WO2015189613A1

WO2015189613A1 - Electronic cigarette device

Info

Publication number: WO2015189613A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/051704
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antony FOX
Original assignee: Fox Antony
Priority date: 2014-06-10
Filing date: 2015-06-10
Publication date: 2015-12-17
Also published as: GB2522963B; GB201410338D0; GB2522963A; GB201421039D0

Abstract

An electronic cigarette device is provided having a battery (1) and a cartomizer (7). A switching arm (4) is provided, on which the cartomizer (7) is mounted. In use of the electronic cigarette device, the switching arm (4) is pivotally displaced by user operation from an open circuit position to a closed circuit position in which a cartomizer contact (8) and a first battery terminal (6) make contact, thus completing an electric circuit and activating the electronic cigarette device. Further user operation of the switching arm (4) displaces the cartomizer contact (8) relative to the first battery terminal (6), in a scraping action that removes fouling deposits from the surface of the cartomizer contact (8) and/or the first battery terminal (6). The operation of the electronic cigarette device is not impaired by the repeated switching of the contacts, leading to improved user satisfaction with the electronic cigarette device.

Description

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE DEVICE

Field of the Disclosure This disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette device.

Background to the Disclosure

Electronic cigarettes have become very popular in recent years, either as an alternative to conventional cigarette smoking, or in addition to conventional cigarette smoking. Electronic cigarettes operate by producing an aerosol containing nicotine or other flavorings, which resembles conventional cigarette smoke but which contains no tar and other potentially harmful chemicals, or at least a reduced quantity of tar and other potentially harmful chemicals compared with cigarette smoke produced by the combustion of nicotine in a conventional cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes typically have a reservoir containing an electronic cigarette liquid solution, and an atomizer arranged to heat the electronic cigarette liquid solution to produce an aerosol in response to the application of an electric current to the atomizer. The atomizer and the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir are commonly combined as a cartomizer. A battery is typically arranged to supply an electric current to the atomizer or cartomizer in response to the activation of a user-operated switch.

The electronic cigarette liquid solution typically comprises a carrier liquid, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and/or polyethylene glycol 400, together with concentrated or extracted flavorings. Optionally, the electronic cigarette liquid solution may also contain a variable concentration of nicotine.

Some electronic cigarettes resemble traditional cigarettes in shape and in size. However, electronic cigarettes that resemble traditional cigarettes in shape and size are constrained with regard to battery size and the capacity of the electronic cigarette solution reservoir or cartomizer. As a result, devices have become available that do not resemble cigarettes and that are characterised by relatively large capacity cigarette solution reservoirs or cartomizers and/or by relatively large batteries. These devices are often called vapers or vaporizers.

Electronic cigarettes or vapers with mechanical switches have a tendency for the switch contacts to suffer from fouling due to sparking across the contact surfaces owing to the frequency with which the switch contacts are closed and opened. Fouling reduces effectiveness of the switch by requiring more pressure to be applied for an effective contact to be established. The electrical resistance of the fouling deposits can also lead to undesirable power loss across the switch mechanism, leading to a reduction in the efficiency of operation of the electronic cigarette, vaper, or vaporizer. This may lead to a reduced user satisfaction with the device.

The present invention seeks to alleviate or ameliorate the drawbacks of the prior art devices, and to provide a novel electronic cigarette device.

Summary of the Disclosure In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided an

electronic cigarette device, comprising a battery holder, an atomizer mount, and a switch, comprising a switching arm, a first contact mounted on the switching arm, and a second contact, the switch being coupled to the battery holder and to the atomizer mount to create an electrically conductive connection between the battery holder and the atomizer mount when the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact, wherein the switching arm is pivotably mounted to rotate between an open position, in which the first contact is not in electrical contact with the

second contact, and a closed position, in which the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact at a first contact position, and wherein a movement of the switching arm from the closed position to a further position causes one of the first contact or the second contact to move across the surface of the other of the first contact or the second contact to a second contact position.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette device, comprising a battery, an electronic cigarette liquid reservoir for containing electronic cigarette liquid, an atomizer, for heating electronic cigarette liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir in response to the

application of an electric current, and a switch, comprising a switching arm, a first contact mounted on the switching arm, and a second contact, the switch being electrically coupled to the battery and to the atomizer to create an electrical

connection between the battery and the atomizer when the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact, wherein the switching arm is pivotably mounted to rotate between an open position, in which the first contact is not in electrical contact with the second contact, and a closed position, in which the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact at a first contact position, and wherein a movement of the switching arm from the closed position to a further position causes one of the first contact or the second contact to move across the surface of the other of the first contact or the second contact to a second contact position.

