Electronic cigarettes

Abstract

An electronic cigarette (100) comprises: a cartridge assembly (140), the cartridge assembly comprising a plurality of liquid reservoirs (122), each of which is configured as a separate cartridge (140a), each of which contains a single liquid reservoir (122); and a main body (110), the main body having a cartridge holder (145), the cartridge holder being configured to be releasably connected to the cartridge assembly (140); the main body (110) having an elongated shape and comprising a power source (112) and a regulating system (160), the regulating system being configured to enable liquid to be selectively delivered from at least one liquid reservoir (112) of the electronic cigarette (100) to at least one heater (180); wherein the cartridge holder (145) comprises a tubular receiving cavity; and wherein the shape of the separate cartridges is set so that the combined axial cross-section of the cartridges corresponds to the axial cross-section of the tubular receiving cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, and in particular to an electronic cigarette that generates vapor by generating liquid through aerosol. Background Art

[0002] The term "electronic cigarette" is generally applied to handheld electronic devices that simulate the sensation or experience of smoking tobacco in traditional cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes work by heating an aerosol-generating liquid to its vaporization point to produce an aerosol (commonly referred to as vapor), which is then inhaled by the user.

[0003] For this reason, using an e-cigarette is sometimes referred to as “vaping.” The aerosol-generating liquid in an e-cigarette is sometimes called “e-liquid” and typically includes nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and flavorings.

[0004] Most e-cigarettes contain a reservoir with a single e-liquid flavor. This reservoir can be disposable, in the form of a cartridge containing e-liquid for one or several puffing sessions, and can incorporate a heating element within the disposable component. Alternatively, the reservoir can be refilled by the user and configured as a permanent component of the e-cigarette.

[0005] WO 2013 / 152873 discloses an electronic cigarette with multiple liquid reservoirs and a mixing device, allowing the user to set a desired flavor mixture. However, to change the flavor of the vapor, the user must manually adjust the settings. This can be difficult for the user to calibrate the device and generate the desired flavor setting with satisfactory results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette that provides simple and accurate flavor mixing capabilities.

[0007] Compared to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes also have the disadvantage of not having a clear start and end to the smoking ritual. For traditional cigarettes, the start and end are clearly defined by the length of the cigarette during smoking and the visual changes of the cigarette. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an e-cigarette that can provide users with a clear smoking ritual and help them operate the device correctly, for example, by notifying the user when to turn off the e-cigarette after smoking.

[0008] Furthermore, compared to classic ready-to-use tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes typically include a variety of ingredients and therefore often limit the user to certain types of flavors or flavor combinations, although the user can purchase a disposable kit with a new flavor at any time.

[0009] The above objects are achieved by the electronic cigarette as claimed in claim 1 and the consumable product as defined in claim 15 .

[0010] According to a first aspect, an electronic cigarette is provided, comprising:

[0011] a plurality of liquid reservoirs configured to store different liquids;

[0012] at least one heater, wherein each of the liquid reservoirs is fluidly coupled to the at least one heater;

[0013] a regulation system configured to enable selective delivery of liquid from at least one liquid reservoir to the at least one heater;

[0014] a memory configured to store at least one program defining which liquid reservoir is activated for delivering liquid to the at least one heater and a duration of activation;

[0015] a controller configured to selectively control activation of each liquid reservoir according to at least one program on the memory; a timer configured to adjust a time at which each liquid reservoir is activated;

[0016] Thus, the electronic cigarette is configured to generate a vapor whose composition varies over time.

[0017] The liquid reservoir can be an integral part of the electronic cigarette, so that these liquid reservoirs can be refilled and reused. The liquid reservoir can also be part of a consumable, such as a cartridge, which can be inserted into the electronic cigarette and can be removed from the electronic cigarette when at least one liquid reservoir or all liquid reservoirs are depleted. The liquid reservoir can also be independently inserted into and removed from the electronic cigarette, so that the user can insert different liquid reservoirs of the desired type and composition into the electronic cigarette, thereby enabling new vapor compositions. Each of these independently insertable and removable liquid reservoirs can also function as a cartridge itself, and the electronic cigarette can be configured to accept multiple cartridges.

[0018] The term "cartridge" as used herein is broad and should not limit the external form of the consumable; rather, it is meant to designate a consumable that can be at least partially, preferably completely, inserted into an electronic cigarette, or attached to an electronic cigarette, and that can be removed from the electronic cigarette when needed, particularly when one or more liquid reservoirs in the cartridge are depleted. Many embodiments will be described herein with reference to cartridges. However, it should be understood that, in different circumstances, any other suitable type of consumable may also replace the cartridge.

[0019] The change in vapor composition may be the result of vaporizing a liquid having a varying liquid composition and / or may be the result of a varying vapor mixture formed from different liquids being vaporized simultaneously.

[0020] The timer may be configured to measure the amount of time in seconds (or milliseconds, etc.) and / or in puffs.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an electronic cigarette, the cartridge having a plurality of liquid reservoirs formed as separate compartments, wherein the cartridge further comprises a memory configured to store at least one program, wherein the program comprises instructions enabling a regulation system in the electronic cigarette to produce a vapor whose composition varies over time.

[0022] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette, comprising: a plurality of cartridges (or cartridge assemblies), each cartridge having at least one liquid reservoir; and

[0023] a main body having a cartridge holder configured to be releasably connected to a plurality of cartridges;

[0024] The body has an elongated shape and includes a power source and a regulation system configured to enable liquid to be selectively delivered from at least one liquid reservoir of the electronic cigarette to at least one heater;

[0025] The cigarette cartridge holder includes a tubular receiving cavity; and the shapes of the plurality of cigarette cartridges are set so that the combined axial cross-section of the plurality of cigarette cartridges corresponds to the axial cross-section of the tubular receiving cavity.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable for an electronic cigarette, the consumable comprising a heater and a liquid reservoir, wherein an axial cross-section of a housing of the consumable is shaped as a portion of a circle, preferably half a circle.

[0027] Further advantageous variants and modifications are explained below with reference to the dependent claims and the description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0028] In some advantageous embodiments, the regulating system comprises at least one valve. In this way, the delivery of the liquid can be controlled more precisely.

[0029] In some advantageous embodiments, the valve further comprises a valve body configured to activate and modify the liquid supply of the plurality of liquid reservoirs. This allows for greater flexibility in combining liquids to achieve different flavor combinations.

[0030] In some advantageous embodiments, the valve is a rotating body having a plurality of channels that are configured to be selectively aligned and selectively misaligned with (or coincide with or misalign with) an outlet of the liquid reservoir.

[0031] In some advantageous embodiments, the regulating system comprises a plurality of valves. In some of those embodiments, each valve is configured to regulate the liquid flow of each liquid reservoir.

[0032] In some advantageous embodiments, the conditioning system includes a plurality of heaters, and each of the liquid reservoirs is fluidly coupled to at least one heater. In this way, each heater can be specifically adjusted or controlled to heat and vaporize a specific liquid, taking into account, for example, different vaporization temperatures.

[0033] In some advantageous embodiments, each liquid reservoir is connected to a dedicated heater. In other words, the electronic cigarette can include as many heaters as it includes liquid reservoirs. This allows each liquid in each liquid reservoir to be independently heated to its respective optimal inhalation temperature and / or the liquid in each liquid reservoir to be independently heated (or not heated). If the liquid reservoir is external to the electronic cigarette, i.e., arranged on the consumable, the electronic cigarette preferably includes as many heaters as it includes fluid transfer elements, which are configured to transfer aerosol-generating liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater, and each fluid transfer element can be fluidically connected to a corresponding dedicated heater, and vice versa.

