WO2023078818A1

WO2023078818A1 - An electronic cigarette pod, a liquid refill device and a refill assembly comprising both

Info

Publication number: WO2023078818A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alec WRIGHT; Peter LOVEDAY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2021-11-03
Filing date: 2022-10-31
Publication date: 2023-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-03
Also published as: EP4426137A1; US20240415186A1

Abstract

The invention, relates to an electronic cigarette comprising a reservoir (5) configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized. The reservoir (5) has two connection portions each of which having a port (52a, 52b), the connection portions of the reservoir being configured to cooperate with two connection portions (31) of a refill device (3), said electronic cigarette (2) further comprising two valves (54a, 54b) each of which is connected to one of the two connection portions (52a, 52b) of the reservoir (5), said valves (54a, 54b) having a closed configuration in which the ports (52a, 52b) of the reservoir are closed, and an open configuration in which only liquid is able to flow through one of the ports (52a) of the reservoir (5) and towards the inside of the reservoir (5), and only air is able to flow through the other of the ports (52b) of the reservoir (5) towards the outside of the reservoir (5).

Description

An electronic cigarette pod, a liquid refill device and a refill assembly comprising both

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, a liquid refill device and a refill assembly comprising the electronic cigarette and the refill device.

Background of the invention

An electronic cigarette generally comprises a housing in which is disposed a battery, a reservoir configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized, also called e-liquid, and a vapour generation unit configured to produce the aerosol that is inhaled. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating the e-liquid.

One issue of prior art devices is that they use multiple plastic and metallic components. In fact, a user often has to discard and replace the entire electronic cigarette when there is no more liquid in the reservoir even though the vapour generation unit is still capable of operating.

Some known electronic cigarette propose a refillable reservoir. A solution of this type is disclosed in US 2021/130153.

The present invention aims at providing an alternative solution for refilling the reservoir of an electronic cigarette with e-liquid.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic cigarette comprising

• a reservoir configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized, said reservoir comprising

- a chamber,

- two connection portions having a coupling end leading into the chamber, and a port formed at a filling end opposite to the coupling end, the connection portions being configured to cooperate with two connection portions of a refill device, and

• two valves each being connected to one of the ports, said valves having a closed configuration in which the ports are closed, and an open configuration in which only liquid is able to flow through one of the ports and towards the inside of the reservoir, and only air is able to flow through the other of the ports towards the outside of the reservoir, and

• a vapour generation unit comprising

- a wick connected to the reservoir by means of two connectors of the reservoir, and

- a heating element attached to the wick, characterized in that each connector has a end connected to the connection portion and disposed between the valve and the chamber.

Thanks to this general configuration, when the electronic cigarette cooperates with the refill device, liquid passes through one valve to fill in the reservoir and air passes through the other of the valves to exit the reservoir. It is thus possible to fill in the reservoir of electronic cigarette with e-liquid, and in the same time allow air to be expelled from the reservoir. Thanks to this configuration, it is possible to refill in a simple manner the electronic cigarette and thus avoid throwing the latter only because there is no liquid left.

Thanks to the positioning of the connector, the liquid from the chamber flows into one of the connection portions in the direction of the corresponding valve, e.g. when the electronic cigarette is tilted for use, and said liquid is drawn, in particular by capillary action, towards the wick through the corresponding connector, which considerably reduces the amount of liquid flowing towards the valve. This contribute to reduce liquid leakage through the valves.

During a refilling operation, the liquid flowing into one of the connection portions from the valve in the direction of the chamber allow the wick to be provided with a sufficient amount of liquid since the connectors are exposed to all the liquid inflow and a part of the liquid is flowing into the wick, in particular by capillary action. This makes the wick wet enough with the liquid and ready for use right after the refilling.

According to one embodiment, the valves are one-way valves.

According to one embodiment, each valve has an inlet end from which a fluid is able to enter and an outlet end from which the fluid is able to leave, the fluid being able to flow only from the inlet end towards the outlet end, one of the valves being arranged such that fluid can flow towards the inside of the reservoir, the other of the valves is arranged such that fluid can flow towards the outside of the reservoir.

According to one embodiment, the valves are duckbill valves.

According to one embodiment, the heating element is a coil wrapped in a spiral shape around the wick.

