RU2796391C2 - Electronic cigarette and rechargeable cigarette packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: cigarette packaging for accommodating and recharging an electronic cigarette is proposed. The packaging contains: a rechargeable battery of the cigarette packaging; the first connector, which can electrically connect to an outer power source; the first recharging mechanism for recharging the battery of the cigarette packaging, using the outer power source, when the first connector is electrically connected to the outer power source; the second connector, which can electrically connected to the electronic cigarette contained inside the cigarette packaging; and the second recharging mechanism for recharging the electronic cigarette, when the electronic cigarette is electrically connected to the second connector. The first recharging mechanism contains the first module of a protective chain, and the second recharging mechanism contains the second module of a protective circuit, wherein protective modules protect the packaging and the electronic cigarette from excessive pressure and current during recharging.

EFFECT: obtaining a cigarette packaging for an electronic cigarette.

16 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The technical field to which the invention belongs

The invention relates to an electronic cigarette, such as an electronic vaping system or an electronic nicotine delivery system, as well as a rechargeable package for an electronic cigarette.

State of the art

Electronic vaporization systems, electronic nicotine delivery systems, etc., which are collectively referred to in this specification as electronic cigarettes, generally comprise a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized. When the user sucks or draws air through the device, this activates the heater to vaporize a small amount of liquid, which is then inhaled by the user. Most electronic cigarettes include a rechargeable battery to provide electrical power to the heater and other electrical/electronic components such as a sensor for detecting inhalation. Some e-cigarettes have a cartridge section. Once the nicotine or other liquid in the cartridge has been used up, the empty cartridge may be removed or separated from the electronic cigarette and replaced with a new cartridge containing additional nicotine.

Electronic cigarettes are often packaged for protection and ease of portability. Such packages can accommodate a plurality of electronic cigarettes and/or replacement cartridges, thus offering a backup if one of the electronic cigarettes (or cartridge) is used up. An electronic cigarette package may also have the ability to refill electronic cigarettes, helping to again ensure good availability of the electronic cigarette for the user. Typically, the package is provided with a cylindrical opening to receive an electronic cigarette for recharging. The hole usually reflects the elongated cylindrical shape of the e-cigarette. When an electronic cigarette is placed in the hole, the battery can be recharged using an appropriate wired or wireless connection (wireless connection can be based on induction charging). In some packages, the cylindrical opening may accommodate an entire electronic cigarette for refilling, while in other packages, only a portion of the electronic cigarette may fit in the opening.

In some devices, the package must be connected to a power source, such as a wall outlet or a USB connection, while the e-cigarette battery is being recharged. In this case, the package usually acts as a convenient device for holding and communicating with the e-cigarette during refilling. In other devices, the package itself is provided by a battery (or other charge storage device). The battery of the package allows the electronic cigarette to be recharged from the package without the need for the package to be connected to an external power source during recharging, thus providing more convenience to the user.

The pack's battery will wear out over time and so is usually provided with its own recharge device, usually again based on some form of wall outlet or USB connection. However, since the package is larger than an electronic cigarette, it may contain a larger battery and therefore the package does not need to be recharged as often as an electronic cigarette. For example, the charging capacity of a typical package battery can be approximately 800 mAh. Accordingly, the pack battery is capable of recharging the electronic cigarette several times, at least until the pack battery itself needs to be recharged.

Such multiple or hierarchical arrangement of separately charged systems, namely initially an electronic cigarette and secondarily an electronic cigarette package, is relatively rare. Conversely, most rechargeable devices such as mobile (cellular) phones are usually connected directly to a mains-powered charger (or even to a car charger).

It is desirable for the operation and recharging of an electronic cigarette and the packaging of cigarettes associated with it to be as safe, reliable and user-friendly as possible. One potential problem relates to lithium ion batteries, which are used in many types of devices, including electronic cigarettes, due to their inherent high energy density. If such a battery is defective, it may in rare cases ignite (see, for example, a press release dated February 4, 2014, entitled “Batteries on planes pose 'increased fire risk'” - “Batteries on planes pose an increased risk of ignition” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25733346) While some existing e-cigarettes may include certain safety features to address such issues, the inclusion of these issues is generally spontaneous (rather than systemic). ) character.

Disclosure of invention

A cigarette package is provided to house and refill an electronic cigarette. The package contains: a rechargeable battery pack of cigarettes; the first connector that can be electrically connected to an external power source; a first recharging mechanism for recharging a cigarette pack battery using an external power supply when the first connector is electrically connected to the external power supply; a second connector that can be electrically connected to an electronic cigarette contained within the cigarette package; and a second recharging mechanism for recharging the electronic cigarette when the electronic cigarette is electrically connected to the second connector. The first recharging mechanism comprises a first protection circuit module for preventing the flow of electrical energy from an external power source to the cigarette package battery when the current supplied to the cigarette package battery exceeds the first predetermined current threshold or the voltage supplied to the cigarette package battery exceeds the first predetermined voltage threshold. The second recharge mechanism comprises a second protection circuit module for preventing electrical power from flowing from the cigarette package battery to the electronic cigarette when the current supplied by the cigarette package battery exceeds a second predetermined current threshold, or when the voltage supplied by the cigarette package battery exceeds a second predetermined threshold. voltage value.

