Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, and more precisely
to a cartomizer intended for equipping an aerosol generation device.
Background
[0002] Some aerosol generation devices comprise a cartomizer mechanically and electrically
coupled to an electrical and control device comprising a power source, possibly a
rechargeable battery.
[0003] A cartomizer is generally a consumable formed as an exchangeable assembly of a cartridge
(or capsule) containing aerosol-forming precursor and an atomizing device arranged
for heating aerosol-forming precursor to generate an aerosol in a heating (or atomization)
chamber fluidly coupled to a mouthpiece. When the user sucks on the mouthpiece during
a vaping session, the aerosol generated in the heating chamber of the atomization
device reaches the mouthpiece, which allows the user to inhale the aerosol.
[0004] The heating of the aerosol-forming precursor is carried out by conduction, convection
and/or radiation by a heating device of the atomization device, which is possibly
housed inside the heating chamber. Such a heating device may comprise one or more
electrically activated resistive and/or inductive heating elements.
[0005] The aerosol generation device may be portable, i.e. usable when held by a user. Moreover
the aerosol generation device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol,
e.g. by activating the heating device partially or totally possibly for a variable
amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol). In this case the variable
amount of aerosol can be controlled by the controller and an inhalation sensor and
possibly by user's input(s) on the user interface. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive
to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to enable a variable
amount of vapor to be provided (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional
combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe). Generally, the inhalation
sensor is a flow or pressure sensor or microphone positioned in the air flow path
in the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may also include a
temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heating device and/or
the heated aerosol-forming precursor to a specified target temperature and thereafter
to maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables an efficient generation
of aerosol.
[0006] In the following description the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor
as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas. Such a suspension may
be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to, or include, a vapor,
and may include one or more components of the precursor.
[0007] Also in the following description the term "aerosol-forming precursor" (or "precursor",
or "aerosol-forming substance", or else "substance") may refer to a fluid. The precursor
may be processable by the heating device of the cartomizer to form an aerosol, and
may comprise components such as one or more nicotinoids, one or more cannabinoids,
or caffeine. A component may be carried by a carrier, which may be an aerosolisable
liquid comprising aerosol former such as propylene glycol, glycerol for instance,
water and oil such as terpene. A flavoring may also be present in the aerosol-forming
precursor. The flavoring may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate
(banana oil) or similar, for instance.
[0008] The invention concerns the cartomizers comprising :
- a first part comprising a reservoir storing an aerosol-forming precursor,
- a second part comprising a heating chamber configured, when it is fed with air and
aerosol-forming precursor, for heating the latter to generate an aerosol, and rotatable
relative to this first part between closed and open positions, and
- at least one fluid path defined between the reservoir and heating chamber and comprising
an outlet and an inlet located in the second part, this outlet facing this inlet in
the open position to allow the aerosol-forming precursor to leave the reservoir to
reach the heating chamber, and this outlet being offset from this inlet in the closed
position to prevent the aerosol-forming precursor to reach the heating chamber.
[0009] This type of cartomizer, in which the user manually rotates the second part relative
to the first part to cause a transition between the closed and open positions, is
notably described in the patent documents
US 2020/0022415 A1 and
US 2020/0146351 A1.
[0010] In the above mentioned patent documents, the fluid path outlet is a first through-hole
defined in a first cylindrical wall of the reservoir and the fluid path inlet is a
second through-hole defined in a second cylindrical wall of the heating (or atomization)
chamber which is rotatable relative to the first cylindrical wall. When the cartomizer
is in its closed position, there is a mismatch between the first and second through-holes,
and a predefined rotation of the heating chamber relative to the reservoir causes
the transition from the closed position to the open position in which the first and
second through-holes are aligned to allow the aerosol-forming precursor to leave the
reservoir to reach the heating chamber.
[0011] In a usual aerosol generation device the reservoir is in continuous fluid communication
with the heating chamber, and therefore it can leak through its air inlet or vapour
outlet whatever its orientation. So, if there is some remaining fluid in the heating
chamber after use, even if the aerosol generation device is maintained in upright
position, this fluid may leak to the bottom and air inlet.
