ES2894140T3 - Vaporizer - Google Patents

Abstract

A vaporizer comprising: a battery portion (100) comprising: a battery housing segment (102) proximate a first end (102A) of the battery portion, the battery housing segment housing a battery (110) , and a cartomizer receiver segment (104) proximate a second end (104A) of the battery portion, a chamber (108) disposed within at least a portion of the cartomizer receiver segment, wherein the chamber has a second end insertable distal to the battery housing segment and a base end proximal to the battery housing segment; battery electrical contacts provided at the base end of the camera; an outer casing (106) commonly shared by the battery housing segment (102) and the cartomizer receiving segment (104); and a cartomizer (200) configured for insertion into the distal insertion end of the cartomizer receiving segment chamber of the battery portion, the cartomizer comprising: a cartomizer body (208) configured to contain a vaporizable substance; a heating element (214) within the cartomizer body configured to heat the vaporizable substance; cartomizer electrical contacts on the outside of the cartomizer, cartomizer electrical circuitry configured to direct an electrical current between the cartomizer electrical contacts and the heating element, and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the cartomizer body, wherein the mouthpiece extends from the insertion end of the chamber when the cartomizer body is inserted into the chamber, wherein the battery electrical contacts are configured to contact the cartomizer electrical contacts when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber, in wherein the heating element is configured to be activated by electrical current and to heat the vaporizable substance, wherein the vaporizer further comprises charging contacts (160) at or near the first end (102A).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Vaporizer

field of invention

This invention relates to the field of vaporizers, which may also be called electronic cigarettes.

Background

Electronic cigarettes have recently emerged as a new product to deliver nicotine through a smokeless inhalation process. Implementations typically consist of a power supply (typically a battery) and an atomizing device. In reusable e-cigarettes, the two elements are separated into a battery and cartomizer, to allow removal and replacement of a nicotine-containing liquid cartomizer while conserving the more expensive battery and associated circuitry (microcontroller, switch, LED indicator, etc.) for additional use. In disposable e-cigarettes, the two elements are combined to integrate functions into one unit that is disposed of after the battery power or nicotine-containing liquid is depleted.

The electronic cigarette liquid that is used to vaporize ingredients such as nicotine is generally a solution of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG) or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), as well as their mixtures to which a flavor is added and/or or nicotine. The solution is often sold in a bottle (to be refilled by the user) or in disposable cartridges or cartomizers. Many different flavors are incorporated into these liquids, including those that resemble the flavor of regular tobacco, menthol, vanilla, coffee, cola, and/or various fruits. Various strengths of nicotine are also available, and solutions without nicotine are also common.

EP 2113178 A discloses an electrically heated smoking system comprising a housing, a replaceable mouthpiece, a liquid storage partition, a heating element and a copillary wick.

brief compendium

An embodiment of a vaporizer useful for understanding the invention includes a housing having a battery segment and a cartomizer receiving segment, the cartomizing receiving segment defining a chamber having an insertion end distal to the battery segment of said housing and a base end proximate the battery segment, the chamber is sized to receive a cartomizer inserted into the chamber at the chamber insertion end. The vaporizer may also include a battery housed within the battery segment. The vaporizer may further include electrical contacts disposed between the base end of the chamber and the battery portion, the electrical contacts including a positive contact and a negative contact isolated from the positive contact. The electronic circuit may be housed within the battery segment of said housing and operable to direct an electrical current between the battery and the electrical contacts. In addition, a chamber magnet may be provided in or near the chamber, the chamber magnet being operable to secure a cartomizer received within the chamber, wherein the cartomizer includes a metal surface or a cartomizer magnet that it has a polarity opposite to that of the chamber magnet. The electrical contacts and the battery may each be in electrical connection with said electronic circuit. The cartomizer can be secured within the chamber as a cartomizer surface and a magnetically attracted chamber surface are placed adjacent to each other.

In another embodiment of a vaporizer useful for understanding the invention, the vaporizer includes a housing having a battery segment and a cartomizer receiver segment, the cartomizer receiver segment defining a chamber having an insertion end distal to the battery segment. and a base end proximal to the battery segment. The vaporizer further includes a cartomizer insertable into the chamber at the insertion end, and the cartomizer includes a cartomizer body sized to contain a vaporizable substance, a heating element disposed within the cartomizer body operable to heat the vaporizable substance, electrical contacts disposed on the exterior of the cartomizer, a cartomizer electrical circuit operable to direct an electronic current between the cartomizer electrical contacts and the heating element, and a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the cartomizer body, the mouthpiece extending from the chamber insertion end when inserting the cartomizer into the chamber. The heating element may be current activated and may function to heat the vaporizable substance to a vaporization temperature. A battery may be housed within the battery segment. The vaporizer may also include battery electrical contacts provided between the base end of the chamber and the battery segment, the battery electrical contacts being positioned to contact the cartomizer electrical contacts when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber. In addition, the vaporizer may include a battery electrical circuit housed within the battery segment and operable to direct an electrical current between the battery, the battery electrical contacts, the cartomizer electrical contacts, the heating element, and the inserted cartomizer.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an electronic cigarette useful for understanding the invention and not covered by the claims comprising a first battery part with a cartomizer for use with a vaporizable liquid inserted into a cartomizer chamber of the first battery part. , the outer casing of the first part of the battery is shown transparently to illustrate the interior components of the electronic cigarette.

Figure 1A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 illustrating an electrical connector and magnets.

Figure 1B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 illustrating the end of the inserted cartomizer.