The provided electronic cigarette contains: a battery; a connector that can be electrically connected to an external battery pack of cigarettes; and a recharging mechanism for recharging the battery using the external cigarette package battery when the connector is electrically connected to the external cigarette package battery. The recharging mechanism includes a charge controller for controlling electrical energy flowing from an external battery of the cigarette package to the cigarette battery; a temperature sensor that responds to battery temperature; and timer. The charge controller is configured to prevent electrical power from flowing from the external cigarette pack battery to the cigarette battery when the battery temperature is detected to be outside a range defined between the lower temperature threshold and the upper temperature threshold. The timer is configured to start determining the time when electric power starts to flow from the external power source to the cigarette pack battery, and also to prevent the flow of electric power from the external cigarette pack battery to the cigarette battery after the predetermined time period has elapsed.

The present approach is not limited to specific embodiments of the invention as set forth herein, but features from various embodiments of the invention may be combined, modified, omitted or replaced by those skilled in the art, in accordance with the circumstances of any given application.

Brief description of the drawings

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic (exploded) diagram of an electronic cigarette, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic (simplified) diagram of the body of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic cigarette cartomizer shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of certain details of the connector at one end of the body of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cap with a connector on the other end of the body of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the main functional components of the body of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cigarette package for receiving and disposing of an electronic cigarette, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates the main components that are housed within the body of the cigarette package shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate (in an exploded view) the electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 of the cigarette package shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the safety components of the electronic cigarette shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the safety components of the cigarette package shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.

Implementation of the invention

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic nicotine delivery system, such as an electronic cigarette 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention (not to scale). An electronic cigarette has a generally cylindrical shape extended along a longitudinal axis indicated by the dotted line LA, and it contains two main components, namely, a housing 20 and a cartomizer 30. The cartomizer includes an inner chamber containing a nicotine reservoir, a vaporizer (such as a heater) and a mouthpiece 35 for smoking. The reservoir may be a foam matrix or any other structure for retaining the nicotine until such time as it needs to be delivered to the vaporizer. The cartomizer 30 also includes a nicotine vaporization heater and may further include an absorbent wick or similar means for transporting a small amount of nicotine from the reservoir to a heating position on or near the heater.

The case 20 includes a rechargeable cell or battery to provide power to the electronic cigarette 10 and a circuit board for general control of the electronic cigarette. When the heater is powered by a battery, which is controlled by the circuit board, the heater vaporizes the nicotine and these vapors are then inhaled by the user through the smoking mouthpiece.

The body 20 and the cartomizer 30 can be detached from each other by separating in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis LA as shown in FIG. 1, but are connected together when the device 10 is in use, by means of the connection shown schematically in FIG. 1 as 25A and 25V to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between housing 20 and cartomizer 30. The electrical connector on housing 20, which is used to connect to the cartomizer, also serves as a connector for attaching a charger (not shown) when the housing is disconnected from cartomizer 30. The other end of the charger can be inserted into the socket of the USB connector to recharge the element in the body of the electronic cigarette. In other uses, a cable may be provided for a direct connection between the electrical connector on the chassis and the USB connector jack.

The electronic cigarette 10 is provided with one or more air inlets (not shown in FIG. 1). These holes are connected to an air passage through the electronic cigarette 10 to the smoking mouthpiece 35. When a user inhales through the smoking mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into the air passage through one or more air inlets which are suitably located on the outside of the electronic cigarette. This airflow (or resulting from a change in pressure) is detected by a pressure sensor, which in turn activates the heater to vaporize the nicotine from the cartridge. The air stream passes through and combines with the nicotine vapor, then this combined stream of air stream and nicotine vapor exits the smoking mouthpiece 35 to be inhaled by the user. The cartomizer 30 can be separated from the housing 20 and disposed of when the nicotine supply stops (and can be replaced with another cartomizer if desired).

It should be appreciated that the electronic cigarette 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example, and various other applications may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the cartomizer 30 is provided as two separate components, namely: a cartridge that contains a nicotine reservoir and a smoking mouthpiece (which can be replaced when the nicotine from the reservoir is used up), and a vaporizer containing a heater (which usually remains) . In other embodiments of the invention, the electronic cigarette 10, the housing 20 and the cartomizer 30 may be permanently connected together, thus being essentially a single component. Some such monobloc (as a single piece) electronic cigarettes may allow the nicotine reservoir to be refilled when it is used up using some suitable nicotine refilling mechanism; other monoblock electronic cigarettes can be disposed of as soon as the nicotine reservoir is used up. It should be noted that this latter type of device still generally supports recharging, as the battery will usually become depleted more quickly than the nicotine tank. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many additional designs and uses for the electronic cigarette are also possible.

