Electronic cigarette with removable cartridge

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to an electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body (2) and a cartridge (3) which contains the liquid to be vaporized and which is removably mounted on said fixed body (2), and which is essentially characterized in that the fixed body (2) has a cartridge receiving recess (7), a power supply battery (4) and a vaporization unit (11) located in the cartridge receiving recess (7) and comprising a heating element (12) electrically powered by the battery (4) and a fluid transfer element (14), in that the cartridge (3) comprises an air outlet (21) opening onto a suction channel (20) and a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized (16) surrounding the suction channel (20),and in that the removable cartridge (3) and the fixed body (2) are configured so that the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (15) is arranged in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer element (14) of the vaporization unit (11) of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (3), and so that the suction channel (20) of the cartridge (3) is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit (11) of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention falls within the field of electronic cigarettes, and more particularly within the field of electronic cigarettes equipped with a removable and replaceable cartridge. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0002] Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Instead of producing combustion smoke, these devices vaporize a liquid that can be inhaled by the user. The liquid typically contains an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, which creates the vapor. Other common substances in the liquid may include nicotine and / or various flavorings.

[0003] Typically, an electronic cigarette consists of a mouthpiece, a liquid reservoir, and a power supply, most often a battery. Vaporization is generated by a vaporization unit, which generally includes a heating element such as a coil. This coil can be in the form of a wire surrounding a fluid transfer element or a heating element extending through the thickness of the fluid transfer element. Vaporization occurs when the heating element heats the liquid within the fluid transfer element until the liquid turns into vapor.

[0004] Three types of electronic cigarettes are defined: Open systems that have a refillable liquid reservoir and a replaceable coil, the lifespan of these e-cigarettes depending solely on the battery life, single-use cigarettes that are discarded once all the liquid in the reservoir has been vaporized, and cartridge cigarettes that have a fixed body containing the power battery, and a removable and replaceable cartridge containing a liquid reservoir and the vaporization unit.

[0005] These last two systems (single-use and cartridge) have a major drawback in terms of recycling since the discarded components contain both electronic and fibrous and liquid elements.

[0006] In addition, the cartridges are expensive to manufacture due to the arrangement required between the vaporization unit and the liquid reservoir. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by offering a new generation of electronic cigarette that is less expensive to manufacture, simple to use and recyclable. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to an electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body and a cartridge containing the liquid to be vaporized and which is removably mounted on said fixed body, and which is characterized in that the fixed body has a cartridge receiving recess, a power battery and a vaporization unit located in the cartridge receiving recess and comprising a heating element electrically powered by the battery and a fluid transfer element, in that the cartridge includes an air outlet opening onto a suction channel, and a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized surrounding the suction channel, and in that the removable cartridge and the fixed body are configured so that the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized is arranged in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer element of the vaporization unit of the fixed body when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body,and to ensure that the cartridge's suction channel is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit of the fixed body when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body.

[0009] The electronic cigarette of the invention may also include the following optional features, considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: The fluid transfer element of the vaporizing unit in the fixed body opens at a receiving port for the liquid reservoir to be vaporized. The cartridge receiving port has a central channel that defines the receiving port for the liquid reservoir to be vaporized, and the vaporizing unit is arranged within this central channel, with the fluid transfer element opening at the receiving port for the liquid reservoir to be vaporized. The upper part of the central channel is aligned with the suction channel of the removable cartridge when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body.The heating element is in contact with the fluid transfer element, which is made of fibrous or porous material and has at least one liquid absorption zone opening towards or at the receiving seat of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized by means of at least one orifice in the central channel, and a central zone in contact with the heating element forming part of the liquid distribution. The vaporization unit (11') extends coaxially in the central channel (13') at at least one orifice (13a). The liquid reservoir to be vaporized is made of a fibrous or porous material impregnated with the liquid to be vaporized. The vaporization unit is removably mounted on the fixed body. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figure: There figure 1is a schematic view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to a first alternative where the cartridge is housed in the fixed body, defining a position of use; The figure 2 is a schematic view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to the first alternative when the cartridge is disconnected from the fixed body for replacement; and The figure 3 is an enlarged view of the vaporization unit housed in the central channel of the removable cartridge receiving recess according to a second alternative. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is first clarified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form in which those elements are represented. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.

[0012] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent one embodiment of the object of the invention, but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates to a new generation of electronic cigarette with a removable cartridge for which, unlike known cartridge cigarettes, the removable cartridge does not include the vaporization unit.

[0014] We refer to figures 1 and 2to describe the electronic cigarette of invention 1 according to a first alternative which comprises a fixed body 2 and a removable cartridge 3.

[0015] The fixed body 2 includes a battery 4 forming a power supply unit. The fixed body 2 is composed of two adjacent parts. A first part 5 houses the battery 4 and the second part 6 has a receiving recess 7 for the removable cartridge 3 above a lower area 8.