[0034] In some advantageous embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively control activation of each heater according to at least one program on the memory.

[0035] In some advantageous embodiments, the timer is configured to regulate the time that each heater is activated.

[0036] In some advantageous embodiments, at least two heaters can be activated at different times. This allows for more precise shaping of a vapor composition that varies over time, for example by first activating a first heater and then activating a second heater with a time offset. In particular, this allows for flavor blending and transitioning from one flavor to another without sudden pauses or contrasts.

[0037] In some advantageous embodiments, at least two heaters may be activated simultaneously, thereby allowing a composite vapor composition to be formed simultaneously from at least two different liquids in at least two different liquid reservoirs.

[0038] In some advantageous embodiments, at least two liquid reservoirs include an active ingredient such as nicotine. In some advantageous embodiments, the liquid reservoirs include liquids having different strengths or concentrations of the active ingredient (e.g., different nicotine strengths). In some advantageous embodiments, at least two liquid reservoirs include liquids that are identical in composition except for the strength or concentration of the same active ingredient (e.g., nicotine) in each of them. Preferably, the change in the vapor composition over time includes or consists of a change in the strength or concentration of the active ingredient (e.g., nicotine strength). In this way, the electronic cigarette can be used to precisely administer a drug or an active ingredient of a drug according to a predetermined dosing regimen.

[0039] In some advantageous embodiments, the liquid reservoir comprises at least two liquids of different flavours.Preferably, the variation of the vapour composition (eg according to at least one program stored in the memory) comprises or consists of a variation of flavour.

[0040] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one liquid reservoir comprises a liquid that is flavorless or neutral (i.e., unflavored). Such a neutral-flavored liquid can be used to dilute an otherwise overpowering flavor, or to effectively carry an active ingredient, such as a drug, which can be added to any possible flavor component that can be provided by an electronic cigarette.

[0041] In some advantageous embodiments, the program comprises different heating profiles in order to achieve different flavor intensities and / or different strengths and concentrations of active ingredients.

[0042] In some advantageous embodiments, the liquid reservoir is provided on a support forming an integrated cartridge, and at least one program is located on a memory on the cartridge.

[0043] In some advantageous embodiments, the at least one program is located on a memory on the body of the electronic cigarette.

[0044] In some advantageous embodiments, the at least one program comprises different heating profiles to achieve different flavor intensities. Such heating profiles may include a sequence of activating heaters for specific durations and specific heating temperatures.

[0045] In some advantageous embodiments, the at least one program comprises a set of different heating profiles, and each heating profile is associated with a specific ingredient and / or flavor.

[0046] In some advantageous embodiments, the program may be generated and / or adjusted by the user, for example using a user interface of the electronic cigarette or using an application running on a mobile device connectable to the electronic cigarette via a wireless or wired interface.

[0047] In some advantageous embodiments, the flavor combinations and timing (eg, of at least one program) may be set by the user.

[0048] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one program is based on sensor input, for example, input from a particle sensor such as a food molecule sensor. In this way, the vapor composition can be automatically set based on, for example, the user's previous consumption and / or based on the chemical balance in the user's mouth (e.g., acidity / alkalinity). For example, in conjunction with certain molecules or certain chemical balances, some components of the vapor may taste particularly good or bad, or may even cause nausea or other undesirable effects. In such cases, the sensor input can be used to automatically adjust the vapor composition to at least compensate for this effect.

[0049] The sensor may also be a sensor configured to detect a physiological rhythm of the user, and the controller may be configured to adjust and / or select a program based on the detected physiological rhythm, preferably additionally based on the current time and / or current date.

[0050] In some advantageous embodiments, the program includes a set of different heating curves. Each heating curve can be associated with a specific ingredient and / or flavor. As previously discussed, a specific vapor composition may require a specific heating curve to optimize taste and / or delivery of an active ingredient.

[0051] In some advantageous embodiments, the heater comprises or is in the form of a needle having a capillary tube. The needle may be configured to function as a fluid transfer member by capillary effect.

[0052] In some advantageous embodiments, the heaters (collectively or individually, or groups of heaters independently) are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. This is particularly advantageous if the heater is formed as or comprises a piercing member such as a needle, as the heater can then be moved to the extended position to pierce a seal or packaging on the consumable to access the aerosol-generating liquid stored therein.

[0053] In some advantageous embodiments of the cartridge according to the second aspect of the invention, the cartridge further comprises a plurality of heaters each connected to a dedicated liquid reservoir.

[0054] In some advantageous embodiments of the electronic cigarette according to the third aspect of the present invention, a combined axial cross-section of the plurality of cigarette cartridges is substantially or exactly the same as an axial cross-section of the tubular receiving cavity.

[0055] In some advantageous embodiments, the cartridge holder includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to be connected to the atomizer assembly.

[0056] In some advantageous embodiments, the cartridge includes an integrated atomizer including a heater and a fluid transfer element, and the cartridge holder includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to connect to each cartridge.

[0057] In some advantageous embodiments, the electrical connections are configured as spring-force contacts.

[0058] In some advantageous embodiments, the atomizing assembly includes a plurality of piercing members.

[0059] In some advantageous embodiments, the cartridge holder further comprises a piercing member configured as a fluid transfer element. Preferably, the fluid transfer element is a porous member.

[0060] In some advantageous embodiments, the cartridge holder includes guide elements configured to position the cartridge in an angular position such that the cartridge is aligned with a connector in the cartridge holder.

[0061] In some advantageous embodiments, the elongate body further comprises a user control configured to enable a user to control the amount of liquid used to generate the aerosol from each liquid reservoir.

[0062] In some advantageous embodiments, the user control is selected from the group consisting of: a scroll wheel, a set of two buttons, a rocker button, and a rotary dial.

[0063] In some advantageous embodiments, the user control is a rotary dial located at a distal end of the elongated body opposite the mouthpiece or mouthpiece connector of the electronic cigarette.

[0064] In some advantageous embodiments, the electronic cigarette further comprises a display, wherein the display is configured to display a flavor ratio in the vapor.

[0065] In some advantageous embodiments, the display is a light source (eg, an RGB LED) configured to indicate flavor or nicotine strength by different colors or by different color intensities.

[0066] In some advantageous embodiments, the display is located at an end portion of the main body remote from the cartridge holder, and the rotary dial is arranged around the distal end portion.

[0067] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one liquid reservoir includes a flavoring agent.

[0068] In some advantageous embodiments, at least two liquid reservoirs comprise aerosol-generating components of different nicotine strengths.

[0069] In some advantageous embodiments, one liquid reservoir comprises an aerosol-generating component without nicotine.

[0070] In some advantageous embodiments, the electronic cigarette further comprises a sleeve configured to surround the liquid reservoir and hold them together.

[0071] In some advantageous embodiments, the cannula further comprises a nozzle portion or a nozzle connector.

[0072] In some advantageous embodiments of the consumable according to the second aspect or the fourth aspect, the liquid reservoir comprises a vaporization chamber, a first portion of a vapor outlet channel formed by the vaporization chamber, and a groove, wherein the grooves of at least two liquid reservoirs form the vapor outlet channel.