Fig. 2 is a schematic (simplified) diagram of the electronic cigarette body 20 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 2 can be generally considered as a section in a plane through the longitudinal axis LA of the electronic cigarette. It should be noted that various body components and details, such as wiring and more complex shaping, for example, have been omitted from FIGS. 2 for more clarity.

As shown in FIG. 2, housing 20 includes a battery or cell 210 for providing power to electronic cigarette 10, as well as a microcircuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling electronic cigarette 10. The ASIC may be positioned near or at one end of the battery. 210. An ASIC is attached to a sensor 215 to detect inhalation on the smoking mouthpiece 35 (or alternatively, the sensor 215 may be provided on the ASIC itself). In response to inhalation detection, the ASIC chip provides power from the battery or cell 210 to the heater in the cartomizer to vaporize the nicotine into the air stream that is inhaled by the user.

The housing further includes a cap 225 to seal and protect the distal (remote) end of the electronic cigarette. The cap includes an air inlet provided in or near the cap 225 to allow air to enter the housing and flow past the sensor 215 when the user inhales through the smoking mouthpiece 35. Therefore, this airflow allows the sensor 215 to detect the inhalation of the user. The cap 225 may also include a pair of electrical contacts that allow the electronic cigarette 10 to be charged using these electrical contacts (in addition to or instead of charging via a USB connector or similar device using a 25V connector). This is explained in more detail later on.

At the opposite end of housing 20 from cap 225 is a connector 25V for connecting housing 20 to cartomizer 30. Connector 25V provides mechanical and electrical connection between housing 20 and cartomizer 30. Connector 25V includes housing connector 240, which is metal (in some embodiments, of the invention is silver plated) to serve as one of the electrical connection terminals (positive or negative) for the cartomizer 30. Connector 25V further includes an electrical contact 250 to provide a second terminal for electrical connection to the cartomizer 30 of opposite polarity to the first. output, namely to the connector 240 of the housing. Electrical contact 250 is mounted on coil spring 255. When housing 20 is attached to cartomizer 30, connector 25A on the cartomizer is pushed against electrical contact 250 so as to push the coil spring in the axial direction, i. in a direction parallel to (co-aligned with) the longitudinal axis LA. Given the resilient nature of spring 255, this compression biases the spring in such a way that it tends to expand*, which has the effect of steadily pushing electrical contact 250 towards connector 25A, thus helping to ensure good electrical connectivity between housing 20 and cartomizer 30. Housing connector 240 and the electrical contact 250 is separated by a frame support 260 which is made of a non-conductive material (such as plastic) to provide good insulation between the two electrical terminals. The frame support 260 is shaped to assist in the mutual mechanical engagement of the connectors 25A and 25B.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electronic cigarette cartomizer 30 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3 can be generally considered as a section in a plane through the longitudinal axis LA of the electronic cigarette. It should be noted that various body components and details, such as wiring and more complex shaping, for example, have been omitted from FIGS. 3 for more clarity.

The cartomizer 30 includes an air passage 355 extending along the central (longitudinal) axis of the cartomizer 30 from the smoking mouthpiece 35 to a connector 25A for connecting the cartomizer to the body 20. A nicotine reservoir 360 is provided around the air passage 335. This reservoir 360 can be used, for example , by providing cotton or foam impregnated with nicotine. The cartomizer also includes a heater 365 for heating the nicotine from the reservoir 360 to create nicotine vapor for subsequent flow through the air passage 355, and subsequently exit through the smoking mouthpiece 35 in response to inhalation by the user through the electronic cigarette 10. The heater 365 receives power through lines 366 and 367, which, in turn, are connected to opposite poles (positive and negative, or vice versa) of battery 210 through connector 25A (wiring details between supply lines 366 and 367 and connector 25A in Fig. 3 are not shown).

Connector 25A includes an inner electrode 375 which may be silver plated or some other suitable metal. When cartomizer 30 is attached to housing 20, inner electrode 375 contacts electrical contact 250 of housing 20 to provide a first electrical path between the cartomizer and housing. In particular, when connectors 25A and 25B are engaged, inner electrode 375 is pushed against electrical contact 250 in order to depress coil spring 255, thus helping to ensure good electrical contact between inner electrode 375 and electrical contact 250.

The inner electrode 375 is surrounded by an insulating ring 372, which may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone, or any other suitable material. The insulating ring is surrounded by the cartomizer connector 370, which may be silver plated or may be made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When cartomizer 30 is attached to housing 20, cartomizer connector 370 contacts connector 240 of housing 20 to provide a second electrical path between the cartomizer and housing. In other words, internal electrode 375 and cartomizer connector 370 are used as positive and negative terminals (or vice versa) to supply power from battery 210 in the case to heater 365 in the cartomizer via supply lines 366 and 367, if needed.

