US20230354906A1

US20230354906A1 - Airflow Channel Between Consumable and Device

Info

Publication number: US20230354906A1
Application number: US18/026,280
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Robert John ROGAN
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2020-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-24
Publication date: 2023-11-09
Also published as: CN116322393A; EP4216741A1; WO2022063985A1; JP2023542162A; CA3193702A1

Abstract

An electronic smoking system includes a removable cartridge and an energy supply device. The cartridge includes a fluid channel with a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber and a mouthpiece outlet. A mouthpiece includes the mouthpiece outlet, defining an outlet flow direction(s). The energy supply device includes a cartridge mount for receiving the cartridge, a first primary channel having a fluid inlet located in an outer wall of the device and a fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount. The cartridge mount and the fluid inlet of the cartridge are in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the primary fluid channel when mounted in the cartridge mount. The device includes a secondary fluid channel in fluid communication with the primary fluid channel at a junction point. The secondary fluid channel includes an airflow sensor located at a distance from the junction point.

Description

The present invention relates to an airflow channel comprising an airflow sensor between the consumable in an insertable cartridge and an electronic smoking system comprising an energy supply device.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are popular and widespread. They came with the need and possibility for novel tobacco products to be vaporized and inhaled by smokers. Usually those E-cigarettes or similar devices like electronic pipes generate an aerosol by heating a liquid containing flavors, an aerosol forming agent, such as water, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and optionally nicotine.
Generally those electronic smoking devices consist of a system of at least two parts, the device that includes a power supply to supply power to a heating element (such as an atomizer) and a cartridge that provides room for the liquids to be vaporized, e.g. also described in WO 2019/109898 A1. Such systems usually comprise an air-inlet and a vapor-outlet. Before using such smoking systems, the cartridge is filled with the liquid to be smokable and then inserted into the device.
During the smoking session, air is aspirated through the inlet passing a sensor that detects an airflow and sends a signal to start heating. The liquid in the cartridge is then heated and vaporized so that the generated vapor can pass the outlet to become inhaled by the user.
However, airflow sensors often become contaminated by dirt and/or liquid, that leaks out of the cartridge. Such contamination results in a malfunction of the sensor that does not detect the incoming airflow correctly and thus does not start the heating procedure. As the generation of vapor is hindered significantly in this case, the smoking experience of the user is therefore also reduced significantly.
It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide an electronic smoking system, which protects the airflow sensor from becoming contaminated by liquids and therefore improves the user experience.
The afore mentioned problems are eliminated by an electronic smoking system comprising

- a removable cartridge comprising a fluid channel with a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber and a mouthpiece outlet, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece outlet defining an outlet flow direction, and
- an energy supply device comprising a cartridge mount for receiving the removable cartridge,
  wherein the energy supply device comprises a primary fluid channel having a fluid inlet located in an outer wall of the energy supply device and a fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount and the fluid inlet of the cartridge is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the primary fluid channel when mounted in the cartridge mount, characterized in that, the energy supply device includes a secondary fluid channel which is in fluid communication with the primary fluid channel at a junction point, wherein the secondary fluid channel comprises an airflow sensor located at a distance from the junction point. According to the invention, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction. Preferably, the primary fluid channel is perpendicular to the secondary fluid channel thereby defining a rectangular coordinate system with an origin in the junction point.