The invention therefore provides an electronic cigarette device in which fouling deposits formed on switch contacts by the repeated making or breaking of an electrical circuit can be removed. The efficiency and reliability of the device is improved.

The switching contacts of the switch used to activate the device are allowed to move relative to each other after the switching contacts are brought together to close the switch. In this way, any fouling deposits on the switching contacts arising from the making and breaking of the electrical connection during repeated use of the device may be removed from the surface of the switching contacts.

In the open position of the switching arm the first contact of the switch is not in electrical contact with the second contact of the switch. In the closed position of the switching arm the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact forming an electrical connection between the battery or battery holder and the atomizer. Thus, in use, the making of electrical contact between the first contact and second contact of the switch results in an electrical circuit being completed between a battery, which may be removably held in a battery holder, and the atomizer or cartomizer. The completion of such a circuit enables the application of current to the atomizer or cartomizer, and the production of vapour.

The switching arm is able to move from the closed position, in which the electrical circuit is completed, to a further position. This movement causes one of the first contact or the second contact to move across the surface of the other of the first contact or the second contact to a second contact position. This relative movement of the first and second switching contacts cleans the contacts and removes any fouling deposits caused by the completion of the electrical circuit at the closed position of the switching arm.

The electronic cigarette device may comprise a housing, wherein the switching arm is pivotally mounted to the housing.

The switching arm may be mounted to the housing using a resilient material.

The switching arm may be mounted to the housing using a hinge.

The switching arm may be biased to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

The switching arm may be biased to move from the further position to the closed position. The switching arm may be made of conductive material and form part of the electrically conductive connection.

The switching arm may comprise a metal strip.

The switching arm may rotate further beyond the closed position, in the direction of rotation from the open position to the closed position, to move from the closed position to the further position.

The switching arm may move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the switching arm during rotation from the open position to a closed position to move from the closed position to the further position.

The first contact and the second contact may be in electrical contact during the relative movement of the first contact and the second contact between the first contact position and the second contact position.

The relative movement of the first contact and second contact may remove switch fouling deposits from at least one of the first contact or the second contact.

The electronic cigarette device may also comprise a battery, having first and second battery terminals, the battery being mounted within the battery holder such that the battery holder provides an electrical connection to at least one of the first and second battery terminals.

The electronic cigarette device may have a battery displaceably mounted within the battery holder in a first battery position when the switching arm is in the closed position, and in a second battery position displaced from the first battery position when the switching arm is in the further position.

One of the first and second battery terminals may function as one of the first contact or second contact.

The battery may be removably mounted within the electronic cigarette device.

The electronic cigarette device may comprise an atomizer, wherein the atomizer mount forms an electrical connection with the atomizer.

One of the first contact or the second contact may be an atomizer contact that is electrically connected to the atomizer.

The electronic cigarette device may comprise an electronic cigarette liquid reservoir containing electronic cigarette liquid, wherein the atomizer heats electronic cigarette liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir in response to the application of an electric current to the atomizer.

The electronic cigarette device may also comprise a cartomizer, wherein the cartomizer includes the atomizer and the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir. The cartomizer may be removably received within the electronic cigarette device.

In some arrangements a switch of the electronic cigarette device is formed by a terminal of a cartomizer and a battery terminal being brought into contact with one another.

In some arrangements, the electronic cigarette device consists of a battery, a housing for the battery, an arm attached to or forming part of the housing and a cartomizer mounted on the arm. The arm and cartomizer may be configured to maintain the cartomizer a small distance away from a battery terminal when the electrical circuit for operation of the cartomizer is in an open state.

In some arrangements, flexing of the arm allows application of a primary force to bring the cartomizer into contact with the battery terminal, closing the circuit and placing the cartomizer in operation. Increasing the applied force causes further distortion of the arm and the contact point of the cartomizer is obliged to traverse the surface of the battery terminal, if the battery is immobile relative to its housing.

In some arrangements of the electronic cigarette device, the battery housing allows displacement of the battery, for example in the direction of the applied force. In this situation, traversal of the contact point of the cartomizer with respect to the surface of the battery terminal occurs due to changing geometry of the parts as the cartomizer is displaced. Depending on the ease of displacement of the battery, a combination of both effects contributes to traversal of the cartomizer contact across the battery terminal surface.