The cartomizer connector 370 is provided with two lugs or tabs 380A, 380B that extend in opposite directions at some distance from the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette. These protrusions are used to provide a bayonet connection in conjunction with the body connector 240 for attaching the cartomizer 30 to the body 20. This bayonet connection provides a strong and secure connection between the cartomizer 30 and the body 20, whereby the cartomizer and the body are held in a fixed position relative to each other without wobbling or bending, and there is very little chance of any accidental detachment. At the same time, the bayonet connection provides a simple and quick connection and disconnection by inserting and then turning to complete the connection, as well as turning (in the opposite direction) and then pulling to disconnect. It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may use another form of connection between housing 20 and cartomizer 30, such as a snap connection or screw connection, for example.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of certain details of a connector 25B at the end of an electronic cigarette body 20, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention (but omitting most of the internal structure of the connector shown in FIG. 2, such as frame support 260, for clarity). In particular, FIG. 4 shows the outer casing 201 of the housing 20, which is generally in the form of a cylindrical tube. This outer casing 201 may comprise, for example, an inner metal tube with an outer covering of paper or the like.

Housing connector 240 extends from this outer casing 201 of housing 20. Housing connector 240, as shown in FIG. 4 comprises two main parts: a shaft part 241 in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube sized to fit exactly inside the outer casing 201 of the housing 20, and a shoulder part 242 that is directed radially outward, at some distance from the main longitudinal axis (LA) of an electronic cigarette. The part surrounding the shaft portion 241 of the housing connector 240 where the shaft portion 241 does not intersect with the outer casing 201 is a collar or sleeve 290, which is also in the form of a cylindrical tube. The cuff 290 is held between the shoulder portion 242 of the body connector 240 and the outer casing 201 of the body, which together prevent movement of the cuff 290 in the axial direction (ie, parallel to the axis LA). However, collar 290 is free to rotate about shaft portion 241 (and therefore also about axis LA).

As mentioned above, the cap 225 is provided with an air inlet to allow air to flow past the sensor 215 when the user inhales through the smoking mouthpiece 35. However, most of the air that enters the device when the user inhales flows through cuff 290 and body connector 240, as indicated by the two arrows in FIG. 4. (Cuff 290 and body connector 240 are provided with openings not shown in FIG. 4 to support this airflow).

Fig. 5 illustrates the cap or tip 225 of the body 20 of the electronic cigarette 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The cap 225 contains a connector 900 containing two electrical contacts 900A, 900B. Electrical contact 900B is a circular point-type contact located in the center of cap 225. Electrical contact 900A is a circular ring that is concentric with contact 900A and is provided around the outside or rim of cap 225. However, consideration should be given to note that any other configuration with electrical contact shapes can be used. Electrical contacts 900A, 900B are typically made of metal and may be connected to the positive and negative electrical terminals of an electronic cigarette recharge package in order to recharge electronic cigarettes (as explained in more detail below). The tip of the electronic cigarette, particularly connector 900, may be covered with a user-removable security tag or similar that is used during shipping or prior to use to protect battery 210 from being accidentally discharged prior to first use by a consumer. This helps to ensure that the battery is delivered to the consumer in an acceptable condition and that damage is prevented that can be caused by heat due to inadvertent current flow from the battery.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the main functional components of the body 20 of the electronic cigarette 10 shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. These components may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided within the housing 20, although depending on the specific configuration, in some embodiments of the invention, one or more components may instead be placed in the housing to function in cooperation with the printed circuit board, but at the same time they are not physically mounted on the PCB itself.

Housing 20 includes a sensor module 215 located in (or near) an air passage through housing 20 from an air inlet to an air outlet (to the evaporator). The sensor module 215 includes a pressure drop sensor 562 and a temperature sensor 563 (also located in or near this air passage). The case further includes a small speaker 558 and an electrical socket or 25V connector for connection to the cartomizer 30 or to a USB charger. (The housing may also be provided with a bayonet type connector 900, such as described above with respect to FIG. 5).

The microcontroller (eg, ASIC) 555 includes a CPU 550. The operations of the CPU 550 and other electronic components, such as pressure sensor 562, are generally controlled, at least in part, by computer programs running on the CPU (or other component) . Such computer programs may be stored in non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which may be built into the microcontroller 555 itself, or provided as a separate component. The central processing unit can access the ROM to load and execute individual computer programs when they need to be executed. The microcontroller 555 also includes appropriate communication interfaces (and control software) to communicate, if necessary, with other devices in the housing 10, such as the pressure sensor 562, for example.

The CPU controls the speaker 558 to generate an audio output to display conditions or states inside the electronic cigarette, such as a low battery warning. Different signals for signaling different states or conditions may be provided by using sounds or beeps with different pitches and durations, and/or by providing a plurality of such sounds or beeps. The electronic cigarette may also be provided with an LED indicator (instead of or in conjunction with speaker 558) to provide a visual output such as a low battery warning.