Summary of the invention
[0012] The proposed invention provides notably an embodiment of a cartomizer intended for
equipping an aerosol generation device and comprising :
- a first part comprising a reservoir storing an aerosol-forming precursor,
- a second part comprising a heating chamber configured, when it is fed with air and
aerosol-forming precursor, for heating the latter to generate an aerosol, and rotatable
relative to this first part between closed and open positions, and
- at least one fluid path defined between the reservoir and heating chamber and comprising
an outlet in the first part and an inlet located in the second part, this outlet facing
this inlet in the open position to allow the aerosol-forming precursor to leave the
reservoir to reach the heating chamber, and this outlet being offset from this inlet
in the closed position to prevent the aerosol-forming precursor to reach the heating
chamber.
[0013] This cartomizer is characterized in that it further comprises at least one valve
arranged in the fluid path or each fluid path and configured to be opened in the open
position and closed in the closed position.
[0014] Thanks to this valve, when the cartomizer is set in its closed position the aerosol-forming
precursor cannot leave its reservoir, and therefore the cartomizer cannot leak, even
when it is not in its upright position.
[0015] The embodiment of cartomizer may comprise other aspects or features, considered separately
or combined, as defined hereafter.
- In an example of embodiment, the valve or each valve may be arranged in the outlet
of its fluid path. For instance, the inlet of each fluid path may also comprise another
valve.
- The valve or each valve may comprise a resealable wall configured to open when it
is subject to a constraint in the open position and to automatically close when the
constraint disappears in the closed position. For instance, the fluid path or each
fluid path may comprise an element arranged for constraining the resealable wall in
the open position to force the opening of the corresponding valve.
- In an example of embodiment, the fluid path or each fluid path may comprise a first
sub-part protruding from the first part to be housed in the second part and comprising
the outlet, and a second sub-part defined in the second part and comprising the inlet.
In this case, the first and second sub-parts of each fluid path are aligned with each
other in the open position and are spatially separated in the closed position.
- Each first sub-part may comprise an end defining its outlet and comprising the valve,
and each element may be an end of a second sub-part which comprises the inlet.
- Each second sub-part may comprise an end defining its inlet and comprising the valve,
and each element may be an end of a first sub-part which comprises the outlet.
- The second part may comprise a first recess having a variable height decreasing between
a first value in a first zone and a second value smaller than this first value in
a second zone. In this case, the first zone houses the corresponding first sub-part
with its outlet in the closed position and is empty in the open position, and the
second zone houses the inlet of the corresponding second sub-part in the closed position
and houses the corresponding first sub-part and the inlet of the corresponding second
sub-part in the open position.
- The cartomizer may comprise first and second fluid paths comprising respectively first
and second valves.
- The first recess may be associated with the first fluid path, and the second part
may comprise a second recess associated with the second fluid path and having a variable
height decreasing between the first value in a first zone and the second value in
a second zone, this first zone housing a first sub-part of the second fluid path with
its outlet in the closed position and being empty in the open position, and this second
zone housing the inlet of a second sub-part of the second fluid path in the closed
position and housing the first sub-part of the second fluid path and the inlet of
the second sub-part of the second fluid path in the open position.
- The first and second recesses may be concentric.
- The second part may be rotatably mounted on an external face of a housing of the first
part in order to be an extension of the first part.
- The first sub-parts of the first and second fluid paths may be respectively located
at first and second distances from an axis of rotation of the second part. For instance,
the first sub-parts of the first and second fluid paths and the axis of rotation may
be located in a same plane.
- The heating chamber may comprise an aerosol-forming precursor collecting element to
collect aerosol-forming precursor flowing into each fluid path, and a heating device
in contact with this aerosol-forming precursor collecting element. The aerosol-forming
precursor collecting element may be a liquid capillary element, such as a fiber or
ceramic wick. The aerosol-forming precursor collecting element may be positioned between
two fluid paths so as to collect fluid at its both ends.
- The heating device may be a resistive heater and/or an inductive heater in contact
with the liquid capillary element.