[0073] In some advantageous embodiments, the consumable product includes an interlocking connector.

[0074] In some advantageous embodiments, the consumable includes an air flow diverter configured to generate turbulence in the vapor passage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0076] Figure 1a A schematic diagram showing an electronic cigarette, consumables, and a smoking system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0077] Figure 1b Shown Figure 1a A schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette;

[0078] Figure 2a A schematic diagram showing a portion of an electronic cigarette according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 2b A schematic diagram showing a portion of an electronic cigarette according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of a portion of an electronic cigarette according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figures 4a to 4d A schematic diagram of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0082] Figure 5 A schematic exploded view of a cigarette cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0083] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a heater used in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0085] Figures 8 to 10 A schematic diagram of an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0086] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description.

[0087] It should be understood that common and / or well-understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted to facilitate a more general understanding of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative to each other. It should be understood that the terms and expressions used in this specification have the ordinary meanings accorded such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding areas of inquiry and study unless a special meaning is otherwise set forth herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Refer to the attached figure Figure 1a and Figure 1b , showing the E-Cigarette 100.

[0089] The electronic cigarette 100 includes a main body 110 and a mouthpiece portion 111. The mouthpiece portion 111 may form the mouthpiece itself or include a connector structure ("mouthpiece connector") for connecting the mouthpiece. Through the mouthpiece portion 111, the aerosol or vapor generated by the electronic cigarette 100 may be inhaled.

[0090] The aerosol is generated by heating at least one aerosol generating liquid as will be described below. The power for heating is provided by a power source 112 (e.g. a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery) of the electronic cigarette 100. Figure 1b As shown, the electronic cigarette 100 includes a plurality of liquid reservoirs 122, a regulating system 160, at least one heater 180 ( Figure 1b ), controller 136 and timer 134.

[0091] The liquid reservoir 122 is configured to store different liquids. The liquids may include different flavors or different active ingredients (such as different nicotine strengths, acids, or other). Thus, the aerosol-generating liquids may be different in flavor (for example, one aerosol-generating liquid may be unflavored or neutral in flavor, while another may include a mint aroma), different in physical properties (such as vaporization temperature), and / or different in strength or concentration of active ingredients. The liquid reservoir 122 may be configured as a replaceable / disposable cartridge 122. The electronic cigarette 100 may also have at least one integrated liquid reservoir in addition to the liquid reservoir 122 provided when the cartridge 122 is inserted into the electronic cigarette 100.

[0092] For example, the integrated liquid reservoir may include an unflavored aerosol-generating liquid containing an active ingredient (e.g., nicotine), while the liquid reservoir 122 may include an aerosol-generating liquid containing a small amount of active ingredient or no active ingredient at all. In this way, for example, a user who intends to regularly or frequently inhale a certain amount of active ingredient can fill the integrated liquid reservoir in the electronic cigarette 100 to provide the active ingredient, and can then arrange the components of the liquid reservoir 122 in the cartridge 140, these liquid reservoirs containing the desired plurality of flavors to be mixed into the vapor that will be generated together with the vaporized liquid including the active ingredient.

[0093] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic cigarette 100 can include a single cartridge holder 145 configured to receive a cartridge assembly 140, the cartridge assembly including or consisting of a plurality of liquid reservoirs 122 (e.g., three liquid reservoirs 122 as shown). The cartridge holder 145 can be located at the distal end of the main body (e.g., battery portion) of the electronic cigarette 100 and can be configured as a hollow tube.

[0094] In an embodiment, it is possible to Figures 4a to 4d The cartridge assembly 140 is configured as shown. Thus, the cartridge assembly 140 may include a housing 143, a liquid reservoir 122, and a fluid transfer element 120. The liquid reservoir 122 may be provided as individual cartridges 140a, each containing a single liquid reservoir 122. Preferably, the axial cross-sectional shape of the cartridge is configured relative to the cartridge holder 145, such that the axial cross-sections of multiple (at least two) cartridges 122 correspond to the axial cross-section of the cartridge holder 145.

[0095] The cartridge assembly 140 is configured to occupy the space within the cartridge holder 145 when at least two cartridges 140 are installed together. Therefore, the axial cross-section of the housing 143 of the cartridge 140 can be configured to be a partial circle, preferably a half circle or a quarter circle. It is also possible to combine the two quarter circles forming the dual cartridge assembly 140 into a single unit.

[0096] Figure 5 A schematic detail view of a cartridge 140 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment in an exploded view.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, the cartridge 140 may include a valve 150 including a valve closing member 152 (e.g., in the form of a ball) and a valve seat 153. The valve closing member 152 is biased by the valve seat 153 to close the channel 151, so that the liquid supply from the liquid reservoir 122 is closed. The cartridge body 145 is provided with a fluid transfer element 120. The fluid transfer element 120 is configured to contact the valve seat defined by the circumference of the channel. In another embodiment, the heater 180 may be a capillary tube configured to receive liquid from the liquid reservoir and vaporize the liquid into vapor.

[0098] As in Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b and Figure 6 As can be seen in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG, fluid communication between the liquid reservoir 122 and the heater 180 can be established by direct contact with a portion of the heater 180 in the form of a capillary tube.

[0099] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, the heater 180 can be shaped as a capillary tube 180a and can have an elongated shape with an absorbing portion 180b and a heating portion 180c. The absorbing portion 180b can thus serve as the fluid transfer element 120 for transferring fluid from the liquid reservoir 122 to the heating portion 180c. The temperature of the absorbing portion 180b during use of the electronic cigarette 100 is preferably lower than the temperature of the heating portion 180c during use. Therefore, liquid can be transferred from the liquid reservoir 122 to the heater 180 via capillary action.

[0100] In still further embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the cartridge 140 can include multiple liquid reservoirs 122. Therefore, the shape of the axial cross-sections of the liquid reservoirs 122 can be configured so that, when placed together, their shapes correspond to the shape of the cartridge base 145. In this context, "corresponding" can be understood to mean that the axial cross-sections arranged side by side substantially fill the axial cross-section of the cartridge base 145.

[0101] For example, the cross-section of the liquid reservoir 122 can be shaped as a semicircle, a quarter circle, etc. Preferably, the heater 180 is provided with as many capillaries 180a (and corresponding absorption portions 180b and heating portions 180c) as the maximum number of tobacco cartridges 140, and the cartridge holder 145 is configured to accommodate these cartridges at any one time. Alternatively, a heater 180 can be provided for each of the maximum number of tobacco cartridges 140.

[0102] exist Figure 6 , a heater 180 according to one embodiment is shown, comprising four capillary tubes 180a, each having a corresponding absorption portion 180b and a heating portion 180c. Advantageously, the individual heating portions 180c can be independently controlled to heat the liquid absorbed by the corresponding absorption portion 180b. In this manner, liquid from different liquid reservoirs 122 can be heated at different times and / or to different temperatures.

[0103] The heater 180 is advantageously configured for use with a cartridge holder 145 configured to simultaneously accommodate up to four different cartridges 140 , with each absorbent portion 180 b being in fluid contact with one of the four different cartridges 140 .