As noted above, the electronic cigarette 10 provides an air passage from the air inlet through the electronic cigarette, through the pressure drop sensor 562 and heater (in the vaporizer or cartomizer 30) to the smoking mouthpiece 35. Thus, when the user inhales through the electronic cigarette mouthpiece 35, the CPU 550 detects such inhalation based on information from the pressure drop sensor. In response to such detection, the CPU applies power from the battery or cell 210 to the heater, which thereby heats and vaporizes the nicotine from the absorbent wick for inhalation by the user. The level of power supplied to the heater may be controlled based on information from, for example, a pressure sensor and/or a temperature sensor 563 to help regulate the delivery of nicotine to the user according to the current ambient air pressure and temperature.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cigarette package 100 for receiving and disposing of an electronic cigarette, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The package includes a body 120 which is provided with a hinged lid 140 that can be opened and closed. The housing 120 includes an outer case or casing 125 which is provided with an insert 130. More specifically, the outer case 125 has an opening at the top, i. the end at which the lid is located, with the insert 130 fitting into (and generally covering) that opening. The insert itself is provided with two openings or slits that extend downward into the body 120 of the package 100. The first opening 132 contains a substantially circular slit (based on the cross-sectional shape). The first hole 132 is surrounded by an annular light element 133. The second hole 131 in the insert contains a pair of interconnected slots (only one of which is clearly visible in Fig. 7). Holes 132 and 131 (and more specifically, each of the pair of slits defined by hole 131) can be used to receive an appropriately shaped object such as an electronic cigarette, a spare part, or a used cartridge, etc. The dimensions of the package 100 are generally arranged in such a way that an electronic cigarette placed inside holes 132 or 131 protrudes slightly from this hole. This allows the user to easily see the contents of the package 100 (which is also facilitated by the transparent lid 140) and also makes it easier for the user to remove an electronic cigarette placed inside one of these openings.

The package 100 is further provided with a set of light signaling 128 of light-emitting diodes (LED). Shown in FIG. 7, the LEDs are exploded from the case 125, but in the assembled cigarette package they are integrated into the case 120 so that they are flush with the outer surface of the case 125. These indicator lights 128 can be used to indicate the state of charge of the package 100, for example, whether it is fully charged, partially charged or fully discharged. The indicator lights 128 may also be used to indicate the state of charge of the package 100 at the current time (whether or not it is charged). Such charging can be done via a (mini or micro) USB connection using the (mini or micro) USB connector located on the underside of the 100 cigarette package (this side is not visible in FIG. 7).

Fig. 8 illustrates the main components that are housed within the body 120 of the cigarette package 100, more specifically the housing 125, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention (some minor components, such as internal wiring, have been omitted for clarity). The case includes a battery module 150 containing a battery 151, a printed circuit board (PCB) 154, and a switch 152. FIG. it can be seen that the housing 120 includes a hinge or pin 134 which allows the lid 140 to pivot so that the lid can be opened and closed. Battery module 150, including switch 152, is positioned substantially below hinge 134. Switch 152 is activated when cover 140 is opened or closed, and this actuation of the switch may in turn trigger the activation of LED lights, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, insert 130 extends substantially along the bottom of outer casing 125. Insert defines a generally cylindrical tube 132A extending downward from opening 132 (see FIG. 7) that can receive and hold an electronic cigarette. The insert further includes two additional substantially cylindrical tubes 131A, 131B that overlap and extend downward from opening 131 (see FIG. 7) in a figure-of-eight cross section. It should be noted that the bottom of the tubes 131A and 131B may be covered by the insert 130 itself, or may be open but adjacent to the bottom of the outer casing 125, which will in this case also have the effect of closing the bottom of the tubes 131A and 131B to hold the electronic cigarette. (or other item such as a replacement cartridge). The configuration of the bottom of the tube 132A will be explained in more detail in the following.

It should be noted that battery 151 is relatively large, dimensionally compatible with, for example, opening 132 or cooperating tube 132A for receiving an electronic cigarette. Therefore, the battery 151 of the cigarette package 100 will typically have a significantly larger electrical charging capacity than the battery provided in an electronic cigarette that may be located inside the package. This allows the battery in the electronic cigarette to be recharged, typically multiple times, using the battery module 150 of the package 100, without the need for any additional external power source (eg, by connecting to an electrical outlet). This can be very convenient for a user who may be in a location or situation that does not provide easy connection to the electrical grid.

In order to support this recharging of the electronic cigarette stored in the cigarette package 100, the bottom of the tube 132A is positioned inside the electronic cigarette attachment assembly 700. The electronic cigarette attachment assembly 700 allows electrical connection between the package 100 and the electrical contacts 900A, 900B on the cap 225 of the electronic cigarette when the electronic cigarette is inserted into the tube 132A, thereby allowing the battery of the electronic cigarette to be charged using the battery 151 of the cigarette package. This is explained in more detail in the following.

The insert is provided by printed circuit boards (PCBs) 135 and 160. The board 160 provides the main control functionality of the cigarette package. It is attached to the tubes 131A, 131B with screws 136A, 136B, thus holding the board in position relative to the tubes 131A, 131B. A mini USB (or micro USB) connector 164 is provided on the bottom of the circuit board 160 and can be accessed through a corresponding opening on the underside of the case 125 of the package body 120. This USB connector can be used to connect an external power source to the package 100 to recharge the battery 151 (as well as any electronic cigarette that is in the tube 132A). This USB connector can also be used to communicate with the cigarette pack electronics and/or the electronic cigarette, for example, to update the software on circuit board 160, and/or to download performance data from the electronic cigarette, etc., if desired. The printed circuit board 160 is further provided with a set of physical and mechanical connectors 161 for holding and driving the LED light signaling 128. Specifically, the circuit board 160 controls the LED light signaling element 128 to provide an indication to the user of the current charging situation of the cigarette package 100, plus any other useful information.

