Inhalation device

Abstract

The inhalation device (10) comprises a charger (14) and an inhaler (12) having a rechargeable battery and a single atomizer, wherein the inhaler (12) is adapted to accept a consumable (18) and can be housed in or on the charger in at least two separate positions, in both of which the inhaler (12) is detachably held by mechanical and / or magnetic retaining means, wherein the inhaler (12) protrudes from the charger in a first position and is configured to operate in this position, and at least one portion of the retaining means (20, 22) is made of a magnetic material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhalation device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for example, inhalation devices that generate an aerosol to be inhaled are increasingly replacing traditional cigarettes. In this context, generally two types of inhalation devices are known. First, it is possible to provide a relatively small and particularly thin inhalation device into which, for example, a tobacco stick to be heated is inserted as a consumable. Such an inhaler typically has a battery capacity for 1 to 3 vaping sessions or for a stick and is easy to handle due to its compact size. The inhaler can, in particular, be inserted into a rather large charger when its battery needs to be recharged, for example when not in use, and can be further carried in a pocket that houses the inhaler. Such a charger can have a battery capacity for about 20 sessions.

[0003] Second, relatively large inhalation devices are known, which have a battery capacity for about 20 sessions and into which a tobacco stick can be inserted directly. These devices have the disadvantage of being not only relatively large but also heavy, so that the user has to handle a relatively large and / or heavy device during vaping. On the other hand, the devices first described above are easier to handle, but the user has to hold and / or carry the charger at least temporarily, making the device unsuitable for use on the go.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the underlying object of the present invention is to provide a more versatile inhalation device. This is achieved by the inhalation device according to claim 1.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an inhalation device comprising a charger and an inhaler having a single heater or atomizer, wherein the inhaler is adapted to receive a consumable and can be housed in or on the charger in at least two separate positions, in both of which the inhaler is detachably held by mechanical and / or magnetic retaining means, and the inhaler is configured to protrude from the charger in a first position and operate in this position.

[0006] In particular, the inhalation device described herein comprises a charger and an inhaler having a rechargeable battery and a single heater or atomizer. In other words, it essentially corresponds to the type of known device first described above, and is kept relatively simple, in particular, because the inhaler has a single heater or atomizer.

[0007] Inhalers are further adapted to accept consumables such as tobacco sticks. However, inhalers can also be adapted to accept or contain consumables contained in cartridges or tanks. Thus, consumables can be liquids as well as solids such as tobacco. Inhalers also include a heater or atomizer adapted to vaporize the consumables.

[0008] The versatility of the inhalation device is significantly improved by the arrangement that the inhaler can be housed in or on the charger in at least two distinct positions, in both of which the inhaler is detachably held by mechanical and / or mechanic-retaining means. Furthermore, the inhaler is configured to protrude from the charger in a first position and to operate in this position. In other words, during a vaping session, the user can hold the charger and inhale the vaporized consumable using the inhaler protruding from the charger. As for the mechanical retaining means, these can be provided, for example, as snap connections and / or as one or more protrusions or projections cooperating with one or more grooves or recesses. Furthermore, any part of the retaining means may be purely mechanical and not made of magnetic material.

[0009] The importance of an inhaler that can operate in a protruding position lies in the fact that it does not need to be completely removed from the charger when using the inhaler. Furthermore, the second position of the inhaler means, for example, that in this second position the inhaler is essentially housed in or on the charger and does not protrude from the charger. Furthermore, the inhaler is additionally adapted to be completely removed from the charger for use. However, according to the present invention, the inhaler can also be partially removed from the charger so as to protrude from the charger, and so the inhaler can be operated in this first position. In other words, the inhaler protrudes from the charger in a manner sufficient to expose and make accessible the mouthpiece or a stick inserted into the inhaler so as to enable vaping, for example, in the first position described.

[0010] In particular, the protruding position allows the user to avoid contact between their mouth and the charger. The inhaler protrudes from the charger in a first position, sufficient to fully expose the mouthpiece and / or the tobacco stick inserted into the inhaler for vaping, but the inhaler may protrude, for example, only at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of its length and / or only at least 10, preferably at least 30 mm, from the charger. The retaining means is preferably strong enough to withstand the force of gravity acting on the inhaler, which tends to return the inhaler to its fully retracted position or drop the inhaler from the charger when the direction in which the inhaler can move relative to the charger coincides with the vertical direction.