Flexing of the arm may also permit traversal of the cartomizer contact across the battery terminal surface in a direction broadly perpendicular to that previously described, by application of a suitably directed secondary force to the arm once contact has been established by application and maintenance of the primary force.

In some arrangements, the arm structure is provided by a bent electrically conductive strip. The arm structure may be formed of metal due to its favorable characteristics although other materials could also be used.

In some arrangements the strip is attached to the housing and shaped so as to serve as the cartomizer mount at one end and maintain electrical contact with the opposing battery terminal at the other end. The assembly then acts as a closed electrical circuit when the cartomizer is brought into contact with the battery terminal closest to it and the metal strip acts as conductor between cartomizer and battery.

In some arrangements, wiring or other method of electrical conduction may provide the electrical connection otherwise achieved by a conductive strip. This enables the arm material to be selected independently of the conductive properties of the selected material.

In some arrangements, articulation may be provided to allow displacement of the cartomizer. This enables the arm material to be selected independently of the flexibility of the arm material.

In some arrangements, the electronic cigarette device may be provided with a retainer for limiting rotation of the switching arm from the closed position to the open position.

In some arrangements, the electronic cigarette device may be provided with a lock operable to prevent movement of switching arm.

In some arrangements, the electronic cigarette device may be provided with a means of introducing a non-conductive material between the cartomizer and battery terminal so that the cartomizer is not inadvertently placed in operation.

In some arrangements the electronic cigarette device may incorporate a clip so that the device can be hung, for example from a pocket.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette device.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 under application of a force F1.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 under application of a force F2.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 illustrating the application of a force F3.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electronic cigarette device, in a first configuration.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electronic cigarette device, in a second configuration.

Detailed description of Preferred Embodiments The use of the term "electronic cigarette device" in this specification is intended to refer to any electronic cigarette, electric cigarette, vaper, vaporizer, or similar product, as will be understood by a skilled person, and the term "electronic cigarette device" should be understood accordingly.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electronic cigarette device. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figure 1.

Three axes are shown in Figure 1. A first axis, axis Y, is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette device. A second axis, axis X, extends in a direction perpendicular to axis Y in a transverse direction of the electronic cigarette device. A third axis, axis Z, is shown extending in a direction perpendicular to axis Y and to axis X.

In Figures 1 and 2, the electronic cigarette device is provided with a battery 1 housed within a battery holder. The battery holder provides an electrical connection to the battery 1. In some embodiments, the battery 1 may be removably received within the battery holder.

A housing body 2 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing body 2 acts as a battery holder for the battery 1.

The electronic cigarette device is provided with a metal strip 3 formed as part of, or otherwise attached to, the housing body 2.

The electronic cigarette device is provided with a switching arm 4, which forms part of the switch controlling the operation of the electronic cigarette device, as will be explained in more detail in the following description.

In the illustrated embodiment, part of the metal strip 3 forms the switching arm 4.

Specifically, the metal strip 3 has a corner bend formed therein, and the corner bend allows the free end of the metal strip 3 to rotate about the corner bend and to act as the switching arm 4. The switching arm 4 is relatively rigid, and is pivotally mounted at the corner bend of the metal strip 3, so as to be able to rotate during operation of the electronic cigarette device.

In other embodiments, other pivot-able or rotatable mounts for the switching arm 4 may be employed. For example, the switching arm 4 may be mounted using a hinge to enable the rotation of the switching arm 4 during operation of the electronic cigarette device. The switching arm 4 may be mounted indirectly to the housing 2, in a similar manner to the indirect mounting of the strip 3 to housing 2 in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments the switching arm 4 may be mounted directly to the housing 2.

In some embodiments the switching arm 4 may be mounted to the housing 2 using a flexible or a resilient material. The switching arm 4 may be biased to rotate from the closed position to the open position. Additionally or alternatively, the

switching arm 4 may be biased to move from the further position to the closed

position. In the illustrated embodiment the resilient biasing is provided by the corner bend formed within the metal strip 3. However other methods of biasing, for

example using a spring, may also be selected by a skilled person.