Figure 1C illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 illustrating the cartomizer chamber.

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a cartomizer useful for understanding the invention and not covered by the claims that can be inserted into the cartomizer chamber of the battery part of Figure 1, the outer casing of the first battery part being shown transparently to illustrate the interior components of the electronic cigarette.

Figure 2A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cartomizer of Figure 2 illustrating the end of the cartomizer at the inserted end.

Figure 2B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the cartomizer of Figure 2 illustrating the structure of the air hole.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the battery part of Figure 1 with a charger, not covered by the claims, inserted into the cartomizer chamber, with the outer casing of the battery part shown transparently to illustrate the components. electronic cigarette interiors.

Figures 4-7 illustrate electronic cigarettes comprising the first battery part of Figures 1-3 and the cartomizers of Figures 1 and 2, according to the disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an electronic cigarette, according to the invention, comprising a battery part with the outer casing of the battery part shown transparently to illustrate the interior components of the electronic cigarette.

Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the electronic cigarette of Figure 8 with a charger attached, with the outer casing of the battery portion shown transparently to illustrate the interior components of the electronic cigarette.

Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of a cartomizer useful for understanding the invention. Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a cartomizer useful for understanding the invention.

Figure 12 illustrates electronic cigarettes comprising the second battery part of Figures 8-9 and the cartomizers of Figures 8-10.

Figure 13 illustrates a front view of an electronic cigarette according to the disclosure, with the outer casing of the battery portion shown transparently to illustrate the interior components of the electronic cigarette.

Figure 14 illustrates a front view of the electronic cigarette of Figure 13 with a charger attached.

Figure 15 illustrates the electronic cigarette of Figures 13-14.

Detailed description

The following detailed description and accompanying drawings describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention solely for the purpose of enabling one skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention. As such, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any way. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and, in certain instances, details not necessary to an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional manufacturing and assembly details, have been omitted.

An embodiment of a vaporizer, useful for understanding the invention, includes a housing having a battery segment and a cartomizer receiving segment, the cartomizing receiving segment defining a chamber having an insertion end distal to the battery segment of said housing and a base end close to the battery segment, the chamber is dimensioned to receive a cartomizer inserted inside the chamber in the insertion end of the camera. The vaporizer may also include a battery housed within the battery segment. The vaporizer may further include electrical contacts provided between the base end of the chamber and the battery portion, the electrical contacts including a positive contact and a negative contact isolated from the positive contact. The electronic circuit may be housed within the battery segment of said housing and operable to direct an electrical current between the battery and the electrical contacts. In addition, a chamber magnet may be provided in or near the chamber, the chamber magnet being operable to secure a cartomizer received within the chamber, wherein the cartomizer includes a metal surface or a cartomizer magnet that it has an opposite polarity to that of the camera magnet. The electrical contacts and the battery may each be in electrical connection with said electronic circuit. The cartomizer can be secured within the chamber as a cartomizer surface and a magnetically attracted chamber surface are placed adjacent to each other.

In some embodiments useful for understanding the invention, the chamber magnet may be provided near the base end of the chamber, the chamber magnet being isolated from the electrical contacts. The vaporizer may further include an additional chamber magnet disposed near the base end of the chamber, the additional chamber magnet being insulated from the electrical contacts and the chamber magnet, the additional chamber magnet having opposite polarity to that of the magnet. Of camera. The electronic circuit may include a printed circuit board.

Additional embodiments of the vaporizer useful for understanding the invention may include an activation button disposed on the exterior of the casing in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry, electrical contacts, and battery, wherein manipulation of the activation button by a vaporizer user operates current control from battery to electronic contacts; a printed circuit board; and an indicator ring that surrounds at least a part of the activation button, the indicator ring is in electrical communication with the electronic circuits, the electrical contacts and the battery, said indicator ring can be illuminated to indicate a state of the vaporizer, the indicator ring it is controllable by the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board can be in electrical communication with the electrical contacts, the battery, the activation button and the indicator ring. The vaporizer may also include a display screen disposed on the outside of the casing, said display screen being in electrical communication with said printed circuit board and battery, the display screen being controlled by the printed circuit board and operable to display a message. At least one of the electrical contacts may be a spring-loaded pin which extends into a portion of the chamber and is retractable when depressed by the cartomizer as it is inserted into the chamber. The housing may include a window arranged in the cartomizer receiving segment such that a portion of the chamber is visible from outside the housing.

In another embodiment of a vaporizer, useful for understanding the invention, the vaporizer includes a housing having a battery segment and a cartomizer receiver segment, the cartomizer receiver segment defining a chamber having an insertion end distal to the battery segment. battery and a base end next to the battery segment. The vaporizer further includes a cartomizer insertable within the chamber at the insertion end, and the cartomizer may include a cartomizer body sized to contain a vaporizable substance, a heating element disposed within the cartomizer body operable to heat the vaporizable substance, cartomizer electrical contacts are disposed on the outside of the cartomizer, the cartomizer electrical circuit is operable to direct an electronic current between the cartomizer electrical contacts and the heating element, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the cartomizer body, the nozzle extending from the insertion end of the chamber when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber. The heating element may be current activated and may function to heat the vaporizable substance to a vaporization temperature. A battery may be housed within the battery segment. The vaporizer may also include battery electrical contacts provided between the base end of the chamber and the battery segment, the battery electrical contacts being positioned to contact the cartomizer electrical contacts when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber. In addition, the vaporizer may include a battery electrical circuit housed within the battery segment and operable to direct an electrical current between the battery, the battery electrical contacts, the cartomizer electrical contacts, the heating element, and the inserted cartomizer.

