Cartridges for electronic cigarettes

Abstract

A cartridge for an electronic cigarette, comprising: a liquid reservoir, which is arranged to contain liquid to be vaporized; a vaporization chamber, which has at least one opening, and the at least one opening connects the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir; a fluid transfer element, which is held in the opening and extends between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber, and is arranged to transfer liquid between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber by capillary action; a heating element, which is positioned in the vaporization chamber and is arranged to heat the liquid transferred to the vaporization chamber by the fluid transfer element; wherein the cartridge comprises an upper shell portion and a lower shell portion, and the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are configured to be connected together around the fluid transfer element to form the liquid reservoir, the vaporization chamber and the at least one opening. By providing a two-part cartridge having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that can be connected around the fluid delivery element to provide an opening between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber, an improved seal can be provided around the fluid delivery element to minimize leakage into the vaporization chamber.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cigarette cartridge for an electronic cigarette. Background Art

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of producing combustion smoke, electronic cigarettes vaporize liquid for the user to inhale. The liquid typically includes an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, which produces the vapor. Other common substances in the liquid are nicotine and a variety of different flavorings.

[0003] Electronic cigarettes are handheld inhaler systems that include a mouthpiece section, a liquid reservoir, and a power supply unit. Vaporization is achieved by a vaporizer or heater unit that typically includes a heating element in the form of a heating coil and a fluid transfer element, such as a wick, that is arranged to transfer the fluid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element. Vaporization occurs when the heater heats the liquid in the fluid transfer element until the liquid is converted into vapor. The vapor can then be inhaled via an air outlet in the mouthpiece.

[0004] The electronic cigarette may include a cartridge holder configured to receive a disposable consumable in the form of a cartridge. A cartridge including a liquid reservoir and a vaporizer is often referred to as a "cartomizer". In this case, the vaporizer of the vaporizer is connected to a power supply unit when it is received in the cartridge holder, so that power can be supplied to the heater of the vaporizer to heat the liquid to produce vapor. Typically, some form of mechanical mechanism is used to maintain the cartridge in the cartridge holder so that it does not fall or separate from the device.

[0005] In order to transfer liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element, the wick must be arranged between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber so that when the wick is heated, capillary action transports the liquid from the liquid reservoir through the porous structure of the wick to the heating element. A common problem with electronic cigarettes is that liquid leaks from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber in addition to passing through the wick as expected. This causes the liquid to concentrate in the vaporization chamber and may be transported to the mouthpiece in the airflow route, resulting in large droplets in the inhaled vapor, which can be unpleasant to the user. Similarly, the liquid accumulated in the vaporization chamber may contact the electrical contacts of the heating element and may leak through the air inlet in the cartridge holder itself, which may cause the battery contacts to degrade and smear on the electronic cigarette and the cartridge, making it unpleasant to handle.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic cigarette which makes progress in solving some of the problems of the above-mentioned prior art devices. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, a liquid reservoir is provided, which is arranged to contain liquid to be vaporized; a vaporization chamber, which has at least one opening, and the at least one opening connects the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir; a fluid transfer element, which is held in the opening and extends between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber, and is arranged to transfer liquid between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber by capillary action; a heating element, which is positioned in the vaporization chamber and is arranged to heat the liquid transferred to the vaporization chamber by the fluid transfer element; wherein the cigarette cartridge includes an upper shell portion and a lower shell portion, and the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are configured to be connected together around the fluid transfer element to form the liquid reservoir, the vaporization chamber and at least one opening.

[0008] The upper housing portion and the lower housing portion preferably together provide an outer housing of the cartridge.

[0009] Since the cartridge housing includes two parts that fit together to provide an opening for accommodating a fluid delivery element, an opening of precisely determined size and position can be provided, which is configured to fit tightly around the fluid delivery element to reduce leakage around the fluid delivery element through the opening. In addition, the assembly process is simplified because the fluid delivery element does not need to be fed through the opening, but is simply enclosed in the opening when the two housing parts are connected together. By forming a liquid reservoir, a vaporization chamber, and a connection opening in this way, the number of required parts is also reduced, which further simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing costs. Because the cartridge housing is closed around the fluid delivery element to form an opening, the position of the fluid delivery element can be accurately configured and the performance of the cartridge can be improved compared to known devices. In known devices, the fluid delivery element is first positioned in the vaporizer and then positioned in the device, which may cause many components to be incorrectly positioned, thereby causing leakage in the cartridge. This arrangement also allows the liquid delivery element to be firmly held in place during assembly of the device, especially when the heating wire is connected to the cartridge contact plate.

