Electric cigarette

Abstract

The electric cigarette according to the present invention comprises a cartridge unit 2 and a control unit 3 releasably arranged in the cartridge unit, said electric cigarette 1 being terminated at a first end with a mouthpiece end 25 and at a second end with a charging tip 4. The electric cigarette 1 comprises a first and / or a second and / or a third control element body 5 having a cylindrical or polygonal cross section along a Z-axis over the entire longitudinal extension of the electric cigarette and further having a respective body diameter 6a, 6b, 6c perpendicular to the Z-axis, the respective body diameters 6a, 6b, 6c of each of the control element bodies 5 forming a fit within the electric cigarette 1, and each of the control element bodies 5 is further formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 having at least one printed circuit board 33 insulated by means of an insulating filler 32, the printed circuit board being aligned transversely to the Z-axis, and on which at least one pressure sensor 30 is arranged, the pressure sensor being operatively coupled to a cavity 41 in the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of everyday necessities and relates to an electric cigarette according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional electric cigarettes are handheld devices that generate inhalable aerosols from precursor compositions under the application of electrical energy. To this end, each electric cigarette comprises at least the following functional elements: an energy source, electronic control components, a precursor composition, and an aerosolization unit. The latter aerosolization unit consists of a heating element, such as a heating wire or a heating tip, or other structural components, which are capable of transferring the precursor composition into an aerosol, for example by means of an ultrasonic atomizer or by means of a one- or two-substance atomizer nozzle. The precursor composition then consists, on the one hand, of a liquid or, on the other hand, contains solid components, such as, for example, a prepared tobacco product (a so-called heat-and-burn product).

[0003] Electric cigarettes are designed for the same use as traditional tobacco cigarettes: a usage scenario that is customary in the consumption of traditional tobacco cigarettes, and therefore within the realm of predictability for electric cigarettes, is that the aerosol produced by the electric cigarette is inhaled several times in succession, with short pauses between the individual puffs. During this process, the electric cigarette is usually held in the hand, brought to the mouth, and finally the aerosol is inhaled in the form of a kind of mist or vapor and partially exhaled again; such a process also has an effect on outsiders due to the desired visibility and recognizability. Smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes has been and continues to be strongly sought in many regions, sometimes by associating them with positive values ​​such as sociability, reliability, and freedom. The global success of traditional tobacco cigarettes, represented by a large number of consumers exceeding one billion, is a sign that this effort has been at least partially successful. Thus, the fact that smoking tobacco cigarettes is extremely widespread, yet the use of similarly acting, often more beneficial, and in some cases much less harmful nicotine-containing products such as oral cigarettes is not, suggests that the high visibility and recognizability of the smoking process and product may have a significant impact on its outcome or its ability to be associated with positive values.

[0004] These considerations allow the conclusion that the performance of an electric cigarette depends to an equally high degree on the external perception of the product itself and on the external perception of the product during its use. In the same vein, the conclusion that design is equally important for the question of to what extent an electric cigarette can be reliably associated with the very values ​​that enable tobacco cigarettes to obtain the performance described above is equally easy to reach. It can certainly be said that the values ​​already mentioned above can, at least to this extent, be called timeless, since we are talking about values ​​that are fundamental to people, values ​​that are sufficiently and intensely thematic in almost every culture, and in these values ​​it can be said that they will also be important in the future. Product design is therefore an important differentiating feature for traditional tobacco cigarettes as well as for other electric cigarettes, and in some circumstances may be the only outwardly visible distinguishing criterion. Thus, the electric cigarette may be adapted to one or more of the following aspects, in particular: High-value material selection for outwardly visible structural components; High processing quality and High durability and For example, the possibility of individualizing the exterior design through the interchangeability of structural components, A small product size that corresponds to the manual handling or tactile feel and easy operation employed; and Dimensions that are as close as possible to the shape and size of a traditional tobacco cigarette, since it can be assumed that many people are accustomed to the shape and size of a traditional tobacco cigarette, as well as this weight; This can be a significant benefit to performance if the Furthermore, modern aspects such as pollution-freeness, waste minimization, recyclability, and waste separation are relevant. The same can be said about material selection. Selected materials, such as wood or ebonite, are well known to smokers from products used in cigarettes, such as tobacco pipes, and so a return to such materials in electric cigarettes may similarly induce familiarity among smokers.