Preferably, the secondary channel and the airflow sensor might be cleaned by simple means. Therefore, the cartridge is preferably easily detachable from the energy supply device. The detached cartridge preferably creates an access to the primary and/or secondary channel through at least one enclosing lateral wall of the energy supply device. It is conceivable that the access is a continuous cleaning channel from the enclosing lateral wall to at least one secondary fluid channel wall. The enclosing wall of the energy supply device may be at least part of the secondary fluid channel wall. It is also conceivable that the access at the lateral wall of the energy supply device is sealable by the arranged cartridge in the cartridge mount. In case of detaching the cartridge from the cartridge mount the access at the lateral wall of the energy supply device is unsealed. Thus, the cleaning of the electronic smoking system is made particularly simple.
Contamination of the airflow sensor is avoided by the construction mentioned above. The separation of the fluid channel into two parts, primary and secondary fluid channels, is advantageous. The primary fluid channel leads to the cartridge mount, while the secondary fluid channel houses the airflow sensor. It is conceivable that the secondary channel is expanded towards his end, so that a chamber is created in which the airflow sensor is located.
Preferably, the primary and secondary fluid channels separate at a junction point at an angle to each other. More preferably, the angle between the primary and the secondary fluid channels is 90°, so the primary and secondary fluid channels are perpendicular to each other. However, it is also conceivable that the angle is different than 90°, so that the primary and secondary fluid channels are not perpendicular to one another.
The airflow sensor is preferably a sensor that measures air stream and/or air turbulence. Preferably, the airflow sensor is an anemometer. The anemometer is designed as a dynamic pressure anemometer, ultrasound anemometer or LDA (Laser Doppler Anemometry). More preferably, the airflow sensor is a pressure gauge. Most preferably, the airflow sensor is a flow meter. It is also conceivable that the airflow sensor is different. In any case, this should be able to measure the changes in the chamber with the airflow sensor and/or in the secondary fluid channel that occur during smoking. The sensor is then able to detect an airflow stream through the fluid-inlet of the energy supply device and the primary fluid channel, when it is positioned in fluid connection with these parts of the device.
The cartridge mount is preferably formed as a depression in the energy supply device. The removable cartridge with consumable must preferably fit into the recess. Most preferably, the extension in the energy supply device mimics the negative of the insertable part of the cartridge. It is conceivably that the cartridge is completely insertable in the cartridge mount or only in part.
The mouthpiece is preferably a part of the mouthpiece outlet and can be deflectable. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece of the cartridge is outstanding sleeve, which is arranged in outlet flow direction. As mentioned before, it is also conceivable that the mouthpiece is bent at an angle, which does not change the outlet flow direction. The outlet flow direction is a main direction of the fluid flow, which is flowing in the whole fluid channel.
According to another embodiment, the energy supply device provides means for transferring energy to a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount and the cartridge provides means for receiving energy from the energy supply device when mounted in the cartridge mount of the energy supply device.
Preferably, the means for transferring energy are formed as pins which are preferably arranged in guiding recesses within the energy supply device, wherein a spring is preferably arranged between a bottom surface of each guiding recess and the bottom of each pin. In that way the springs preferably allow the pins to be pushed out of the guiding recesses to balance different distances from the pins to electrical counterparts of an inserted cartridge without losing the contact to the electrical counterparts. However, the first and/or the second electrical contact can also be formed as plate.
Preferably, at least one of the springs comprises a linear, progressive rate or dual rate spring, in particular formed in the shape of an hourglass, barrel or cone to save space within the guiding recesses due to the small space needed for compressed progressive rate springs, and to provide more space for accommodating the pins.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or the second electrical contact is/are arranged in the groove. It is also possible that the first and/or the second electrical contact is/are arranged in the sidewall. In that way the first and/or the second electrical contact is/are arranged that they are able to contact the electrical counterparts of the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is mounted into the device.
According to another embodiment, an energy transferable from the energy supply device by the means for transferring energy to a cartridge is selected from a group comprising electric energy, mechanical energy, thermal energy, alternating high frequency magnetic fields, alternating high frequency electrical fields and electromagnetic radiation.
In a preferred embodiment, the energy transferable from the energy supply device to the cartridge is electric. In that case the energy supply device is preferably a battery. The battery has a finite capacity so that when the minimum capacity is reached, the battery is preferably replaceable, or more preferred rechargeable.
According to another embodiment, the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece through which vapor is inhalable by a user through the mouthpiece outlet.
It is conceivable that the design of the mouthpiece can differ in the possible embodiments. In a first preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece is designed as a recess in the cartridge. This has the advantage that the cartridge itself serves as a mouthpiece and therefore no additional component is required for the mouthpiece outlet. It is also possible that in another embodiment the mouthpiece through which vapor is inhalable by the user is a pipe. It is also conceivable that this pipe is bent at an angle. In this case, the vapor is diverted to the side so that the user has to vape on the side of the smoking system. In this case, the main direction, which is located in the primary fluid channels, is not influenced, but only deflected and thus the deflection of the main direction does not influence or alter the reference system. Only the mouthpiece outlet is decisive for the reference system, because this characterizes the outlet flow direction.
According to another embodiment, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point towards the mouthpiece outlet.
The distance between the junction point and the airflow sensor is necessary to prevent contamination of the airflow sensor. The junction point defines an origin of a 2-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, which comprises an axis of abscissae and an axis of ordinates. Preferably, the axis of abscissae and the axis of ordinates are perpendicular to each other thereby defining a rectangular coordinate system.
In an embodiment with the lateral fluid inlet of the energy supply device, the distance between the junction point and the mouthpiece outlet preferably guarantees that the airflow sensor has no direct contact with vapor during the vaping. The outlet flow direction runs around a curve, so that the vape in the primary fluid channel is also diverted around a curve, preferably at an angle of 90°. The axis on which an airflow sensor lies and which runs along the secondary fluid channel is preferably parallel to the axis on which the mouthpiece outlet is located and which runs along the primary fluid channel after the bend. Preferably the primary fluid channel comprises a first and a second part. Also preferably, the first and the second parts of the primary fluid channel are perpendicular or parallel to each other. The first part of the primary fluid channel preferably ends with the fluid inlet of the energy supply device. However, the first part of the primary fluid channel comprises the axis of abscissae and an independent axis, which is parallel to the axis of ordinates and comprises a second part of the primary fluid channel.