[0010] Preferably, the fluid transport element is a capillary structure, such as a capillary wick, preferably comprising a porous and / or fibrous structure.

[0011] The housing portion preferably provides an outer housing for the cartridge and preferably includes one or more dividing inner walls that define a liquid reservoir, a vaporization chamber, and at least one opening when connected together. In some examples of the present invention, the upper housing portion includes an upper wall and side walls of the liquid chamber and an upper wall and side walls of the vaporization chamber, and the lower housing portion includes a base surface of the liquid reservoir and a base surface of the vaporization chamber.

[0012] The vaporization chamber may be positioned generally within the liquid reservoir such that the liquid reservoir at least partially surrounds the vaporization chamber.

[0013] Preferably, the vaporization chamber includes two openings connecting the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir, and the fluid transport element is elongated; wherein the elongated fluid transport element extends across the vaporization chamber with two opposite ends held in the openings and interfacing with the liquid reservoir. In this way, liquid from the liquid reservoir is more efficiently transported to the vaporization chamber by capillary action of the liquid transport element.

[0014] Preferably, the upper shell comprises a curved upper support surface, and the lower shell portion comprises a relatively curved lower support surface; wherein, when the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are connected together, the upper support surface and the lower support surface together form at least one opening for holding the fluid conveying element. In this way, the curved surface meets the fluid conveying element and can be pressed into the side of the fluid conveying element to reduce leakage. Preferably, the curved shape of the support surface matches the cross-sectional shape of the fluid conveying element to provide a tight connection between the fluid conveying element and the support surface. Preferably, the upper support surface and the lower support surface are semicircular, so that when the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are connected together, at least one opening is circular. Preferably, the fluid conveying element has a generally circular cross-section to match the opening. Preferably, the diameter of the opening is less than the diameter of the wick.

[0015] In a preferred example of the invention, the cartridge further comprises an annular seal mounted in each of the one or more openings connecting the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir; the annular seal engages around the fluid delivery element so that liquid is restricted from passing through the opening except through the fluid delivery element. In this way, the seal around the fluid delivery element is further enhanced to reduce leakage around the liquid delivery element. Because the cartridge comprises two housing parts that are connected together to form an opening, the annular seal can be precisely positioned to optimize the seal.

[0016] In some examples, the annular seal includes an upper seal segment attached to the upper housing portion and a lower seal segment attached to the lower housing portion; wherein when the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are connected, the upper seal segment and the lower seal segment together form an annular seal around the fluid transport element. In this way, the annular seal is formed when the housing portions are connected. This eliminates the need to previously place the annular seal over the wick and position the annular seal within the seat during assembly, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

[0017] In other examples, the cartridge includes a curved upper support surface, and the lower housing portion includes an opposite curved lower support surface; wherein the corresponding upper and lower support surfaces provide a seat configured to receive the annular seal. Preferably, the annular seal is an integral annular seal formed in a single part and is preferably sleeved over the fluid transfer element before being installed in the cartridge. In this way, a tighter connection around the fluid transfer element is provided, which reduces the risk of parts of the fluid transfer element (such as loose fibers) moving away from the fluid transfer element and damaging the seal.

[0018] Preferably, the upper support surface and the lower support surface are shaped to form a circumferential groove when the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are connected, wherein the circumferential groove is configured to receive the annular seal. The circumferential groove provides a secure mounting portion for the annular wick to hold the annular wick in place. Preferably, the circumferential groove includes two circumferential surfaces forming a V-shaped cross-section, and the annular seal includes a circular profile that meets the two surfaces to provide two circumferential contacts between the annular seal and its seat. In this way, the annular seal meets the seat at two points along the axis of the annular seal, which provides two sealing points to prevent fluid from passing through the opening around the fluid transport element, thereby enhancing the sealing properties.