- In an example of embodiment, the cartomizer may comprise a pulling force element configured
to provide an attraction force between the first and second parts. For instance, the
pulling force element may be a spring-type device or a magnetic device. In this case,
the spring-type device or the magnetic device is preferably inserted between the first
and second parts to provide attraction force in the open and/or closed positions.
- The first part may be slightly spaced from the second part during a transition between
the closed and open positions.
[0016] The proposed invention provides also an embodiment of an aerosol generation device
comprising an electrical and control device and a cartomizer such as the one above
introduced and mechanically and electrically coupled to this electrical and control
device.
[0017] The embodiment of aerosol generation device may comprise other features, considered
separately or combined, as defined hereafter.
- The electrical and control device may comprise a power source storing electrical energy.
- The power source may be a rechargeable battery.
- The aerosol generation device may constitute an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette).
Brief description of the figures
[0018] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following
detailed description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting examples and which
is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which :
- Figure 1 (FIG.1) schematically illustrates an example of embodiment of an aerosol
generation device according to the invention, with a cartomizer set in a closed position,
and
- Figure 2 (FIG.2) schematically illustrates the aerosol generation device of figure
1 with its cartomizer set in an open position.
Detailed description of embodiments
[0019] The invention aims, notably, at offering a cartomizer 1 intended for being mechanically
and electrically coupled to an electrical and control device 2 to define together
an aerosol generation device 3.
[0020] In the following description it will be considered that the aerosol generation device
3 is an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or else personal vaporizer). But an aerosol
generation device according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as
it comprises a cartomizer 1 according to the invention and allows the generation of
an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming precursor. So, for instance, the aerosol
generation device 3 could be an inhaler.
[0021] It is recalled that an "aerosol-forming precursor" (or "aerosol-forming substance")
may be a fluid (for instance a liquid), and may comprise one or more components such
as nicotinoid(s), cannabinoid(s), or caffeine, and/or a flavoring.
[0022] It is also recalled that the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor
as one or more of solid (very small) particles, liquid droplets, vapor and gas, and
that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.
[0023] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2 a cartomizer 1, according to the invention and
intended for equipping an aerosol generation device 3, comprises a first part 4, a
second part 5, at least one fluid path 6-j, and at least one valve 17-j.
[0024] The first part 4 comprises a reservoir 7 arranged for storing an aerosol-forming
precursor. In the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2 the first part 4 comprises
only one reservoir 7. But it could comprise several (for instance two, three or four)
reservoirs storing identical or different aerosol-forming precursors. It could be
possible to have two different aerosol-forming precursors to either have them react
with each other in a heating chamber 8 (for instance one with nicotine salts and the
other one with an acid source (e.g. a benzoic acid)) or to allow the user to choose
between different flavours (first flavour, second flavor, or a mixture of both (possibly
the user being able to determine the amount of each of them)).
[0025] The (each) reservoir 7 is defined in a first housing 9 of the first part 4. The (each)
reservoir 7 may be integral with, or inserted in, the first housing 9.
[0026] For instance, the coupling between the cartomizer 1 (and more precisely the first
housing 9) and the electrical and control device 2 can be done by screwing by means
of two corresponding threaded portions, or by clipping. In the case of screwing, the
first housing 9 (of the first part 4) may comprise a first threaded portion arranged
for being screwed relatively to a corresponding second threaded portion of a third
housing 26 of the electrical and control device 2. But the electrical and control
device 2 could comprise a cavity for receiving a part of the cartomizer 1. In this
case, this cavity may comprise magnets interacting with magnets of the cartomizer
1.
[0027] The second part 5 comprises a heating chamber 8 configured, when it is fed with air
and aerosol-forming precursor, for heating the latter to generate an aerosol. This
second part 5 is rotatable relative to the first part 4 between a closed position
illustrated in figure 1 and an open position illustrated in figure 2. To this effect
the first part 4 may comprise a deep guiding hole and the second part may comprise
an axis or axle housed into this guiding hole when the first 4 and second 5 parts
are coupled together, for instance.