[0016] The receiving recess 7 of the removable cartridge 3 has a central channel 13 which delimits a receiving seat 15 of the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized 16. The channel 13 is open at its upper and lower extremes, and extends from an orifice 10 formed in the lower wall 9 of the receiving recess 7. The central channel 13 is thus in communication with the lower area 13 of the second adjacent part 6 of the fixed body 2 but also at the top with the surrounding air.

[0017] According to the invention, the fixed body 2 comprises a vaporization unit 11 which is arranged within the central channel 13 in the receiving recess 7 of the removable cartridge 3.

[0018] The vaporization unit 11 includes a resistance 12 forming a heating element which surrounds a fluid transfer element 14 or which extends into the thickness of the fluid transfer element 14.

[0019] The fluid transfer element 14 is configured to transfer liquid by capillary action from the liquid reservoir 16 of the cartridge 3 when the cartridge is in place on the fixed body 2 to the heating element 12.

[0020] The fluid transfer element 14 is a fibrous or porous element, for example, but not limited to, a cotton wick. The heating element 12 is configured to heat the fluid transfer element 14 by resistive heating. For this purpose, the material of the heating element 12 can be titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chromium, aluminum, or their alloys.

[0021] According to a first alternative implementation shown on the figures 1 and 2, the vaporization unit 11 extends transversely to the channel 8 and the fluid transfer element 14 has two opposite end zones for liquid absorption 14a,14b, and a central zone 14c forming part of liquid distribution which is surrounded by the resistance and at which the liquid is heated.

[0022] More specifically, these two liquid absorption end zones 14a, 14b are located in the receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized. Thus, when the cartridge 3 is in place in the receiving recess 7, the two liquid absorption end zones 14a, 14b of the fluid transfer element 14 are in contact with the liquid to be vaporized and perform their function of transferring the liquid to be vaporized to the liquid distribution part 14c where the liquid is vaporized.

[0023] For this purpose, through-holes are provided in the central channel 13 allowing the fluid transfer element 14 to extend from the central channel 13 to the liquid reservoir to be vaporized 15 when the removable cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body 2 or more generally to the receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized 15.

[0024] According to a second alternative embodiment shown on the figure 3 , the vaporization unit 11' extends coaxially in the channel 13 and the fluid transfer element 14' has lateral liquid absorption zones 14'a,14'b, and a central zone 14'c forming part of liquid distribution within which the resistance 12' extends and at which the liquid is heated.

[0025] More specifically, these lateral liquid absorption zones 14'a, 14'b extend to the receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized. Thus, when the cartridge 3 is in place in the receiving recess 7, the lateral liquid absorption zones 14'a, 14'b of the fluid transfer element 14' are in the liquid reservoir 16 and therefore in contact with the liquid to be vaporized, ensuring their function of transferring the liquid to be vaporized to the liquid distribution part 14c where the liquid is vaporized.Alternatively and according to a mode not shown, the lateral liquid absorption zones 14'a,14'b of the fluid transfer element 14' do not extend to the level of the liquid reservoir 16 but are flush with the wall of the channel 13, the capillary effect then being obtained by the contact of the liquid to be vaporized or of the fibrous or porous material soaked with liquid 16 with these lateral liquid absorption zones 14'a,14'b when the cartridge 3 is placed on the fixed body 2.

[0026] As with the first alternative, through ports 13a are provided in the central channel 13 allowing the fluid transfer element 14 to extend through the central channel 13 to the liquid reservoir to be vaporized 15, and / or the liquid or the fibrous or porous material soaked with liquid 16 to come into contact with the lateral liquid absorption areas 14'a,14'b of the fluid transfer element 14' when the removable cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body 2.

[0027] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the receiving recess 7 does not have a central channel 13. The receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized is located on either side of the vaporization unit. In this alternative, the liquid absorption zones 14a, 14b; 14'a, 14'b of the fluid transfer element 14, 14' also open towards, or at, the receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized in order to be in contact with the liquid to be vaporized when the cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body, thus ensuring their role of transferring liquid to the liquid distribution part 14c, 14'c heated by the heating element 12, at which point the liquid is vaporized.

[0028] It should be specified that, regardless of the nature or geometry of the fluid transfer element 14', what is essential within the scope of the invention is that a fluid connection be established between the liquid to be vaporized or the material impregnated with the liquid to be vaporized contained in the reservoir 16 and the fluid transfer element 14' via the liquid absorption zones 14a, 14b; 14'a, 14'b. Contact must therefore be established, when the cartridge 3 is on the fixed body 2, between the liquid to be vaporized or the material impregnated with the liquid to be vaporized contained in the reservoir 16 and the liquid absorption zones 14a, 14b; 14'a, 14'b, this or these points of contact being located in the reservoir 16, in the channel 13 and / or at the orifice(s) 13a of the channel 13.

[0029] In reference to the figures 1 and 2The lower zone 8 of the second adjacent part 6 of the fixed body 2 includes means for electrical connections 17 of the resistance 12 to the battery 4. The lower zone 8 also includes an air inlet 18 allowing the aspiration of the liquid vaporized by the user when the cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body 2.