The electronic cigarette device is provided with a cartomizer 5. The cartomizer 5 includes a fluid reservoir for containing electronic cigarette liquid solution, together with an atomizer that is operable to vaporize electronic cigarette liquid solution when an electric current is applied to the atomizer. Any suitable electric cigarette liquid solution and suitable atomizer can be selected by the skilled person. In some embodiments, the atomizer may be provided as a separate component from the fluid reservoir. The cartomizer 5 may be removable from the electronic cigarette device to enable different cartomizers to be used with the electronic cigarette device.

The battery 1 has a first battery terminal 6. The first battery terminal 6 has its contact surface perpendicular to axis Y.

A mount 7 is provided for mounting the cartomizer 5 to the switching arm 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the mount 7 is securely fixed to the switching arm 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the mount 7 is generally annular.

The cartomizer 5 and the mount 7 are shaped so as to co-operate with each other to enable the cartomizer 5 to be mounted to the switching arm. In some embodiments mount 7 and cartomizer 5 may be provided with corresponding screw threads or other securing arrangement to securely mount cartomizer 5 to mount 7.

The mount 7 forms a first electrical connection with the atomizer of a cartomizer 5, mounted on the mount 7 as will be explained in more detail below.

Cartomizer 5 also has a cartomizer contact 8 that forms part of or is connected to the cartomizer 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartomizer contact 8 has a sharp or pointed tip.

The switching arm 4 and the mount 7 are arranged to allow the cartomizer contact 8 to pass through the switching arm 4 without making electrical contact with the switching arm 4. This may be achieved by forming an opening in the switching arm 4 corresponding to the position of the mount 7. The end of the strip 3 opposite the end of the strip 3 on which the cartomizer 5 is mounted is also bent to form an arm 9. The battery 1 has a second battery terminal 10. In the exemplary embodiment, arm 9 is arranged to contact second battery terminal 10.

From the preceding description, it will be understood that the electronic cigarette device provides a switchable electrical connection. The electrical connection may be switched using a switch formed by a switching arm, a first contact mounted on the switching arm, and a second contact. The switch is coupled to the battery holder and to the atomizer mount to create an electrically conductive connection between the battery holder and the atomizer mount when the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact.

When a battery is received within the battery holder and an atomizer is mounted at the atomizer mount, the electronic cigarette device provides a switchable electrical connection between the battery and the atomizer that enables an electric current to be supplied from the battery to the atomizer.

In the illustrated electronic cigarette device, the switching arm 4, cartomizer contact 8, and battery terminal 6 form the switch. In the illustrated embodiment an electrical connection can thus be formed between the battery 1 in the battery holder and the atomizer of cartomizer 5 in the mount 7 by: the second battery terminal 10; the arm 9; strip 3; mount 7; cartomizer 5; cartomizer contact 8; and battery terminal 6.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2, no external force is being applied to the electronic cigarette device by a user. The switching arm 4 is in an open position, in which the cartomizer contact 8 and the battery terminal 6 are not in electrical contact with each other. Since the electrical circuit between the battery 1 and the cartomizer 5 is in an open circuit state, no current is being applied to the cartomizer 5.

In order to operate the electronic cigarette device in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the user applies a force to switching arm 4 causing the switching arm 4 to rotate towards the housing 2. The force may conveniently be applied to the free distal end of the switching arm 4 by the user, for example by pressure from a user's thumb or fingers, in order to cause the rotation and movement of the switching arm 4 as will be described in more detail in the following description.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 under application of a first force F1 by a user. The application of the force F1 to the distal end of the switching arm 4 has caused the switching arm 4 to rotate about the pivotable mounting, which pivotable mounting is formed by the corner bend of the metal strip 3 in the illustrated embodiment. In Figure 3, the switching arm 4 has rotated so that the cartomizer contact 8 carried by the switching arm 4 is brought into contact with the battery terminal 6. The switching arm 4 is in a closed position, in which the switch contacts are in electrical contact at a first contact position. The electronic cigarette device is thus in a closed circuit state on initial contact of the cartomizer contact 8 with the battery terminal 6.

Figure 3 illustrates the effect of the application of a first force F1 to the end of the switching arm 4 in a direction approximately parallel to the Y axis. As will be clear from a consideration of Figure 2, first force F1 is applied to the free or distal end of switching arm

4 by the user, causing the switching arm 4 to rotate towards the housing body 2 of the electronic cigarette device. This rotation of the switching arm 4 in response to the application of the first force F1 brings the cartomizer contact 8 into electrical contact with the battery terminal 6. The electrical connection between the battery 1 and the cartomizer

5 is thus completed, and electric current is supplied to the cartomizer 5, placing the cartomizer 5 in operation.

