Electronic smoking device having a liquid reservoir including an actuator

Abstract

An electronic smoking device (10) comprises: a battery portion (12), the battery portion (12) comprising a power source (18); an atomizer / liquid reservoir portion (114) having a mouthpiece opening (136) at an end thereof; and a liquid reservoir (134) adapted to contain a liquid (40). The electronic smoking device (10) further comprises: an atomizer (126) disposed at a first end surface (42) of the liquid reservoir (134) and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to the power source (18) to atomize the liquid (40), wherein the atomizer (126) comprises a plurality of openings (44) adapted to provide the aerosol; and an actuator (46) which moves within the liquid reservoir (134) toward the first end surface (42) and is adapted to supply the liquid (40) to the plurality of openings (44).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following application: Application date, March 30, 2016; Application number, 201680032430.9; Name of invention, Electronic smoking device with a liquid reservoir including an actuator. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to electronic smoking devices, and more particularly to electronic cigarettes. Background Art

[0003] An electronic smoking device such as an e-cigarette typically has a housing that houses a power source (e.g., a disposable or rechargeable battery, an electrical plug, or other power source), and an electrically operable atomizer. The atomizer vaporizes or atomizes a liquid supplied by a reservoir, and provides the vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol. A control circuit controls the activation of the atomizer. In some electronic cigarettes, the electronic smoking device is provided with an airflow sensor that detects a user's puff on the device (e.g., by sensing negative pressure or an air flow pattern through the device). The airflow sensor indicates or sends a puff signal to the control circuit to activate the device and produce vapor. In other electronic cigarettes, a switch is used to activate the electronic cigarette to produce a puff of vapor.

[0004] Most electronic cigarettes currently on the market have a core whose function is to transport liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. This core has many problems: usually, the liquid is not transported to the heating element quickly enough, which causes the temperature in the heating element to rise to more than 200-220 degrees, which may lead to an increase in byproducts; the increase in temperature also causes liquid particles to deposit and adhere to the heating element, which forms a residue around the heating element over time, which in turn causes the flavor to be changed. In a system where the atomizer and the liquid reservoir are not coupled, the core will always contain liquid when the liquid container is replaced. If the flavor of the e-liquid in the liquid container changes, the flavor will mix in the core until all the previous e-liquid flavors are exhausted, so there is flavor crossover during multiple puffs. In addition, it may be difficult to control the size of the particles. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic smoking device is provided, the electronic smoking device having a battery portion including a power source, an atomizer / liquid storage portion having a mouthpiece opening at an end, and a liquid storage device adapted to contain a liquid. The electronic smoking device also includes an atomizer disposed at a first end surface of the liquid storage device and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to a power source to atomize the liquid, wherein the atomizer includes a plurality of openings adapted to provide the aerosol, and an actuator movable within the liquid storage device toward the first end surface and adapted to supply the liquid to the plurality of openings.

[0006] The characteristics, features, and advantages of the present invention and the manner in which they are achieved as described above will become more apparent and more clearly understood in conjunction with the following description of exemplary embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements in each view:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic cigarette;

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary atomizer cartridge including a liquid reservoir and an atomizer;

[0010] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another exemplary atomizer cartridge including an airflow sensor;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of an exemplary atomizer;

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic top view of another exemplary atomizer; and

[0013] Figure 6 is an exemplary wiring diagram for an atomizer cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following, the electronic smoking device will be described exemplarily with reference to an electronic cigarette. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic cigarette 10 generally has a housing including a cylindrical hollow tube having an end cap 16. The cylindrical hollow tube can be a single-piece or multi-piece tube. Figure 1 In the figure, the cylindrical hollow tube is shown as a two-piece structure having a battery portion 12 and an atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14. The battery portion 12 and the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 together form a cylindrical tube approximately the same size and shape as a conventional cigarette, typically about 100 mm in length and about 7.5 mm in diameter, however the length of the cylindrical tube may range from 70 to 150 or 180 mm and the diameter may range from 5 to 20 mm.