In embodiments useful for understanding the invention, the vaporizable substance may be a fluid, the heating element may include a wick element to absorb the fluid, and at least a portion of the cartomizer body may be comprised of a translucent material. The cartomizer may further include a container disposed within the cartomizer body and sized to contain the vaporizable substance, wherein the heating element is disposed outside of at least a portion of the container and is operable to heat the container, thereby heating the substance. vaporizable at the vaporization temperature. The heating element may include conductive material intertwined with non-conductive material, and the conductive material may be in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry of the cartomizer. The vaporizer may further include a printed circuit board housed in the battery segment and in electrical communication with the battery electrical circuit, and the cartomizer may further include a sensor in electrical communication with the cartomizer electrical circuit, and the circuit board printed is operable to process environmental information received from the sensor when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber. The mouthpiece can be detachably connected to the cartomizer body.

The cartomizer may further include a bowl for containing the vaporizable substance, and the heating element may be provided near the bowl.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an electronic cigarette 10 useful in understanding the invention and not covered by the claims is provided. Electronic cigarette 10 may include a battery portion connectable with a vaporization unit or cartomizer 200 for containing a vaporizable substance 300. The battery portion may include a battery housing segment 102 disposed proximate the first end 102A of the battery portion. , and a second cartomizer receiving segment 104 provided near a second end 104A of the battery portion. The battery part may include an outer shell 106 to cover or protect one or more of the components of the battery part 100 that may be provided internally as described herein. The outer casing 106 may be substantially constructed of metal, plastic, or any other material known or to be developed suitable for protecting the interior components of the electronic cigarette 10, including the electrical components described herein. Battery housing segment 102 and cartomizer receiving segment 104 may commonly share outer casing 106. A cartomizer chamber 108 may be provided within at least a portion of cartomizer receiving segment 104. A cartomizer 200 may be inserted into the chamber. cartomizer 108. The casing 106 may cover a cartomizer chamber 108 thereby protecting an inserted or received cartomizer 200.

Electrical components for operating the electronic cigarette 10 may be provided within the battery housing segment 102. A battery 110 may be provided for the purpose of providing electrical power as required by the various features of the electronic cigarette 10.

Battery 110 may be disposable, such as an AA or AAA cell battery, or battery 110 may be of the rechargeable type, for example, a 13450 lithium-ion battery, a 2600 mAh 18650 lithium-ion cell, or a 2300 mAh nominal 903180 flat lithium-ion cell. Multiple batteries 110 may be used in series to generate higher voltages capable of shortening times to achieve vaporization temperatures in the cartomizer 200. A printed circuit board (PCB) 112 may also be provided to control one or more functions of the electronic cigarette. 10. PCB 112 may be electrically connected to battery 110 through circuitry to direct current flow as required according to the disclosure. PCB 112 may include one or more integrated circuit chips as well as a micro control unit. A booster chip may also be provided to amplify the voltage with at least a portion of the circuitry as needed to perform the various functions described herein. PCB 112 may include a light emitting diode (LED), a microcontroller, a plurality of capacitors, a plurality of transistors, and a plurality of resistors, or any combination thereof. An accelerometer may also be provided to detect changes in gravity of the electronic cigarette 10. The accelerometer may be operable to detect tilt or changes in orientation of the battery portion 100, and PCB 112 may be operable accordingly to react to a change in gravity. orientation detected by the accelerometer. For example, electronic cigarette 10, which includes an accelerometer, can be activated by shaking or inverting electronic cigarette 10. Any known or unknown circuitry or arrangement of components on PCB 112 is contemplated within the disclosure to achieve the desired functions of the electronic cigarette. electronic cigarette 10 as described herein.

A variety of indicator lights may be provided which form one or more indicator lights. One such indicator may be an end-of-battery indicator 114 arranged as a ring that extends around at least a portion of housing 106 at or near first end 102A. End of battery indicator 114 may be provided at or near first end 102A and includes one or more LED lights having one or more colors. Each color may, for example, indicate a state of the electronic cigarette 10. The state may be associated with the remaining power of the battery 110, an activation state of the electronic cigarette 10, the heating level of an inserted cartomizer 200, or any other state that is desired to be communicated to a user of the electronic cigarette 10 through a light color. For example, when electronic cigarette 10 is activated such that a user actively inhales cigarette 10, as described in the disclosure, or cigarette 10 is in a state such that a user could inhale it, indicator 114 may be red. or reddish