[0030] In an embodiment not shown, the vaporization unit 11 can be mounted removably relative to the fixed body 2. In this alternative, the vaporization unit 11 is not part of the removable cartridge 3 but constitutes an independent removable element of the electronic cigarette of the invention.

[0031] The removable cartridge 3 of the electronic cigarette of invention 1 has an air outlet 21 surmounted by a mouthpiece 19, which air outlet 21 extends into a central suction channel 20 through which the vaporized liquid is inhaled by the user. Alternatively, the removable cartridge does not have a mouthpiece 19, which may be a removable part relative to the cartridge 3 or remote. The removable cartridge 3 has a liquid reservoir 16 surrounding and located on either side of the suction channel 20.

[0032] The liquid reservoir 16 can contain liquid to be vaporized, but preferably the liquid reservoir 16 is filled with a fibrous or porous material, for example cotton, which is soaked with liquid to be vaporized.

[0033] The central suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 has cooperating dimensions, preferably dimensions that ensure the central suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 fits around the central channel 13 of the receiving recess 7 of the fixed body 2. Thus, and as illustrated on the figure 1When the cartridge 3 is inserted into the receiving recess 7, the liquid reservoir 16 fits around and along the central channel 13. The liquid absorption zones 14a, 14b of the fluid transfer element 14, which open onto the receiving seat 15 of the liquid reservoir 16, are flexible. This allows both the passage of the cartridge 3 to the lower wall 9 of the receiving recess 7 and the positioning of these two opposing end zones 14a, 14b within the liquid reservoir 15. This positioning enables, through contact with the liquid and capillary action, the transfer of liquid to the liquid distribution section 14c, where the liquid is vaporized. The same applies to the second alternative of the figure 2 .

[0034] Furthermore, the suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 is arranged in continuity with the central channel 13 of the receiving recess 7, and more particularly with the upper part of this channel 13 located above the vaporization unit 11, with the result that the vaporized liquid rises, by suction, along the central channel 13 to the suction channel 20 opening at the mouthpiece 19. In other words, the suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit 11 to ensure, by the user, the suction of the vaporized liquid.

[0035] The removable capsule 3 can be held securely in the receiving recess 7 by means of suitable snap-fit ​​devices (not shown). However, this secure hold can also be achieved by precisely adjusting the dimensions of the removable cartridge 3, and in particular its outer wall relative to the wall of the receiving recess 7.

[0036] As previously described, the removable cartridge does not include the vaporization unit and therefore consists exclusively of the liquid reservoir (in the example shown, filled with liquid-soaked cotton), the mouthpiece, and its outer wall, which may be made of polymer, for example, the more easily recyclable polyester. According to the invention, the removable cartridge may include other components, but in no case the vaporization unit.

[0037] Thus, the removable cartridge is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, but above all, it has a greater recyclability than the cartridges usually used since it contains no metallic or electronic elements.

Claims

1. Electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body (2) and a cartridge (3) which contains the liquid to be vaporized and which is removably mounted on said fixed body (2), characterized in that the fixed body (2) includes a cartridge receiving recess (7), a power supply battery (4) and a vaporization unit (11,11') located in the cartridge receiving recess (7) and comprising a heating element (12) electrically powered by the battery (4) and a fluid transfer element (14,14'), in that the cartridge (3) includes an air outlet (21) opening onto a suction channel (20), and a reservoir for the liquid to be vaporized (16) surrounding the suction channel (20), and in thatThe removable cartridge (3) and the fixed body (2) are configured so that the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (15) is arranged in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer element (14,14') of the vaporization unit (11,11') of the fixed body (2) when the capsule (3) is mounted on the fixed body (3), and so that the suction channel (20) of the cartridge (3) is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit (11,11') of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (2).

2. Electronic cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid transfer element (14,14') of the vaporization unit (11,11') of the fixed body (2) opens at the level of a receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16).

3. Electronic cigarette according to claim 2, characterized in thatthe cartridge receiving recess (7) includes a central channel (13) delimiting the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16), and in that the vaporization unit (11,11') is arranged in the central channel (13), the fluid transfer element (14,14') opening at the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16).

4. Electronic cigarette according to claim 3, characterized in that the upper part of the central channel (13) is in line with the suction channel (20) of the removable cartridge (3) when the latter is mounted on the fixed body (2).

5. Electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in thatthe heating element (12) is in contact with the fluid transfer element (14,14') which is made of fibrous or porous material and which has at least one liquid absorption zone (14a,14b ;14'a,14'b) opening towards or at the level of the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16) by means of at least one orifice (13a) made in the central channel (13), and a central zone (14c) in contact with the heating element (12) forming part of liquid distribution.

6. Electronic cigarette according to claim 5, characterized in that the vaporization unit (11') extends coaxially in the central channel (13') at the level of at least one orifice (13a).

7. Electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16) is made of a fibrous or porous material soaked with liquid to be vaporized.

8. Electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vaporization unit (11) is removablely mounted on the fixed body (2).

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