The printed circuit board 135 is located on the outside of the recharging tube 132A, relatively close to its top, i. e. closer to the slot or opening 132 receiving the electronic cigarette for recharging. This circuit board 135 includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) which is used to illuminate the annular light element 133. The circuit board 135, the LED and the annular light element 133 are used to provide an indication to the user regarding the current electronic charging situation. inside the tube 132A of the cigarette package 100, plus provides some other useful information.

Fig. 9A and 9B show (in an exploded view) an electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 of a cigarette package in more detail, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 includes a base 702 which is located on the base of the package 100 and a connector 703 which has two electrical contacts 704A, 704B for making an electrical connection with electrical contacts 900A, 900B on the cap 225 of the electronic cigarette 10 when the electronic cigarette 10 is inserted into tube 132A. Specifically, external electrical contact 704A makes electrical connection with electrical contact 900A on electronic cigarette 10, and internal electrical contact 704B makes electrical connection with electrical contact 900B on electronic cigarette 10. Electrical contacts 704A, 704B are connected to circuit board 160 via wires 708A, 708B and under the control of circuit board 160 act as positive and negative electrodes for charging electronic cigarette 10 with power supplied from battery 151. Electrical contacts 704A, 704B are installed using a spring on base 702 to ensure good electrical connection with contacts 900A, 900B on cap 225 of electronic cigarette 10. Electrical conductors connecting electrical contacts 704A, 704B and wires 708A, 708B may extend along the surface of base 702, or may pass through a hole in base 702, for example.

The electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 further includes a cylindrical tube 706 that is attached to the base 702. A portion of the cylindrical tube 706 is configured to receive the end portion of the tube 132A. The inner diameter of the portion of the cylindrical tube 706 that accommodates the end portion of the tube 132A is set such that the outer surface of the end portion of the tube 132A is frictionally engaged with the inner surface of the cylindrical tube 706. The inner surface of the cylindrical tube 706 further includes a rib 714 that abuts the end of the tube 132A and ensures that only the end portion of the tube 132A, having a predetermined length, can enter the cylindrical tube 706. The cylindrical tube 706 further includes a groove 710 on the outer surface that engages with the rib 712 on the printed circuit board 160.

When the insert 130 and the electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 are inserted into the outer case 125, the base 702 abuts the lower inner surface of the outer case 125. The insert 130 and the electronic cigarette connection assembly 700 are held in place within the outer case 125 (as well as relative to each other). friend).

It should be appreciated that the configuration and arrangement of the package and insert shown in FIG. 7, 8, and 9 are provided by way of example, and those skilled in the art will be aware of many potential variations, for example, the number, position, size, and/or shape of openings 131, 132 may vary from one embodiment to another, as well as the tubes 131B, 132A interacting with them. Likewise, the specific positioning, shape, and size of the battery module 150 of the circuit board 160, and other components in general, will vary from one embodiment of the invention to another, depending on the particular circumstances and requirements of any given application. It should also be noted that the shape and positioning of the electrical contacts 704A, 704B will adapt according to the different shapes and positional configurations of the electrical contacts 900A, 900B on the electronic cigarette 10.

Fig. 10 and 11 schematically show some components of an electronic cigarette 10 and a package 100, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. These components help improve the safety and reliability of the various charging mechanisms provided for the electronic cigarette 10 and the cigarette package 100.

Fig. 10 schematically depicts some of the electrical components of the electronic cigarette 10. In addition to connector 900, battery 210, and connector 25V already discussed with respect to FIG. 5 and 6, fig. 10 also shows the charging tip PCB 1002, the temperature sensor 1006, and the overcurrent protection PCB 1000. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity, not all electrical components of the electronic cigarette 10 are included in FIG. 10, for example, some of the components already shown in FIG. 6 were skipped.

The overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 monitors the current flowing through the 25V connector during the operation of the electronic cigarette 10. As previously discussed, during the use of the electronic cigarette 10, the CPU 550 detects when the user draws air through the electronic cigarette using information from the module 215 sensor and causes current to flow to heater 365 in cartomizer 30 through the 25V connector. If, for example, a short circuit occurs in the heater, there is a sudden increase in current flowing through the heater 365 and the 25V connector. A short circuit may occur for reasons such as an electrical failure in the heater, or because the heating circuit has been tampered with, excessive moisture has come into contact with the heater, etc. Short circuiting the heater may create a risk of damage to the electronic cigarette device, or worse, may harm the user.

Accordingly, the overcurrent protection circuit board 1000, upon detecting a current flowing through the 25V connector that is considered too high (i.e., above a certain predetermined threshold), causes the current from the battery 210 to be cut off to the 25V connector. This reduces the possibility of damage to the electronic cigarette and harm to the user due to such a short circuit.