[0104] It should be understood that when the same cartridge holder 145 includes, for example, three different cartridges 140, the heater 180 of the same configuration is also applicable, wherein one cartridge 140 has Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 5 Of course, the same applies when the cartridge holder 145 includes only two cartridges 140 (for example, both are shaped as semicircular cross-sections, or one has a quarter-circular cross-section and the other has a three-quarter-circular cross-section) or when the cartridge holder 145 includes only one cartridge 140 with a full-circular cross-section.

[0105] It should also be understood that the heater 180 may also be configured to have a different number of capillaries 180a, such as two, three, five, six or more capillaries 180a corresponding to the number of absorbing portions 180b and heating portions 180c.

[0106] In another exemplary embodiment, the cartridge may be configured similar to Figure 5 150, but instead of a valve 150, the cartridge may include a pierceable membrane or diaphragm that seals its liquid reservoir 122. Thus, such a cartridge is configured to connect to a fluid transfer element in the form of a piercing member in the cartridge holder 145. The membrane preferably has a high elasticity so that it can reseal when the cartridge 140 is retracted from the piercing member.

[0107] like Figure 5It can be seen that the cigarette cartridge 140 is further provided with a connecting portion 154 and a vapor outlet portion 155. The connecting portion 154 is configured to be connected to the main body 110. The vapor groove 147 extends from the connecting portion and the vapor outlet portion. The vapor groove 147 of each cigarette cartridge 140 forms a closed vapor channel when at least two cigarette cartridges 140 are located inside the cigarette cartridge seat body 145, that is, the vapor grooves 147 of multiple cigarette cartridges 140 can form a closed vapor channel together. The vapor channel is therefore configured to enable vapor to flow from the vaporization chamber 146 located near the heater 180. The vaporization chamber 146 can be partially located inside the cigarette cartridge 140 and partially located inside the cigarette cartridge seat body 145, or completely located inside the cigarette cartridge 140, or completely located inside the cigarette cartridge seat body 145 of the main body 110.

[0108] The cartridge 140 can be configured as a vaporizing cartridge and therefore include an integrated heater 180. In such embodiments, a fluid transfer element 120, such as an absorbent, for transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir 122 to the heater is also integrated into the cartridge 140. Electrical contacts can be provided at the connecting portion 154 of the cartridge. To this end, the cartridge seat 145 can include a plurality of electrical contact pairs that are configured to independently provide power to each cartridge heater. An electrical contact pair having a first contact and a second electrical contact can be provided, the first contact being located at the bottom surface (i.e., the distal surface or the proximal surface) of the cartridge 140, and the second electrical contact being provided around the circumference of the cartridge 140.

[0109] The electrical contacts within the cartridge holder 145 can be configured as spring-loaded contacts that are connected to the first power supply terminals of the vaporizer cartridge. The spring-loaded contacts establish good contact between the cartridge and the terminals, allowing the cartridge to be connected throughout the variable insertion depth of the cartridge holder 145.

[0110] The heater 180 may be integrated into the cartridge. Such cartridges are sometimes referred to as "vaporizer cartridges." Alternatively, similar to Figure 6 As shown, the heater 180 can be formed as a separate atomizing portion including multiple heaters (e.g., heating portion 180c) and corresponding fluid transfer elements (e.g., absorption portion 180b). Each fluid transfer element is configured to establish a fluid connection between a liquid reservoir in the cartridge and a corresponding heater.

[0111] The fluid transfer element 120 may be a piercing member disposed at the cartridge holder and configured to penetrate the cartridge 140 so as to establish a fluid connection between the liquid reservoir 122 and the heater 180 .

[0112] To further enhance the mixing of vapors from different heaters, the vapor groove 147 (and thus the vapor channel formed by the plurality of vapor grooves 147) may include an air flow diverter 148 configured to create turbulence within the vapor channel. Figure 4c As can be seen, the airflow diverter 148 can be a protrusion 148 extending in the transverse direction relative to the vapor groove 147. The protrusion 148 can have a hemispherical shape. The cartridges 140 with different liquids can be provided with protrusions 148 at different axial lengths of the cartridge to further enhance turbulence.

[0113] The inner walls of the cartridge 140 and the cartridge holder 145 may be provided with mating guides 149a, 149b to properly position the cartridge 140 within the cartridge holder 145. The guides may be provided as a keyway 149a on the cartridge 140, and a track member 149b (e.g., on the inner surface) of the cartridge holder 145 and / or a track member 149c of the mouthpiece 111. The mating guides extend along the insertion direction of the cartridge 140 into the cartridge holder 145. This allows the electrical contacts of the cartridge 140 to align with those in the cartridge holder 145.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the cartridge 140 may also include interlocking connectors 150a, 150b so that the liquid reservoir can be formed or connected to a consistent mouthpiece portion 111. The interlocking connectors may include a keyway 150a and a track member 150b. The interlocking connectors provide stability to the assembled cartridge. In addition, the interlocking connectors enable the cartridge to be used directly as a mouthpiece.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, such as Figure 3 As can be seen, the electronic cigarette 100 can further include a mouthpiece portion 111, which is formed as a sleeve surrounding the cigarette cartridge 140. The sleeve is configured to surround the cigarette cartridge 140 and hold them together. To this end, the sleeve can be inserted into or connected to the cigarette cartridge body 145, for example, by threading.

[0116] As follows Figure 8 a. Figure 8 b. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the electronic cigarette 100 may further include user controls 170 configured to enable a user of the electronic cigarette 100 to control the mixing of the liquids. As previously described, the liquids may contain different flavors or different concentrations of components such as nicotine. For example, these controls allow for control of the amount of liquid used to generate the aerosol from each liquid reservoir 122. Figure 8 a. Figure 8 b. Figure 9 and Figure 10, an embodiment is shown in which the electronic cigarette 100 includes two different liquids by being configured to receive a single cartridge 140 having two different liquid reservoirs 122, by being configured to receive two separate cartridges 140 that can each include a different liquid, and / or other means.

[0117] like Figure 9 a and Figure 9 As can be seen from b, the user control 170 can be in the form of a rocker button 171, or as Figure 8 The electronic cigarette 100 is shown in the form of a group consisting of or including two separate buttons 172 and 173. The electronic cigarette 100 can be configured such that operating one end of the rocker button 171 or one of the two separate buttons 172 and 173 causes the amount and / or percentage of a corresponding one of the two different liquids to be increased in the vapor mixture generated for inhalation by the user, while operating the other end of the rocker or the other of the two separate buttons 172 and 173 correspondingly causes the amount and / or percentage of the other of the two different liquids to be increased in the mixture.

[0118] It will be appreciated that the set of buttons 172, 173 may be provided with more than three buttons, or that the rocker button 171 may have more than two rocker ends, wherein the number of buttons / rocker ends in each case preferably corresponds to the maximum number of different liquids and / or different cartridges that can be inserted into the electronic cigarette 100. In this way, the user can directly set their preferred mixture.

[0119] The electronic cigarette 100 may further include a display 175 (i.e., a visual indicator) configured to display (or indicate) the ratio of flavors in the vapor (i.e., the liquid in the resulting vaporized liquid). The display 175 may be formed as light bars that show the relative ratios of the selected liquids.

[0120] Alternatively, as Figure 10 As shown, the user control 170 may include or be in the form of a rotary dial 174. The rotary dial 174 may be located at the distal end of the electronic cigarette 100 opposite the mouthpiece portion 111. When the rotary dial 174 is used, the display 175 may be located in the center of the rotary dial 174. For example, Figure 9 As shown, the display 175 may include a plurality of light elements (rods, dots, origins, etc.) arranged in a circle, preferably concentrically with the rotary dial 174. This creates a compact user control 170 and display 175, and is positioned outside the area where a user typically places their fingers, so that accidental modification of the user control 170 does not occur during use.