[0005] Furthermore, in an electric cigarette, the control electronics should ensure a reliable and secure functioning of the aerosol generation, and Possibly, extended functions should be provided, such as the possibility of Bluetooth connection to a smartphone or the possibility of authentication of the consumables, for example in so-called cartridges or patrones, and also quantity control; And in this case, the expanded range of functions directly entails increased space requirements for electronic components or electrical structural elements, for example due to more complex circuit structures within and around integrated circuits (ICs - integrated circuits). In addition, such control electronics comprises an actuation element in the form of a changeover switch, a push button or a sensor capable of recording the customer's air flow (e.g., a pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor), as well as possibly a display element, e.g., an LED, and components for evaluation. Furthermore, the modularity of electric cigarettes is advantageous in the case of further developments and improvements, or in the case of breakage, for the purpose of replacing individual components. For this purpose, various interfaces and contacts are required, which may require additional space requirements.

[0006] In a storage battery cell, a high drawable current intensity and as high a usable capacity as possible as an energy source are advantageous, whereby: This is accompanied by a positive correlation between the battery capacity and the maximum discharge current, and There is often an unfavorable positive correlation between the capacity and maximum discharge current of such accumulator cells and the correspondingly large volume or mass.

[0007] Of course, economic aspects that focus on low production costs and, correspondingly, easy assembly, advantageous components, the lowest possible cost and the resulting optimized structural volume, or a high degree of automation remain unconsidered.

[0008] Some of the requirements for electric cigarettes mentioned above are in a state of conflict with each other, and as a result, a careful examination is required between the advantages that must be met and the secondary disadvantages that arise as a result.

[0009] Thus, for example, the use of natural materials such as wood or ebonite leads to the fact that it is not possible to go below a certain minimum wall thickness responsible for stability, which results in this minimum wall thickness being greater than in, for example, stainless steel or other metals and alloys, and therefore sleeves made of, for example, wood or ebonite require increased space. This makes a space-saving construction essential in order to be able to maintain as faithfully as possible the shape and size of a tobacco cigarette and to be able to realise, so to speak, a technologically progressive electric cigarette.

[0010] Furthermore, for example, a cylindrical housing shape results in the battery cells having to be cylindrical as well in order to be able to fit optimally into this housing shape. Indeed, it is worthwhile, at least in terms of small cell sizes, to realize a rectangular shaped accumulator cell that has a higher capacity than a cylindrical accumulator cell for the same volume. This is due to the basic layer structure of the accumulator cell. In circular cells, the electrode layers and separator layers are at least rolled up, which creates unused air space in the center due to the limited curvature angle of the layers used. Efficient structural space utilization within a cylindrical housing is increasingly important. The rectangular parallelepiped housing structure additionally corresponds similarly to the structural style of a printed circuit board. Flat, rectangular printed circuit board shapes can now be more easily realized without loss of structural volume or functionality, and at the same time can be integrated into a rectangular parallelepiped housing in a space-efficient manner. The electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board of the control unit are often themselves rectangular in shape, and accordingly, these electronic components can be arranged more efficiently on the surface of a rectangular printed circuit board than on a circular printed circuit board. A rectangular parallelepiped housing therefore accommodates the structural configuration of the battery cells and the printed circuit board better than a cylindrical housing would and facilitates, for example, the conflict of goals: small product size, best possible performance of the battery cells, and good space utilization of the printed circuit board. As a result, however, one deviates from the objective of the similarity to a tobacco cigarette.

[0011] From a sustainability and economic point of view, using high-value materials or investing in high processing quality only makes sense if the corresponding structural components are reasonably durable. It is therefore a disadvantage if the service life of the battery sleeve, which occupies the largest portion of the visible surface of the electric cigarette in its assembled state and embodies the central design object when both parts are fixedly connected to one another, is tied to the relatively limited service life of the accumulator cells arranged within said battery sleeve. In order to enable high processing quality and the use of high-value materials, particularly in the area of ​​the battery sleeve, to be made possible in an efficient, sustainable and economical manner, a modular, separable structure of the control electronics or control unit, the battery cell and the battery sleeve is a prerequisite. A high degree of modularity here is usually at odds with a small product size, since the individual components must be equipped with separable mechanical and electrical connections, which generally occupy additional space. In addition, higher demands are placed on the structure, which may make it more complex: multiple and / or more complex structural elements are required, or a greater number of work steps for manufacture are required, which has a negative impact on final assembly and production costs.