The predetermined threshold value for the current is set such that dangerously high currents indicative of a short circuit are turned off, but normal, non-dangerous current changes are not turned off (thus preventing unnecessary inconvenience to the user). For example, the threshold for supplying current from battery 210 to heater 365 can be set somewhere in the range of 40-250 milliamps, or more precisely in the range of 60-120 milliamps, such that any current above this threshold triggers a shutdown. current.

The overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 may also turn off if the voltage of the battery 210 is too low, such as below about 3.1 or 3.2V. This generally indicates that the battery is in a low state of charge and could potentially prevent the heater coil from performing correctly (or satisfactorily).

The overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 can also monitor the current flowing through the 25V connector while recharging the electronic cigarette 10 via the 25V USB connector. For example, the expected voltage applied by a USB charger to a 25V connector might be 5V, so the cutoff overvoltage could be set to 6V as an illustration. Therefore, the overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 provides protection for the electronic cigarette 10 both during overcharging (against overcharging voltage) and during normal operation (against overcurrent draw).

The charging tip circuit board 1002 acts as a controller to monitor and control the power flowing from the package 100 to the electronic cigarette battery 210 during recharging. For example, the charging tip circuit board 1002 may cut off power flowing from the package 100 to the electronic cigarette battery 210 if the voltage and/or current received through connector 900 is too high, such as exceeding a predetermined threshold value for voltage or current. Thresholds may be set to allow for the full range of normal operating conditions, but trigger (off) before reaching a level that may begin to cause damage to the electronic cigarette 10.

The charging tip circuit board 1002 is coupled to a temperature sensor 1006. The temperature sensor 1006 is in thermal contact with the battery 210 to be sensible to the temperature of the battery 210. (Thus, the temperature sensor 1006 is typically an accessory to the temperature sensor 563 shown in FIG. 6 since the first of the sensors is positioned to measure the temperature of the battery 210, while the last of the sensors is positioned to measure the temperature of the air flow in the electronic cigarette).

When battery 210 is recharged using connector 900 (i.e., when an electronic cigarette is inserted into tube 132A of package 100, causing connector 900 to make electrical contact with connector 703 of the cigarette package), the battery will typically become warm. However, if the battery gets too hot (perhaps due to a malfunction in the battery or due to a very warm ambient temperature), it may cause damage to the electronic cigarette 10, the cigarette package 100, or worse, may harm the user. Also, if the battery is very cold (possibly due to the fact that the ambient temperature is very cold), then attempts to charge the battery 210 may cause damage to the battery. Thus, the charging tip circuit board 1002 monitors the temperature of the battery 210 using the information generated by the temperature sensor 1006. value), the charging tip PCB 1002 cuts off the current supply to the battery 210 from the connector 900. This reduces the possibility of damage to the electronic cigarette 10 or cigarette package 100 or harm to the user due to overheating of the battery 210, and also reduces the possibility of damage to the battery 210 when charging it in too cold environments.

The predetermined upper temperature threshold is set such that high temperatures, indicative of potential overheating of the battery, will cut off the current supplied to the battery 210, while lower temperature increases do not cut off the current supplied to the battery 210. Similarly, , a predetermined lower temperature threshold is set such that low temperatures that could damage battery 210 result in the current being supplied to battery 210 being cut off, while smaller decreases in battery temperature do not result in the current being supplied to battery 210 being cut off. Examples of upper and lower temperature thresholds, respectively, are the ranges of approximately 60°C - 0°C, or 45°C - 10°C.

The charging tip circuit board 1002 also ensures that current is only turned off if it is supplied to battery 210 for a predetermined period of time. This ensures that the battery 210 will not be subject to overheating when the battery 210 is being continuously charged, even though it has reached full capacity (which could damage the battery 210). The predetermined time period is set such that the battery can be charged to full capacity (maximizing the period of time that the user can use the electronic cigarette without having to recharge it), but at the same time, overcharging of the battery 210 is also prevented. For example, the predetermined time period can be set approximately in the range of 1-4 hours, for example between 1 and 2 hours.

Therefore, in general, the overcurrent protection PCB 1000 and/or the charging tip PCB 1002 provide protection based on the parameters or dimensions set below.

*time - there is a threshold value for the maximum recharge duration.

*temperature - there are upper and lower thresholds, respectively, for the maximum and minimum temperature of the battery. These thresholds apply in particular when the battery 210 is being recharged, but may also apply during normal operation of the device, ie. when the user inhales through the electronic cigarette 10 to activate the heater 365 and create a vapor output.

*voltage - there is a threshold value for the maximum voltage applied during recharging.

*current - there is a threshold value for the maximum current flowing during recharging and/or for the maximum current flowing from the body 20 to the cartomizer 30 during normal operation of the electronic cigarette.