Duckbill valves present the advantage of being formed of one unique piece. The unique piece ensures the valve function (control the flow of a fluid) and in the same time the sealing function. It is thus a self-contained type of valve with a simple structure.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a refill device for an electronic cigarette having all or part of the previous characteristics, the refill device comprising a compartment configured to contain a vaporizable liquid and two connection portions connected to the compartment, said connection portions of the refill device being configured to cooperate with the connection portions of the electronic cigarette so as to fill the reservoir of the electronic cigarette with said vaporizable liquid.

Such a refill device presents a simple structure able to cooperate with the electronic cigarette so as to open the valves and enables the filling of the reservoir with vaporizable liquid.

According to one embodiment, the connection portions of the refill device are identical. This eases for the user the filling of the electronic cigarette with e-liquid who can connect either one of the two connection portions of the refill device to the electronic cigarette.

According to one embodiment, one of the connection portions of the refill device has a cooperation end configured to force the opening of one of the valves of the electronic cigarette when the refill device cooperates with the electronic cigarette.

According to one embodiment, the refill device further comprises a nipple connected to one of the connection portions, the nipple being configured to force the opening of one of the valves of the electronic cigarette when the refill device cooperates with the electronic cigarette.

Thanks to the nipple or the cooperation end of the connection portions, one of the valves of electronic cigarette is in open position after connection with the intended refill device. In other words, one of the cooperation ends of the connection portions or the nipple force the opening of one of the valves.

According to one embodiment, the compartment of the refill device is made of an elastic material.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a refill assembly comprising an electronic cigarette having all or part of the previous characteristics and a refill device having all or part of the previous characteristics, said refill device being configured to cooperate with said electronic cigarette.

Brief description of the drawings

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will also emerge from the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:

- Figure 1 represents in a cross-sectional diagram a refill assembly according to an embodiment of the invention before filling of a reservoir of an electronic cigarette; - Figure 2 represents the refill assembly during filling of the reservoir of the electronic cigarette;

- Figure 3 represents the refill assembly after complete filling of the reservoir of the electronic cigarette; and

- Figure 4 represents an example of a valve that can be used in the electronic cigarette according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the terms “aerosol” and “vapour” are used interchangeably to refer to a suspension of particles or droplets of any size. Similarly, the term “vaporise” means to change, or cause the change into vapour and the term “aerosolise” means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse into an aerosol.

Figures 1 to 3 schematically represent an example of a refill assembly 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. These figures are diagrams and do not include all the components of the refill assembly.

The refill assembly comprises an electronic cigarette 2 and a refill device 3.

The electronic cigarette 2 can be a compact cigarette, such as the ones referred to as pods.

The electronic cigarette 2 usually comprises an outer housing 4. Various components are disposed within the housing 4.

The electronic cigarette 2 comprises a reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 is configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized or e-liquid.

E-liquid is mostly a mix of water, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerine or glycerol (VG). The e-liquid may include nicotine as well as additional ingredients for flavouring or producing a smoother or otherwise more pleasurable experience. In some cases, the e-liquid may contain no nicotine, but instead may contain naturally or artificially derived ingredients for flavouring, volatilise, improving smoothness, and/or providing other pleasurable effects. The reservoir 5 is disposed within the housing 4.

The reservoir 5 comprises a chamber 50 and two channels 51 .

The chamber 50 is configured to contain the e-liquid.

The chamber 50 of the reservoir 5 presents a general shape correspondent to the housing 4 but with a smaller size.

The chamber 50 is here hollow in its center.

The channels 51 terminate in the chamber 50. Each channel 51 has a filling end 510 and a coupling end 511 opposite to the filling end 510.

The filling end 510 of each channel 51 opens onto an outer surface of the housing 4. The coupling end 511 of each channel 51 leads into the chamber 50.

The channels 51 form connection portions configured to cooperate with the refill device 3. The channels or connection portions 51 cooperate here with the refill device 3 at the coupling ends 511 .

The reservoir 5 comprises two ports 52a, 52b. The ports 52a, 52b are here formed at the filling ends 510 of the channel 51. The ports 52a, 52b open onto the outer surface of the housing 4.

One of the ports 52a, 52b is hereafter called liquid port 52a and the other of the ports is hereafter called air port 52b.

The two ports 52a, 52b are identical. The ports 52a, 52b are symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the electronic cigarette 2.

The reservoir 5 further comprises two connectors 53.

Each connector 53 has a first end 530 and a second end 531 opposite to the first end 530. Each connector 53 is connected to one of the channels 51 at the first end 530. Each connector 53 is disposed between the port 52a, 52b and the chamber 50.