End of battery indicator 114 could extend around at least a portion of first end 102A such that when indicator 114 emanates a red or reddish color, a user can associate the color red at or near first end 102A. itself, with the red glow of a lit cigarette. Alternatively, an indicator ring may be provided to illuminate one or more colors associated with the charging or power status of the battery 110. For example, the end of battery indicator 114 may illuminate green or blue when the battery is running low. a sufficient charge, and yellow or red when the battery is running low, so the user should consider charging the battery 110, according to the disclosure. A ring indicator 116 may be provided at or near an activation button 118, operable to activate cigarette 10 as described herein in accordance with the disclosure. While activation button 118 may be disposed on the surface of outer casing 106, and indicator ring 116 may be a substantially circumferential button 118. Indicator ring 116 may include one or more LEDs having one or more colors to indicate various states of the electronic cigarette 10. State changes of the electronic cigarette 10, such as inserting the cartomizer 200, activating the electronic cigarette 10 by pressing the button 118, or deactivating the electronic cigarette 10 by pressing the button 118 once more, they can result in a color different default and associated. Activation of the appropriate LED light(s) may be controlled by PCB 112. When button 118 is coplanar or flush with the surface of outer casing 106, as described herein, indicator ring 116 may also be activated. be coplanar or aligned with the button 118 and the surface of the outer casing 106. Another indicator light may be provided at or near the end 104A of the cartomizer. To transmit a lighting effect from the battery segment 102, where the battery 110 and PCB 112 may be housed, to the cartomizer end 104A, one or more LED lights may be provided on the cartomizer receiving segment 104 on the cartomizer segment. Battery 102 or close to it. One or more transparent tubes or optical fibers may also be provided within or just below the surface of outer casing 106, with the tubes or fibers terminating at or near end 104A of the cartomizer. The resulting effect is an attractive illuminating effect in which the LED lights provided in the cartomizer segment are projected and transmitted along the fibers. PCB 112 could potentially alternate or change the colors of LED light projected onto the fibers. The color alternation could be periodic, creating a constant change of colors, or the color alteration could respond to a change of state of the electronic cigarette 10.

To provide an electrical connection between PCB 112 and an inserted cartomizer 200, an electrical connector 120 may be provided which may include a plurality of pogo pins 120. Pogo pins are devices used to establish connections between two circuits, and each may adopt in the form of a cylinder containing one or more spring-loaded pins 122, each retractable upon compression, for example, by the cartomizer 200 when inserted into the cartomizer chamber 108. Three pogo pins 122 may be provided, one for establish a positive current connection, one to establish a negative current connection, and one to establish a ground current connection. Each pogo pin 122 may be connected to PCB 112, which may control the current output to the pogo pins 122. For example, PCB 112 may function to vary or intermittently trigger the flow of current to connector 120, thus regulating the variation of the current. activation of a heating element in a connected cartomizer. When the cartomizer 200 is not received in the cartomizer chamber 108, a head portion of each pogo pin may extend into the cartomizer chamber 108. When the cartomizer 200 is received in the cartomizer chamber 108, the pins 122 contact each other. and at least partially compressed into battery portion 102. Pins 122 may be contacted or pressed against electrical receptors provided on cartomizer 200 as described herein, thereby establishing an electrical connection between PCB 112 and cartomizer. 200. Additional pins 122, such as a fourth pin, may be provided to provide an electrical connection to another item, such as the LED lights described above or a temperature sensor 260 described herein and illustrated in Figure 2.

Connector 120 may function to identify information from an inserted cartomizer 200 based on the voltage drop across one or more pins 122. For example, connector 120 may include a control pin 122 from which connected PCB 112 may detect variations in voltage. voltage drop across the pin when it is connected to various types of cartomizer 200. Circuitry provided within a first type of cartomizer 200 may effect a first voltage drop across a control pin 122, while circuitry provided within of a second type of cartomizer 200 can effect a second voltage drop on control pin 122 when cartomizer 200 is inserted into chamber 108. If PCB 112 detects a first voltage drop, cartomizer 200 is identified as a first. type of cartomizer, whereas, if PCB 112 detects a second voltage drop, the cartomizer is identified as a second ti po of cartomizer A first type of cartomizer may contain a first type of vaporizable substance 300, while a second type of cartomizer may contain a second type of vaporizable substance 300. In one example, connector 120 includes three pins 122: a positive pin, a negative pin, ground and a control pin. A control pin may also have a dual function in that communication between a sensor 260 may also occur through a control pin 122. Other devices or connectors known or to be developed within the disclosure are contemplated to establish a connection. electrical current between PCB 112 and cartomizer 200.

Various features may further be provided on electronic cigarette 10 to secure and align cartomizer 200 within cartomizer chamber 108. For example, at least one magnet 124 may be provided in or proximate chamber 108. A magnet 202 of opposite polarity to magnet 124 can be placed on a surface of cartomizer 200 to secure cartomizer 200 within chamber 108 when magnets 124, 202 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B) contact each other. It should be understood and appreciated that the battery part magnets 124 may adhere to the metal surfaces of the cartomizer 202 and, conversely, the cartomizer magnets 202 may adhere to the metal surfaces 124 of the battery part, thus establishing a magnetic connection between battery portion 100 and cartomizer 200. Other known or to be discovered means of securing cartomizer 200 in cartomizer chamber 108 are contemplated in the description, including, but not limited to, quick fit connectors, friction fit , threaded insertion of the cartomizer 200 into the chamber 108, a suction fit using pressurized means, or any other suitable fastening method known or to be developed in the art.

One or more alignment features or mechanisms may be included to ensure proper placement of cartomizer 200 in cartomizer chamber 108. Two magnets 124 may be provided proximate connector 120 (see FIG. 1A), each magnet 124 having opposite polarity. The two cartomizer magnets 202 (see Figure 1B) may have opposite polarity at an insertion end 210 of the cartomizer 200. Due to the opposite polarities of magnets 124/202, cartomizer 200 can only be inserted and secured in one direction or orientation, thus facilitating alignment of cartomizer 200 within chamber 108. An alignment protrusion or pin 126 may be provided (see Fig. 1C) on a portion of an interior surface of the chamber 108, and an alignment indentation or slot 204 may be provided on a portion of the cartomizer 200. The alignment pin 126 may be sized to fit or slide along the slot. 204 so that the cartomizer 200 can only be inserted in a particular proper orientation. Alternatively, a slit, indentation, or cutout may be provided in a portion of the casing 106, with a matching protrusion provided in a portion of the cartomizer 200. For example, a cutout may be provided in an upper rim of the casing 106 in the segment cartomizer receiver 104, while a mating protrusion may be provided on a portion of the cartomizer 200 proximate the insertion end 210, with a cutout of the battery portion engageable with the cartomizer protrusion when the cartomizer is properly aligned to ensure orientation of the cartomizer 200 within the chamber 108. Ensuring that the cartomizer 200 is correctly oriented within the chamber 108, in turn, ensures proper contact of the cartomizer 200 with the connector 120 and, therefore, proper functioning of the cigarette. electronic 10.