[0012] The highest possible performance of the battery cells is an obstacle to the highest possible functionality of the control electronics and to a small product size. Easy assembly of electric cigarettes can be at odds with increasingly more complex control electronics, which sometimes result in the use of flexible printed circuit boards or various wiring and additional parts, such as injection molded parts, for connecting the printed circuit boards to the housing.

[0013] Simple technical operations can also have a negative impact on the required space and product size, and it is also worth pursuing that the electric cigarette remain assembled and substantially functional throughout the charging of the accumulator battery. Such recharging capability, in some cases, occupies additional space, as additional wiring may be required, unlike permanent closures that do not provide any additional functionality. Likewise, increased requirements for functionality or electrical structure lead to increased space requirements. Electric cigarettes can be used in the same way as tobacco cigarettes, but the detection of changes in air pressure or airflow during the smoking process requires, for example, airflow management. Often, additional structural elements are used in conjunction with pressure sensors.

[0014] From DE 10 200 04 143 A1 an electric cigarette is known which uses an air flow meter for pressure measurement, which here has an upstream inlet connection and a downstream inlet connection. The air flow meter may include a pressure sensor element disposed between the upstream and downstream connections, and by determining the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream openings, the pressure sensor element may determine the mass of air passing through the upstream and downstream openings. In the same situation, a thermal hot wire anemometer or a solid-state hot wire air mass sensor can be used for the air mass sensor. In other situations, individual barometric pressure sensors can be provided at each of the upstream and downstream connections. The difference between the barometric pressure sensors, given the pressure drop within the fluid passages, can be used to determine the air mass flow rate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 104441 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electric cigarette that: While utilizing all the advantages of known electric cigarettes (with or without harmful substances, therapeutic or medical additives, smoking cessation aids, pure vapor without additives...), a simplified construction with a high degree of modularity is made possible, and A smaller structural form is possible compared to conventional electric cigarettes, and For the air flow management, pressure sensors are often fitted, in particular to allow for extended, reliable and long-life functionality, with particular attention to the air flow management as well. It is to develop it further. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The problem underlying the invention for an electric cigarette is solved by the features of claim 1; and features which improve the idea of ​​the invention are respectively found in dependent claims 2 to 5. 8 This applies up to. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] Advantageously, the electric cigarette according to the invention comprises: Along a central Z-axis, from bottom to top, there is a cartridge unit and a control unit removably disposed in the cartridge unit, wherein the electric cigarette is terminated at a bottom with a mouthpiece end at a first end and at a top with a charging tip at a second end; and wherein the electric cigarette has a cylindrical or polygonal cross section over the entire longitudinal extension of the electric cigarette, and first, second, and / or third control element bodies having respective body diameters perpendicular to the central Z-axis; and In that case, each of the body diameters is: a control element body selected to form an internal fit with the electric cigarette; and In this case, each of the control element bodies is further formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure having at least one printed circuit board insulated by means of an insulating filler, the printed circuit board is oriented transverse to the Z-axis; and At least one pressure sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board, which pressure sensor is operatively connected to a cavity in the printed circuit board volume.

[0019] In comparison with the prior art, the electric cigarette according to the invention stands out from this prior art by its cylindrical or polygonal cross section, by its compact structure and in particular by its compactly and protectedly arranged pressure sensor; and Furthermore, the interlocking arrangement of the control element bodies within the electric cigarette allows for significantly improved space utilization within the electric cigarette, as well as a significantly higher degree of modularity, since each control element body is made non-destructively replaceable if necessary or desired.

[0020] One of the control element bodies is formed as a control unit, which is arranged between the cartridge unit and the control unit with the engagement and terminates the control unit towards the cartridge unit. This arrangement of the control unit is advantageous because of its central mounting between the control unit and the cartridge unit, since it allows for direct control or adjustment interventions on both units, in particular on the control unit and the cartridge unit.