[0121] However, in a simpler embodiment, the display may be a light source (e.g., an RGB LED) configured to indicate the flavor, flavor blend, or nicotine strength in the vapor by different colors and / or intensities of the color(s). Alternatively, multiple light sources may be used.

[0122] The electronic cigarette 100 further comprises a regulation system 160 configured to enable selective delivery of liquid from the at least one liquid reservoir 122 to the at least one heater 180. Thus, the regulation system is configured to switch liquid delivery from different liquid reservoirs 122 on and off.

[0123] The regulation system may include a valve. The valve may include a valve body configured to enable and modify the liquid supply to the plurality of liquid reservoirs. The valve body may have a plurality of channels configured to be aligned and misaligned with outlets of the liquid reservoirs, and wherein each valve is configured to regulate the liquid flow rate of each liquid outlet. For example, the valve body may be rotatable. The regulation system further includes an actuator connected to at least one valve and the controller.

[0124] Alternatively, the regulation system 160 may include multiple valves. Each valve may be linked to a single liquid reservoir or multiple reservoirs.

[0125] exist Figure 2b and Figure 6 In another embodiment, the regulation system 160 may include multiple heaters. The heaters may be implemented as ohmic heating elements, such as heating wires. Individual heaters in the plurality of heaters may be part of a single heater structure that is divided into multiple independently controllable heater segments.

[0126] Each heater 180 is connected to at least one fluid transfer element 120 that is configured to conduct an aerosol-generating liquid from a liquid reservoir 122 to the heater 180 connected to the fluid transfer element 120. The fluid transfer element 120 may include, for example, a wick or needle that delivers the aerosol-generating liquid by capillary action. The heaters 180 may also be integrally formed with the fluid transfer element 120, i.e., the heaters 180 may be formed such that they also function as the fluid transfer element 120.

[0127] In some embodiments, the liquid reservoirs 122 may be compartments in the housing 110 of the electronic cigarette 100 that may be filled, preferably refillable, with at least one, preferably a plurality of, aerosol-generating liquids.

[0128] The electronic cigarette 100 further includes a control circuit system 130. The control circuit system 130 includes a memory 132 configured to store at least one program that defines the order in which liquid reservoirs 122 are activated for liquid delivery within an activation duration. In embodiments using multiple dedicated heaters 180, the control circuit system 130 can therefore control the heater activation time (i.e., when and for how long). If a valve is used in the regulation system, the control circuit system 130 can control the actuator of the valve to position the valve so that liquid is delivered from the selected liquid reservoir 122 to achieve the desired vapor composition.

[0129] The memory 132 can be fixedly integrated into the body of the electronic cigarette 100 and / or can be partially or completely removed from the electronic cigarette 100. For example, the memory 132 can be implemented as a computer memory such as a solid-state memory (e.g., a memory chip such as a SIM card) or any other known way of storing memory. Thus, the memory 132 including new and / or updated programs can be inserted into the electronic cigarette 100 by the user. The program can include a heating profile (i.e., information about which heater to heat to which temperature or temperatures, when to heat, and for how long), or can be used together with one or more heating profiles stored separately in the memory 132.

[0130] In an embodiment, the cartridge is provided with heating elements (e.g., heating coils) having different resistances, wherein at least two different resistances respectively indicate different liquid types. The control circuit system 130 of the main body can be configured to measure the resistance of each heating element and determine the liquid type based on the measured resistance.

[0131] The memory 132 (particularly at least one program stored therein) can also be updated by a user via a user interface. For example, the electronic cigarette 100 may include a user interface (a touch screen, a plurality of controls such as buttons and / or a dial, etc.), through which the user can change some or all parameters of one or more programs stored in the memory 132.

[0132] Preferably, the electronic cigarette 100 includes a wired or wireless interface through which a user's computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.), preferably wirelessly, can be connected to the memory 132 to change parameters of one or more of the stored programs, remove programs from the memory 132, and / or add new programs to the memory 132. The interface is preferably configured to enable the user to extend or shorten the duration of the heater activation time of one or more heaters when changing parameters and / or shift the heater activation time of at least one heater forward or backward in time relative to at least one other heater activation time. The interface can alternatively present the user with a list of options (e.g., "stronger flavor" or "fresher") and then convert the user's settings to the appropriate settings and / or heating curve in at least one program.

[0133] Data indicating which type of aerosol-generating liquid is present in each liquid reservoir 122, or more directly which type of aerosol-generating liquid is currently being supplied to which heater, can be transmitted to the computing device via the interface. In this way, the user knows which type of aerosol-generating liquid will be affected when the user changes the heater activation time of the corresponding heater in any way.

[0134] The control circuit system 130 also includes a timer 134 that is configured to control the activation of each liquid reservoir 122 according to a program selected from the memory 132. The timer 134 can thus control the time that the valve is in each position or adjust the time when each heater is activated, and in particular, monitor how long each heater is activated (i.e., measure the heater activation time) and output a corresponding heater activation time signal. The heater activation time signal can, for example, indicate an amount of time in seconds (or milliseconds, etc.) or in puffs.

[0135] The control circuitry 130 further includes a controller 136 configured to selectively control activation of each heater according to at least one program on the memory 132 and / or according to at least one heating profile. A timer 134 may also be integrated into the controller 136.

[0136] A program can include two or more heaters activated simultaneously and / or two or more heaters activated at different times. The activation times of two or more heaters can overlap, particularly by at least 10%, at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of any activation time. The heater activation times of each heater can have the same duration. Alternatively, some heater activation times can have different durations. In some embodiments, all heaters can have different heater activation times.

[0137] An important feature of e-cigarettes is that the consumables are heated to a temperature that generates an aerosol. This temperature is also known as the "inhalation temperature." For a variety of reasons, the inhalation temperature can have a significant impact on the user's inhalation experience. Excessive heating may increase the temperature of the inhaled vapor to an uncomfortable level, causing the consumables (especially the aerosol-generating liquid) to be consumed more quickly and potentially causing faster damage to the components of the e-cigarette. In addition, the optimal inhalation temperature may be different for consumables of different compositions, because different components of the e-cigarette liquid may vaporize and / or release flavors at different temperatures.

[0138] Each heater may be provided with a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the heater and provide a corresponding heater temperature sensor signal to the controller 136. Based on the heater temperature sensor signal, the controller 136 may control the independent inhalation temperatures of the heaters, which may be different from each other. The electronic cigarette 100 may be configured so that the inhalation temperatures of the heaters are at least partially different and fixed. In this case, the aerosol generating liquid may be arranged in the cartridge 140 according to the corresponding inhalation temperature of the aerosol generating liquid (as will be described below). In other embodiments, the inhalation temperature of each heater may be independently controlled by the controller 136, for example, based on information about the aerosol generating liquid currently supplied to each independent heater, specifically based on information about the inhalation temperature of the aerosol generating liquid, for example, as described later with respect to the data storage system of the cartridge 140.

[0139] When the heater is activated at different times and / or is activated for different heater activation times, then advantageously the vapor composition in the vapor varies over time according to a program stored on the memory 132 .