[0028] The heating chamber 8 is configured, when it is fed with air and aerosol-forming
precursor, for heating the latter to generate an aerosol. For instance, and as illustrated
in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2 the heating chamber 8 may be fluidly
coupled to a mouthpiece 10, possibly via an aerosol passage (not illustrated).
[0029] The mouthpiece 10 is the piece of the cartomizer 1 through which the user inhales
the aerosol generated in the heating chamber 8 (and possibly flowing into an aerosol
passage) during a vaping session (as illustrated by the arrow C in figure 2).
[0030] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2,
the heating chamber 8 may be defined in a housing 11 (hereafter referred as the "second
housing 11") of the second part 5. This heating chamber 8 may be integral with, or
inserted in, the second housing 11.
[0031] In the non-limiting example illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the second housing 11
comprises an end to which the mouthpiece 10 is fixed, for instance by screwing or
clipping. But the mouthpiece 10 could also be glued or moulded integrally with the
second housing 11.
[0032] In the illustrated example the heating chamber 8 comprises an electrical heating
device 12 arranged for heating the aerosol-forming precursor (originating from a (the)
reservoir 7) to generate the aerosol, when it receives electrical energy originating
from a power source 13 of the electrical and control device 2. This heating device
12 and the heating chamber 8 belongs to the atomization device of the cartomizer 1.
[0033] The heating device 12 may be a resistive heater, such as a resistive coil, and/or
an inductive heater, such as a metallic susceptor. In this case, the heating device
12 may comprise one or more electrically activated resistive and/or inductive heating
elements. But in a variant (not illustrated) the heating device 12 could be partly
outside the heating chamber 8. The heating can be made by conduction, convection and/or
radiation.
[0034] To allow the feeding of the heating device 12 with electrical energy during a vaping
session, the first part 4 and the electrical and control device 2 may comprise respectively
electrical pins intended for contacting each other during their coupling.
[0035] The heating chamber 8 is fed with air (sucked in by the user) through at least one
air conduit 14. In the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, the air conduit 14
is defined in the second part 5 and is in communication with the outside through an
air inlet defined in a wall of the second housing 11 (as illustrated by the arrows
A in figure 2). But in a variant the air inlet could be defined in the first part
4 and connected to a conduit of the second part 5.
[0036] The (each) fluid path 6-j is defined between the (a) reservoir 7 and the heating
chamber 8 and comprises an outlet 15 in the first part 4 and an inlet 16 located in
the second part 5. As illustrated in figure 2, the outlet 15 (of each fluid path 6-j)
is facing the inlet 16 (of the same fluid path 6-j) in the open position to allow
the aerosol-forming precursor to leave the corresponding reservoir 7 to reach the
heating chamber 8. As illustrated in figure 1, the outlet 15 (of each fluid path 6-j)
is offset from the inlet (of the same fluid path 6-j) in the closed position to prevent
the aerosol-forming precursor to reach the heating chamber 8.
[0037] A (each) valve 17-j is arranged in the (a) fluid path 6-j and is configured to be
opened in the open position of the cartomizer 1 (illustrated in figure 2) and closed
in the closed position of the cartomizer 1 (illustrated in figure 1).
[0038] A valve 17-j being now associated to each fluid path 6-j it is possible to prevent
the aerosol-forming precursor to leave the (its) reservoir 7 when the cartomizer 1
is set in its closed position (in which the fluid path outlet 15 is offset from the
corresponding fluid path inlet 16). Indeed, in the cartomizer closed position the
valve 17-j is in its closed position and therefore the aerosol-forming precursor is
prevented from leaving the reservoir 7, and in the cartomizer open position the valve
17-j is in its open position and therefore the aerosol-forming precursor can leave
the reservoir 7 to reach the heating chamber 8 via the corresponding fluid path 6-j
(see arrows B). So, when the cartomizer 1 is in its closed position it cannot leak,
even when it is not in its upright position.
[0039] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2,
each valve 17-j may be advantageously arranged in the outlet 15 of its fluid path
6-j. But in addition the inlet 16 of each fluid path 6-j could also comprise another
valve to avoid fluid from dripping from the fluid path inlet 16 back to the reservoir
surface.