In another embodiment, the junction point and the mouthpiece are preferably located on a straight line. The primary fluid channel has no deflection by an angle, wherein the junction point and the mouthpiece outlet are spaced apart. At the junction point, however, a secondary channel is branched off with the airflow sensor, preferably at a 90° angle. The axis on which an airflow sensor lies and runs along the secondary fluid channel is preferably perpendicular to the axis on which the mouthpiece outlet is located and which runs along the primary fluid channel after the bend.
According to the invention, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction. The axis of abscissae is also called as a y-axis.
In an embodiment with the lateral fluid inlet of the energy supply device, the outlet flow direction is also deflected by the deflection at an angle of the primary fluid channel, so that the outlet flow direction is divided into two parts. The first part of the outlet flow direction is located before the redirection, the second part is located after the redirection. The first part of the outlet flow direction is therefore perpendicular to the axis, which runs along the secondary fluid channel and on which the airflow sensor is located. The second part of the outlet flow direction is in case of the redirection at the angle of 90° parallel to the axis, which runs along the secondary fluid channel and on which the airflow sensor is located. It is conceivable that the distance between the junction point and the airflow sensor is variable and depends from the embodiment of the energy supply device.
In another embodiment there is no redirection of the primary fluid channel. The fluid inlet is located across from the outlet flow direction. In such a case the outlet flow direction is perpendicular to the axis, which runs along the secondary fluid channel and on which the airflow sensor is located. It is also conceivable that the distance between the junction point and the airflow sensor is variable and depends from the embodiment of the energy supply device.
According to another embodiment, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of ordinates parallel to the outlet flow direction. The axis of ordinates is also called as an x-axis.
The distance from the junction point and the outlet flow direction is defined along an axis along which the primary fluid channel runs. Depending on the embodiment of the energy supply device, there are different ways to arrange the distance between the junction point and the outlet flow direction. It is conceivable that the energy supply device offers a little space in the housing, then the junction point would be particularly close to the outlet flow direction along the axis of ordinates. It is possible that in this case the secondary fluid channel, which is branched off at the junction point, and the cartridge mount share the side wall.
According to another embodiment, the mouthpiece outlet is in fluid connection with the airflow sensor when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mount of the energy supply device.
The fluid connection of the mouthpiece outlet and the airflow sensor is reached by a through hole in the cartridge. Preferably, the through hole of the cartridge is sealed with a valve. In that case, the liquid of the cartridge cannot escape in the primary fluid channel. It is also conceivable that the valve is only tight in one direction. This means that by breathing in, the valve can let the air through the fluid inlet in the energy supply device and through the primary fluid channel, while the liquid remains in the cartridge. Subsequently, at the junction point, the air preferably reaches the secondary fluid channel, at least in part and the airflow sensor registers preferably the differences in the secondary fluid channel.
It is also conceivable that the cartridge has preferably at least one chamber with liquid sealed with the valve, wherein the fluid outlet of the energy supply device is in fluid connection with the mouthpiece outlet through a channel inside the cartridge. More preferred, the cartridge has two chambers with liquid, which are sealed only in one way with a valve. In this case there is a fluid channel in the cartridge which is preferably a continuation of the primary fluid channel.
In another embodiment the cartridge has sealed fluid channels near the side walls, wherein the fluid channels have fluid connection to the primary and secondary fluid channel. In the middle of the cartridge there is a consumable, for example liquid. If the user draws on the electronic smoking system, this is preferably directed through the fluid inlet in the energy supply device to the primary fluid channel. After reaching the junction point, at least one part of the air is directed in the secondary fluid channel and another part of the air is then directed preferably forwards to the fluid outlet of the energy supply device. The air is subsequently directed through the fluid channels on the walls of the cartridge directly to the mouthpiece outlet.
The objective is also reached by an energy supply device, preferably for an electronic smoking system. The energy supply device comprises a cartridge mount for receiving a removable cartridge. Moreover, the energy supply device comprises a primary fluid channel having a fluid inlet located in an outer wall of the energy supply device and a fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount. The primary fluid channel could be brought in fluid communication with a fluid inlet of a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount. In addition, the energy supply device includes a secondary fluid channel which is in fluid communication with the primary fluid channel at a junction point, wherein the secondary fluid channel comprises an airflow sensor located at a distance from the junction point. According to the invention, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction.
The energy supply device is preferably shaped as a cuboid. Such a shape is particularly easy to manufacture. In addition, this energy supply device with this shape can be held comfortably. It is conceivable to use the cuboid shape also for the cartridge. The cartridge mount is then shaped as a depression, in which the cartridge fits.
In another preferred embodiment, the shape of the energy supply device is anatomically adapted to the shape of the user's hand. In this case, the energy supply device has few edges and is smooth.
According to another embodiment, an outlet flow direction is defied by the fluid outlet and the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along the outlet flow direction and/or along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction.
The outlet flow direction indicates the main direction of the air, which the user draws. In case of an angled mouthpiece, the outlet flow direction is diverted in part, but the bigger part of the outlet flow direction remains unchanged. That means that the main direction is actually not diverted. The beginning of the flow is characterized by the fluid inlet in the side wall of the energy supply device. The user breathes in on the mouthpiece and creates a negative pressure in the energy supply device and cartridge. The fluid inlet comprises preferably a through hole, which is in fluid connection with the fluid outlet of the energy support device. Preferably, the primary fluid channel comprising the junction point connects the fluid inlet with the fluid outlet, wherein the junction point is located between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet of the energy supply device. The outlet flow direction is thereby preferably also characterized by the primary fluid channel.