[0015] The battery portion 12 and the atomizer / liquid storage portion 14 are typically made of steel or wear-resistant plastic and work with the end cap 16 to provide a housing for the components of the electronic cigarette 10. The battery portion 12 and the atomizer / liquid storage portion 14 can be configured to be assembled together by friction push fit, snap fit, or bayonet connection, magnetic fit or thread. The end cap 16 is disposed at the front end of the battery portion 12. The end cap 16 can be made of translucent plastic or other translucent material so that the LED 20 located near the end cap shines through the end cap. The end cap can be made of metal or other material that does not allow light to pass through.

[0016] The air inlet can be set in the end cap, at the edge of the inlet beside the cylindrical hollow tube, anywhere along the length of the cylindrical hollow tube, or at the connection of the battery portion 12 and the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14. Figure 1 A pair of air inlets 38 are shown disposed at the intersection between the battery portion 12 and the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 .

[0017] A battery 18, a light emitting diode (LED) 20, a control circuit 22, and optionally, an airflow sensor 24, are disposed within the battery portion 12 of the cylindrical hollow tube. The battery 18 is electrically connected to the control circuit 22, and the control circuit 22 is electrically connected to the LED 20 and the airflow sensor 24. In this example, the LED 20 is located at the front end of the battery portion 12 adjacent to the end cap 16, and the control circuit 22 and the airflow sensor 24 are disposed in a central cavity at the other end of the battery 18 adjacent to the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14.

[0018] The airflow sensor 24 acts as a puff detector for detecting a user's puff or suck on the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 of the electronic cigarette 10. The airflow sensor 24 may be any suitable sensor for detecting airflow or air pressure changes, such as a microphone switch including a deformable membrane that is displaced according to changes in air pressure. Alternatively, the sensor may be a Hall element or an electromechanical sensor.

[0019] The control circuit 22 is also connected to the atomizer 26. In the example shown, the atomizer 26 includes a heating coil 28, which is wound on a core 30 extending through a central channel 32 of the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14. The heating coil 28 can be arranged anywhere in the atomizer 26 and can be perpendicular or parallel to the liquid reservoir 34. The core 30 and the heating coil 28 do not completely block the central channel 32. On the contrary, an air gap is provided on either side of the heating coil 28 so that air flows through the heating coil 28 and the core 30. The atomizer can alternatively use other forms of heating elements, such as ceramic heaters, or fiber or mesh material heaters. Non-resistance heating elements, such as sonic, piezoelectric and spray, can also be used in the atomizer instead of the heating coil.

[0020] The central channel 32 is surrounded by a cylindrical liquid reservoir 34, and the ends of the core 30 abut or extend into the liquid reservoir 34. The core 30 can be a porous material, such as a bundle of glass fibers, and the liquid in the liquid reservoir 34 is drawn from the ends of the core 30 to the central portion of the core 30 surrounded by the heating coil 28 by capillary action.

[0021] The liquid reservoir 34 may alternatively include a filler soaked in liquid surrounding the central channel 32, and the end of the core 30 abuts against the filler. In other embodiments, the liquid reservoir 34 may include an annular cavity configured to be filled with liquid, and the end of the core 30 extends into the annular cavity.

[0022] The air intake port 36 is provided at the rear end of the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 remote from the end cap 16. The air intake port 36 may be formed by the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 of a cylindrical hollow tube, or may be formed in an end cap.

[0023] In use, the user sucks on the electronic cigarette 10. This causes air to be drawn into the electronic cigarette 10 via one or more air inlets (such as the air inlet 38), and to be drawn into the air intake port 36 through the central channel 32. The resulting change in air pressure is detected by the airflow sensor 24, which generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the control circuit 22. In response to the signal, the control circuit 22 activates the heating coil 28, so that the liquid present in the core 30 is evaporated, thereby generating an aerosol (which may include gas and liquid components) in the central channel 32. When the user continues to suck on the electronic cigarette 10, the aerosol is drawn into the central channel 32 and inhaled by the user. At the same time, the control circuit 22 also activates the LED 20 so that the LED 20 is illuminated, which is visible through the translucent end cap 16, for simulating the appearance of the glowing embers at the end of a traditional cigarette. When the liquid present in the core 30 is converted into aerosol, more liquid is drawn into the core 30 from the liquid reservoir 34 by capillary action, and thus can be converted into aerosol via subsequent activation of the heating coil 28.