[0040] In an example of embodiment, each valve 17-j may comprise a resealable wall which
is configured to open when it is subject to a constraint in the cartomizer open position
and to automatically close when this constraint disappears in the closed position.
[0041] For instance, each resealable wall is a kind of "nib" working in the same way as
a valve action marker. When such a nib is pressed aerosol-forming precursor flows
in its free end, and when it is not pressed (i.e. not subject to a constraint) the
aerosol-forming precursor cannot flow to this free end and therefore the valve 17-j
is closed to prevent leakage.
[0042] When each valve 17-j comprises the above described resealable wall, each fluid path
6-j may comprise an element 18 arranged for constraining this resealable wall in the
open position to force the opening of the corresponding valve 17-j. So, during a manual
transition of the cartomizer 1 from its closed position to its open position (operated
by a user), the element 18 exerts a constraint on the corresponding resealable wall
which finally forces the opening of the latter and therefore of the corresponding
valve 17-j.
[0043] Also in an example of embodiment, each fluid path 6-j may comprise first 19 and second
20 sub-parts. The first sub-part 19 of each fluid path 6-j protrudes from the first
part 4 to be housed in the second part 5 and comprises the outlet 15. The second sub-part
20 is defined in the second part 5 and comprises the inlet 16. The first 19 and second
20 sub-parts of each fluid path 6-j are aligned with each other in the open position,
and are spatially separated in the closed position, as illustrated in figure 2.
[0044] Each first sub-part 19 is preferably an inserted rigid pipe (or conduit) having an
inlet coupled to the reservoir 7 and an outlet which is the outlet 15 of its fluid
path 6-j. Each second sub-part 20 is also preferably an inserted rigid pipe (or conduit)
having an inlet which is the inlet 16 of its fluid path 6-j and an outlet coupled
to the heating chamber 8.
[0045] As illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, in the last example
of embodiment and in the case where each valve 17-j is arranged in the outlet 15 of
its fluid path 6-j, each first sub-part 19 may, for instance, comprise an end defining
this outlet 15, comprising the valve 17-j and opposite to the reservoir 7. Furthermore,
each element 18 may be an end of the second sub-part 20 which comprises the inlet
16 and opposite to the heating chamber 8.
[0046] In the case where each valve 17-j is arranged in the inlet 16 of its fluid path 6-j,
each second sub-part 20 may comprise an end defining its inlet 16, comprising the
valve 17-j and opposite to the heating chamber 8. Furthermore, each element 18 may
be an end of a first sub-part 19 which comprises the outlet 15 of its fluid path 6-j
and opposite to the reservoir 7.
[0047] Also as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, in the last example
of embodiment the second part 5 may comprise a first recess 21 having a variable height
decreasing between a first value v1 in a first zone Z1 and a second value v2 smaller
than this first value v1 in a second zone Z2. In this case, the first zone Z1 houses
the first sub-part 19 with its outlet 15 in the cartomizer closed position (as illustrated
in figure 1), and is empty in the open position (as illustrated in figure 2). This
first zone Z1 covers the end of the outlet 15 in the cartomizer closed position to
contain any possible leak. Furthermore, the second zone Z2 houses the inlet 16 of
the second sub-part 20 in the cartomizer closed position (as illustrated in figure
1), and houses the first sub-part 19 and the inlet 16 of the second sub-part 20 in
the open position (as illustrated in figure 2). This second zone Z2 covers the end
of the inlet 16 in the cartomizer closed position to contain any possible leak. Such
an arrangement allows the first sub-part 19 of the first fluid path 6-1 to remain
in a fixed position relative to the first part 4 while the first recess 21 rotates
with the corresponding second sub-part 20 (and therefore the second part 5) with respect
to it during each manual transition between the closed and open positions.
[0048] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2,
the cartomizer 1 may comprise first 6-1 (j = 1) and second 6-2 (j = 2) fluid paths
comprising respectively first 17-1 and second 17-2 valves. This arrangement allows
to improve the feeding of the heating chamber 8 with the aerosol-forming precursor,
or to feed the heating chamber 8 with two different aerosol-forming precursors originating
respectively from two different reservoirs 7.