According to another embodiment, at least a section of the primary fluid channel arranged between the fluid inlet and the junction point is substantially straight to allow condensate to flow out of the energy supply device through the fluid inlet.
The air drawn in through the fluid inlet comprises moisture in form of liquid droplets suspended in the air, which can reach the primary fluid channel in the energy supply device. The vapor in the vaporizing chamber comprises also moisture particles, which can also reach the primary fluid channel while the vaping process. The two kinds of liquid droplets are initially in a gaseous state, whereby the negative pressure and a temperature in the energy supply device favor an increased formation of such moisture particles. The condensation takes place at the inner walls of the energy supply device in the primary fluid channel, which can comprise a lower temperature compared to the air flow and offer a lower the nucleation energy for the droplets on the inner walls surfaces due to heterogeneous nucleation. It is possible that the moisture comprises also parts of the liquid out of the cartridge, therefore it is advantageous to prevent the hitting of the moisture with the airflow sensor. According to this, it is preferred that the fluid inlet is straight to allow the condensate to flow out of the energy supply device.
It is conceivable that the fluid inlet comprises a through hole, wherein the condensate flows out through the hole. It is possible that the hole is protected preferably by a small grid to avoid contamination or clogging of the fluid inlet. It is also conceivable that the fluid inlet is an outlet valve with the property of letting the air into the energy supply device and during which the liquids preferably can escape from it.
According to another embodiment, a distance between the fluid inlet and the cartridge mount is bigger than a distance between the cartridge mount and the junction point to allow condensate to flow out of the fluid inlet and the energy supply device when in use.
Preferably, the fluid inlet and the junction point is positioned to the left and/or right side of the cartridge mount. In this case the distance between the cartridge mount and the junction point and the distance between the fluid inlet and the cartridge mount is positioned on the same axis, wherein the distance between the junction point and the fluid inlet is preferably an extension of the distance between the cartridge mount and the junction point.
According to another embodiment, the energy supply device comprises a vaporization chamber for generating a vapor, wherein the vaporization chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount to allow vapor to pass through the second opening.
Preferably, the vaporization chamber is located in on the surface of the cartridge mount. The vaporization chamber is then preferably extended on the whole surface of the cartridge mount and is in fluid communication with the cartridge.
In another embodiment, the vaporization chamber is also located on the surface of the cartridge mount, wherein the chamber extends from one inner wall of the cartridge mount to the fluid outlet. There is a dividing wall to create a closed up room for the vaporization, wherein the dividing wall comprises an outlet for the vapor and an inlet for the consumables. Preferably, the vaporization chamber is in fluid connection to the fluid outlet of the energy supply device and the cartridge.
According to another embodiment, the energy supply device comprises a first and a second device electrical contact located in a wall of the cartridge mount for establishing electrical contact to a cartridge when mounted in the cartridge mount.
According to a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second electrical contact are formed as pins which are preferably arranged in guiding recesses within the device, wherein a spring is preferably arranged between a bottom surface of each guiding recess and the bottom of each pin. That way the springs allow the pins to be pushed out of the guiding recesses to balance different distances from the pins to electrical counterparts of an inserted cartridge without losing the contact to the electrical counterparts. However, the first and/or second electrical contact can also be formed as plate.
Preferably, at least one of the springs comprises a linear, progressive rate or dual rate spring, in particular formed in the shape of an hourglass, barrel or cone to save space within the guiding recesses due to the small space needed for compressed progressive rate springs, and to provide more space for accommodating the pins.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and/or second electrical contact is/are arranged in the groove. It is also possible that the first and/or second electrical contact is/are arranged in the base wall. That way, the first and/or second electrical contact is/are arranged such that they are able to contact the electrical counterparts of the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is mounted into the device.
The objective is also reached by a cartridge, preferably for an electronic smoking system and/or for temporary mounting in an energy supply device. The temporary mounting in an energy supply device comprises means to be temporary mountable in a cartridge mount of a complementary energy supply device. The cartridge comprises a reservoir for a vaporization substance, a vaporization chamber and a fluid channel with a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and a mouthpiece outlet. The cartridge is characterized by, the vaporization chamber, which is supplied by energy by means for receiving energy from an energy supply device in an amount sufficient to vaporize the vaporizable substance. According to the invention, the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction.
It is possible that the cartridge comprises plane cartridge sidewalls, which preferably comprise a curved surface to avoid edges in which e-liquid may accumulate. It may also be possible that the plane cartridge sidewalls and are connected such that both define a continuous surface without edges to avoid accumulation of e-liquids therein and to limit the secondary fluid channel on at least three sides. However, preferably the plane cartridge sidewalls are individual walls arranged in an angle to each other, which is easier to produce.
It is also conceivable that the means for receiving energy from the energy supply device are arranged parallel to the first and second electronic contact of the energy supply device. Preferably, the received energy from the energy supply device is used for operating the vaporization chamber. Also preferably, the vaporizable substance is vaporized due to the heating unit, wherein the heating unit is preferably a heating coil.
According to another embodiment, the vaporizable substance is a liquid and/or includes a substance selected from a group comprising tobacco, cut tobacco leaves, tobacco extract, nicotine, flavoring agents, aroma, eugenol, menthol, caramel flavor, peppermint flavor, vanilla flavor and flavored liquid.
In principle, all flavors are preferably suitable for use in liquids, provided that they are miscible with the propylene glycol and glycerin carriers. Tobacco flavors make up a certain proportion, some of which are obtained from tobacco plants at least in part and some of which are also flavored. It is also conceivable that the natural oils from peppermint, orange or other citrus fruits, which are converted into a form miscible with propylene glycol and glycerin by suitable emulsifiers. It is also possible that there are preferably special flavors that only have a sweet or sour taste or (similar to menthol) convey a cooling effect. The range of possible flavors is almost unlimited and can be preferably expanded practically infinitely by combining the different flavors.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