[0021] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the pressure sensors is formed as an electronic component embedded and integrated into the printed circuit board volume together with at least one of the printed circuit boards. With the exception of the direct and also electrical printed circuit board connections of this pressure sensor, the pressure sensor is further advantageously completely surrounded by the cavity; and In this embodiment, it is possible that the cavity is directly closed to the outside using insulating filler, or, however, that the pressure sensor surrounded by this cavity is first covered by a cap, in which case this cap can be fixed to the outside using insulating filler. The advantage of using a cap or hood is that the cap or hood can be made more stable in shape compared to an insulating filler, and the cavity can therefore be defined in a predetermined manner. In a further embodiment of the invention, it may be further advantageous if the pressure sensor, alongside the cavity, is partially surrounded by an insulating filler; and in this way a compact, stable and strong connection between the printed circuit board 33 and the pressure sensor is provided. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the cavity is configured internally within the pressure sensor or is itself arranged within the pressure sensor, and that the pressure sensor together with the cavity is integrated into the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure.

[0022] In manufacturing the cavity, various methods of the prior art are worthy of consideration. In this embodiment, a printed circuit board structure is fabricated, possibly with all the internally located, embedded, integrated electronic components, and subsequently an opening to this cavity is introduced, along with The opening allows a pressure sensor within the cavity to be in operative connection with pressure changes within the airflow of the electric cigarette. For the formation of the openings, for example, conventional processing methods for printed circuit board materials or insulating materials can be used, such as mechanical drilling, laser drilling, etching, etc.

[0023] With a view to achieving the desired high degree of modularity, the fit of the control element body with the electric cigarette is formed as a loose fit, in which case the control element body is arranged so that it can slide easily, or The fitting of the control element body formed on the electric cigarette is formed as an intermediate fit, in which case it is particularly advantageous if the control element body is arranged so as to be slidable by slight pressure. In either case, this arrangement with a fit allows at least the most accurate positioning of the respective control element body within the electric cigarette, with the smallest space requirements and, in the case of an intermediate fit, the degree of fixability that is also sought to be achieved.

[0024] Of course, within the scope of the present invention, it is also conceivable to integrate at least one of the pressure sensors or further pressure sensors into the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure of the charging chip control device and / or cartridge control device.

[0025] Further advantageous embodiments are highlighted in connection with the detailed description of the invention based on the following figures.

[0026] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, in which the same objects are essentially provided with the same reference numerals, and it is pointed out that the drawings do not have any kind of limiting effect on the subject matter of the invention, but rather only illustrate possible embodiments of the inventive idea. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1]For the purposes of easy explanation when designating the individual elements of an electric cigarette using the concepts "upper", "lower", "upwards", "downwards", "upper closure", "lower closure", "upper side", "lower side", which are also used here and in part in the figures, a longitudinal section of an electric cigarette according to the invention with a central Z axis is shown; and in addition an enlarged longitudinal section of a cartridge unit of this electric cigarette is shown. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a control element body of an electric cigarette in an example of a control unit formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a control element body of an electric cigarette in an exemplary control unit; [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a control element body of an electric cigarette in an exemplary control unit; FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a control element body of an electric cigarette in an illustration of a control unit formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an electric cigarette 1 according to the present invention, which is shown with a central Z axis with an arrowhead at its upper end for the purpose of easy explanation when designating the individual components of the electric cigarette 1 using the concepts "upper", "lower", "upwards", "downwards", "upper closure", "lower closure", "upper side", "lower side", etc., which are also used here and in part in the figures. The electric cigarette 1 according to the present invention in question comprises, from bottom to top, a cartridge unit 2 and a control unit 3 removably arranged in the cartridge unit, where a charging tip 4 is arranged at the end of the electric cigarette 1 opposite the cartridge unit 2. The charging tip 4 has a number of electrical contact surfaces 14, 14a that can be contacted for the purpose of charging the electric cigarette 1 and / or for the purpose of exchanging data with the electric cigarette 1. The charging tip 4 has a control element body 5, which is formed here as a charging tip control device 5a having a body diameter 6a perpendicular to the central Z-axis, where the body diameter 6a is selected so that the charging tip control device 5a forms a fit with the electric cigarette 1. This mode of embodiment allows for the greatest possible space utilization, particularly with regard to the body diameter 6a, with the minimum space requirement of the charging chip control device 5a, which additionally has electrical contact surfaces 14, 14a, 14b facing upward or downward. The charging chip control device 5a is formed in this example as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17, which will be described below and in particular with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The charging tip 4 is assigned to a battery unit 10, which has a battery 13a with surrounding battery insulation 13b in a battery sleeve 9, which has an electrical contact surface 14i facing upward to the charging tip control device 5a or to the lower electrical contact surface 14b of this charging tip control device, with a connecting spring contact 16a arranged between both electrical contact surfaces 14b, 14i.