As shown in Figure 3, under application of first force F1 to the switching arm 4, the contact between cartomizer contact 8 and the first battery terminal 6 occurs at a first contact position at a distance D1 from an arbitrary reference point of the assembly. As will be appreciated by a skilled person, some degree of deflection and/or deformation of the switching arm 4, as well as some rotation of the cartomizer 5 about the Z axis, may be caused by the application of the first force F1 to the switching arm 4.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 under application of a second force F2 by the user. The application of the second force F2 by a user to the switching arm 4 causes a movement of the switching arm 4 from the closed position, shown in Figure 3, to a further position, shown in Figure 4, where one of the first contact or the second contact has moved across the surface of the other contact to a second contact position. In Figure 4 the electronic cigarette device is in a closed circuit state after the application of the second force F2 that causes the cartomizer contact 8 to traverse across the battery terminal 6.

In Figure 4, the second force F2 is greater than first force F1 and is applied to the end of the switching arm 4 by the user generally in the same direction, approximately parallel to the Y axis, as the first force F1 applied by the user. As will be clear from a consideration of Figure 4, the application of the second force F2 to the switching arm 4 causes the switching arm 4 to rotate towards the housing body 2 of the electronic cigarette device to a greater degree than occurred previously when the first force F1 was applied.

The rotation of the switching arm 4 and cartomizer 7 in response to the application of the second force F2 are more pronounced than the rotation of the switching arm 4 and cartomizer 7 in response to the application of the first force F1. Some degree of additional deflection and/or deformation of the switching arm 4, as well as some rotation of the cartomizer 5 about the Z axis, may be caused by the application of the second force F2 to the switching arm 4.

As a result, under application of the second force F2 to the switching arm 4, the contact between cartomizer contact 8 and first battery terminal 6 occurs at a second contact position at a distance D2 from the arbitrary reference point of the assembly. The distance D2, as shown in Figure 4, is different from the distance D1 , as shown in Figure 3. The cartomizer contact 8 has traversed the surface of the terminal 6 in a direction generally parallel to the X axis in response to the application of the additional force F2 to the switching arm 4.

In some embodiments, the battery 1 may be displaced along its longitudinal axis by a distance D3 in response to the application of the second force F2 to the switching arm 4. The battery 1 is mounted within the battery holder in a first battery position when the switching arm is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The battery 1 is mounted within the battery holder in a second battery position, displaced from the first battery position, when the switching arm 4 is in the further position, as shown in Figure 4. The extent of displacement D3 is a function of the second force F2 applied and

mechanical characteristics of switching arm 4 and arm 9, as will be clear to a skilled person.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in which contact between the cartomizer contact 8 and the battery terminal 6 has already been made, illustrating the application of a third force F3 by a user to the switching arm 4 after the application of force F1. In practical implementations of the electronic cigarette device, the third force F3 may be applied in addition to, or alternatively to, the application of the second force F2.

Figure 5 shows a view of the device in closed circuit state with the application of a force in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the switching arm 4 during rotation from the open position to a closed position. Some degree of additional deflection and/or deformation of the switching arm 4 may be caused by the application of the third force F3 to the switching arm 4.

The movement of the switching arm 4 to a further position in response to the application of a third force F3 to the switching arm 4 by a user causes an alternative traversal path of the cartomizer contact 8 across the battery terminal 6 to a second contact position. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, a third force F3 may be applied by a user to the switching arm 4 in a direction approximately parallel to the Z axis. The application of the third force F3 causes the cartomizer contact 8 to traverse the surface of the battery terminal 6.

As will be clear to a skilled person, repeated application of the second force F2 and/or the third force F3 to the switching arm 4 when in the closed position shown in Figure 3 results in movement of the switching arm 4, effectively creating a scraping action between the switching contacts.

The relative movement of the first contact and the second contact cleans the switching contacts, and in particular removes switch fouling deposits from at least one of the first contact or the second contact. The operation of the device is not impaired by the build-up of fouling deposits since fouling deposits can be removed easily and simply from the electrical contact surfaces by the traversal of one switch contact across the surface of the other switch contact. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, any fouling deposits that have been created by the repeated switching contact between the cartomizer contact 8 and the first battery terminal 6 can be removed.

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of an electronic cigarette device in accordance with a second embodiment in a first and a second configuration.

For clarity, features of the electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 6 and 7 have been given the same reference numerals as the same or similar features shown in Figures 1-5.