[0049] When the cartomizer 1 comprises the first 6-1 (j = 1) and second 6-2 (j = 2) fluid
paths, the first recess 21 may be associated with the first fluid path 6-1, and the
second part 5 may comprise a second recess 22 associated with the second fluid path
6-2. In this case, the second recess 22 may have a variable height decreasing between
the first value v1 in a first zone Z1' and the second value v2 in a second zone Z2'.
Furthermore, the first zone Z1' of the second recess 22 houses a first sub-part 19
of the second fluid path 6-2 with its outlet 15 in the cartomizer closed position
(as illustrated in figure 1), and is empty in the cartomizer open position (as illustrated
in figure 2). This first zone Z1' covers the end of the outlet 15 of the second fluid
path 6-2 in the cartomizer closed position to contain any possible leak. Moreover,
the second zone Z2' of the second recess 22 houses the inlet 16 of a second sub-part
20 of the second fluid path 6-2 in the cartomizer closed position (as illustrated
in figure 1), and houses the first sub-part 19 of the second fluid path 6-2 and the
inlet 16 of the second sub-part 20 of the second fluid path 6-2 in the cartomizer
open position (as illustrated in figure 2). This second zone Z2' covers the end of
the inlet 16 of the second fluid path 6-2 in the cartomizer closed position to contain
any possible leak. Such an arrangement allows the first sub-parts 19 of the first
6-1 and second 6-2 fluid paths to remain in fixed positions relative to the first
part 4 while the first 21 and second 22 recesses rotate simultaneously with the corresponding
second sub-parts 20 (and therefore) the second part 5 with respect to them during
each manual transition between the closed and open positions.
[0050] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2,
the first 21 and second 22 recesses may be concentric.
[0051] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and
2, the second part 5 may be rotatably mounted on an external face of the first housing
9 of the first part 4 in order to be an extension of this first part 4. In this case,
the electrical and control device 2 and the first 4 and second 5 parts of the cartomizer
1 are aligned with the first part 4 sandwiched between the electrical and control
device 2 and the second part 5.
[0052] In the case where the cartomizer 1 comprises first 6-1 and second 6-2 fluid paths,
their first sub-parts 19 may be respectively located at first d1 and second d2 distances
from an axis of rotation 23 of the second part 5. It must be understood that the first
distance d1 differs from the second distance d2 and therefore the first sub-parts
19 are asymmetrically located with respect to the axis of rotation 23. In the non-limiting
example illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the first distance d1 is greater than the
second distance d2. But in a variant the first distance d1 could be smaller than the
second distance d2.
[0053] The last arrangement may require that the second sub-parts 20 have two different
shapes, notably when they are coupled to opposite faces of the heating chamber 8,
as illustrated in figures 1 and 2.
[0054] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2,
the first sub-parts 19 of the first 6-1 and second 6-2 fluid paths and the axis of
rotation 23 may be located in a same plane. In this case, each manual transition between
the closed and open positions requires a relative rotation of 180° of the second part
5 with respect to the first part 4, and both first 21 and second 22 recesses extend
on an angular sector of 180°. But in variants of embodiment one may provide other
values for the relative rotation and angular sector, and in these variants the first
sub-parts 19 and the axis of rotation 23 are no longer located in the same plane.
[0055] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and
2, the heating chamber 8 may comprise an aerosol-forming precursor collecting element
24 to collect aerosol-forming precursor flowing into each fluid path 6-j (in the cartomizer
open position), and the heating device 12 in contact with this aerosol-forming precursor
collecting element 24. In the illustrated example the outlets of the two sub-parts
20 of the first 6-1 and second 6-2 fluid paths are coupled respectively to the two
opposite ends of the aerosol-forming precursor collecting element 24.
[0056] For instance, this aerosol-forming precursor collecting element 24 may be a capillary
element (possibly a capillary wick). This capillary element 24 can be a fiber or ceramic
rod, for instance. For instance, the heating device 12 may comprise a resistive coil
wound around the capillary element 24 and coupled to the above mentioned pins via
lead wires.