[0140] In Figure 1 and following Figure 2a and Figure 2b , shows an embodiment, according to which the electronic cigarette 100 is configured to receive a consumable product, in particular a cartridge 140, which includes at least one liquid reservoir 122, preferably at least two liquid reservoirs 122. More preferably, the at least two liquid reservoirs 122 of the cartridge 140 include two different aerosol-generating liquids (i.e., aerosol-generating liquids with different compositions).

[0141] The (at least one) liquid reservoir integrated into the electronic cigarette 100 may therefore be larger than one or all of the liquid reservoirs in the cartridge 140 , or may even be larger than the cartridge 140 itself.

[0142] In the following, the case where the liquid reservoir is not integrated into the electronic cigarette 100 will be described in more detail. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The embodiment of FIG1 is shown.

[0143] Figure 2a A schematic perspective view of a fluid transfer element 120 of an electronic cigarette 100 and a sealed cartridge 140 including a liquid reservoir 122 is shown. The liquid reservoir 122 may be provided on a support 123 configured to group a plurality of reservoirs 122 together.

[0144] Figure 2a A cartridge 140 is shown having three different liquid reservoirs 122 (each having the same size), which are sealed so as not to spill the aerosol-generating liquid. The three different liquid reservoirs 122 are arranged adjacent to each other, separated by respective partitions, and are rectangular in shape. Preferably, each liquid reservoir 122 contains a different aerosol-generating liquid than the other liquid reservoirs 122, so that in this example, the cartridge 140 carries three different aerosol-generating liquids.

[0145] from Figure 2a It is also apparent that when the cartridge 140 is fully and correctly inserted into or attached to the electronic cigarette 100, the fluid transfer element 120 is aligned in a predetermined manner with the cartridge 140. Preferably, each fluid transfer element 120 is aligned with exactly one liquid reservoir 122 in the cartridge 140. In this way, the user can be provided with the most flavor variations.

[0146] The present invention therefore also provides a cartridge 140 comprising a plurality of liquid reservoirs 122, which are arranged and configured such that when the cartridge 140 is inserted into or attached to the electronic cigarette 100 in a predetermined manner, each of the liquid reservoirs 122 of the cartridge 140 is aligned with at least one, preferably exactly one, fluid transfer element 120 in the electronic cigarette 100 in a predetermined manner.

[0147] Figure 2b It is shown that the heaters 180 may each be formed with a piercing member, in particular a needle comprising a capillary tube, which acts as a fluid transfer element 120 by capillary action after it pierces a seal or a sealing membrane protecting the liquid reservoir 122 of the cartridge 140 .

[0148] Accordingly, the present invention further provides a smoking system 1000 , which includes the electronic cigarette 100 according to the present invention and the cigarette cartridge 140 according to the present invention, which are configured to be aligned with each other in the manner described above.

[0149] In Figure 1 and Figure 2a In the example of FIG, the cartridge 140 has only three liquid reservoirs 122, which are arranged so that each liquid reservoir 122 is aligned with six fluid transfer elements 120. In other cartridges 140 for the same electronic cigarette 100, the assignment may be different.

[0150] In Figure 1 and Figure 2a In the example shown, the cartridge 140 is further provided with a seal 142 or wrapper that is configured and arranged to seal one or more liquid reservoirs 122 of the cartridge 140 to prevent leakage. For example, the cartridge 140 may be formed with a plurality of liquid reservoirs 122, which may then be filled with at least two different aerosol-generating liquids, and a sealing foil may then be placed and secured over the liquid reservoirs 122 to seal them.

[0151] In Figure 1 and Figure 2a In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 120 of the electronic cigarette 100 is implemented to include or consist of piercing members 124, which are configured to pierce the seal or packaging of the independent liquid reservoir 122 that seals the cigarette cartridge 140. Piercing the liquid reservoir 122 can occur simultaneously with the complete and correct insertion of the cigarette cartridge 140 into the receiving cavity of the electronic cigarette 100. The piercing member can be configured as a hollow tube with a sharp end (e.g., a hollow needle), through which the aerosol-generating liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir 122 via capillary action. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 120, the piercing member 124, and the corresponding heater can be implemented as a single element, that is, the heater can function as a heater, a fluid transfer element, and a piercing member.

[0152] The receiving cavity of the electronic cigarette 100 can include piercing members 124, which are arranged so that when a user first inserts a cartridge 140 into the receiving cavity, the user pushes the seal or wrapper of the cartridge 140 against the piercing members 124 until the piercing members 124 pierce the seal or wrapper of the liquid reservoir 122 of the cartridge 140. In other embodiments, the piercing members 124 can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the piercing members 124 pierce the seal 142 of the cartridge 140 only when the piercing members 124 are in the extended position. The cartridge 140 can then be inserted into the electronic cigarette 100 without automatically piercing its seal 142. The contents of the cartridge 140 can thus remain fresh longer, i.e., until the user actually wants to start a puffing session, at which point the user will use an actuation member, such as a push button or lever, to extend the piercing members 124.

[0153] When the piercing member 124 has pierced the seal 142 or packaging of the liquid reservoir 122 , the fluid transfer element 120 conducts the aerosol-generating liquid in the liquid reservoir 122 to a corresponding heater to be heated for generating vapor.

[0154] The cartridge 140 may be provided with a data storage system that includes information about the type of aerosol-generating liquid contained in each liquid reservoir 122 of the cartridge 140. In other words, this information may indicate which aerosol-generating liquid of the cartridge 140 is stored in which liquid reservoir 122 and / or its composition. This information may also indicate the optimal inhalation temperature for each aerosol-generating liquid, or information that allows the controller 136 to determine the inhalation temperature for each aerosol-generating liquid via a database, a lookup table, a network link, etc. The controller 136 may then control each heater to function at the corresponding inhalation temperature.

[0155] Information can be transmitted from the data storage system of the cartridge 140 to the electronic cigarette 100, for example to the controller 136 or the memory 132, so that the controller 136 knows which heater to activate in order to generate vapor from a certain aerosol-generating liquid contained in one of the liquid reservoirs 122 of the cartridge 140. In this way, when two types of cartridges 140, for example, include the same aerosol-generating liquid but arrange the liquid reservoirs 122 containing the aerosol-generating liquid at different positions on the cartridge 140, the controller 136 will be aware of the actual position of the aerosol-generating liquid and control the heater accordingly based on at least one program and / or heating curve.

[0156] The information of the cartridge 140 can be transmitted from the cartridge 140 to the electronic cigarette 100 wirelessly (for example, via RFID or Bluetooth, etc.), or a contact interface can be provided through which the controller 136 can determine the contents and / or position of the aerosol-generating liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 122 of the cartridge 140.

[0157] The information of the cartridge 140 may also be printed as a code segment on a portion of the cartridge 140 (e.g., on the surface of the cartridge 140). This code segment can thus serve as a data storage system for the cartridge 140. The code segment can be read by the electronic cigarette 100 electrically and / or optically (i.e., by an electrical reading device and / or an optical reading device of the electronic cigarette 100).

[0158] Alternatively, the data storage system on the cartridge can be in the form of a memory configured to store multiple programs. The programs can include different combinations and sequences of liquids in the cartridge. To this end, the main body can be configured to select one of the programs contained in the memory. The cartridge can further include a label or description of the program available on the cartridge to remind the user of the flavor characteristics of the program.