The electronic cigarette device shown in Figures 6 and 7 is also provided with a retaining post 1 1. The retaining post 11 acts as a retainer for limiting rotation of the switching arm from the closed position to the open position. The retaining post 11 prevents the switching arm 4 from being bent so far in the opposite direction of travel to that required for the circuit to be closed that permanent deformation of the switching arm 4 is caused.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette device is provided with a clip 12 that allows the electronic cigarette device to be hung from a belt, a pocket or such like.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette device is provided a lock operable to impede movement of switching arm. The effect of the lock is that the atomizer of the cartomizer 5 cannot be brought to bear on the battery terminal 6 and be inadvertently placed in operation. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the lock is a locking cam 13 that can be rotated to seat against the switching arm 4 and prevent unintended operation of the electronic cigarette device. In Figure 6, the locking cam 13 is shown preventing operation of the electronic cigarette device. A bend 14 may be formed in the switching arm 4 between the cartomizer 7 and an end 15 of the switching arm 4. In embodiments in which a locking cam 13 is provided, the locking cam 13 may have a flat surface 16.

In the locking position, as shown in Figure 6, the locking cam 13 is oriented such that the switching arm 4 rests flush with the flat surface 16 of the locking cam 13, thus preventing the locking cam 13 from rotating out of position.

In the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 7, the locking cam 13 is rotated to a position in which operation of the device as described above is allowed.

In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette device may be provided with a spring 17 located within the housing body 2 between the battery 1 and arm 9. The spring 17 allows greater displacement of the battery 1 in response to the application of the additional force F2, as described above with reference to Figure 3, than is possible in embodiments where the battery 1 is constrained by the arm 9 alone. The greater displacement of the battery 1 corresponds with a greater travel of the cartomizer contact 8 over the battery terminal 6.

Moreover, in embodiments of the electronic cigarette device in which the battery 1 is removable, the spring 17 may facilitate the replacement of the battery 1.

In some embodiments the cartomizer contact 8 of the cartomizer 7 and battery terminal 6 make contact directly with each other to close the electric circuit that provides current to the atomizer of the cartomizer 7, causing vaporization of the electronic cigarette liquid in the reservoir of the cartomizer 7. However, in some embodiments either or both the cartomizer contact 8 of the cartomizer 7 and the battery terminal 6 may themselves be connected to remote switch contacts. In such embodiments, the switch contacts are arranged similarly to the cartomizer contact 8 and to battery terminal 6 as previously described, and are brought together by the rotation of the pivotably mounted switching arm 4.

In the illustrated embodiments the first contact has a point profile provided by the sharp or pointed tip of the cartomizer contact 8 and the second contact has a flat profile provided by the flat surface of the battery terminal 6. However, in alternative embodiments other profiles may be selected for the first and second contacts, provided that the selected profiles for the first contact and the second contact enable a good electrical contact to be made between the contacts during operation of the device, and allow the described traversal of one contact relative to the other contact as described above.

In some embodiments, a contact plate for the battery terminal 6 may be provided. The contact plate is electrically connected to the battery terminal 6. The contact plate forms the second contact of the switch, instead of the battery terminal 6 forming the second contact of the switch, as described above.

Thus, during operation of the electronic cigarette device, the first contact of the switch, for example the cartomizer contact 8 described above, is brought into contact with the contact plate to complete the electrical circuit between the battery 1 and the atomizer of the cartomizer 5. Further motion of the switching arm 4 causes relative motion between the first contact of the switch, for example the cartomizer contact 8 described above, and the contact plate acting as the second contact of the switch.

In this way, the contact plate distributes pressure applied by the switch contact during operation of the switch and during traversal of one contact relative to the other so as to avoid the application of undue pressure to the battery terminal 6. As a result, a point load is not applied by the cartomizer contact 7 directly to the battery terminal 6, thus minimizing or avoiding undesired deformation of the battery terminal 6.

The contact plate may be formed by a disc of electrically conductive material. The contact plate may be formed as an integral part of the electronic cigarette device, or may be inserted in the electronic cigarette device each time the battery is changed, for example.

In other embodiments, the first contact may be formed as a contact plate mounted on the switching arm. Again, the use of a contact plate as the first contact minimizes or avoids the application of undue pressure during operation of the switch and in particular during traversal of the contacts.