[0019] Preferably, the annular seal comprises a generally cylindrical body with a circular circumferential protrusion extending radially outwardly to meet the surfaces defining the openings. Preferably, the length of the cylindrical body is greater than the length through the openings. This may help to keep loose fibers from the fluid conveying element from entering between the contacting surfaces of the two housing parts when they are joined. The radially extending outward protrusion forms a tight seal against the seal seat of the opening.

[0020] The annular seal preferably comprises a generally cylindrical body having an inner circumferential protrusion which extends radially inwardly to be pressed into a fluid conveying element within the seal. In this way, a tight seal between the annular seal and the fluid conveying element is provided to minimize leakage through the annular seal. The extension distance of the protrusion into the fluid conveying element also limits the fluid from being transported through the wick by the compressed capillary structure. The radial extension distance of this protrusion can be configured to accommodate the force pressed into the wick so that the balance between the seal around the wick and limiting the fluid from being transported through the wick can be appropriately adjusted. Preferably, the width of the inner protrusion is less than the width of the outer protrusion.

[0021] Preferably, the seal comprises a resiliently deformable material, such as silicone. In this way, the seal deforms around the shape of the support surface and / or the fluid conveying element to further limit leakage.

[0022] Preferably, the contact surfaces of the upper housing part and the lower housing part define a plane extending longitudinally through the liquid delivery element when connected. In particular, the connection plane between the upper housing part and the lower housing part extends through the liquid delivery element. In other words, the upper housing part and the lower housing part include surfaces of the outer shell that meet when the upper housing part and the lower housing part are connected, and the plane defined by these surfaces when connected extends through the liquid delivery element, preferably through the center of the liquid delivery element, preferably along the elongated axis. This improves the ease of assembling the housing parts around the fluid delivery element.

[0023] Preferably, the lower housing portion includes an air inlet to allow air to enter the vaporization chamber; wherein these air inlets are arranged on a raised portion of the lower inner surface of the vaporization chamber. In this way, even if liquid were to leak into the vaporization chamber, since the air inlet is arranged on the raised surface above the inner base surface of the vaporization chamber, the liquid will also accumulate on the base surface and will not leak into the device through the air inlet. In addition, the liquid will not enter the air flow, so that large unvaporized droplets in the inhaled vapor are reduced. In some examples, a liquid absorbing material is provided on the lower inner surface of the vaporization chamber around the raised portion so as to collect and store any liquid accumulated in this area to prevent the liquid from reaching the air inlet if the orientation of the device is changed.

[0024] In yet another aspect of the present invention, an electronic cigarette is provided, comprising the cartridge described in the present application, and a power source arranged to provide power to the heating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cartridge for an electronic cigarette according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cartridge for an electronic cigarette according to the present invention is shown, wherein the cartridge does not use an annular seal;

[0027] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The details of the cartridge for the electronic cigarette according to the present invention are shown;

[0028] Figure 4 An aerosol generating device according to the invention configured to receive a cartridge is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA cartridge 100 for an electronic cigarette according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. The cartridge 100 comprises a liquid reservoir 30 arranged to contain a liquid to be vaporized and a vaporization chamber 40, wherein the vaporization chamber 40 has at least one opening 60 connecting the vaporization chamber 40 to the liquid reservoir 30. A fluid transport element 50 extends between the liquid reservoir 30 and the vaporization chamber 40 and is supported within the opening 60. The fluid transport element 50 is arranged to transport liquid between the liquid reservoir 30 and the vaporization chamber 40 by capillary action. A heating element 41 is positioned within the vaporization chamber 40 and is arranged to heat the liquid transported by the fluid transport element 50 to the vaporization chamber 40 by capillary action. Figure 1B As shown most clearly in the figure, the cigarette cartridge includes an upper shell portion 10 and a lower shell portion 20, which are configured to be connected together around a fluid transfer element 50 to form a liquid reservoir 30, a vaporization chamber 40, and at least one opening 60 connecting the vaporization chamber 40 and the liquid reservoir 30.