[0029] The battery sleeve 9 has an electrically conductive inner tube 12a and is surrounded outwardly by an insulating outer tube 11. At its lower end, the electrically conductive inner tube 12a is closed by a control element body 5 formed as a control unit 5b, which has, towards the top, contact surfaces 14f, 14e which connect with the lower contact surfaces 14c, 14d of the battery 13a, with a spring contact 16b bridging contact surfaces 14c and 14f. The control element body 5 of the control unit 5b has a body diameter 6b which likewise forms a fit with the electric cigarette 1.

[0030] At its lower end, the control unit 5b is provided with a number of contact pins 19, which are electrically operatively connected to the contact surfaces 14g of the cartridge unit 2. Advantageously, the control unit 5b, like the charging chip control device 5a, is also configured as a printed circuit board structure 17, which will be described further below. It is particularly advantageous if the charging chip control device 5a is electrically connected via the conductive inner tube 12a of the battery sleeve 9 and by means of the outer surface contact 15 of the control unit 5b or to a further control element body 5 within the cartridge unit 2, in which case this further control element body 5 is formed here as the cartridge control device 5c. By means of an electrical operative connection, via the charging chip control device 5a, the control unit 5b or the cartridge control device 5c, a consistent data exchange likewise takes place alongside the charging of the electric cigarette 1, which data exchange can comprise, for example, switching commands or also parameterized or programmed data. The control element body 5 of the cartridge control device 5c here has a body diameter 6c, which forms a fit with the electric cigarette 1 and, here in this example, with the cartridge closure 35.

[0031] In the embodiment of the present invention under consideration, the cartridge unit 2 comprises a reservoir tank casing 36, which comprises, towards the top, a cartridge closure 35 and a cartridge control device 5c arranged in the cartridge closure and is filled with an aerosol precursor composition 37; and, towards the bottom, a mouthpiece end 25 with a mouthpiece opening 18 closes the reservoir tank casing 36.

[0032] The control element body 5, which is positioned by a fitting, in particular the charging chip control device 5a, the control unit 5b and the cartridge control device 5c, can be selectively arranged in the electric cigarette 1 in two different ways: on the one hand by a so-called intermediate fit (Uebergangspassung) and on the other hand by a loose fit (Spielpassung). In this embodiment, the control unit 5b is fixed in the inner tube 12a by the outer surface contact portion 15 of the control unit using a medium fit, and can therefore slide into it with only a slight pressure, while the charging chip control device 5a, which is supported upward against the flange 12b, forms a loose fit with the inner tube 12a and, as a result, is positioned in the inner tube so as to be easily slidable.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cartridge unit 2 comprises, alongside the cartridge control device 5c, a micropump 42, followed by a heating tip 47, which feeds the aerosol precursor composition 37 from the reservoir tank casing 36, for example, via a hollow needle 43. The cartridge unit 2 illustratively comprises two component parts, one of which is releasably arranged in the electric cigarette 1 and remains there as well, and the other of which is formed as a consumable part for replacement after consumption. The first group of parts that remain in the electric cigarette 1 after use of the electric cigarette comprises the cartridge control device 5c, the micropump 42 and the cartridge closure 35 surrounded by the cartridge sleeve 48 having the heating tip 47 and the hollow needle 43; and the second group of parts essentially comprises the reserve tank casing 36 loaded within the cartridge sleeve 48 having the aerosol precursor composition 37 and the mouthpiece end 25. After use of the electric cigarette 1, only the second part is replaced as a unit, whereupon, after loading into the cartridge sleeve 48, the aerosol precursor composition 37 can be drawn by the micropump 42 through the hollow needle 43 for further conduction through the supply 44 to the dispenser 45 and finally to the dispenser base 46 in the heated tip 47. Air flowing from the air passage 39a to the aerosolization zone 20, where it, together with the aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition 37, is provided to the consumer at the mouthpiece opening 18 through the air passage 39b.