[0159] Therefore, the data storage system of the cigarette cartridge 140 can also include a complete program to be followed by the controller 136. Therefore, the controller 136 can be configured to automatically select and follow the program in the data storage system. For example, a specific cigarette cartridge 140 can be designed to provide a user with a flavor path similar to a multi-course meal with a vapor component that is carefully mixed and changes over time. A single program for this flavor journey can be stored in the cigarette cartridge 140, and the controller 136 of the electronic cigarette 100 automatically follows this single program, or there can be multiple programs stored in the cigarette cartridge 140, and the controller 136 will automatically select a program from these programs based on, for example, the user's preferences, the settings of the electronic cigarette 100 (for example, the desired duration of the flavor journey indicated by the user via the user interface), the time of the day, the time of the user's physiological rhythm, the dosage of the prescribed drug, sensor data and / or personal data, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0160] Information about the contents of the cartridge 140 can be displayed to the user via the display of the electronic cigarette 100 and / or via the user's mobile device (e.g., a smartphone application) via the optional interface described above. The user can thus compose a personalized flavor program, thereby selecting an aerosol-generating liquid that can be obtained from a certain type of cartridge 140, for example, automatically determined or input by the user into the electronic cigarette 100 through the user interface. In addition to a single cartridge 140, the electronic cigarette 100 can be configured to receive multiple cartridges 140, each of which provides information about its contents to the controller 136 in one of the ways discussed above.

[0161] Likewise, the electronic cigarette 100 can be configured to allow the user to input, for example, using the user interface, which type of flavor program the user would like to experience, for example by selecting from flavors provided as options on the server. The user can then be informed via the display of the electronic cigarette 100 and / or via a mobile device connected to the electronic cigarette 100 via the interface which cartridge the user should insert into the electronic cigarette 100 so that the electronic cigarette 100 can produce the desired flavor program.

[0162] The flavor program can also be partially or fully automatically set. The electronic cigarette 100 can include at least one sensor configured to sense environmental conditions and / or attributes or status of the user and determine or adjust the program of the electronic cigarette 100 accordingly.

[0163] For example, the sensor and / or the controller 136's determination routine can determine the user's circadian rhythm and transmit data related to the rhythm to the controller. The controller can then query the memory 132, which can include a database that correlates various components of the circadian rhythm with parameters of the vapor composition. The database can be a comprehensive database for all users or a personalized database for one or more individual users.

[0164] The determination of circadian rhythms can be facilitated and / or performed by running a determination routine on the controller 136, which can keep track of time and enable the user to provide information that helps the controller 136 synchronize with the user's circadian rhythms. The determination routine can be configured to also determine circadian rhythms based on previous usage of the device, which can be determined by the controller 136 and stored in the memory 132. The determination routine can also receive measurements and / or personal data from the user's mobile device, such as a smartwatch or smartphone, and determine the circadian rhythm based on the measurements and / or personal data. The personal data can include, for example, sleep patterns or other activity patterns of the user.

[0165] For example, a user may prefer a vapor composition that is perceived as "mild" in the morning upon waking, may prefer a stronger flavor during the day, and may prefer a more balanced vapor composition at night. The electronic cigarette 100 may include a clock configured to provide the controller 136 with the time of day, and the controller 136 may be configured to adjust the vapor composition of a program and / or select a program based on the time of day.

[0166] Combined with sensors and / or routines for determining a user's circadian rhythm, the electronic cigarette 100 can always provide the user with the most desirable vapor composition, regardless of when the user activates the electronic cigarette 100. For example, the flavor and / or odor sensitivity of most users varies over time, particularly with their circadian rhythm. The program can be configured to maintain a constant user-perceived flavor experience over time, for example by increasing the ratio of flavored aerosol-generating liquid to unflavored or neutral-flavored aerosol-generating liquid when the user's flavor and / or odor sensitivity is relatively low, and decreasing the ratio when the user's sensitivity is high.

[0167] The electronic cigarette 100 can be configured to perform a test performed by the user, wherein the electronic cigarette provides different flavor intensities to the user (preferably at different times of the day and / or at different times related to the user's circadian rhythm) and requires user input to characterize the perceived flavor intensity. The controller 136 can be configured to select and / or adjust a program stored in the memory 132 based on the test results.

[0168] As another example, when the electronic cigarette 100 is used to administer a medication having an unpleasant odor and / or taste, the vapor composition can be configured such that the odor and / or taste is concealed from the user or neutralized by the vapor composition.

[0169] The internal clock and / or sensor for determining the physiological rhythm can also be used to ensure or facilitate the provision of a prescription to the user according to a dosing regimen. For example, the user may use a prescription with a relatively small dose of medication in the morning (and / or in the hours after waking up) and a prescription with a relatively large dose of medication in the afternoon (and / or in the hours after the previous period or before going to bed). The electronic cigarette 100 can thus be used as a device for delivering a preset medication dose to the user over time. The program controlling the addition of medication to the vapor composition can be incorporated or approved by a physician and can preferably be changed by the user.

[0170] The internal clock can also be configured to provide the current date, and the program can include a program for quitting medication, in which the dosage of the medication is reduced daily, for example. A corresponding program can be configured to compensate for the reduction in the amount of medication by correspondingly changing another component in the vapor composition. For example, a reduction in nicotine can be compensated by increasing the amount of aerosol-generating liquid that has a tobacco flavor or produces a sensation similar to that of inhaling actual tobacco. Similarly, if a certain active ingredient produces a certain sensation in the user when inhaled, a reduction in the amount of the active ingredient can be compensated by increasing the amount of aerosol-generating liquid that produces the same sensation in the user. The user can thus have the impression that the drug content has not been reduced at all.

[0171] In some advantageous embodiments, the electronic cigarette 100 may also include a particle sensor (e.g., a food molecule sensor). In this way, the vapor composition can be automatically set by the controller 136 based on, for example, the user's previous consumption and / or based on the chemical balance in the user's mouth (e.g., acidity / alkalinity). Preferably, the particle sensor is arranged at the mouthpiece 111 of the electronic cigarette 100 or at a connector for connecting the mouthpiece to the electronic cigarette 100. The particle sensor is preferably arranged and configured to detect molecules in the user's saliva, for example, using molecularly imprinted polymers.

[0172] Corresponding settings can be stored by the user in memory 132 based on the user's preferences. For example, after consuming a spicy meal, the user may prefer a vapor composition with a cooling effect or sensation. The particle sensor can be configured to detect capsaicin in the user's breath and / or saliva and select the "After Spicy Meal" program or the "After Spicy Meal" setting within the program. Similarly, after a particularly strong-flavored meal, the user's taste and / or smell perception may be dulled, necessitating that the vapor composition be adjusted to also include a stronger flavor to counteract this effect.

[0173] The cartridge 140 may also include an aerosol-generating liquid used as a taste cleanser, which helps to better sense the flavor after inhalation. The controller 136 may be configured to automatically add a heater activation time to the heater, which is arranged to heat the taste cleansing aerosol-generating liquid based on the sensor signal of the particle sensor before all programs. Additionally or alternatively, the memory 132 may include a specific taste cleansing program that includes a heater activation time for the taste cleansing aerosol-generating liquid. The controller 136 may be configured to automatically select the taste cleansing program based on the sensor signal of the particle sensor and / or the user may manually activate the taste cleansing program.