[0057] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and
2, the cartomizer 1 may comprise a pulling force element 25 configured to provide
an attraction force between the first 4 and second 5 parts. This allows the second
part 5 to remain in a fixed position with respect to the first part 4 when the cartomizer
1 is not used or when the cartomizer 1 is used during a vaping session. So, this improves
not only the flow of aerosol-forming precursor in the cartomizer open position but
also leakage prevention in the cartomizer closed position.
[0058] For instance, the pulling force element 25 may be a spring-type device or a magnetic
device. In this case, the spring-type device or the magnetic device is preferably
inserted between the first 4 and second 5 parts to provide attraction force in the
open and/or closed positions.
[0059] In the case where the cartomizer 1 comprises a pulling force element 25, its first
part 4 is preferably slightly spaced from its second part 5 by a manual operation
of the user during a transition between the closed and open positions. In other words,
when the user wants to make a transition he must pull apart the first 4 and second
5 parts first before starting the rotation. To ease such a transition there is preferably
an axial guidance along a central axle (parallel to the axis of rotation 23). This
allows to prevent accidental rotation and activation of the cartomizer 1 with the
added benefit of preventing use by a child. Stable closed and open positions resistant
to rotation can be obtained by providing cooperating stopping means in the first 4
and second 5 parts.
[0060] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2 the third housing 26 of the electrical and control
device 2 may comprise at least a controller (or control device) 27 and a user interface
28 in addition to the power source 13 (storing electrical energy).
[0061] For instance, the power source 13 may be a rechargeable battery. In this case the
third housing 26 may comprise an electrical connector to which a charger cable may
be connected during a charging session of the rechargeable battery 13. Such a charger
cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket. The charger cable and/or
the (AC) adapter may belong to the aerosol generation device 3.
[0062] The controller 27 is electrically coupled to the power source 13 and controls operation
of the cartomizer 1 (and notably its heating device 12) during a vaping session and
also during a possible charging session. For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting
example of figures 1 and 2, the controller 27 may be fixed onto a printed circuit
board 29 (housed in the third housing 26).
[0063] Explicit use of the term "controller" should not be construed to refer exclusively
to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation,
digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, processor, application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing
software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional
and/or custom, may also be included. The functions of the controller 27 may be carried
out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction
of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually (by the user). These functions
may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable
of executing software in association with appropriate software.
[0064] The user interface 28 is coupled to the controller 27 and the power source 13 and
allows the user to control at least partly the controller 27. For instance, the user
interface 28 may comprise a display (such as a screen or light emitting diode (or
LED)-type interface) arranged for displaying information relative to a current vaping
session or a possible current charging session and for allowing the user to control
the controller 27. Also for instance, the displayed information may be a current status
representing the current percentage of remaining (or elapsed) vaping time (with respect
to a programmed (or chosen) vaping duration) during a vaping session, or the current
percentage of charge (with respect to the full charge) of the power source 13 during
a possible charging session. The current percentage may be represented by the length
of a straight line or by a number of parallel bars or else by a value, for instance.
[0065] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and
2, the user interface 28 may be fixed partly to the printed circuit board 29 to ease
and simplify its connections with the controller 27. The user interface 28 may have
its own printed circuit board connected to the printed circuit board 29 by wires of
flexible circuit(s) in order to be deported anywhere.
[0066] Also for instance, the second part 5 may comprise a puff sensor (not illustrated)
intended for detecting when the user sucks in (or inhales) during a vaping session,
and for informing the controller 27 each time such a detection occurs. The puff sensor
can be a flow or pressure sensor or microphone positioned in the air flow path. For
instance, if the air inlet is defined in the first part 4 the puff sensor can be placed
in this first part 4.
[0067] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some block diagrams of
figures 1 and 2 herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying
the principles of the invention.