[0011] The present invention significantly enhances the versatility of the inhalation device because it maintains the advantages of a detachable inhaler in terms of ease of handling. At the same time, when the inhaler is used in the first position, an additional number of vaping sessions are possible because the inhaler can take advantage of the larger battery capacity of the charger. By providing mechanical and / or magnetic retaining means for detachably holding the inhaler in two separate positions, the inhaler can be described as bistable and can be used in a stable position still provided at least partially on or within the charger, as well as when completely detached from the charger. Since the charger is typically 3 to 4 times the size of the inhaler, the charger can still be reasonably good handheld, and thus convenient vaping is possible even in the first position of the inhaler as described above.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are described in further claims.

[0013] The retaining means can be provided particularly efficiently if it has at least one, preferably only one, part on the inhaler or charger, and two separate parts on the other component, the charger or inhaler. In other words, one part provided on the inhaler or charger can cooperate with two separate parts on the other component to provide two essentially stable positions.

[0014] Furthermore, the retaining means can be provided, in particular, by having at least one part of it made of a magnetic material. Any further part of the retaining means cooperating with it can be made of a ferromagnetic material, which is attracted to the aforementioned magnetic material. Essentially, three parts of the retaining means are needed, at least one of which must be magnetic.

[0015] If the inhaler is housed in a through-hole in the charger, removing the inhaler from the charger can be particularly easy. In this case, the user can essentially apply pressure, for example, with a finger on one end of the inhaler, to push the inhaler out of the charger in the direction of the other end. This other end is typically adapted to receive, for example, a tobacco stick as a consumable. However, the inhaler can also be housed in an inhaler cavity that is closed on one side, and a means can be provided to cause the inhaler to move from a fully housed position to a protruding position. In other words, a special removal means can be provided to facilitate the removal of the inhaler. Alternatively, in the case of a closed cavity, the inhaler can be made to protrude slightly from the charger from the beginning to allow the user to grasp the inhaler in order to bring the inhaler to a sufficiently protruding position that allows vaping without the charger and mouth coming into contact.

[0016] The advantages of the present invention regarding an increase in the number of vaping sessions can be realized, in particular, when the inhaler contacts are electrically in contact with the charger contacts in at least a second position. In this position, the inhaler is typically substantially completely housed within the charger to charge the inhaler battery. However, the inhaler contacts can also be electrically in contact with the charger contacts in the first protruding operable position to allow the delivery of electrical energy from the charger to the inhaler, for example, to bypass the inhaler battery or to charge the inhaler battery simultaneously with the vaping session. In this way, the large capacity of the charger battery can be used to increase the number of sessions.

[0017] To further facilitate the handling of the inhaler, it is preferable to provide an inhaler that is movable between two positions by substantially linear movement. Furthermore, the inhaler is typically elongated, and the aforementioned linear movement is typically essentially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler.

[0018] In particular, if the inhaler has rotational symmetry and, as a result, can be housed in the charger at substantially any position rotated around its axis of rotation, it would be preferable to provide at least one portion of the retaining means and / or electrical contacts on the inhaler around its entire circumference. In this case, the delivery of electrical energy from the retainer and / or charger is effective regardless of the direction of rotation.

[0019] The design of the inhalation device can be further facilitated if the electrical contacts of the inhaler are further adapted to cooperate with magnetic material provided in or on the charger. In this way, the electrical contacts of the inhaler can cooperate with the magnetic material on the charger to hold the inhaler in a first position, for example, in a first position. In a second position, the electrical contacts can cooperate with the electrical contacts of the charger to deliver electrical energy.

[0020] If the charger has electrical contacts in two positions aligned with the direction of removal of the inhaler, complete versatility regarding charging is achieved.

[0021] The overall appearance of the device can be particularly pleasing if the inhaler is flush with the surface of the charger at at least one end when it is in at least one position, typically the second position. In particular, the device may be flush at both ends, or it may be concave at one or both ends, and thus the overall size of the device is essentially determined by the size of the charger.

[0022] As already shown above, the advantages of the present invention can be particularly present when both the inhaler and the charger have batteries, and the charger's battery has a larger capacity than the inhaler's battery. This essentially makes it possible to use the inhaler alone, which can be completely detached from the charger as described above, in order to have a lightweight and compact handheld device for vaping, while still allowing for a limited number of sessions. If the inhaler is left connected to the charger, the number of sessions can be increased.

[0023] In this regard, the charger may have a battery of more than 2000mAh, in particular about 3000mAh, while the inhaler may have a battery of less than 1000mAh, in particular about 200mAh. In other words, the battery capacity of the charger can be at least 3 times, preferably 5 times, and advantageously 10 times, larger than the battery capacity of the inhaler.

[0024] As already shown above, if the inhaler is rotationally symmetrical, it can provide a pleasant appearance and efficient operation.

[0025] Furthermore, the charger typically has a larger battery and additional components such as a charging connection provided as a USB compared to the inhaler, but can be cuboid in order to house the aforementioned components and at the same time maintain a relatively compact size.