[0030] The use of the cartridge according to the present invention improves the assembly and allows the fluid transfer element 50 or "wick" to be positioned to fit tightly in the opening 60 connecting the vaporization chamber 40 and the liquid reservoir 30, thereby reducing leakage from the liquid reservoir through the opening 60 to the vaporization chamber 40. This "tight fit" of the fluid transfer element reduces the amount of liquid that usually tends to travel along the surface of the fluid transfer element. Therefore, the current arrangement forces the liquid to be transported through the inside of the fluid transfer element via capillary action, which makes the flow more controlled. In addition, the flow of liquid through the fluid transfer element occurs essentially only during vaporization, because the liquid is sucked by capillary action to compensate for the liquid vaporized in the contact area with the heating element. This improves the user experience by reducing the amount of large droplets that enter the vaporization chamber 40 and are therefore inhaled by the user, rather than just the vapor generated by the heater.

[0031] Because the cartridge is formed of two housing parts 10, 20 that fit around the fluid transport element when connected together to define an opening as well as the vaporization chamber 40 and liquid reservoir 30, the fluid transport element 50 can be positioned in a simple and straightforward manner with the housing parts closed around it, without requiring the fluid transport element to be screwed into the opening in the housing in some way. Thus, the present invention allows the wick to fit tightly in an improved cartridge, wherein ease of manufacture is improved.

[0032] In the example of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the fluid transport element 50 is in the form of a capillary wick, which can be formed, for example, from a bundle of fibers such as cotton fibers or another porous structure, and is configured to transport liquid from the liquid reservoir 30 to the vaporization chamber 40 through the porous wicking structure via capillary action driven by the evaporation of liquid from the center of the wick by the heating element 41. The fluid transport element 50 preferably includes an elastic or compressible material so that the fluid transport element can be compressed in the radial direction. In this way, the upper shell part 10 and the lower shell part 20 compress the wick at the junction to restrict the liquid from passing through the opening, as will be described. The two shell parts 10, 20 together form the central vaporization chamber 40 and the surrounding liquid reservoir 30. In particular, as Figure 1B As shown, the upper housing portion 10 includes an outer wall 11 and a plurality of inner walls 12, 13 that form the outer boundary of the liquid reservoir 30. In particular, the upper housing portion 10 includes a tubular center wall 12 that defines a tubular airflow channel aligned along the elongated axis of the cartridge, which leads from the vaporization chamber 40 to the inhalation outlet at the mouth end of the cartridge 100. The inner side wall 12 that forms the inhalation channel 42 in the surrounding liquid reservoir 30 extends radially outward around the wick and heater to form the outer boundary of the vaporization chamber 40 surrounding the fluid transport element 50. As shown in FIG. Figure 1B As shown, the inner wall 12 forming the airflow passage to the mouthpiece is connected to the wall 13 of the vaporization chamber 40. When the cartridge 100 is assembled, the inner vaporization chamber wall 13 forms a part of the side walls and upper wall defining the upper portion of the vaporization chamber 40.

[0033] The lower housing portion 20 comprises an outer housing wall 21 which defines the outer boundary of the housing portion 20. Figure 2A As best shown in the figure, the lower housing portion 20 also has a plurality of inner walls 23 which, together with the inner wall 13 of the upper housing portion 10, form the inner walls defining the volume of the vaporization chamber 40. In particular, the lower housing portion has an inner lower base wall 22 (at Figure 1A ) and two inner side walls 23 (as shown Figure 2A As shown in Figure 1A As shown, when the upper housing portion 10 and the lower housing portion 20 are connected to define the outer boundary of the vaporization chamber 40, the inner walls 13, 23 of the upper housing portion 10 and the lower housing portion 20 fit together within the internal volume of the cartridge 100 defined by the outer side walls 11 and 21 of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion. In this way, the vaporization chamber 40 is partially surrounded by the liquid reservoir 30. In particular, the shape of the inner wall is determined to provide the vaporization chamber 40 at the center within the internal volume of the cartridge, wherein the volume of the liquid reservoir defined at least partially therearound extends downwardly on at least two opposite sides of the vaporization chamber 40.