The electronic cigarette 2 further comprises electronic components among which a vapour generation unit 6 and a battery. The electronic components are also disposed within the housing 4. The battery (not represented in the figures) is adapted to supply power to electronic components of the device.

The vapour generation unit 6 is configured to atomize the e-liquid.

The vapour generation unit 6 comprises a heating element 60 and a wick 61 . The heating element 60 is attached to the wick 61 .

For instance, the heating element 60 is a coil.

The coil 60 can be a resistive wire as in the represented example. The coil 60 can be wrapped in a spiral shape around the wick 61 .

The coil 60 can be otherwise a grid or a mesh type resistance. Such type of coil provides a larger heating surface and thus a better restitution of flavors.

The coil 60 can be metallic. The coil 60 can be for example made from a metal alloy (known as kanthal) comprising chromium, aluminum and iron. The coil 60 can also be made from titanium, nickel or stainless steel.

The wick 61 is connected to the reservoir 5. The wick 61 is connected to the channels 51 by means of the connectors 53. In particular, the wick 61 is connected to the second end 531 of each connector 53.

The role of the wick 61 is to supply the heating element 60 with the amount of e-liquid needed for vaporization.

The wick 61 is made of an absorbent material. The wick 61 can be made of cotton and silica fiber. The nature of the wick 61 influences its capillarity.

Thanks to the connection to the reservoir 5, the wick 61 is constantly soaked with e-liquid in order for it to be vaporized properly.

The electronic cigarette 2 also comprises two valves 54a, 54b. One of the valves 54a, 54b is hereafter called liquid valve 54a and the other of the valves is hereafter called air valve 54b.

The two valves 54a, 54b are connected to the ports 52a, 52b of the reservoir 5. In particular, the liquid valve 54a is connected to the liquid port 52a and the air valve 54b is connected to the air port 52b. The two valves 54a, 54b can be for example disposed within the connection portions 51 of the reservoir 5. In this case, each connector 53 can be disposed between the valve 54a, 54b and the chamber 50.

The valves 54a, 54b are check valves or one-way valves. In other words, the valves 54a, 54b are valves which allow fluid to flow through only in one direction.

The valves 54a, 54b have a closed configuration and an open configuration.

When the valves 54a, 54b are in the closed configuration, the ports 52a, 52b of the reservoir 5 are closed. No fluid flows through the ports 52a, 52b.

When the valves 54a, 54b are in the open configuration, fluid can flow through the ports 52a, 52b. The valves 54a, 54b are configured here such that when the liquid valve 54a is open, only liquid flows through the liquid port 52a. When the air valve 54b is in the open configuration, only air flows through the air port 52b.

Figure 4 represents an example of valves that may be used for the valves 54a, 54b. The valves 54a, 54b are here duckbill valves.

The duckbill valve is one-piece. The duckbill valve is generally in elastomer or rubber.

The duckbill valve 54a, 54b comprises one inlet end 540 and one outlet end 541 opposite to the inlet end 540.

The inlet end 540 conforms its shape to the line in which it extends. The inlet end 540 here conforms to the ports 52a, 52b.

The duckbill valve comprises flaps or lips 542 in the shape of a duckbill. The lips 542 are formed at the outlet end 541 .

The lips 542 prevent backflow, i.e. flow of a fluid from the outlet end 541 towards the inlet end 540. The backflow is depicted with a down arrow in figure 4a. The lips 542 allow forward flow as shown in figure 4b. In other words, the lips 542 allow fluid to flow from the inlet end 540 towards to the outlet end 541 .

The liquid valve 54a is incorporated into the liquid port 52a with the lips 542 directed towards the reservoir 50. The air valve 54b is incorporated into the air port 52b with the lips 542 in the opposite direction to the reservoir 50. When a fluid is pumped forward through the channel 51 and therefore through the duckbill valve 54a, 54b, the outlet end 541 opens to permit the pressurized fluid to pass. When pressure ceases, the outlet end 541 returns to its flattened shape, preventing backflow.

Duckbill valves are advantageous over other types of one-way valves in that the sealing function is an integral part of the one piece. In fact, in other types of one-way valves, there is a need to add a separate element which engages with the valves in order to ensure seal. Therefore duckbill valves are self-contained and present a simple structure which make them easy to incorporate into a device.

