element (25) is arranged between the housing (11) and the duckbill valve (14).
Pod (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the duckbill valve (14) comprises an annular base (15) and a deformable cylindrical portion (16) protruding from the annular base (15); the blocking element (25) being at least in part arranged on the annular base (15).
Pod (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the housing (11) comprises at least one sleeve (24) arranged at the aperture (12); wherein the duckbill valve (14) is arranged in the sleeve (24), preferably the sleeve (24) comprises a seat (26) to accommodate the annular base (15).
Pod (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the blocking element (25) comprises a plurality of locking bumps (23) arranged on an external surface of the annular base (15), preferably the locking bumps (23) are linear bumps arranged along a direction having at least a component orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve (14) and/or the locking bumps (23) are arranged along a direction inclined with reference to the longitudinal axis of the duckbill valve (14).
Pod (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the blocking element (25) further comprises a retaining ring (27) arranged in the seat (26) and against the annular base (15) of the duckbill valve (14) to maintain the annular base (15) in the seat (26), preferably the retaining ring (27) is press-fitted in the seat (26).
Pod (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the cylindrical portion (16) comprises an extended sealing sleeve (20) folded back and defining the end (14a) of the duckbill valve (14).
Pod (10) according to claim any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the duckbill valve (14) comprises at least a reinforcing ring (21) arranged on an end portion (16a) of the cylindrical portion (16), preferably made of an elastic material.
Pod (10) according any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the duckbill valve (14) comprises at least two flexible inserts (22) embedded in the cylindrical portion (16) at an end portion (16a) thereof.
System comprising a pod (10) for the containment of liquid for a vaporizing device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 14 and a heating unit (30) for the vaporizing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the conduit (33) is insertable in the duckbill valve (14) to switch it from the closed configuration to the open configuration.