[0034] This structure differs from known devices in that two integral housing parts (i.e., upper housing part 10 and lower housing part 20) together form the outer housing of the cartridge and each of the vaporization chamber 40, the liquid reservoir 30 and the connection opening 60. Known devices typically require separate components to be inserted into the outer housing to provide the vaporization chamber, and therefore require more complex assembly and alignment of the components, which may result in leakage if the assembly and alignment are not accurately achieved.

[0035] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the inner side walls 13, 23 provided by the upper shell part 10 and the lower shell part 20 defining the vaporization chamber 40 each include curved surfaces 61, 62, which together also form an opening 60 connecting the liquid reservoir and the heating chamber when the shell parts are connected together. In this way, the vaporization chamber 40 is arranged in the center of the internal volume of the cigarette cartridge 100, wherein in the example of the figures, two openings 60 are in the side walls of the vaporization chamber, which puts the vaporization chamber in fluid communication with the surrounding liquid reservoir 30. As shown Figure 2A As shown, the surface 62 defining the opening 60 supports the end 51 of the capillary wick so that when the housing parts 10, 20 are put together, the end 51 of the capillary wick is tightly received in the opening 60 formed by the surfaces 61, 62, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown.

[0036] In the example of the figures, the fluid transport element 50 is an elongated capillary wick extending across the interior volume of the heating chamber, such as Figure 2A 4, wherein the opposite end 51 of the capillary wick is received in an opening 60 in the inner side wall of the vaporization chamber 40. In this manner, when Figure 1B When the shell parts are put together and the internal volume of the liquid reservoir 30 is filled with liquid, the capillary wick fills the opening 60, so that the end 51 of the wick is in communication with the liquid in the internal volume of the liquid reservoir 30, and the liquid is sucked into the vaporization chamber 40 through the capillary wick during heating. Since the opening 60 is formed by the opposing surfaces 61, 62 of the two separate shell parts 10, 20, the construction of the cigarette cartridge 100 is simplified and a tighter connection of the opening 60 around the wick can be achieved.

[0037] The known problem of this type of device is to shrink the wick with enough pressure in the opening 60 connecting the liquid reservoir 30 and the vaporization chamber 40 so as not to allow liquid to leak into the vaporization chamber around the wick, but not applying too much pressure to make the liquid transport pass through the gap formed by the fiber of the wick so that the fluid transport through the wick is restricted. By providing an opening 60 in the form of two components that fit together around the wick, the diameter of the opening 60 can be accurately designed to provide the required tight fit, while still allowing enough liquid flows to pass through the capillary wick. In addition, the shape of the upper support surface 61 and the lower support surface 62 that form the opening 60 that keeps the wick can be provided with a specific shape or surface feature, so as to firmly keep the wick with appropriate pressure. In the example of the accompanying drawings, the shape of the support surface is semicircular, to form a roughly circular opening 60 together. The surface can be, for example, formed with a circumferential protrusion that is pressed into the capillary wick to limit the flow of liquid around the wick.

[0038] like Figure 2A As best shown in FIG. 1 , the heating element is a heating coil that is wrapped around a wick and has two ends that extend out of the wick to contact an electrical contact plate 70. By providing power to the electrical contact plate 70 and subsequently to the heating element, an electric current can be provided through the heating element to heat the electrical coil and cause liquid delivered from the liquid reservoir 30 through the liquid transport element 50 to vaporize within the vaporization chamber 40.

[0039] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 1 , the capillary wick is simply received within the opening 60 formed by the support surfaces 61, 62 of the upper housing portion 10 and the lower housing portion 20. Preferably, the sealing of the opening around the capillary wick is further enhanced by the use of an annular seal 80 installed in each opening 60, wherein the annular seal 80 is engaged around the fluid transport element 50 so that liquid is restricted from passing through the opening 60 except through the fluid transport element 50, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A The annular seal 80 is preferably made of a deformable elastic material and defines the parameters of the openings 60 so that the capillary wick passes through the annular seal 80 within each opening 60 to interface with the liquid reservoir 30. The annular seal 80 provides a tight engagement with the support surfaces 61, 62 to substantially restrict the fluid from passing through the opening 60 around the wick into the vaporization chamber 40.