Other check valves can also be used, such as ball check valves, or diaphragm check valves.

Referring back to the figures 1 to 3, the refill device 3 comprises a compartment 30. The compartment 30 is configured to contain a vaporizable liquid or e-liquid.

The refill device 3 comprises two connection portions 31 . The connection portions 31 of the refill device lead into the compartment 30. Each of the connection portions 31 has a port 310 that opens onto an outer surface of the refill device 3.

The two connection portions 31 are identical. The connection portions 31 are symmetrical with respect to a median longitudinal plane of the refill device 3.

The connection portions 31 of the refill device 3 and the connection portions 51 of the electronic cigarette 2 are configured to cooperate with each other. The connection portions 31 of the refill device 3 and the connection portions 51 of the electronic cigarette 2 have for example correspondent shape and dimensions. In particular, the connection portions 31 form connection tips configured to be introduced into the ports 52a, 52b so as to cooperate with the connection portions 51 of the electronic cigarette 5.

The refill device 3 can further comprise one nipple. The nipple is connected to one of the connection portions 31 . The nipple is configured to force the opening of one the valves 54a, 54b of the electronic cigarette 2 when the refill device cooperates with the electronic cigarette 2. For example, the nipple is configured to force the opening of the liquid valve 54a.

For example, the nipple is beveled.

In another embodiment, one of the connection portions 31 can be itself configured to force the opening of one of the valves 54a, 54b of the electronic cigarette 2. Said connection portion 31 can have for example a beveled cooperation end.

The refill device 3 is made from an elastic material, such as silicon. For example, the refill device 3 is a compressible bladder.

Figures 1 to 3 represent the steps for filling the reservoir 5 of the electronic cigarette 2 using the refill device 3.

Figure 1 shows the refill device 3 filled with e-liquid. The e-liquid is depicted with discontinuous lines. The refill device 3 is completely filled with e-liquid. The reservoir 5 is completely empty. The refill device 3 is not connected to the electronic cigarette 2.

In order to refill the reservoir 5 with e-liquid, the refill device 3 is connected to the electronic cigarette 2. More precisely, the two connection portions 31 of the refill device 3 are connected to the two connection portions 51 of the reservoir 5.

As the refill device 3 is symmetrical, any of the connection portions 31 can be connected to the connection portions 51 of the reservoir 5.

The refill device 3 is then squeezed. This is represented on figure 2 with the arrows on both sides of the refill device 3. Squeezing the refill device 3 is enabled by the elasticity of the material in which the refill device 3 is made.

By squeezing the refill device 3, the volume of the compartment 30 decreases. The pressure inside the compartment 30 thus increases. The e-liquid exerts a pressure on the valves 54a, 54b. Thanks to the configuration of the valves 54a, 54b, the pressure exerted by the e-liquid opens the liquid valve 54a. The e-liquid thus flows from the refill device 3 to the reservoir 5 through the liquid port 52a, as shown in figure 2.

As the reservoir 5 fills with e-liquid, the air that was present in the reservoir 5 is pushed out. Air exerts thus pressure on the valves 54a, 54b. In particular, the air exerts pressure on the air valve 54b and opens the air valve 54b. Air flows from the reservoir 5 to the refill device 3 through the air port 52b.

Thus, only liquid is able to flow through the liquid port 52a and only air is able to flow through the air port 52b This liquid flow and air flow control is possible with any type of appropriate valves, such as the duckbill valves as explained above.

The pressure needed to open the valves 54a, 54b depend on parameters such that the structure and configuration of said valves. For example, said pressure needed can depend on the material of which is made the valves 54a, 54b, and/or the thickness of the valves 54a, 54b. The valves 54a, 54b can thus be configured to be more or less easy to open. For instance, the higher the thickness of the valves 54a, 54b is, the higher the pressure needed to open said valves, and vice versa.

Figure 3 shows the reservoir 5 completely filled and the refill device 3 completely empty. Of course, one can use a refill device 3 that is not completely filled with e-liquid to refill the reservoir 5 and one can refill the reservoir 5 only partially.