One or more windows 130 may be provided in the outer shell 106 (see Figure 1). The windows 130 may be made of a translucent material, such as glass or substantially transparent plastic, to allow viewing of the interior components of the battery portion 100. The window 130 may also be a slit cut into the casing 106. For example, the Window 130 may be provided in or proximate cartomizer receiving segment 104 and, more particularly, cartomizer chamber 108 to allow a user of electronic cigarette 10 to view cartomizer 200 when it is inserted into cartomizer chamber 108.

An example of a cartomizer 200 for containing vaporizable material 300 is the cartomizer 200A for containing a vaporizable fluid 300A, which is illustrated in Figure 1. The vaporizable fluid 300A can be, for example, any fluid known or to be developed useful for vaporizing, for inhalation of nicotine, flavor, or other desired ingredients in an electronic cigarette, such fluids include propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), or polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), as well as their blends to which a flavor has been added and/or or nicotine. Cartomizer 200A may be substantially elongated and insertable into chamber 108. Chamber 108 is defined by outer casing 106 and electrical connector 120. An insertion end 210 of cartomizer 200A, defined opposite mouthpiece end 212, may first be inserted. in the chamber and may ultimately contact or be placed near connector 120 of battery portion 100. Cartomizer 200A may include a body 208 for containing fluid 300A. At least a portion of body 208 may be comprised of translucent or substantially translucent material, such as glass or plastic, so that a user can view fluid 300A contained therein. Body portion 208 comprised of translucent material may align with window 130 and may be in proximity to LED lights or fiber optics to illuminate cartomizer 200A as it is inserted into chamber 108. Illumination may occur automatically upon insertion, or it can be programmed to illuminate when a switch is activated or manipulated, such as the 118 button.

To vaporize fluid 300A, a heating element 214 and a wick element 216 may be provided within the cartomizer body 208. An electrical current may be transmitted to the heating element 214 through circuits in electrical communication with electrical contacts, which they make contact with pins 122 (see FIG. 1A) when cartomizer 200A is inserted into chamber 108. Once fluid 300A is heated to an optimal vaporization temperature, the user can inhale vaporized fluid 300A through a mouthpiece 220 disposed on body 208 at or near mouthpiece end 212. Vaporized fluid may travel through inhalation tube 222 in fluid connection with heating element 214 and wick 216. Inhalation tube 222 also may be in fluid communication with one or more holes or ducts arranged, for example, in the sides of the outer casing 106 to allow the passage of air flow through cartomizer body 208. The electrical current transmitted to heating element 214 can be controlled by PCB 112 through connector 120 when cartomizer 200A is inserted into chamber 108. Electronic cigarette 10 can be controlled manually, either that a user can press button 118 to initiate a charge on heating element 214, which, in turn, can heat fluid 300A to a vaporized temperature that a user can inhale through mouthpiece 220. Also contemplated with disclosing an automatic heating version of the electronic cigarette 10, in which a pressure switch integrated with the connector 120 can activate the flow of current from the PCB to the heating element 214 instead of by manual activation from the switch 118.

In order to enable a user to refill fluid 300A contained in body 208, mouthpiece 220 may be removable from body 208. Mouthpiece 220 may include a thread 224 so that mouthpiece 220 may threadably engage end 212 of the mouthpiece. mouthpiece of body 208 or, alternatively, may be press-fitted onto or into the mouthpiece end 212 of body 208. A bushing 226, which may be a ring formed of plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material, may be provided to help stabilize and retaining the cartomizer 200 securely fitted in the chamber 108. In addition, a colored ring or logo 228 may be provided around a portion of the cartomizer body 208 to identify the type of cartomizer being used.

Referring now to Figures 2, 2A and 2B, a further example of a cartomizer 200B for containing a dry vaporizable material 300B, such as dry tobacco, is provided. A container 240 may be provided within the body of cartomizer 208. Container 240 may be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, such as metal, to transmit heat from a heating element 214A disposed around at least a portion of container 240. Wherein at least a portion While heating element 214A may be provided around at least a portion of container 240, material 300B disposed within container 240 may be heated from multiple sides, similar to an oven, as opposed to a single concentrated heat source. As an electrical current is transmitted to heating element 214A, the interior of container 240 can be heated to a desired vaporization temperature. Heating element 214A may be comprised of substantially non-conductive material, such as a flexible polyimide harness material, with a conductive material, such as copper or other metal wiring shaped as flat wire or ribbon, dispersed throughout. non-conductive material. The conductive material can be intertwined or wrapped around the non-conductive material to increase the heated surface area as well as to increase the impedance of the conductive material, which can then be electrically connected to PCB 112 through connector 120 when the cartomizer 200B (see Figure 2) is inserted into cartomizer chamber 108 (see Figure 1). The impedance value of the conductive material can be 2-3 ohms and, in one example, a maximum of 1 ohm. Heating element 214A may be provided around the majority of cartomizer body 208, or heating element 214A may be provided near only a portion of cartomizer body 208. For example, heating element 214A may be provided only near the insertion end 210, to provide more of the heating by convection rather than conduction. In some embodiment, heating element 214A may be provided in all or most of body 208, and PCB 112 may be operable to vary the amount of heating provided by convection rather than conduction. For example, only the portion of heating element 214A proximate insertion end 210 may be activated to heat vaporizable substance 300B by convection, or all or nearly all portions of heating element 214A may be activated to enhance conductive heating of the substance 300B. 300B substance. PCB 112 is operable to switch between conductive heating and convective heating.