[0024] Some electronic cigarettes are intended to be disposable, and the power source in the battery 18 is intended to be sufficient to vaporize the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 34, after which the electronic cigarette 10 is discarded. In other embodiments, the battery 18 is rechargeable and the liquid reservoir 34 is refillable. In the case where the liquid reservoir 34 is an annular cavity, this can be achieved by refilling the liquid reservoir 34 via the filling port. In other embodiments, the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 of the electronic cigarette 10 can be separated from the battery portion 12, and a new atomizer / liquid reservoir portion 14 can be equipped with a new liquid reservoir 34, thereby replenishing the liquid supply. In some cases, replacing the liquid reservoir 34 may involve the replacement of the heating coil 28 and the core 30 together with the replacement of the liquid reservoir 34. The replaceable unit including the atomizer 26 and the liquid reservoir 34 is referred to as an atomizer cartridge. The atomizer / liquid reservoir portion can represent the atomizer cartridge 14.

[0025] The new liquid reservoir 34 may be in the form of an atomizer cartridge having a central channel 32 through which the user inhales the aerosol. In other embodiments, the aerosol may flow around the outside of the atomizer cartridge to an air intake port 36.

[0026] Of course, there are variations beyond the above description of the structure and function of a typical electronic cigarette 10. For example, the LED 20 may be omitted. The airflow sensor 24 may be placed adjacent to the end cap 16, rather than in the middle of the electronic cigarette. The airflow sensor 24 may be replaced by a switch that allows the user to manually activate the electronic cigarette, rather than in response to detection of changes in airflow or air pressure.

[0027] Different types of atomizers may be used. Thus, for example, the atomizer may have a heating coil located in a cavity inside a porous body immersed in a liquid. In this design, the aerosol is generated by activating the heating coil which heats the porous body, or alternatively by evaporating the liquid in the porous body by passing heated air through or through the porous body. Alternatively, the atomizer may use a piezoelectric atomizer to generate the aerosol, with or without a heater.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the atomizer / liquid reservoir portion or atomizer cartridge is shown. Figure 2 The atomizer cartridge shown in corresponds to Figure 1 The atomizer / liquid storage part 14 shown in FIG. The atomizer cartridge is suitable for replacing the atomizer / liquid storage part 14.

[0029] The atomizer cartridge or electronic smoking device includes a liquid reservoir 134 suitable for containing a liquid 40 or solid electronic cigarette oil wax. The atomizer 126 is arranged at a first end surface of the liquid reservoir 134. The liquid reservoir 134 has an elongated shape with a main axis A. The atomizer 126 is arranged perpendicular to the main axis A. The atomizer 126 includes a plurality of openings 44. The openings 44 are arranged parallel to the main axis A. The openings 44 provide a passage from the inside of the liquid reservoir 134 to the outside of the liquid reservoir 134.

[0030] Figure 2 The electronic smoking device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 further includes an actuator 46, which can be moved inside the liquid reservoir 134 toward the first end surface 42. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the actuator 46 includes a mechanically or electrically activated piston 48. The actuator 46 or piston 48 is adapted to supply the liquid 40 to the plurality of openings 44. The piston 48 supplies or squeezes the liquid 40 until it reaches the atomizer 126, reaches the plurality of openings 44 or passes through the openings 44.

[0031] When the atomizer 126 is connected to a power source, the atomizer 126 or a portion of the atomizer 126 heats and atomizes or vaporizes the liquid 40 to generate an aerosol. The plurality of openings 44 provide at least one of the liquid 40 and the aerosol to the exterior of the liquid reservoir 134.

[0032] At least one air inlet 138 is provided at the edge of the atomizer 126 opposite to the liquid reservoir 134. The air inlet 138 is located at the edge of the atomizer 126 and the liquid reservoir 134, which edge is located radially outward about the main axis A. The air inlet 138 is located in the axial direction between the liquid reservoir 134 and the mouthpiece portion 50 of the electronic cigarette 10. The air inlet 138 is formed in at least one of the mouthpiece portion 50 and the atomizer 126. The air inlet 138 can also be defined as a gap between the mouthpiece portion 50 and the atomizer 126. The air inlet 138 connects the outside of the atomizer cartridge to the inside thereof. In particular, outside air is provided to the atomizer 126 through at least one air inlet 138.