[0034] As already mentioned above, the charging chip control device 5a, the control unit 5b and the cartridge control device 5c can be advantageously formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17, as shown in detail in Figures 2 to 5. This printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 has one or more of the functions of the electric cigarette 1 listed below, in particular air content measurement, determination of the remaining quantity of the aerosol precursor composition 37, determination of the state of charge of the battery 13a, an authentication device or, possibly, a communication device (radio frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth, ...) for data exchange with a smartphone or smartwatch, whereby this list of functions should not be considered exhaustive.

[0035] FIG. 2 now shows an exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 of the control unit 5b (FIG. 1) having a plurality of electrical contact surfaces 14 on the upper or lower side of the control unit, and for simplicity's sake - not shown as in FIG. 1 - all contact surfaces now simply bear the common reference number "14". Here, the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 in question is similarly simplified and comprises a plurality of pattern conductors or through holes 27 or a plurality of integrated three-dimensional structures such as a microcontroller 29 and a pressure sensor 30, which are arranged on a printed circuit board 33 formed insulated from each other using insulating filler material 32. With such a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17, multiple functions of an electric cigarette can be realized, possibly supplemented or omitted by further three-dimensional structures. Of course, it is equally conceivable that further functions not explicitly mentioned here are integrated into this printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 without departing from the inventive concept.

[0036] In this example, FIG. 2 discloses, in a highly enlarged cross-sectional view, a possible embodiment for a printed circuit board structure 17. In its simplest form, the PCB 3D structure 17 comprises at least one PCB 33, which comprises a pressure sensor 30 and a microcontroller 29 as integrated structural elements. An exemplary structure based on embedded electronic structural elements is shown here. In the embedded technology variant shown here, the structural elements to be located later inside are soldered using a soldering method onto the respective copper layers that have been given a three-dimensional structure by etching, for example, and are covered with a coating layer in a further printed circuit board manufacturing process. The copper layer onto which the structural elements are soldered can be an individual foil or, as in the illustrated case, a structural element of a prepared two- or multi-layer printed circuit board, consisting of at least one insulator, for example made of cured prepreg 32, and two pressed copper layers. Depending on the structure and material selection, resin, for example in the coating layer material, is used to fill the empty spaces within the periphery of the embedded structural elements during the subsequent printed circuit board manufacturing process.

[0037] Further embedding techniques are available that allow the processing of uncased active electronic components, such as microcontrollers or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), without special soldering processes. In these technologies, standard methods from the printed circuit board industry, such as micro-drilling (HDI technology, microvias) and electroplating, are used for subsequent internal electronic structural contact. The basic structure with embedded structural elements, however, remains largely unchanged regardless of the embedded variant selected. Similarly, multilayer printed circuit boards with embedded structural elements can be produced by three-dimensional printing / lamination methods, for example by UV drying or curing on a paste / lacquer basis.

[0038] In addition to embedding electronic components, the use of PCB technology, which is suitable for large-scale production, also allows for the complex three-dimensional structuring of components to be produced with high precision or with small tolerances using standard processing methods. Mechanical guides and additional external contact elements can be realized very easily within the final PCB process.

[0039] The different planes of the multilayer printed circuit board with embedded electronic structural components are connected to each other in the printed circuit board standard process using through holes 27 (microvias, vias) and ensure electrical connection in the Z axis of the compact structural components.

[0040] A printed circuit board structure 17 formed in this manner is characterized by improved compactness as well as lower energy consumption and lower power losses compared to the prior art. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 33 comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards 33 arranged insulated from one another, with embedded elements such as a microcontroller 29 and a pressure sensor 30, which are shown by way of example only for further equivalently mounted embodiments; typically, the printed circuit boards 33 arranged here horizontally and therefore perpendicular to the Z-axis are spaced apart by insulating fillers 32, with traces or through holes 27 electrically connecting the printed circuit board 33 partially or completely.