[0026] Also, as already shown above, the separate position of the inhaler with respect to charging can be separate along the longitudinal direction of the generally elongated inhaler.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] Shows an inhalation device in which the inhaler is completely housed within the charger. [Figure 2] Shows an inhalation device protruding from the inhaler charger. [Figure 3] Shows the situation of FIG. 2 with a tobacco stick inserted into the inhaler. [Figure 4] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 5] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 6] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 7] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 8] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 9] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 10] Shows various embodiments at each of the first and second positions of the inhaler. [Figure 11]Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 12] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 13] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 14] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 15] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 16] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 17] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 18] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 19] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 20] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 21] Various embodiments of the inhaler in the first and second positions are shown. [Figure 22] A perspective view of a specific embodiment having an inhaler in a different position is shown. [Figure 23] A perspective view of a specific embodiment having an inhaler in a different position is shown. [Figure 24] A perspective view of a specific embodiment having an inhaler in a different position is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] As can be seen from Figure 1, the inhalation device 10 essentially comprises an inhaler 12 and a charger 14, which can accommodate the inhaler 12 completely within the through-hole 16, as shown in Figure 1. In the embodiment shown, the inhaler 12 is flush with the charger 14 at both ends, and the portion of the charger housing (left portion in Figure 1) is relatively thin and essentially serves to protect the inhaler in its housing position. In contrast, another portion of the charger housing (right portion in Figure 1) is significantly larger to accommodate a relatively large battery, as well as further components such as one or more printed circuit boards and charging connectors, and the battery of the charger 14 can be charged by delivering energy, for example, from a well-known electrical socket, via the charging connectors.

[0030] As can be seen from Figure 2, the user applies pressure to the lower end of the inhaler 12, for example, in order to bring the inhaler 12 to a so-called first position where the inhaler 12 protrudes from the charger 14.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a consumable in the form of a tobacco stick 18 can be inserted into the protruding end of the inhaler 12 to consume the aerosol generated by the inhaler 12. As described above, the inhaler 12 can be operated in this position, but the inhaler 12 can also be completely removed from the charger 14 and thus used independently, for example, as shown in Figure 24.

[0032] Further diagrams show how portions of the retaining means can be mounted on the inhaler 12 and charger 14 to provide two stable positions.

[0033] Firstly, as shown in Figure 4, the magnetic material 20 can be provided, for example, at one specific location along the inhaler 12, and the magnetic material or ferromagnetic material 22 can be provided at two separate locations within the recess or through-hole of the charger 14 that houses the inhaler 12. Thus, the inhaler 12 can be held in a fully housed position as shown in Figure 4 by the cooperation of the magnetic material 20 on the inhaler 12 and the lower ferromagnetic material 22, and when the magnetic material 20 on the inhaler 12 cooperates with the upper ferromagnetic material 22 provided on the charger 14, the inhaler 12 can be held in the protruding position shown in Figure 5.

[0034] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, if the inhaler 12 has magnetic material 20 at two separate positions, the same two positions can be provided, one of which cooperates with ferromagnetic material 22 on the charger 14 at one position, and the other which cooperates with ferromagnetic material 22 on the charger 14 at the other position.

[0035] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the same effect can be achieved if the ferromagnetic material 22 is provided at two positions along the length of the charger 12, and the magnetic material 20 is provided at one position on the charger.

[0036] Similarly, the magnetic and ferromagnetic materials are interchangeable according to Figures 8 and 9, compared with Figures 4 and 5, and further cooperate as described in order to provide two separate but stable positions.

[0037] As shown in Figure 12, if the charger 14 has ferromagnetic material 22 in two separate positions, and the inhaler 12 also has magnetic material in two separate positions, the retaining force in the fully receptive position can be increased. By having these two positions which are essentially corresponding to each other, the two parts of the retaining means cooperate in this position, increasing the retaining force and providing a kind of bias toward the fully receptive position, which is typically the charging position. The retaining force in the protruding position shown in Figure 13 is somewhat reduced due to the fact that only one part of the retaining means cooperates with that one part on the inhaler 12, but this still provides a stable position.

[0038] The effects described also apply to the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, in which the magnetic material 20 and the ferromagnetic material 22 are simply swapped with each other compared to Figures 12 and 13.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the charging contacts on the inhaler and charger can be provided in any preferred manner other than the retaining means at one or both positions to enable charging and / or delivery of power from the charger 14 to the inhaler 12.