[0040] The annular seal 80 can be arranged in a variety of different ways. In one example, the annular seal 80 can include two parts: an upper sealing segment 80a, which is attached to the upper support surface 61 of the upper shell part 10; and a lower sealing segment 80b, which is attached to the lower support surface 62 of the lower shell part 20. In particular, the annular seal 80 can be formed by the curved support surfaces 61, 62 themselves, which are formed of an elastically deformable material, so that when the shell parts 10, 20 are connected together around the wick, the sealing segments 80a, 80b form a complete annular seal 80 around the wick to seal the opening 60. For example, see Figure 1A , the annular seal 80 may be formed from an upper sealing section 80A and a lower section 80B attached to the lower housing portion 20 such that when the housing portions 10 , 20 are brought together they form a complete ring around the capillary wick.

[0041] Alternatively, the upper support surface 61 in the upper housing portion 10 and the lower support surface 62 in the lower housing portion 20 may provide a seal seat configured to receive an integral annular seal 80, such as in Figure 3A 2 is shown in plan view as a fluid transport element 50 received in the lower housing portion 20. Figure 3A As shown, the lower support surface is shaped to form a groove 63, which is configured to receive the annular seal 80. A corresponding groove is provided by the upper support surface 61, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B and Figure 2B In this manner, the upper support surface 61 and the lower support surface 62 form a seat that retains the integral annular seal 80 in place within the opening 60. Figure 3B , a cross section of such an annular seal 80 is shown when received in the seat provided by the groove 63. Figure 3B As shown, the circumferential groove 63 includes two circumferential surfaces forming a V-shaped cross-section.

[0042] In particular, the upper support surface 61 includes angled circumferential surfaces 61a and 61b of V-shaped cross-section that together form a circumferential groove 63. Similarly, the lower support surface provided by the lower shell portion includes angled support surfaces 62a, 62b that together form a V-shaped cross-section so that when the upper shell portion 10 and the lower shell portion 20 are connected together, a complete circumferential V-shaped groove is provided around the opening 60, as shown in FIG. Figure 3BAs shown. This V-shaped groove is used to hold the annular seal 80 in place, thereby forming a tight connection to prevent the annular seal from falling off and providing a tight seal to prevent liquid from passing through. The annular seal 80 itself can be configured with many additional features to further enhance the sealing properties provided by the annular seal 80 in the opening 60.

[0043] like Figure 3B As shown, the annular seal 80 includes a generally tubular body 81, which in this example is formed by a cylindrical body 81. The seal 80 also includes a circular circumferential protrusion 82 extending radially outwardly around the circumference of the annular seal 80, such as Figure 3A . The circular profile of this protrusion 82 meets the two surfaces of the groove 63 forming the V-shape to provide enhanced sealing characteristics. In particular, because the circular profile of the protrusion 82 meets the two angled surfaces 61a, 61b of the upper shell 10 and the angled surfaces 62a, 62b of the lower shell 20, the annular seal provides two sealing points along the tubular axis of the annular seal 80. In particular, the contact points on each of these angled surfaces provide a complete circumferential contact line, so that the seat provided by the support surface and the annular seal together provide two circumferential contact lines around the opening 60, which significantly restricts the liquid from passing around the annular seal 80 and entering the vaporization chamber 40. The annular seal 80 of this example also includes an inner circumferential protrusion that extends radially inward from the cylindrical body 81 to press into the capillary wick. By configuring the radial extension of this inner circumferential protrusion 83, the tightness of grip on the wick can be configured to optimize the seal 80 to prevent liquid from passing between the wick and the annular seal 80, while at the same time allowing capillary transport of liquid through the wick.

[0044] As mentioned above, the seal preferably comprises a resiliently deformable material which deforms under contact forces acting on the angled surfaces forming the seat and thereby conforms to the surface of the seat and the wick to provide a tight seal. Silicone provides a particularly preferred material which may be adapted to provide an appropriate degree of elasticity and which may be produced in a simple and straightforward manner by molding.