[0033] The size of at least one air inlet 138 can be changed, for example by axially rotating or moving the sleeve, so that the hole of the air inlet 138 is aligned with the hole on the body. By doing so, the resistance to draw can be adjusted based on whether a deep draw or a "leisure" draw is required.

[0034] The air intake port 136 is located at the distal end of the mouthpiece portion 50 relative to the liquid reservoir 134. This arrangement allows airflow from the air inlet to the air intake port 136 to pass through at least part of the atomizer 126 and the plurality of openings 44. This means that the droplets or aerosol exiting through the plurality of openings 44 mix with ambient air drawn in through the air intake port 138. The distance between the air intake port 136 and the atomizer 126 can be selected so as to prevent the formation of turbulent airflow, which would otherwise restrict condensation on the inner surface of the atomized cigarette cartridge.

[0035] Because there is no core, liquid is supplied to atomizer 126 in a continuous and rapid manner. A plurality of openings 44 allow the evaporated liquid to leave the surface of atomizer 126, and for the aerosol produced, atomizer 126 is not an obstacle. Control of the flow of liquid can be moved to actuator 46. The movement of actuator 46 can be electrically controlled based on an optional airflow sensor 24 or button. The combination of atomizer 126 and actuator 46 comprising a plurality of openings 44 can have the advantage of reducing the amount of unused liquid remaining in liquid reservoir 134. Because there is no excess liquid, embodiments of the present invention can also have the advantage of reducing the intersection of previously used flavors and current flavors. Because the flow of liquid is subject to very strict control, the evaporation byproducts and taste degradation of the system are also greatly reduced.

[0036] Liquid 40 can be based on propylene glycol (PG). The liquid can also include at least one of glycerol, water, nicotine and natural or synthetic flavor extracts. In addition, flavoring materials can be added to the liquid, such as esters, such as isoamyl acetate, linalyl acetate, isoamyl propionate and linalyl butyrate, etc., or natural essential oils such as plant essential oils, such as spearmint, mint, cinnamon, jasmine, etc., or natural essential oils such as animal essential oils, such as musk, amber, civet and castor, etc., or simple flavoring materials, such as anethole, limonene, linalool and eugenol, etc., or hydrophilic flavor ingredients, such as tobacco extract or natural plant flavoring materials, such as liquorice, St. John's wort, plum extract and peach extract, etc., or acid, such as malic acid, tartaric acid and citric acid, etc., or sugar, such as glucose, fructose and isomerized sugar, etc., or polyols, such as propylene glycol, glycerol and sorbitol, etc. Different flavoring materials as described above can also be combined into new flavoring materials. Furthermore, any flavor may be adsorbed onto a solid material and the material may be used as a flavoring material in the electronic smoking device according to the present invention.

[0037] The size or diameter of the opening 44 can be a function of the viscosity and evaporation rate of the liquid. The evaporation rate, together with the liquid formula, affects the particle size of the aerosol produced. At least one of the size and shape of the opening 44 can be adapted to the viscosity of the liquid 40 so that the liquid 40 does not leak out of the liquid reservoir 134 unless the actuator 46 is actuated. In other words, the liquid 40 can only leave the liquid reservoir 134 when the actuator 46 is actuated. The atomizer 126 can be integrally formed with the liquid reservoir 134. In this case, the atomizer 126 and the liquid reservoir 134 form a single unit. The single unit can be used as a refillable electronic cigarette cartridge.

[0038] The atomizer 126 can completely cover the first end surface 42 of the liquid reservoir 134. In such an embodiment, the atomizer 126 can replace the side wall of the liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir can have a cylindrical or rectangular shape. Accordingly, the first end surface 42 can have a circular or rectangular shape.