The figures show:

FIG. 1 schematic cross sectional view of an electronic smoking system with a device and a cartridge removably mounted therein.

FIG. 2 a, b, c schematic views of a cartridge for mounting into an electronic smoking system.

FIG. 3 a, b schematic bottom views of the cartridge.

In FIG. 1 an electronic smoking system 15 is shown, which comprises an energy supply device 1 and a cartridge 20 removably mounted in a cartridge mount 2 of the device 1.
The device 1 comprises a fluid inlet 3, a primary fluid channel 4, a junction point 41 with a secondary fluid channel 40 and an airflow sensor 5, which is located in the secondary fluid channel 40 comprising a chamber 5 a ideally positioned between the primary fluid channel 4 and the junction point 41. The fluid inlet 3, primary fluid channel 4, the junction point 41 with the secondary fluid channel 40, the airflow sensor 5 and the chamber 5 a are in fluid connection.
Preferably, the fluid inlet 3 is arranged at an outer surface 53 of the device 1 and forms an opening 3 of the primary fluid channel 4. The primary fluid channel 4 preferably extends from the fluid inlet 3 to a curve 3 a and/or is limited by at least a first 4 a and a second 4 b wall of the primary fluid channel 4. Ideally, the first 4 a and the second 4 b wall of the primary fluid channel 4 are formed straight, and in particular are arranged perpendicular to the outer surface 53 and/or to a length of the opening 3. At best, the primary fluid channel 4 is directed from the fluid inlet 3 to the cartridge 20 and to the secondary fluid channel 40. It may be possible that the primary fluid channel 4 is curved (not shown here).
A first chamber wall 5 c and a third chamber wall 5 f form the chamber 5 a and oppose a receiving space for an enclosing lateral wall 27 of the cartridge 20. The first chamber wall 5 c is further arranged adjacent to a second chamber wall 5 e, which preferably extends from the first chamber wall 5 c to the third chamber wall 5 f. It is possible that the first 5 c and second 5 e chamber walls are arranged perpendicular to one another. Preferably, the first 5 c and second 5 e chamber wall are arranged in an angle to one another, wherein the angle is preferably larger than 60°, preferably larger than 70°, preferably larger than 80° and smaller than 150°, preferably smaller than 130° and preferably smaller than 110°.
The first chamber wall 5 c extends from the first wall 4 a of the primary fluid channel 4 to the second chamber wall 5 e and to the third chamber wall 5 f. The first and third chamber walls 5 c 5 f extend in particular along a height direction hd of the device 1, wherein the device 1 has its maximum extension along the height direction hd. Ideally, the first chamber wall 5 c is arranged between the curve 3 a of the primary fluid channel 4 and the second chamber wall 5 e (not shown here). Ideally, the chamber 5 a is enclosed by the first chamber wall 5 c, the second chamber wall 5 e, the third chamber wall 5 f and the junction point 41.
The airflow sensor 5 is ideally in fluid communication with the fluid inlet 3 and a fluid outlet 21, the primary 4 and secondary 40 fluid channel and/or the chamber 5 a. Preferably, the airflow sensor 5 is positioned at the second chamber wall 5 e between the first chamber wall 5 c and the third chamber wall 5 f. More preferred, the airflow sensor 5 is positioned between the junction point 40 in the primary fluid channel 4 and the second chamber wall 5 e.
The fluid outlet 21 of the energy supply device 1 is preferably positioned spaced from the airflow sensor 5 in the length direction ld of the device. Ideally, the length direction ld represents the direction of the maximum extension of the device 1 in the length direction ld perpendicular to an insertion direction hd of the cartridge. Ideally, a distance 52 between the airflow sensor 5 and the second wall 4 b of the primary fluid channel 4 is larger than a height h of a protrusion of the cartridge 20. The airflow sensor 5 is further arranged shifted and/or spaced in the height direction hd of the device 1 from the mouthpiece outlet 25 and relative to the junction point 41 in the primary fluid channel 4 and/or to the fluid outlet 21 and/or the upper face 23 of the cartridge 20.
The airflow sensor 5 is further arranged such that a detection surface 5 b of the airflow sensor 5 at least partially opposes the second wall of the primary fluid channel 4 b. Preferably, the detection surface 5 b of the airflow sensor 5 arranged in parallel to length direction ld of the energy supply device 1.
It may be possible that the detection surface 5 b of the airflow sensor 5 is arranged in a small angle to the second chamber wall 5 e, to the length direction ld and the second wall of the primary fluid channel 4 b, wherein the angle is preferably larger than 1°, preferably larger than 5°, preferably larger than 7° and smaller than 50°, preferably smaller than 35° and preferably smaller than 10°.
Preferably, the detection surface 5 b of the airflow sensor 5 is arranged perpendicular to or in an angle to the first and third chamber walls 5 c 5 f, in particular this angle is larger than 60°, preferably larger than 70°, preferably larger than 80° and smaller than 120°, preferably smaller than 110° and preferably smaller than 100°.
A base wall 9 opposes an upper face 23 of the cartridge 20 in a state, the cartridge 20 is mounted in the cartridge mount 2. Ideally, the base wall 9 and the upper face 23 are then arranged parallel to each other.
The device 1 further comprises a first 6 a and a second 6 b electrical contact, each positioned within a respective guiding recess 7. Preferably, the guiding recesses 7 are arranged at the base wall 9. Ideally, a depth 7 b (not shown here) of the guiding recesses 7 is arranged perpendicular to the base wall 9. A spring 8 is positioned within each guiding recess 7 and connects a bottom 7 a of the guiding recess 7 with a bottom 6 a 1, 6 b 1 the first 6 a and the second 6 b electrical contact, which are preferably formed as pins 6 a, 6 b. The springs 8 may be formed as linear, progressive rate or dual rate spring in the shape of an hourglass, barrel, cylinder or cone. Ideally, the depth 7 b of the guiding recesses is suitable to accommodate the spring 8 and the first 6 a or second 6 b electrical contact.
The cartridge 2 comprises at least a first 22 a and a second 22 b protrusion (not shown in FIG. 1 ), which ideally serve as spacers or spacer bars to keep a distance h between the base wall 9 and the upper face 23 and/or a third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact positioned at the cartridge 20. Thereby, a length l of the first 6 a and 6 b electrical contact is larger than the distance h between the base wall 9 and the third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact and/or the base wall 9.
The guiding recesses 7, the springs 8, the first 6 a and the second 6 b electrical contact are arranged between a fastening system to fasten the cartridge 20 into the device 1, wherein the fastening system comprises at least one magnet 14 or a mechanical fit leg (not shown in FIG. 1 ), a system of a groove and a ridge (not shown in FIG. 1 ), a bayonet mount and counterpart (not shown in FIG. 1 ), or a screw mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge mount 2 comprises magnets 14 that are able to attract a metallic surface of the cartridge 20 and/or at least one protrusion 22 a (shown in FIG. 2 b ) of the cartridge 20. Preferably, the support surface 22a1, 22b1 (shown in FIG. 2 a ) comprises a metallic material suitable to be attracted by magnets 14. The magnets 14 may be arranged at or in the base wall 9. With magnets 14 and metallic surfaces the cartridge 20 is fixable into the cartridge mount 2 of the device 1. It is also possible that the device 1 and/or the cartridge 20 comprise a mechanical fit leg (not shown in FIG. 1 ), a system of a groove and a ridge (not shown in FIG. 1 ), a bayonet mount and counterpart (not shown in FIG. 1 ) or a screw mechanism (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to fasten the cartridge 20 in the cartridge mount 2 of the device 1. Thereby, the cartridge 20 comprises a fitting groove (not shown in FIG. 1 ), bayonet pin (not shown in FIG. 1 ) or male screw (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and the device 1 comprises a countering fitting ridge (not shown in FIG. 1 ), bayonet mount (not shown in FIG. 1 ) or female screw (not shown in FIG. 1 ), or the other way around.