[0045] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the upper shell part and the lower shell part 20 contact each other around the periphery of the cross section of the outer wall 11, 21 at the corresponding contact surfaces 14, 24. In particular, the upper shell part 10 and the lower shell part 20 are connected along Figure 1BThe lower housing portion 10 and the lower housing portion 10 are placed together in the direction of the arrows in the figure so that the upward facing contact surface 24 of the outer wall 21 of the lower housing portion contacts the opposite downward facing contact surface 14 of the outer wall 11 of the upper housing portion 10. These contact surfaces can be attached by a variety of different manufacturing techniques, such as via adhesives or ultrasonic welding. Preferably, this connection plane defined by the opposite contact attachment surfaces 24, 14 defines a Figure 1A The connection plane L shown in FIG. 1 extends centrally through the elongated axis of the capillary wick. This facilitates manufacturing and allows the wick to be placed on a support surface and the opposing attachment surfaces to be bonded together to attach the housing parts 10, 20.

[0046] As described above, the coiled heating wire wrapped around the wick contacts the contact plate 70, such as Figure 3A . In particular, there are two contact plates 70 extending upward from the base surface of the vaporization chamber 40 provided by the lower housing portion 20. Each contact plate 70 is preferably formed by an upwardly extending portion 71 extending upwardly substantially perpendicular to the base surface of the vaporization chamber 40 and a folded vertical portion 72 lying flat along the outer surface at the base of the lower housing portion 20. The contact plate 70 is folded to form a vertical arrangement, wherein the top wire contact portion 71 extends through the opening in the lower housing portion 20 and folds to form a second base contact portion 72 that is flush along the base surface 25 of the lower housing portion 20. In this way, when the cartridge 100 is received in the aerosol generating device, the base contact portion 72 of the contact plate 70 can contact a corresponding contact connected to the battery to provide current to the heating wire through the contact plate 70.

[0047] like Figure 3C As shown, the top portion 71 of the contact plate 70 extends through the raised portion 26 of the lower inner surface of the vaporization chamber 40. Specifically, the base surface is formed by the lower inner surface of the lower housing portion, and this has two protruding platforms 26 extending upwardly from the base surface, and the wire engaging portion 71 of the contact plate emerges from the holes in these raised platforms 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A shown.

[0048] By providing the contact plate 70 within the raised platform portion 26 at the base of the vaporizing chamber, even if a small amount of liquid were to leak through the improved seal provided by the present invention, the liquid would collect around the raised platform 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C As shown, it does not contact the electrical terminal 70. The air inlet to the vaporization chamber (at Figure 3A4 (shown in FIG. 1 ) are also provided across these raised platforms 26 so that liquid leaking through the seal 80 is again collected at the bottom of the vapourisation chamber 40 and therefore droplets from any leaking liquid cannot enter the vapour flow through the air inlet 43 as these are provided below the air inlet 43 at the bottom of the vapourisation chamber. In this way, the improved seal provided by the opening 60 around the wick together with the raised platforms 26 means that the amount of droplets reaching the air flow through the nozzle is significantly reduced.

[0049] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the contact plates 70 are disposed on the same side of the wicking member that provides the fluid transport element 50 (i.e., the two contact plates 70 are positioned adjacent to the same longitudinal side of the fluid transport element 50), in other embodiments, the contact plates 70 may be positioned on opposite sides of the fluid transport element 50. By positioning the contact plates 70 on opposite sides of the fluid transport element 50 (i.e., arranging the contact plates 70 such that the fluid transport element 50 extends between the contact plates), the contact plates may provide additional thermal insulation to the heater filament and the wicking member, thereby improving the efficiency of the device.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the cartridge 100 is configured to be received in the cartridge holder body 201 of the aerosol generating device 200. The contact pieces 72 on the outer base surface 25 of the lower housing portion 20 contact the corresponding contact pieces 202 located at the base surface of the cartridge holder body 201. These contact pieces 202 can be spring biased so that they retract into the recess in the base of the cartridge holder body 201 when in contact. The biasing ensures that there is sufficient contact between the contact pieces 202 of the aerosol generating device and those contact pieces 72 of the cartridge 100. When the cartridge is received in the cartridge holder body 201, the current provided by the battery 203 can be provided to the contact pieces 72 and the heating element 41 to vaporize the liquid transported from the liquid chamber 30 to the vaporization chamber via the liquid transport element 50. Wherein, the supply of current can be controlled by the control circuit 204 to control the amount of current applied to the heating element 41.