[0068] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It
will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various
arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles
of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples
recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes
to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts
contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being
without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover,
all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention,
as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
1. Cartomizer (1) for an aerosol generation device (3), said cartomizer (1) comprising
:
- a first part (4) comprising a reservoir (7) storing an aerosol-forming precursor,
- a second part (5) comprising a heating chamber (8) configured, when it is fed with
air and aerosol-forming precursor, for heating the latter to generate an aerosol,
and rotatable relative to said first part (4) between closed and open positions, and
- at least one fluid path (6-j) defined between said reservoir (7) and said heating
chamber (8) and comprising an outlet (15) in said first part (4) and an inlet (16)
located in said second part (5), said outlet (15) facing said inlet (16) in said open
position to allow said aerosol-forming precursor to leave said reservoir (7) to reach
said heating chamber (8), and said outlet (15) being offset from said inlet (16) in
said closed position to prevent said aerosol-forming precursor to reach said heating
chamber (8),
wherein it further comprises at least one valve (17-j) arranged in said fluid path
(6-j) and configured to be opened in said open position and closed in said closed
position.
2. Cartomizer according to claim 1, wherein each valve (17-j) is arranged in the outlet
(15) of its fluid path (6-j).
3. Cartomizer according to claim 2, wherein said inlet (16) of each fluid path (6-j)
comprises another valve.
4. Cartomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each valve (17-j) comprises
a resealable wall configured to open when it is subject to a constraint in the open
position and to automatically close when said constraint disappears in the closed
position.
5. Cartomizer according to claim 4, wherein each fluid path (6-j) comprises an element
(18) arranged for constraining said resealable wall in the open position to force
the opening of said corresponding valve (17-j).
6. Cartomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each fluid path (6-j) comprises
a first sub-part (19) protruding from said first part (4) to be housed in said second
part (5) and comprising said outlet (15), and a second sub-part (20) defined in said
second part (5) and comprising said inlet (16), said first (19) and second (20) sub-parts
of each fluid path (6-j) being aligned with each other in the open position and being
spatially separated in the closed position.
7. Cartomizer according to the combination of claims 2 to 6, wherein each first sub-part
(19) comprises an end defining its outlet (15) and comprising said valve (17-j), and
each element (18) is an end of a second sub-part (20) which comprises said inlet (16).
8. Cartomizer according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said second part (5) comprises a first
recess (21) having a variable height decreasing between a first value in a first zone
(Z1) and a second value smaller than said first value in a second zone (Z2), said
first zone (Z1) housing said first sub-part (19) with its outlet (15) in said closed
position and being empty in said open position, and said second zone (Z2) housing
said inlet (16) of said second sub-part (20) in said closed position and housing said
first sub-part (19) and said inlet (16) of said second sub-part (20) in said open
position.
9. Cartomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein it comprises first (6-1)
and second (6-2) fluid paths comprising respectively first (17-1) and second (17-2)
valves.
10. Cartomizer according to the combination of claims 8 and 9, wherein said first recess
(21) is associated with said first fluid path (6-1), and wherein said second part
(5) comprises a second recess (22) associated with said second fluid path (6-2) and
having a variable height decreasing between said first value in a first zone (Z1')
and said second value in a second zone (Z2'), said first zone (Z1') housing a first
sub-part (19) of said second fluid path (6-2) with its outlet (15) in said closed
position and being empty in said open position, and said second zone (Z2') housing
said inlet (16) of a second sub-part (20) of said second fluid path (6-2) in said
closed position and housing said first sub-part (19) of said second fluid path (6-2)
and said inlet (16) of said second sub-part (20) of said second fluid path (6-2) in
said open position.
11. Cartomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said second part (5) is
rotatably mounted on an external face of a housing (9) of said first part (4) in order
to be an extension of said first part (4).
12. Cartomizer according to claim 10 taken in combination with claim 11, wherein said
first sub-parts (19) of said first (6-1) and second (6-2) fluid paths are respectively
located at first and second distances from an axis of rotation of said second part
(5).
13. Cartomizer according to claim 12, wherein said first sub-parts (19) of said first
(6-1) and second (6-2) fluid paths and said axis of rotation are located in a same
plane.
14. Cartomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein it comprises a pulling
force element (25) configured to provide an attraction force between said first (4)
and second (5) parts.
15. Aerosol generation device (3) comprising an electrical and control device (2), wherein
it further comprises a cartomizer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
mechanically and electrically coupled to said electrical and control device (2).