[0041] In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 33 has a cavity 41 with the pressure sensor 30 located therein, the pressure sensor 30 being completely surrounded by the cavity 41 except for the direct, also electrical, connection between the pressure sensor 30 and the printed circuit board 33. The cavity 41 has an opening 50, by which the pressure sensor 30 is in operative connection with the air flow in the air passages 39a, 39b of the electric cigarette 1 outside the cavity 41 (see also FIG. 1). Due to the fact that the pressure sensor 30 is connected only to the printed circuit board 33 and is otherwise arranged in the cavity 41 without contact, thermal and / or mechanical influences on the pressure sensor - for example from the side of the insulating filler 32 - can be largely avoided.

[0042] Particularly advantageously, the control unit 5b is formed as such a printed circuit board structure 17, in which the pressure sensor 30 is in direct operative connection with the air passage 39, 39a or 39b in order to switch on the electric cigarette 1 upon inhalation through the mouthpiece opening 18 (see also FIG. 1). Accordingly, it is possible for the pressure sensor 30 in the printed circuit board volume 17 to be formed as an embedded, integrated electronic component.

[0043] A further embodiment according to the invention shows in FIG. 3 the same illustration as in FIG. 2, with the difference that the pressure sensor 30, along with the cavity 41, is in this embodiment partially surrounded by additional insulating filler 32. 2 is achieved in the printed circuit board 30 within the three-dimensional structure 17, at the expense of a possible small thermal or mechanical impact of the insulating filler 32 on the pressure sensor 30. Such an arrangement makes the pressure sensor 30, and thus the entire printed circuit board 30, insensitive to strong accelerations that may occur, for example, when the electric cigarette is dropped.

[0044] 4 shows yet another embodiment according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3 in that cavity 41 is configured as an integral component of pressure sensor 30, and pressure sensor 30 is otherwise completely surrounded by insulating filler material 32. This embodiment represents the relatively most stable, or least susceptible to drops, embodiment of the invention.

[0045] 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the pressure sensor 30 is - in accordance with the embodiment in FIG. 1 - completely surrounded by a cavity 41, which is itself surrounded by a cap 51 or hood 51. This cap 51, in a form-stable configuration, offers the best possible protection for the pressure sensor 30 from possible influences of the insulating filler 32 on the pressure sensor 30. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following as other aspects. 1. An electric cigarette (1), The electric cigarette comprises a cartridge unit (2) and a control unit (3) removably disposed in the cartridge unit, The electric cigarette (1), wherein the electric cigarette (1) is terminated at a first end with a mouthpiece end (25) and at a second end with a charging tip (4), the electric cigarette (1) has a cylindrical or polygonal cross section along a Z axis over the entire longitudinal extension of the electric cigarette, and a first, second and / or third control element body (5) having respective body diameters (6a, 6b, 6c) perpendicular to the Z-axis; The respective body diameters (6a, 6b, 6c) of the respective control element bodies (5) form a fit within the electric cigarette (1); and Each of the control element bodies (5) is further formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17) having at least one printed circuit board (33) insulated with an insulating filler (32); the printed circuit board is oriented transverse to the Z-axis; and At least one pressure sensor (30) is disposed on the printed circuit board (33), and the pressure sensor is operatively coupled to a cavity (41) within the printed circuit board structure (17). An electric cigarette (1). 2. One of the control element bodies (5) is formed as a control unit (5b), and this control unit: The cartridge unit (2) and the control unit (3) are arranged with the engagement therebetween, and The electric cigarette (1) according to the above item 1, characterized in that the control unit (3) is terminated toward the cartridge unit (2). 3. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the pressure sensors (30) is formed as an electronic component embedded and integrated into the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17) together with at least one of the printed circuit boards (33). 4. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33). The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressure sensor (30) is arranged so that the pressure sensor is completely surrounded by the cavity (41) on the side opposite to the printed circuit board (33). 5. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33), The pressure sensor (30) is positioned so that the side of the pressure sensor opposite the printed circuit board (33) is completely surrounded by the cavity (41); and 5. The electric cigarette (1) according to item 4 above, wherein the cavity (41) is surrounded by a cap (51) embedded in the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17). 6. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33). The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 3, characterized in that the pressure sensor (30) is arranged alongside the cavity (41) and is partially surrounded by an insulating filler (32). 7. The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the pressure sensors (30) is internally provided with the cavity (41) within the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17). 8. The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cavity (41) is in operative connection with an air passage (39, 39a, 39b) within the electric cigarette (1) by means of an opening (50). 9. The fitting of the control element body (5) to the electric cigarette (1) is formed as a clearance fit; 9. The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 8, characterized in that the control element body (5) is arranged so as to be easily slidable to the limit. 10. The fitting of the control element body (5) formed on the electric cigarette (1) is formed as an intermediate fit; 9. The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of the above items 1 to 8, characterized in that the control element body (5) is arranged so as to be slidable by slight pressure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 electric cigarette 2 Cartridge Unit 3 Control Unit 4 Charging Tip 5 Control element body 5a Charging chip control device 5b Control unit 5c Cartridge control device 6a Body diameter 6b Body diameter 6c body diameter 9 Battery Sleeve 10 Battery Unit 11 Insulating outer tube of battery sleeve 9 12a Conductive inner tube of battery sleeve 9 12b Inner pipe 12a Flange 13a battery 13b Battery insulation 14 Electrical contact surfaces 14a Electrical contact surface 14b Electrical contact surface 14c Electrical Contact Surfaces 14d Electrical Contact Surface 14e Electrical Contact Surfaces 14f Electrical Contact Surface 14g Electrical Contact Surface 14h Electrical contact surface 14i Electrical Contact Surface 14j Electrical contact surface 15 Mantle surface contact part 16a Spring contact 16b Spring contact 17 Printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 18 Mouthpiece opening 19 contact pins 20 Aerosolization Zone 25 Mouthpiece end 27 through holes 29 Microcontrollers 30 Sensors, Pressure Sensors 32 Insulating filler 33 Printed Circuit Board 35 Cartridge Closure 36 Reserve tank casing 37 Aerosol Precursor Composition 39 Air passage 39a Air passage 39b Air passage 41 Cavity portion in printed circuit board three-dimensional structure 17 42 Micropump 43 Hollow Needle 44 Supply section 45 Distributor 46 Distributor base 47 Heating Tip 48 Cartridge Sleeve 49 Opening in reserve tank casing 36 50 Opening in insulating filler 32 to cavity 41 51 Cap