The magnet 14 is preferably arranged in parallel to the upper face 23 of the cartridge 20 and in particular arranged such that the magnet 14 is suitable to contact a metallic surface of the cartridge 20. Preferably, the metallic surface is arranged at a support surface 22a1, 22b1 (shown in FIG. 3 a ) of the cartridge 20, which is preferably arranged in parallel to and opposing the base wall 9 and/or contacts the device 1, preferably the base wall 9.
The cartridge 20 further comprises a tank 26 suitable for accommodating e-liquids and a mouthpiece outlet 25, through which air is passable to stream out of the cartridge 20. Preferably, the fluid outlet 21 opposes the mouthpiece outlet 25.
Due to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a movement of the air, which is drawn by the user is guided from the fluid inlet 3, through the opening 3, through the primary fluid channel 4, along and between the first 4 a and second 4 b wall of the primary fluid channel 4, into the secondary fluid channel 40 formed between the cartridge 20 and the device 1, along and between the base wall 9 of and the upper face 23 and into a fluid outlet 21, ideally positioned at the cartridge 20 and in particular positioned between the third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact (shown in FIG. 3 ). This movement of the air is referred as an outlet flow direction s.
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c show the cartridge 20 in a three dimensional view (FIG. 2 a ), in a two dimensional view (FIG. 2 b ) and a cross section view (FIG. 2 c ) according to the view of the cartridge in FIG. 1 . The cartridge 20 comprises at least one, preferably more than one enclosing lateral wall 27 that forms an outer surface of the cartridge 20. The cartridge 20 further comprises the first 22 a and the second protrusion 22 b, the upper face 23, at least a first 24 a and a second 24 b plane cartridge sidewall and at least one, preferably at least two support surfaces 22 a 1, 22 b 1 and at least a first 6 a and a second 6 b electrical contact (shown in FIG. 3 ), wherein the first and the second electrical contact 6 a, b can have preferably different embodiments (shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b ).
Preferably, each protrusion 22 a, 22 b comprises one of the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, 24 b and at least one support surface 22 a 1, 22 b 1. Ideally, the first protrusion 22 a comprises the first plane cartridge 24 a and the first support surface 22 a 1, while the second protrusion 22 b preferably comprises the second plane cartridge sidewall 24 b and the second support surface 22 b 1. The upper face 23 may be arranged between the first 22 a and second 22 b protrusion. Ideally, a length 23 a (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the upper face 23 is equal to a length 24 c (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the first 24 a and/or second 24 b plane cartridge sidewall and preferably also equal to length 22 c (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the first 22 a 1 and/or second 22 b 1 support surface.
An angle 28 between the upper face 23 and at least one, preferably both of the first 24 a and second 24 b plane cartridge sidewalls is preferably larger than 60°, preferably larger than 70°, preferably larger than 80° and preferably smaller than 120°, preferably smaller than 110° and preferably smaller than 100°.
An angle 29 between at least one, preferably both of the first 24 a and second 24 b plane cartridge sidewalls and at least one, preferably both of the first 22 a 1 and second 22 b 1 support surfaces is preferably larger than 60°, preferably larger than 70°, preferably larger than 80° and preferably smaller than 120°, preferably smaller than 110° and preferably smaller than 100°.
An angle 30 between at least one, preferably both of the first 22 a 1 and second 22 b 1 support surfaces and an enclosing lateral wall 27 is preferably larger than 60°, preferably larger than 70°, preferably larger than 80° and preferably smaller than 120°, preferably smaller than 110° and preferably smaller than 100°.
A height h of the protrusions 22 a,b is ideally equal to a height l (also shown in FIG. 1 ) of the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b and equal to a distance between the upper face 23 and the base wall 9. The plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b and the upper face 23 are preferably arranged such that they form the upper part 42 of the secondary fluid channel 40 and preferably also an extension of the first wall 4 a of the primary fluid channel 4. In such arrangement the outlet flow direction s is guided along and between the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b and the upper face 23.
25 FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show schematic bottom views of the cartridge 20 (shown in FIGS. 2 a . and 2 b) with different arrangements of the first 6 a and second 6 b electrical contacts positioned at the upper face 23 of the cartridge 20. The upper face 23, the fluid outlet 21 and the first 6 a and the second 6 b electrical contact are arranged between the protrusions 22 a, b with its support surfaces 22 a 1, b 1, which are arranged in parallel. It is also possible that the electrical contacts 6 a, b are arranged on the other surfaces of the cartridge, which could touch the energy supply device (not shown here). The plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b preferably oppose each other and are especially arranged in parallel to at least one enclosing lateral wall 27.
The fluid inlet 54 as well as the third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact are arranged in the upper face 23. In FIG. 3 a , the fourth electrical contact 6 d surrounds the third electrical contact 6 c and the third electrical contact 6 c surrounds the fluid outlet 21. In FIG. 3 b third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact are positioned in line with the fluid outlet 21 and/or in line parallel with respect to plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b and/or in line with a direction of the outlet flow direction s. However, it is possible that both the third 6 c and fourth 6 d electrical contact are arranged in front of or behind the fluid outlet 21 with respect to the direction of the outlet flow direction s.
It may also be possible that an imaginary connection line connecting a center of each the third 6 c and the fourth 6 d electrical contact is arranged perpendicular or parallel to the length 24 c of the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b. It may also possible that the imaginary connection line is arranged to the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b in an angle smaller than 90°, preferably smaller than 70°, preferably smaller than 60° and preferably larger than 0°, preferably larger than 200°, preferably larger than 30°.
FIGS. 3 a and 3 b also show the outlet flow direction s that is directed along a specific outlet flow direction s area 43, which is defined by a section 43 a of the upper face 23 and a section 43 b of the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b. The outlet flow direction s area 43 preferably extends from at least one enclosing lateral wall 27 along the section 43 of upper face 23 and the plane cartridge sidewalls 24 a, b to the fluid outlet 21.
The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combination, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are described, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly recognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being disclosed in one or various figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