[0039] The plurality of openings 44 may be evenly or unevenly distributed on the first end surface 42. The wall of the opening 44 may include a conductive material, and the wall may be electrically connected to a contact portion, which is suitable for connecting to a power source 18. Such an embodiment may have the following advantages: the opening 44 is heated so that the liquid 40 is evaporated near the opening 44, and the aerosol or droplets generated therein leave the liquid reservoir 134 through the plurality of openings 44. The first end surface 42, the atomizer 126 and / or the liquid reservoir 134 may be electrically insulated from the outside of the electronic cigarette 10, for example, by a housing or an atomizer cartridge of the electronic cigarette 10.

[0040] The actuator 46 can be controlled so that it maintains its actual position when the actuator 46 is not actuated. This means that the actuator 46 or the piston 48 remains in its last position and does not return to the initial position away from the atomizer 126. This can have the following advantages: the liquid 40 is always present at the atomizer 126 and at the plurality of openings 44. The speed at which the actuator 46 of the piston 48 moves can be a function of the desired or determined evaporation rate, or a function of the detected negative pressure, such as the force of the user's suction. This can ensure that there is enough liquid 40 at the plurality of openings 44, thereby maintaining a determined percentage of evaporated liquid in the airflow leaving the air intake port 136.

[0041] Figure 3An exemplary cross-sectional view of an atomizer / liquid reservoir portion or atomizing cartridge 214 including a puff detector or airflow sensor 124 is shown. The airflow sensor 124 is arranged on one side or below the liquid reservoir 234 (relative to axis A). An additional air inlet 238 is arranged in the housing or shell of the atomizing cartridge 214 and is fluidly connected with the airflow sensor 124. A passage 240 for suctioning air extends from an additional air inlet 238 or airflow sensor 124 to at least one air inlet 138, and further extends to an air inlet 136. When air is inhaled through the air inlet 136, external air enters the atomizing cartridge 214 by the additional air inlet 238 flowing into the airflow sensor 124. Afterwards, the airflow sensor 124 detects the flow of air and provides a signal to the control unit. The airflow sensor 124 and the atomizer 126 are connected to the battery by a line 242 for powering. The signal can also be transmitted via line 242.

[0042] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of an atomizer 226 is shown. The atomizer 226 is shown in a top view. The atomizer 226 includes a mesh 152. The mesh 152 is formed of or includes a conductive material, such as a wire or rod. A plurality of openings 144 are formed by the mesh 152. The openings 144 have a rectangular or square cross-section.

[0043] The atomizer 226 also includes electrical contacts 154 adapted to be connected to the power source 18 of the electronic cigarette 10. Two or more contacts 154 are electrically connected to the mesh 152 so that an electric current flows through the mesh, i.e., through the wires or rods of the mesh 152. The electric current heats the mesh 152 so as to vaporize the liquid 40 placed at the atomizer 226. Figure 4 The small extended contact portion 154 shown in the figure can be locally provided. As an alternative, a larger contact portion can be provided, which is used to cover a larger extended portion of the outer edge of the atomizer 226. One of the larger contact portions can cover half of the outer edge of the atomizer 226.

[0044] Such a mesh 152 may have the advantages of being easy to produce and increasing the openings for liquid to pass through the atomizer 226. Instead of the mesh 152, a surface having a plurality of perforations or pores may be provided.

[0045] Figure 5A top view of another embodiment of an atomizer 326 is shown. The atomizer 326 includes a plate having a plurality of openings 244 disposed therein. One or more electrical conductors 256 connect the two contact portions 154 and the walls 258 of the openings 244 in a serial manner. This arrangement allows current to flow between the two contact portions 154, thereby heating the walls 258 of all openings 244. At least one of the metallized walls 258 and the conductors 256 serves as a heating element for vaporizing the liquid 40. The atomizer 326 can be implemented by using printed circuit board technology in which the holes are through-holes, which can be made of nichrome, bastard or other similar alloys.

[0046] Figure 6 An exemplary wiring diagram of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The battery 18 of the electronic cigarette 10 is connected to a control unit 260. The control unit 260 is connected in series with the battery 18. The battery 18 supplies power to the control unit 260. In addition to further functions, the control unit 260 acts as a switch for connecting and disconnecting with the battery. The atomizer 26 and the actuator 46 are connected in parallel with the battery 18. The control unit 260 is adapted to activate the atomizer 26 and the actuator 46. When the airflow sensor 124 or the button is activated, the control unit 260 activates the atomizer 26 and the actuator 46. The airflow sensor 124 is powered by the battery 18, and its output is connected to the input of the control unit 260 in order to transmit a signal indicating that the electronic cigarette 10 is activated.