[0040] Figure 16 essentially corresponds to the embodiments of Figures 14 and 15 and further shows that the ferromagnetic material 22 provided on the inhaler 12 can be further used to cooperate with the charging contacts 24 of the charger 14. In this case, corresponding to the two separate charging contacts 24 provided on the charger 14, the ferromagnetic material 22 is separated into two corresponding parts in addition to the magnetic material 20 provided on the charger 14 to enable cooperation with the charging contacts 24 of the charger 14. As shown, the magnetic material 20 can be provided in this location on the thinner left portion of the charger 14, and the electrical contacts 24 can be provided on the thicker right portion of the charger 14.

[0041] The embodiment in Figure 17, based on the embodiment in Figure 16, has an additional charging contact 24 above the charging contact 24 shown in Figure 16 in the orientation shown in the figure, so as to enable power delivery to the inhaler 12 even in the protruding position shown in Figure 17. In this case, the upper strip of the ferromagnetic material 22 of the inhaler 12 is also adapted to cooperate with the charging contact 24 of the charger 14, whereas this is not necessarily the case in the embodiment shown in Figure 16. In the situation shown in Figure 17, the battery of the inhaler can be bypassed. Furthermore, the distance between the lower electrical contact 24 and the upper magnetic material 20 essentially corresponds to the distance between the upper magnetic material 20 and the upper electrical contact 24. Consequently, in the position shown in Figure 17, the upper ferromagnetic material 22 on the inhaler 12 can be used for charging, and the lower ferromagnetic material 22 on the inhaler 12 can be used for holding. Furthermore, the inhaler 12 can be held with particularly high holding force in the position corresponding to the position in Figure 16, because both magnetic materials 20 can cooperate with both ferromagnetic materials 22.

[0042] Compared to Figure 16, Figure 18 shows a similar embodiment. However, the upper ferromagnetic material 22 is not adapted to cooperate with the electrical contacts 24 provided on the charger, as this is unnecessary, as shown in Figure 19 compared to Figure 17.

[0043] For completeness, Figures 20 and 22 show embodiments in which the electrical contacts 24 of the inhaler 12 are separated from their retaining means in the form of a magnetic material 20. In this case as well, additional contacts 24 may be provided on the charger 14 to enable charging even in the protruding position shown in Figure 21.

[0044] Figures 22–24 show perspective views of exemplary embodiments, in which the portion of the charger housing described above as thin is essentially in the shape of a tube 28 inherently having a through hole 16, and the inhaler 12 can be fully housed, as shown in Figure 22. In the embodiments shown, the tube 28 is connected to the rest of the housing of the charger 14 at approximately the center 30 of the charger 14. In this case, any retaining means and electrical contacts shown at the bottom of Figures 4–21 are essentially located in this central portion 30. Thus, the inhaler 12 can be fully housed, as shown in Figure 22, but can also be held in a stable manner protruding from the charger 14, as shown in Figure 23, and can be operated in this position. Finally, the inhaler 12 can also be used when completely removed, as shown in Figure 24.

Claims

1. An inhalation device (10) having a charger (14) and an inhaler (12) having a rechargeable battery and a single heater or atomizer, The inhaler (12) is adapted to receive a consumable (18) and can be housed in or on the charger in at least two separate positions, in both of which the inhaler (12) is detachably held by mechanical and / or magnetic retaining means (20, 22). The inhaler (12) is configured to protrude from the charger in a first position and to operate in this position. At least one portion of the holding means (20, 22) is made of a magnetic material. Inhalation device (10).

2. The retaining means (20, 22) has at least one portion on the inhaler (12) or charger, and the other component has two separate portions on the charger or inhaler (12), The inhalation device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The inhaler (12) can be housed in the through hole (16) of the charger. The inhalation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The contact (22) of the inhaler (12) is electrically in contact with the contact (24) of the charger at least at the second position. The inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The inhaler (12) is movable between two positions by substantially linear movement. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least one portion of the retaining means (20, 22) and / or electrical contact (22) provided on the inhaler (12) is present around its entire periphery. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The electrical contacts (22) of the inhaler (12) are adapted to cooperate with a magnetic material (20) provided inside or on the charger. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The charger has electrical contacts (24) at two positions along the removal direction of the inhaler (12), An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. When the inhaler (12) is in at least one position, at least one end of the inhaler (12) is flush with the surface of the charger. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Each of the inhaler (12) and the charger has a battery, and the battery of the charger has a larger capacity than the battery of the inhaler (12). An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aforementioned charger has a battery with a capacity exceeding 2000mAh, particularly one with a capacity of approximately 3000mAh. The inhaler (12) has a battery of less than 1000 mAh, in particular, a battery of about 200 mAh. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The inhaler (12) is rotationally symmetric. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The charger is a rectangular parallelepiped. An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The separate positions of the inhaler (12) are separate along the longitudinal direction of the inhaler (12). An inhalation device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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