- 1 energy supply device
- 2 cartridge mount
- 2 a face of the opposing receiving wall
- 3 fluid inlet/opening
- 3 a curve
- 4 primary fluid channel
- 4 a first wall of the primary fluid channel
- 4 b second wall of the primary fluid channel
- 4 c curve of the primary fluid channel
- 5 airflow sensor
- 5 a chamber
- 5 b detection surface of the airflow sensor
- 5 c first chamber wall
- 5 d face of the first chamber wall
- 5 e second chamber wall
- 5 f third chamber wall
- 6 a first electrical contact
- 6 a 1 bottom of the first electrical contact
- 6 b second electrical contact
- 6 b 1 bottom of the second electrical contact
- 7 guiding recesses
- 7 a bottom surface of the guiding recesses
- 7 b depth of the guiding recesses
- 8 springs
- 9 base wall
- 14 magnets
- 15 electronic smoking system
- 20 cartridge
- 21 fluid outlet of the energy supply device
- 22 a first protrusion
- 22 a 1 first support surface
- 22 b second protrusion
- 22 b 1 second support surface
- 22 c length of the support surfaces
- 23 upper face of the cartridge
- 23 a length of the upper face
- 24 a first plane cartridge sidewall
- 24 b second plane cartridge sidewall
- 24 c length of the plane cartridge sidewalls
- 25 mouthpiece outlet
- 26 tank for e-liquids
- 27 enclosing lateral walls
- 28 angle between the upper face and the plane cartridge sidewalls
- 29 angle between the plane cartridge sidewalls and the support surfaces
- 30 angle between the support surfaces and the enclosing lateral sidewalls
- 40 secondary fluid channel
- 41 junction point
- 42 upper part of the second air channel
- 43 airstream area
- 43 a section of the upper face of the cartridge
- 43 b section of the plane cartridge wall
- 50 distance between the airflow sensor and the primary fluid channel
- 51 distance between the airflow sensor and the second chamber wall
- 52 distance between the airflow sensor and the second wall of the primary fluid channel
- 53 outer surface of the energy supply device
- 54 fluid inlet in the cartridge
- 55 vaporization chamber
- 56 mouthpiece
- 57 condensate
- 58 axis of abscissae
- 59 axis of ordinates
- 60 fluid channel in the cartridge
- s outlet flow direction
- h height of protrusions/distance between upper face and base wall
- hd height direction of the device
- ld length direction of the device
- l length of the electrical pin