[0051] By means of the cartridge 100 according to the present invention, increased prevention of leakage into the vaporization chamber is achieved, while at the same time providing a simplified manufacturing process. In particular, by providing a two-part cartridge having an upper shell portion 10 and a lower shell portion 20, which can be connected around a fluid transfer element 50 to provide an opening between the liquid reservoir 30 and the vaporization chamber 40, an improved tight connection can be provided around the fluid transfer element 50 to minimize leakage into the vaporization chamber. This can be further improved by providing annular seals 80, which are received in a seat provided by opposing surfaces of the upper shell portion 10 and the lower shell portion 20 that provide the opening 60 when connected. In this way, when the cartridge 100 is received in the aerosol generating device 200, as Figure 4 As shown, there is less leakage through the air inlet into the cartridge holder body 201, which correspondingly prolongs the life of the device and ensures that the device operates effectively. In addition, the user experience is further improved because less aerosol-generating liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 30 enters the vaporization chamber and less aerosol-generating liquid is carried as large droplets during the user's inhalation.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an electronic cigarette, include: a liquid reservoir arranged to contain a liquid to be vaporized; a vaporization chamber having at least one opening connecting the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir; a fluid transfer element retained within the opening and arranged to transfer liquid between the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber by capillary action; a heating element positioned within the vaporization chamber and arranged to heat liquid delivered to the vaporization chamber by the fluid delivery element; and an annular seal mounted in each of the one or more openings connecting the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir; the annular seal engages around the fluid transport element so that liquid is restricted from passing through the opening except through the fluid transport element, The cigarette cartridge includes an upper shell portion and a lower shell portion, wherein the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion provide an outer shell of the cigarette cartridge and are configured to be connected together around the fluid transfer element to form the liquid reservoir and the vaporization chamber.

2. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, in, The upper housing portion includes a curved upper support surface, and the lower housing portion includes an opposing curved lower support surface; wherein, When the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are connected together, the upper support surface and the lower support surface together form at least one opening that retains the fluid conveying element.

3. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, in, The vaporization chamber includes two openings connecting the vaporization chamber to the liquid reservoir, and the fluid transport element is elongated and has two opposite ends; wherein, The elongated fluid transport element extends across the vaporization chamber with each of the two opposing ends being retained in an opening and in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir.

4. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 2, in, The curved upper support surface includes an upper sealing segment and the curved lower support surface includes a lower sealing segment; wherein when the upper shell portion and the lower shell portion are connected, the upper sealing segment and the lower sealing segment together form an annular seal that engages around the fluid transport element.

5. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 2, in, The annular seal includes an integral annular body and fits over the fluid transport element; wherein the upper support surface and the lower support surface provide a seat configured to receive the annular seal.

6. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 5, in, The upper support surface and the lower support surface are shaped to form a circumferential groove when the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are connected, wherein the circumferential groove is configured to receive the annular seal.

7. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 6, in, The circumferential groove comprises two circumferential surfaces forming a V-shaped cross section, and the annular seal comprises a circular profile meeting the two surfaces to provide two circumferential contact portions between the annular seal and its seat.

8. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The annular seal includes a generally cylindrical body having a circular circumferential projection extending radially outward to meet the surfaces defining the openings.

9. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The annular seal includes a generally cylindrical body having an inner circumferential projection extending radially inwardly to press into the fluid conveying element within the seal.

10. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The seal comprises a resiliently deformable material.

11. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The contact surfaces of the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, when connected, define a plane extending longitudinally through the fluid transport element.

12. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The lower housing portion includes air inlets to allow air to enter the vaporization chamber; wherein the air inlets are disposed on raised portions of the lower inner surface of the vaporization chamber.

13. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising a liquid absorbing material, which is disposed on the lower inner surface of the vaporization chamber around the raised portions.

14. An electronic cigarette comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a power source arranged to provide power to the heating element.

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