[0047] When the control unit 260 activates the atomizer 26 or its heating element (i.e., the mesh 152), the opening 44, the wall 258, and / or the conductor 256 vaporize the liquid 40. When the actuator 46 is activated, it moves toward the atomizer 26 along the main axis A, thereby delivering the liquid 40 to the atomizer 26. The atomizer 26 and the actuator 46 can be activated independently or in parallel. The level or degree of activation can be controlled by the respective current values ​​fed into the atomizer 26 and the actuator 46, respectively. Higher current increases the heat at the atomizer 26, and the increased current leads to a higher speed of the actuator 46. According to the properties of the liquid 40, such as its viscosity and / or the size and number of the openings 44, the current values ​​for the actuator 46 and the atomizer 26 can be calculated by the control unit 260.

[0048] In summary, in one aspect, an electronic smoking device has a battery portion including a power source, an atomizer / liquid reservoir portion having a mouthpiece opening at an end, and a liquid reservoir adapted to contain a liquid. The electronic smoking device also includes an atomizer disposed at a first end face of the liquid reservoir and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to a power source to atomize the liquid, wherein the atomizer includes a plurality of openings adapted to provide the aerosol, and an actuator that moves within the liquid reservoir toward the first end face and adapted to supply the liquid to the plurality of openings. The combination of the plurality of openings and the actuator may have the advantage of providing a stable and sufficient supply of liquid to the atomizer.

[0049] The wall of the opening may comprise a conductive material, wherein the wall may be electrically connected to a contact portion adapted to be connected to a power source. The wall directly abuts the hole so that the liquid is heated directly at the hole. This arrangement may have the advantage of better aerosol generation and delivery.

[0050] The atomizer may include a mesh. A mesh is a simple way to provide a plurality of openings. A mesh can provide evenly distributed openings if desired.

[0051] The atomizer may comprise a printed circuit board having an opening with metallized walls. Such a design may be easy and cheap to produce.

[0052] The size of the opening may be a function of the viscosity and evaporation rate of the liquid.

[0053] The atomizer may be integrally formed with the liquid reservoir. This may facilitate handling and allow it to be supplied as a single unit.

[0054] The atomizer can completely cover the first end surface of the liquid reservoir. This can maximize the cross section for delivering liquid or aerosol.

[0055] At least one air inlet may be provided at an edge of the atomizer opposite the liquid reservoir. The air inlets may be provided equidistantly along the edge to improve mixing of the aerosol with ambient air entering through the air inlet.

[0056] The liquid may be based on propylene glycol (PG).Liquids based primarily on PG, ie containing at least 75% PG, have good properties for use with actuators and multiple openings.

[0057] The liquid may include at least one of glycerol, water, nicotine and natural extracts. These other ingredients may improve the smoking experience.

[0058] The actuator may comprise a piston which may be controlled by an air flow sensor or a button. Such control may ensure that the liquid delivered to the atomizer is suitable for the consumption of the liquid.

[0059] The actuator can be controlled so that it maintains its actual position when it is not actuated. This embodiment can have the advantage that liquid is always present in the atomizer. In addition, the liquid can be present at the same pressure. Another advantage can be to avoid spitting or uneven aerosol transmission.

[0060] The actuator and the atomizer may be electrically connected in parallel to the power source so that they are activated in parallel. Alternatively, the actuator and the atomizer may each be electrically connected to a control unit which preferably activates the two units in parallel.

[0061] In one aspect, an atomizer cartridge operably connected to a power source of an electronic smoking device comprises: a liquid reservoir adapted to contain a liquid; an atomizer disposed at a first end face of the liquid reservoir and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to a power source to atomize the liquid, wherein the atomizer comprises a plurality of openings adapted to provide the aerosol; and an actuator that moves within the liquid reservoir toward the first end face and adapted to supply the liquid to the plurality of openings. The same advantages and modifications as above apply.

[0062] While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the purview of the appended claims.