Claims

1. An electric cigarette (1), The electric cigarette comprises a cartridge unit (2) and a control unit (3) removably disposed in the cartridge unit, The electric cigarette (1), wherein the electric cigarette (1) is terminated at a first end with a mouthpiece end (25) and at a second end with a charging tip (4), the electric cigarette (1) has a cylindrical or polygonal cross section along a Z-axis over the entire longitudinal extension of the electric cigarette, and a first and / or second and / or third control element body (5) having respective body diameters (6a, 6b, 6c) perpendicular to said Z-axis, the respective body diameters (6a, 6b, 6c) of the respective control element bodies (5) form a fit within the electric cigarette (1); and Each of the control element bodies (5) is further formed as a printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17) having at least one printed circuit board (33) insulated by means of an insulating filler (32), the printed circuit board is oriented transversely to the Z-axis; and At least one pressure sensor (30) is disposed on the printed circuit board (33), and the pressure sensor is operatively coupled to a cavity (41) within the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17). An electric cigarette (1) characterized by:

2. One of the control element bodies (5) is formed as a control unit (5b), which comprises: The cartridge unit (2) and the control unit (3) are arranged with the engagement therebetween, and 2. An electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (3) terminates towards the cartridge unit (2).

3. 3. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one pressure sensor (30) is formed as an electronic component embedded and integrated into the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17) together with the at least one printed circuit board (33).

4. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33), 4. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor (30) is arranged so that the pressure sensor is completely surrounded by the cavity (41) on the side opposite the printed circuit board (33).

5. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33), The pressure sensor (30) is arranged so that the side of the pressure sensor opposite the printed circuit board (33) is completely surrounded by the cavity (41); and 5. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cavity (41) is surrounded by a cap (51) embedded in the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17).

6. The pressure sensor (30) is mounted on the printed circuit board (33), 4. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor (30) is arranged alongside the cavity (41) and is partially surrounded by an insulating filler (32).

7. 4. The electric cigarette (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pressure sensors (30) is internally provided with the cavity (41) within the printed circuit board three-dimensional structure (17).

8. 8. The electric cigarette (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cavity (41) is in operative connection with an air passage (39, 39a, 39b) within the electric cigarette (1) by means of an opening (50).

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