As will be appreciated by a skilled person, an electronic cigarette device in accordance with embodiments of the invention is provided that enables switch contacts in an electric circuit used to apply an electric current to heat electronic cigarette liquid solution to be moved across their surfaces relative to each other. The relative movement of the first and the second contact will remove any switch fouling deposits from at least one of the contacts. In some embodiments, the displacement is achieved while the electric connection is maintained.

The invention provides a new electronic cigarette device. The operation of the electronic cigarette device is not impaired by the repeated switching of the contacts, leading to improved user satisfaction with the electronic cigarette device.

Other variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims will be apparent to the skilled person. Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the Figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

Claims

1 An electronic cigarette device, comprising

a battery holder,

an atomizer mount, and

a switch, comprising a switching arm, a first contact mounted on the switching arm, and a second contact, the switch being coupled to the battery holder and to the atomizer mount to create an electrically conductive connection between the battery holder and the atomizer mount when the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact,

wherein the switching arm is pivotably mounted to rotate between an open position, in which the first contact is not in electrical contact with the second contact, and a closed position, in which the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact at a first contact position, and

wherein a movement of the switching arm from the closed position to a further position causes one of the first contact or the second contact to move across the surface of the other of the first contact or the second contact to a second contact position.

2. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a housing, wherein the switching arm is pivotably mounted to the housing.

3. The electric cigarette device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the switching arm is mounted to the housing using a flexible material.

4. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the switching arm is mounted to the housing using a hinge.

5. The electric cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the switching arm is biased to rotate from the closed position to the open position.

6. The electric cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the switching arm is biased to move from the further position to the closed position.

7. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the switching arm is made of conductive material and forms part of the electrically conductive connection.

8. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the switching arm comprises a metal strip.

9. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein to move from the closed position to the further position, the switching arm rotates beyond the closed position in the direction of rotation from the open position to the closed position.

10. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein to move from the closed position to the further position, the switching arm moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation from the open position to the closed position.

11. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact during the relative movement of the first contact and the second contact between the first contact position and the second contact position.

12. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the battery holder provides an electrical connection to at least one of the first and second battery terminals of a battery mounted therein.

13. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a battery, having first and second battery terminals, mounted in the battery holder.

14. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the battery is displaceably mounted within the battery holder in a first battery position when the switching arm is in the closed position, and in a second battery position displaced from the first battery position when the switching arm is in the further position.

15. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein one of the first and second battery terminals functions as one of the first contact or second contact.

16. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a contact plate, the contact plate being electrically coupled with one of the first and second battery terminals and being disposed within the electronic cigarette device to function as one of the first contact or second contact.

17. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in one of claims 13- 16, wherein the battery is removably mounted within the electronic cigarette device

18. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the atomizer mount forms an electrical connection with an atomizer mounted to the atomizer mount.

19. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an atomizer mounted in the atomiser mount.

20. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 19, wherein one of the first contact or the second contact is an atomizer contact that is electrically connected to the atomizer.

21. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 19 or 20 further comprising an electronic cigarette liquid reservoir containing electronic cigarette liquid, wherein the atomizer heats electronic cigarette liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir in response to the application of an electric current to the atomizer.

22. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 21 , comprising a cartomizer, wherein the cartomizer includes the atomizer and the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir.

23. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the cartomizer is removably received within the electronic cigarette device.

24. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a retainer for limiting rotation of the switching arm from the closed position to the open position.

25. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a lock operable to impede movement of the switching arm.

26 An electronic cigarette device, comprising

a battery,

an electronic cigarette liquid reservoir for containing electronic cigarette liquid, an atomizer, for heating electronic cigarette liquid in the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir in response to the application of an electric current, and a switch, comprising a switching arm, a first contact mounted on the switching arm, and a second contact, the switch being electrically coupled to the battery and to the atomizer to create an electrical connection between the battery and the atomizer when the first contact and the second contact are in electrical contact,

27. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the battery is mounted within a battery holder and the battery holder provides an electrical connection to at least one terminal of the battery.

28. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the battery is removably mounted within the electronic cigarette device.

29. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein one of the first contact or the second contact is an atomizer contact that is electrically connected to the atomizer.

30. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29, comprising an atomizer mount for mounting the atomizer within the electronic cigarette device and for providing an electrical connection to the atomizer.

31. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, comprising a cartomizer, wherein the cartomizer includes the atomizer and the electronic cigarette liquid reservoir.

32. The electronic cigarette device as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the cartomizer is removably received within the electronic cigarette device.