[0063] Reference Mark List:

[0064] 10. Electronic cigarettes

[0065] 12Battery Part

[0066] 14,114,214 Nebulizer / liquid storage part

[0067] 16 End cap

[0068] 18 batteries

[0069] 20 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

[0070] 22 Control circuit

[0071] 24,124 air flow sensors

[0072] 26,126,226,326 atomizer

[0073] 28 Heating Coil

[0074] 30 cores

[0075] 32 Center Channel

[0076] 34,134,234Liquid reservoir

[0077] 36,136 Air intake

[0078] 38,138 Air Inlet

[0079] 40 liquid

[0080] 42 end face

[0081] 44,144,244 openings

[0082] 46 Actuator

[0083] 48 piston

[0084] 50 Mouthpiece

[0085] 152 Web

[0086] 154 contact part

[0087] 238 Air Inlet

[0088] 240 channels

[0089] 242 lines

[0090] 256 conductors

[0091] 258 wall

[0092] 260 control unit

[0093] A axis

Claims

1. An electronic smoking device, comprising: A battery portion (12), including a power source (18); an atomizer / liquid reservoir portion (114) having an air intake port (136) at an end thereof; a liquid reservoir (134), adapted to contain a liquid (40); an atomizer (126) disposed at a first end surface (42) of the liquid reservoir (134) and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to the power source (18) to atomize the liquid (40), wherein the atomizer (126) comprises a plurality of openings (44) suitable for providing the aerosol; wherein: The plurality of openings (44) are configured to provide a plurality of passages from the interior of the liquid reservoir (134) to the exterior of the liquid reservoir (134); At least one of the size and shape of the plurality of openings is adapted to the viscosity of the liquid (40) so as to prevent the liquid from flowing through the plurality of passages from the interior of the liquid reservoir to the exterior of the liquid reservoir (134); a plurality of said openings being sized to allow aerosol to pass through a plurality of said passages; as well as An actuator (46) moves within the liquid reservoir (134) toward the first end surface (42) and is adapted to supply the liquid (40) to the plurality of openings (44).

2. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A wall (258) of the opening (44) comprises an electrically conductive material, wherein the wall (258) is electrically connected to a contact portion (154) adapted to be connected to the power source (18).

3. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer (126) includes a mesh (152).

4. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer (126) includes a printed circuit board having the opening (44), the opening (44) having metallized walls (258).

5. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The size of the opening (44) is a function of the viscosity and evaporation rate of the liquid.

6. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer (126) and the liquid storage container (134) are integrally formed.

7. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomizer (126) completely covers the first end surface (42) of the liquid storage container (134).

8. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one air inlet (138) is disposed at an edge of the atomizer (126) opposite the liquid reservoir (134).

9. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid (40) is based on propylene glycol (PG).

10. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid (40) includes at least one of glycerol, water and nicotine.

11. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid (40) includes a natural extract.

12. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator (46) includes a piston (48) controlled by an air flow sensor or a button.

13. The electronic smoking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuator (46) is controlled such that the actuator (46) maintains its actual position when the actuator (46) is not actuated.

14. The electronic smoking device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The actuator (46) and the atomizer (126) are electrically connected in parallel to the power source (18).

15. An atomizer cartridge operably connected to a power source (18) of an electronic smoking device (10), characterized in that: include: a liquid reservoir (134), adapted to contain a liquid (40); an atomizer (126) disposed at a first end surface (42) of the liquid reservoir (134) and operable to generate an aerosol when connected to the power source (18) to atomize the liquid (40), wherein the atomizer (126) comprises a plurality of openings (44) suitable for providing the aerosol; wherein: The plurality of openings (44) are configured to provide a plurality of passages from the interior of the liquid reservoir (134) to the exterior of the liquid reservoir (134); At least one of the size and shape of the plurality of openings is adapted to the viscosity of the liquid (40) so as to prevent the liquid from flowing through the plurality of passages from the interior of the liquid reservoir to the exterior of the liquid reservoir (134); a plurality of said openings being sized to allow aerosol to pass through a plurality of said passages; as well as An actuator (46) moves within the liquid reservoir (134) toward the first end surface (42) and is adapted to supply the liquid (40) to the plurality of openings (44).

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