[0174] The particulate matter sensor can also be configured to detect bad odors in the user's breath or mouth, and select a vapor component or program to specifically process or alleviate the detected bad odors. Specifically, the vapor component set according to other criteria (such as personal preferences, time of day and / or the contents of the cartridge 140, etc.) can be adjusted to additionally include a medicament designed to offset one or more bad odors detected in the user's breath. Such addition of a breathing improvement agent to the vapor component can be triggered by measuring the concentration of a specific chemical substance exceeding a predetermined threshold, and can continue until the measured concentration drops below a threshold, which can be the same as or different from the first threshold (especially less than the first threshold).

[0175] A typical puffing session may begin with the user fully and correctly inserting the cartridge 140 into the electronic cigarette 100 (e.g., after which the electronic cigarette 100 is closed), so that the fluid transfer element 120 can conduct the aerosol-generating liquid from the cartridge 140 to the heater of the electronic cigarette 100. The user then opens the electronic cigarette 100 and places the mouthpiece on the user's lips.

[0176] The controller 136 can then apply a flavor selection algorithm to determine the initial program, i.e., the initial vapor composition and temperature setting to be used. The initial vapor composition may include vapor from only a single aerosol-generating liquid, but may also include vapor from multiple, or even all, aerosol-generating liquids available from the cartridge 140.

[0177] During the puffing session, the controller 136 can adjust the vapor composition by activating and / or deactivating different heaters and / or controlling the heaters to operate at different puffing temperatures based on the selected flavor program and / or based on any input as described above (e.g., based on sensor data and / or personal data about the user (biological rhythms, composition of the user's breath or saliva, time of day, current date, etc.) and / or data stored in the data storage system of the cartridge 140. Of course, the user can also be allowed to manually change some or all settings of the program using the user interface of the electronic cigarette 100. For example, the user control can be used to skip a flavor that the user does not like and advance to the next flavor. The memory 132 can record that the user does not like the sequence and remove it from the program.

[0178] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are a variety of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments. It will be understood that this or these exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit their scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary of the invention and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, and it will be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. In general, this application is intended to cover any adjustments or modifications to the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0179] It should also be understood that, as used herein, the terms "comprise / comprising," "include / including," "contain / containing," "have / having," and any variations thereof are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense, such that the processes, methods, apparatuses, devices, or systems described herein are not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps that are enumerated, but may include other elements, features, parts, or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or apparatuses. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "a / an" as used herein are intended to be understood to mean one or more. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to assign numerical requirements or establish any order of importance to their objects.

[0180] List of Reference Numerals

[0181] 100 e-cigarettes

[0182] 110 Main Body

[0183] 111 nozzle part

[0184] 112 Power Supply

[0185] 120 Conductive components

[0186] 122 Liquid Reservoir

[0187] 123 Support

[0188] 124 puncture member

[0189] 130 Control circuit system

[0190] 132 Memory

[0191] 134 Timer

[0192] 136 Controller

[0193] 140 Cartridges

[0194] 142 seals

[0195] 143 Shell

[0196] 145 cigarette cartridge holder

[0197] 146 Vaporization Chamber

[0198] 147 Steam Groove

[0199] 148 Airflow diverter

[0200] 149a keyway

[0201] 149b Track components

[0202] 149c Track components

[0203] 150 valve

[0204] 150a Track components

[0205] 150b keyway

[0206] 151 channels

[0207] 152 Close component

[0208] 153 valve seat

[0209] 154 connection part

[0210] 155 Steam outlet section

[0211] 160 Adjustment System

[0212] 170 User Controls

[0213] 171 joystick buttons

[0214] 172 buttons

[0215] 173 buttons

[0216] 174 Rotary Dial

[0217] 175 Display

[0218] 180 Heater

[0219] 180a capillary

[0220] 180b Absorption part

[0221] 180c heating part

[0222] 1000 Smoking System

Claims

1. An electronic cigarette (100), comprising: A cigarette cartridge assembly (140), the cigarette cartridge assembly comprising a plurality of liquid reservoirs (122), each liquid reservoir being configured as a separate cigarette cartridge (140a); and A main body (110), the main body having a cigarette cartridge seat (145), the cigarette cartridge seat being configured to be releasably connected to the cigarette cartridge assembly (140); The body (110) has an elongated shape and includes a power source (112) and a regulation system (160) configured to enable liquid to be selectively delivered from at least one liquid reservoir (122) of the electronic cigarette (100) to at least one heater (180); Wherein, the cigarette cartridge seat (145) comprises a tubular receiving cavity; and The shape of the axial cross-section of the shell of these individual cigarette cartridges (140a) is set to be a shape of a portion of a circle, so that the combined axial cross-section of these cigarette cartridges corresponds to the axial cross-section of the tubular receiving cavity; The regulating system (160) comprises at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve comprises a valve body, and the valve body is configured to enable and modify the liquid supply of the multiple liquid reservoirs; or the regulating system (160) comprises multiple valves, each valve is configured to regulate the liquid flow of each liquid reservoir.

2. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge holder (145) is configured to be connected to an atomizer assembly, wherein the atomizer assembly includes a plurality of compartments, each compartment contains a separate atomizer, and the atomizer includes a heater (180) and a fluid transfer element (120).

3. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The cigarette cartridge seat (145) comprises a plurality of electrical connectors, which are configured to be connected to the atomization assembly.

4. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge assembly (140) includes an integrated atomizer, which includes a heater (180) and a fluid transfer element (120), and wherein the cartridge body (145) includes a plurality of electrical connectors configured to connect to each liquid reservoir (122) in the cartridge assembly (140).

5. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The electrical connections are configured as spring force contacts.

6. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The atomizing assembly includes a plurality of piercing members.

7. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cartridge holder (145) further comprises a piercing member, which is configured as a fluid transfer element.

8. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The cartridge seat (145) comprises a guiding element (149b) configured to position the cartridge assembly (140) at an angular position so that the cartridge assembly (140) is aligned with a connector in the cartridge seat (145).

9. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The body (110) further includes a user control (170) configured to enable the user to control the amount of liquid used to generate the aerosol from each liquid reservoir (122).

10. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The user controls (170) are selected from the group consisting of: a scroll wheel, a set of two buttons (172, 173), a rocker button (171), and a rotary dial (174).

11. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 10, wherein: The user controls (170) are rotary dials (174) located at a distal end of the body (110) opposite the mouthpiece portion (111) or mouthpiece connector of the electronic cigarette (100).

12. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 11, wherein: The electronic cigarette further comprises a display (175), which is located at an end portion of the main body (110) away from the cartridge holder (145), and wherein the rotary dial (174) is arranged around the distal end portion.

13. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: At least one of the liquid reservoirs (122) includes a flavoring agent.

14. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: At least two liquid reservoirs (122) include aerosol generating components of different nicotine strengths.

15. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the cartridge assembly (140) comprises an interlocking connector (150a, 150b).

16. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The liquid reservoir (122) comprises a vaporization chamber (146), a first portion of a vapor outlet channel formed by the vaporization chamber, and a groove (147), wherein the grooves (147) of at least two liquid reservoirs (122) form the vapor outlet channel.

17. The electronic cigarette (100) according to claim 16, wherein: The cartridge assembly (140) includes an airflow diverter (148) configured to generate turbulence in the vapor outlet channel.

18. The electronic cigarette (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The shape of the axial cross-section of the shell of the separate cigarette cartridge (140a) is half a circle.

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