An insulating material 242 may also be provided within the body 208 in order to control or regulate the distribution of heat. Insulating material 242 may be provided around at least a portion of the exterior of heating element 214A to insulate body 208 from excess heat temperature, which may be transmitted to outer casing 106 (see FIG. 1). Insulating material 242 may also be provided between heating element 214A and container 240 to regulate or control the heat transmitted to container 240.

One or more screens 250 may be provided within body 208 to contain dry material 300B within container 240, as well as to filter circulating air. Air can be circulated by providing one or more holes 252 in cartomizer body 208. In one example, holes 252 form a "t" shape (see Figure 2B) from which the center of the "t" is substantially aligned with a hole leading to the container 240. The holes 252 may align with one or more holes in the outer casing 106 of the battery portion 100 so that air from the environment can pass through the holes 252 and into the container. container 240 where the material 300B is provided. Holes 252 may be provided proximate the inserted end 210. Shields 250 may be provided at or near the inserted end 210, the nozzle end 212, or both. In some examples, the container 240 may be removed from the rest of the cartomizer body 208. The mouthpiece 220 may be removable or detachable, for example via a thread, to allow access to the container 240. An upper screen 250 may be attached. or manufactured integrally with nozzle 220 so that it can be removed with nozzle 220.

A sensor 260 may be included in some embodiments of the cartomizer 200. The sensor 260 may function to detect vaporization temperature and may electronically communicate with PCB 112 to provide sensory information to PCB 112, which may then be transmitted to one of the gauges. LEDs arranged in the electronic cigarette 10 as described according to the disclosure. For example, indicator 118 (see FIG. 1) may illuminate a certain color when sensor 260 has detected that the vaporization temperature in container 240 has been reached and the user may proceed to inhale vaporized material 300. The PCB 112 may also include safety shutdown protocols in the event sensor 260 registers a temperature above a preset vaporization temperature range, which may indicate that material 300 (including, for example, 300A, 300B, 300C ) is actively burning or about to burn.

Therefore, sensor 260 can function as a thermistor. A vaporization range for many materials 300 can be between about 190 degrees Celsius and about 240 degrees Celsius, and in some examples the vaporization temperature can be about 230 degrees Celsius. In this vaporization temperature range, the active ingredients of vaporization material 300 can begin to vaporize without actively burning, which can occur at about 400 degrees Celsius or higher for some materials. PCB 112 may function to control the vaporization temperature, for example by setting a maximum vaporization temperature or controlling the actual vaporization temperature. PCB 112 can control or regulate the vaporization temperature within 10 degrees Celsius, and in another example, PCB 112 can more finely control or regulate the vaporization temperature within 1 degree Celsius, based on a selected vaporization temperature. or desired input by a user of electronic cigarette 10. It should be understood and appreciated that communication between sensor 260 and PCB 112 may be bi-directional such that sensor 260 may function to control at least portions thereof to transmit information to the PCB. PCB 112 and additionally receive information from PCB 112, which works to control the electronic cigarette 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, a charger 400 not covered by the claims may be inserted into chamber 108 (FIG. 1) to charge battery 110 (FIG. 1) where battery 110 may be rechargeable. Through its insertion into chamber 108 and contact with connector 120, charger 400 may provide an electrical charge to battery 110. Charger 400 may include a plug 410 for connecting charger 400 to a power source, which may be a wall socket. Other sockets 410 for different power sources are contemplated in the disclosure, including USB connections and other power sources known or to be developed. An indicator light 420, which may be an LED light, may be provided on charger 400 to indicate a charging status, for example, when charger 400 is connected to a power source. PCB 112 may be operable to switch other indicators, for example LED indicators 114/116, to indicate the state of charge of electronic cigarette 10. According to the disclosure, and illustrated for example in FIG. 9, charger 400 may be connected to the battery portion at or near the first end 102A. In addition, as also illustrated, for example, in Figure 9, charger magnets 404 are contemplated within the description to securely engage charger 400 with battery portion 100. A metal surface 404 may be provided and positioned. so that it is adjacent to the magnets 124 or magnets 162. A metal surface 124 or 162 for magnetically coupling the battery portion 100 with the magnets 404 of the charger. In addition, charger magnets 404 having opposite polarities may be provided as the battery portion magnets 124 or 162.

Figures 4-7 further illustrate the examples of electronic cigarette 10 provided in Figures 1-3, according to the disclosure.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of an electronic cigarette 10 covered by the claims having a battery portion 100A for receiving a cartomizer such as cartomizer 200 or cartomizer 200B. PCB 112 may operate to perform a variety of functions including, such as vaporization temperature control or regulation, voltage boost, accelerometer, or various controllers to control LED operation. One or more LED indicators 114 may be provided and, in one embodiment, a set of three variable color LED lights are provided near the end 102A of the battery of battery portion 100A. Magnets 124/202 may be provided to retain cartomizer 200 within cartomizer chamber 108. A switch 118A may be provided to manually activate or otherwise control electronic cigarette 10.