Claims

1. An electronic smoking system comprising:

a removable cartridge comprising a fluid channel with a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a vaporization chamber and a mouthpiece outlet, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a mouthpiece outlet defining an outlet flow direction(s), and

an energy supply device comprising a cartridge mount for receiving the removable cartridge,

wherein the energy supply device comprises a primary channel having a fluid inlet located in an outer wall of the energy supply device and a fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount and

the fluid inlet of the cartridge is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the primary fluid channel when mounted in the cartridge mount,

wherein,

the energy supply device includes a secondary fluid channel in fluid communication with the primary fluid channel at a junction point, wherein the secondary fluid channel comprises an airflow sensor located at a distance from the junction point, wherein the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction(s).

2. The electronic smoking system according to claim 1,

wherein,

the energy supply device provides means for transferring energy to a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount and the cartridge provides means for receiving energy from the energy supply device when mounted in the cartridge mount of the energy supply device.

3. The electronic smoking system according to claim 2,

wherein,

an energy transferable from the energy supply device by the means for transferring energy to a cartridge is selected from a group consisting of electric energy, mechanical energy, thermal energy, alternating high frequency magnetic fields, alternating high frequency electrical fields and electromagnetic radiation.

4. The electronic smoking system according to claim 1,

wherein,

the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece through which vapor is inhalable by a user through the mouthpiece outlet.

5. The electronic smoking system according to claim 1,

wherein,

the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point toward the mouthpiece outlet.

6. The electronic smoking system according to claim 1,

wherein,

the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of ordinates parallel to the outlet flow direction(s).

7. The electronic smoking system according to claim 1,

wherein,

the mouthpiece outlet is in fluid connection with the airflow sensor when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mount of the energy supply device.

8. An energy supply device, preferably for an electronic smoking system, comprising a cartridge mount for receiving a removable cartridge, wherein the energy supply device comprises a primary fluid channel having a fluid inlet located in an outer wall of the energy supply device and a fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount and configured to be brought in fluid communication with a fluid inlet of a cartridge mounted in the cartridge mount,

wherein,

9. The energy supply device according to claim 8,

wherein,

an outlet flow direction(s) is defined by the fluid outlet and the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along the outlet flow direction(s) and/or along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction(s).

10. The energy supply device according to claim 8,

wherein,

at least a section of the primary fluid channel arranged between the fluid inlet and the junction point is substantially straight to allow condensate to flow out of the energy supply device through the fluid inlet.

11. The energy supply device according to claim 8,

wherein,

a distance between the fluid inlet and the cartridge mount is bigger than a distance between the cartridge mount and the junction point to allow condensate to flow out of the fluid inlet and the energy supply device when in use.

12. The energy supply device according to claim 8,

further comprising:

a vaporization chamber for generating a vapor, wherein the vaporization chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet located in a surface of the cartridge mount to allow vapor to pass through the second opening.

13. The energy supply device according to claim 8,

further comprising a first and a second device electrical contact located in a wall of the cartridge mount for establishing electrical contact to a cartridge when mounted in the cartridge mount.

14. A cartridge, for an electronic smoking system according to claim 1, comprising means to be temporary mountable in a cartridge mount of a complementary energy supply device, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for a vaporization substance, a vaporization chamber and a fluid channel with a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and a mouthpiece outlet,

wherein,

the vaporization chamber is supplied by energy by means for receiving energy from an energy supply device in an amount sufficient to vaporize the vaporizable substance, wherein the airflow sensor is located at a distance from the junction point along an axis of abscissae perpendicular to the outlet flow direction(s).

15. The cartridge according to claim 14,

wherein,

the vaporizable substance is a liquid and/or includes a substance selected from a group consisting of tobacco, cut tobacco leaves, tobacco extract, nicotine, flavoring agents, aroma, eugenol, menthol, caramel flavor, peppermint flavor, vanilla flavor and flavored liquid.