The filling of the reservoir 5 with liquid occurs differently when the refill device 3 comprises a nipple or end which is configured to open one of the valves 54a, 54b of the reservoir. In these embodiments, one of the valves 54a, 54b are open as soon as the refill device 3 and the electronic cigarette 3 are connected together. Indeed, one of the two connection portions 31 of the refill device 3 force the opening of one of the valves 54a, 54b when said connection portions 31 are connected to the two connection portions 51 of the reservoir 5. Pressure is thus only needed to open the other valve 54a, 54b. Overall, less pressure is needed for filling the reservoir 5 as only one valve needs to be open by applying pressure. For example, one of the connection portions 31 can force the opening of the liquid valve 54a. Pressure exerted by e-liquid is thus no more needed to open the liquid valve 54a. Such a configuration avoids that the liquid valve 54a remains shut if not enough pressure is exerted for example. Once the liquid valves 54a is open, the filling of the reservoir 5 with liquid can start with liquid flowing through the liquid port 52a. As liquid replaces air present in the reservoir 5, air is pushed out from the reservoir 5. Air exerts thus pressure on the air valve 54b and opens the air valve 54b.

Thanks to this configuration, the filling of the reservoir 5 is secured as leakage is avoided. Indeed, a leakage through the vapour generation unit 6 could happen if during filling, the reservoir 5 is full and the air valve 54b remains shut, air being unable to be expelled. This configuration avoids such a leaking as less pressure is required to open the air valve 54b.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

The present invention thus provides a refill assembly which enables refilling a reservoir of an electronic cigarette in a simple and secure manner.

References used for the figures

Claims

1 . An electronic cigarette comprising

• a reservoir (5) configured to contain a liquid to be vaporized, said reservoir (5) comprising

- a chamber (50),

- two connection portions (51) having a coupling end (511) leading into the chamber (50), and a port (52a, 52b) formed at a filling end (510) opposite to the coupling end (511), the connection portions being configured to cooperate with two connection portions (31) of a refill device (3), and

• two valves (54a, 54b) each being connected to one of the ports (52a, 52b), said valves (54a, 54b) having a closed configuration in which the ports (52a, 52b) are closed, and an open configuration in which only liquid is able to flow through one of the ports (52a) and towards the inside of the reservoir (5), and only air is able to flow through the other of the ports (52b) towards the outside of the reservoir (5), and

• a vapour generation unit (6) comprising

- a wick (61 ) connected to the reservoir (5) by means of two connectors (53) of the reservoir (5), and

- a heating element (60) attached to the wick (61), characterized in that each connector (53) has a end (530) connected to the connection portion (51) and disposed between the valve (54a, 54b) and the chamber (50).

2. The electronic cigarette according to claim 1 , wherein the valves (54a, 54b) are one-way valves.

3. The electronic cigarette according to claim 2, wherein each valve (54a, 54b) has an inlet end (540) from which a fluid is able to enter and an outlet end (541 ) from which the fluid is able to leave, the fluid being able to flow only from the inlet end (540) towards the outlet end (541), one of the valves (54a) being arranged such that fluid can flow towards the inside of the reservoir (5), the other of the valves (54b) is arranged such that fluid can flow towards the outside of the reservoir (5).

4. The electronic cigarette according to any of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the valves (54a, 54b) are duckbill valves.

5. The electronic cigarette according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element (60) is a coil wrapped in a spiral shape around the wick (61).

6. A refill device for an electronic cigarette according to any of claims 1 to 5, the refill device (3) comprising a compartment (30) configured to contain a vaporizable liquid and two connection portions (31) connected to the compartment

(30), said connection portions (31) of the refill device (3) being configured to cooperate with the connection portions (52a, 52b) of the electronic cigarette (2) so as to fill the reservoir (5) of the electronic cigarette (2) with said vaporizable liquid.

7. The refill device according to claim 6, wherein the connection portions

(31) of the refill device (3) are identical.

8. The refill device according to claim 7, wherein one of the connection portions (31) of the refill device (3) has a cooperation end configured to force the opening of one of the valves (54a, 54b) of the electronic cigarette (2) when the refill device (3) cooperates with the electronic cigarette (2).

9. The refill device according to any of claim 6 or 8, wherein it further comprises a nipple connected to one of the connection portions (31 ), the nipple being configured to force the opening of one of the valves (54a, 54b) of the electronic 16 cigarette (2) when the refill device (3) cooperates with the electronic cigarette (2).

10. The refill device according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the compartment (30) is made of an elastic material.

11. A refill assembly comprising an electronic cigarette (2) according to any of claims 1 to 5 and a refill device (3) according to any of claims 6 to 10, said refill device (3) being configured to cooperate with said electronic cigarette (2).