A battery charger 400A, having charging contacts 402, may be attached or connected to charging contacts 160 provided on outer casing 106, or may otherwise be exposed to the environment. In the invention, charging contacts 160 are placed at or near the end 102A of the battery. Charging contacts 160, 402 may include a first positive contact and a second negative contact. To secure the charging contacts 160 against the corresponding charging contacts 402 of the charger 400A, one or more magnets 162 may be provided near the charging contacts 160. The magnets 162 may then be capable of engaging with the charger magnets 404 arranged therein. on charger portion 400A such that magnets 162, 404 are adjacent to each other when contacts 160, 402 are in contact with each other. To ensure proper alignment of the contacts 160, 402, two magnets 162 with opposite polarities may be provided, and two load magnets 404 with opposite polarities may be provided. These opposite polarities can ensure the proper orientation of the charger 400A when connected to the battery portion 100A. In some embodiments, the battery portion magnets 162 may operate to magnetically attract and engage a metal charger surface 404, or the charger magnets 404 may operate to magnetically attract and engage a battery surface 162, thereby each operating. these embodiments to magnetically couple the charger 400 with the battery portion 100. An indicator light 420, which may be an LED, may be provided to indicate the state of charge of the battery 110. A charging extension 410 may be provided to connect charger 400A to a power supply or, alternatively, a power supply may be provided internally within charger 400A. The 410 charging extension can be an AC to USB wall adapter and a USB cable to a magnetic plug. Any charger 400 of the disclosure may contain overvoltage and overcurrent protection to prevent overcharging of battery 110, thereby ensuring long battery life and to reduce the likelihood of battery 110 overheating. In one embodiment, charger 400 it has a current rating of approximately 1000mA, which for some embodiments will equate to approximately two hours of battery life. Battery life will vary depending on battery selection and the number of batteries 110 used in a given embodiment.

Referring now to Figure 10, an embodiment is provided for a cartomizer 200C containing a vaporizable substance 300. The cartomizer 200C can be used as an alternative cartomizer to the cartomizers 200/200B, for example. Vaporizable substance 300 in cartomizer 200C may be a wax, oil, or gel 300C. In the cartomizer 200C, the heating element 214 may be provided in the base of a bowl 214B, which may or may not be removable from the cartomizer body 208. The bowl 214B may be sized to contain wax, oil, or gel 300C while the heating element 214 can raise the temperature inside bowl 214B to a range of vaporization temperature, as controlled by PCB 112. Once the wax, oil, or gel 300C is vaporized, a user can inhale the vapor through an inhalation tube 222 and exit through mouthpiece 220. In some embodiments, mouthpiece 220 is removable by a friction fit, threaded connection, or any other connection means known or to be developed. One or more O-rings may also be provided proximate the mouthpiece to ensure a fluid-tight connection between mouthpiece 220 and cartomizer body 208.

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a cartomizer 200D for containing a vaporizable dry substance 300B. 200D cartomizer can be used as an alternative cartomizer to the 200/200B cartomizers, for example. Dry substance 300B may be stored in a removable liner or container 240. Cartomizer 200D may also include heating element 214A and insulating material 242, each of which may be provided and oriented in a similar manner as previously described with respect to the 200B cartomizer. An airflow hole or opening 270 may be provided in the base of the cartomizer 200D. This airflow hole 270 may be provided out of plane or misaligned with respect to electrical contacts 218. Airflow hole 270 may align with a hole between chamber 108 and battery portion 100A, which may house a fan. 190 as described below. A temperature sensor 260 may also be included.

Figure 12 further illustrates embodiments of an electronic cigarette 10 provided in Figures 9-11 according to the disclosure.

Referring now to Figure 13, an embodiment of an electronic cigarette 10 is provided that includes a battery portion 100B. PCB 112 may include a microcontroller, voltage boost integrated circuit, accelerometer, and fan control circuitry. A fan 190, including blades and a motor, may be disposed internally in battery segment 110 of battery portion 100B. Fan 190 may be operable to facilitate airflow from external battery portion 100B, such as through one or more holes 152 provided in outer casing 106, through battery segment 110, and into the cartomizer thereby establishing a airflow for inhalation according to the disclosure. In some embodiments, fan 190 is reversible in operation to "clear" the airflow path in the event debris or excess vapor is trapped in the airflow path. PCB 112 may also include one or more switches, which, for example, may be provided below control buttons, such as exemplified in Figure 15). PCB 112 may also include one or more LEDs for these and similar light switches. PCB 112 may also function to display a status message on an LED display, which may be provided on outer casing 106 (eg, as shown in FIG. 15). A status message may include, for example, messages to indicate a state of the electronic cigarette 10, such as when the cigarette 10 is activated, charging, or has reached a vaporization temperature. An LED display can also display warning or error messages, for example a danger message when a sensor has detected a critical temperature. Additionally, as illustrated in Fig. 14. In some embodiments, PCB 112 may function to recognize cartomizer 200/200A/200B/200C inserted in chamber 108, and to identify vaporizable substance 300 included in cartomizer 200. For For example, PCB 112 may communicate with sensor 260 in cartomizer 200 to identify both the type and amount of vaporizable substance 300 within cartomizer 200. This identification may be included in the status message viewable on the LED display on the outer casing. 106. Charger 400A can be used to charge battery 110 in battery portion 100C. It should be understood and appreciated that, in some embodiments, charger 400A may be inserted into chamber 108 of battery portions 100A/100B in addition to charger connection 400A as described herein. It should be further understood and appreciated that in embodiments where charger 400/400A is coupled with battery portion 100 in a position other than where cartomizer 200 is connected, such as embodiments where charger 400A is coupled in At or near first end 102A, electronic cigarette 10 may be operated with a pass-through function, ie, the ability to operate electronic cigarette 10 while the unit is charging from charger 400A.

Figure 15 further illustrates embodiments of an electronic cigarette 10 provided in Figures 13-14 according to the disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the charger for refillable vaporizers or electronic cigarettes described above, for example in Figure 3, employ electrical contacts between the charger and the electrical connector on the cartomizer portion. Under these circumstances, the cartomizer portion is first removed from the chamber to expose the electrical connector, and then a charger with compatible electrical contacts is inserted into the chamber. Other types and locations of connectors on the vaporizer and charger are contemplated by the invention. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, useful in understanding the present invention, a charger 400 for charging a vaporizer or electronic cigarette is provided having charging contacts attached substantially transversely to its outer casing at an end distal to the receiving portion of the cartomizer and proximal to your part of the battery. One such embodiment is shown in Figure 14. In some of these embodiments where the cartomizer portion is not removed from the vaporizer to expose the electrical connector, charging contacts are incorporated into the device such that the vaporizer or Electronic cigarette can be operated in its typical way during battery recharging ("pass-through" charging).

As the skilled artisan will understand from the disclosure herein, charger compatible electrical contacts must be provided on or within the vaporizer or e-cigarette.

The descriptions set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various known and common deviations from the structures described above are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed concepts described herein.

LIST OF REFERENCES

10: Electronic cigarette

100: Drum Part

100A: Battery part

100B: Drum Part

102: Battery casing segment 102A: First end of battery part 104: Cartomizer receiving segment 104A: Second end of battery part 106: Housing

108: Cartomizer Chamber

110: Battery

112: Printed Circuit Board

112A: Printed Circuit Board

114: Indicator

116: Ring Indicator

118: Button

118A: Switch

120: electrical connector

122: Pin

124: Magnet

126: Spike

130: Window

152: Hole

160: charging contact

162: Magnet

190: Fan

200: Cartomizer

200A: Cartomizer

200B: Cartomizer

200C: Cartomizer

202: Magnet

204: Slot

208: Body

210: Insertion End

212: Nozzle End

: Heating element A: Heating element B: Bowl

: Wick

: Electrical contact

: Mouthpiece

: inhalation tube

: Threaded

: Bearing

: Color ring

: Container

: Isolating material

: Screen

: hole

: sensor

: vaporizable substance

A: Vaporizable fluid

B: Vaporizable dry substance C: Vaporizable wax

: Charger

To: Charger

: Electrical contact

: Magnet

: Plug

:Light

Claims (11)

1. A vaporizer comprising: a battery part (100) comprising: a battery housing segment (102) proximate a first end (102A) of the battery portion, the battery housing segment housing a battery (110), and a cartomizer receiving segment (104) proximate a second end (104A) of the battery portion, a chamber (108) disposed within at least a portion of the cartomizing receiving segment, wherein the chamber has an insertion end distal to the battery housing segment and a base end proximal to the battery housing segment; battery electrical contacts provided at the base end of the camera; an outer casing (106) commonly shared by the battery housing segment (102) and the cartomizer receiving segment (104); and a cartomizer (200) configured for insertion into the distal insertion end of the battery portion cartomizer receiving segment chamber, the cartomizer comprising: a cartomizer body (208) configured to contain a vaporizable substance; a heating element (214) within the cartomizer body configured to heat the vaporizable substance; cartomizer electrical contacts on the outside of the cartomizer, electrical circuit of the cartomizer configured to direct an electrical current between the electrical contacts of the cartomizer and the heating element, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the cartomizer body, wherein the nozzle extends from the insertion end of the chamber when the cartomizer body is inserted into the chamber, wherein the battery electrical contacts are configured to make contact with the cartomizer electrical contacts when the cartomizer is inserted into the chamber, wherein the heating element is configured to be activated by electrical current and to heat the vaporizable substance, wherein the vaporizer further comprises charging contacts (160) at or near the first end (102A). The vaporizer of claim 1, further comprising a printed circuit board (112) configured to control one or more functions of the vaporizer. 3. The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, further comprising an accelerometer. The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, further comprising magnets (124, 202) for retaining the cartomizer (200) within the chamber (108). 5. The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the battery portion comprises one or more indicator lights (114). The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, further comprising a magnet (162) proximate the charging contacts (160). 7. The vaporizer according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery part (100) further comprises two magnets (162) with opposite polarities between them, and wherein the two magnets (162) are placed close to the contacts charger (160), in which the two magnets (162) are configured to align the battery part (100) with a charger (400A). The vaporizer according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery portion (100) further comprises a battery metal surface proximate the charging contacts (160), wherein the battery metal surface is configured to couple the battery part (100) with a charger (400A). The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the charging contacts (160) are located on the outer casing (106). The vaporizer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the charging contacts (160) can be exposed to the environment. The vaporizer according to any preceding claim, wherein the battery portion (100) further comprises a switch (118A) configured to manually activate or otherwise control the vaporizer.