In the event that any of the above thresholds is exceeded, the recharging operation (or device operation, if necessary) can be terminated by activating the appropriate type of shutdown. It should be appreciated that protection for each of the above four parameters or sizes, in general, can be applied in the overcurrent protection PCB 1000 and/or the charging tip PCB 1002, if necessary, with the first of the two options being to recharge or normal operation via the 25V connector, while the second refers to recharge via the 900 connector.

It should be noted that there is some overlap or redundancy between the different levels of protection. For example, turning off the current supply to the battery 210 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed will generally help reduce the likelihood that the battery 210 becomes too hot during recharging. However, this crossing provides more protection, because if for some reason the temperature monitoring function does not work properly, then due to the fact that the current is supplied to the battery 210 only for a predetermined period of time (instead of being supplied unlimited), battery overheating can still be prevented.

The functionality shown in FIG. 10 can be applied using separate components. For example, the charging tip circuit board 1002 can be used as a separate component, such as Texas Instruments' BQ24040 PCB (this can help support the use of ready-to-use components). Alternatively, one or both boards, ie. the charging tip circuit board 1002 and the overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 may be integrated as part of the microcontroller 555 (see FIG. 6). An additional possibility is that the charging tip PCB 1002 and the overcurrent protection PCB 1000 are integrated together in a single device, which is a separate device that is not part of the 555 microcontroller.

As described above, the electronic cigarette is provided with two contacts that can be used for recharging, namely a 900 connector (for charging through a 100 pack) and a 25V connector that can be used for charging via a (micro) USB connector when the electronic cigarette is in disassembled (case 20 and cartomizer 30 are separated). The 25V connector can also be used to supply power from the housing to the cartomizer when the electronic cigarette is in the assembled state. The charging tip circuit board 1002 provides protection and control with respect to charging the electronic cigarette through connector 900. The overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 provides protection and control with respect to power supply from the housing to the cartomizer.

The overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 can also provide protection and control regarding charging an electronic cigarette from an external power supply through the 25V connector, similar to the protection provided by the charging tip circuit board 1002 when recharging through the connector 900. For example, these protection and control may include monitoring the current and/or voltage from the 25V connector and shutting off the power supply to the battery if the current or voltage exceeds an appropriate limit. In addition, the overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 can turn off the power supply if the charging duration (time) exceeds a certain threshold level, or if the temperature of the electronic cigarette is too high or too low. It should be noted that the overcurrent protection circuit board 1000 may have access to the temperature sensor 1006 for this sensor to make a determination*, or may be provided with its own additional temperature sensor (not shown in FIG. 10).

Fig. 11 schematically shows some of the electrical components of a rechargeable cigarette package 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In addition to connector 164, battery 151, and connector 703, as already discussed with respect to FIG. 8 and 9, figs. 11 also shows an overcurrent trip module 1100, an overvoltage trip module 1102, a multi-position control unit (MCU) 1104, a circuit board controller 1106, a temperature sensor 1108, and a protection circuit module (PCM) 1110. Similarly to FIG. 10, certain components of the cigarette package 100 have been omitted from FIG. 11 for more clarity.

The package 100 supports three main charging operations (modes). (1) When connector 164 is electrically connected to a power source (such as a USB charger), electricity flows from the power source through connector 164 to battery 151. This allows battery 151 to be charged. (2) When connector 164 is electrically connected to a power source (such as a USB charger), electricity also flows from the power source through connectors 164 and 703 to the electronic cigarette 10 (if present). This allows the battery 210 of the electronic cigarette 10 to be charged (simultaneously with the batteries 151 of the cigarette package). (3) When the connector 900 of the electronic cigarette 10 is electrically connected to the connector 703, but there is no external power supply for the package on the connector 164, electricity flows from the battery 151 to the electronic cigarette 10 through the connector 703. This allows the battery 210 of the electronic cigarette 10 to be charged. This flowing electricity can generally be controlled by one or more of an overcurrent trip module 1100, an overvoltage trip module 1102, a circuit board regulator 1106, a protection circuit module (PCM) 1110, and a multi-position control unit (MCU) 1104. The management of battery charging and power flows when charging an electronic cigarette will now be explained in more detail.

The PCB control unit 1106 is a power control controller for charging the battery 151, it regulates the current and voltage supplied to the battery 151 during charging. In some embodiments of the invention, the regulation using block 1106 is applied using the device MicrOne ME4057; however, other applications may use other devices (or may combine the functionality of the control unit 1106 in other components).

Current and voltage are controlled by block 1106 such that they remain substantially constant at setpoints that are chosen to provide adequate and safe charging of battery 151 and to help increase, or at least maintain, long-term battery life. battery life (long-term battery life refers to the total number of possible charge and recharge cycles of a rechargeable battery before it begins to lose its capacity permanently).

When the battery 151 is a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery, the current and voltage setpoints may be approximately 400-500mA and approximately 4.2V during charging, respectively. The setpoints can also change during the charging of one battery. For example, when the battery 151 is charged for the first time, the current setpoint may be lower. Then, at a subsequent time, when the battery has retained a certain amount of charge, the current setpoint can be increased to values of approximately 400-500 mA, as described above. This prevents the battery from being subjected to a relatively high current when it is fully discharged (or close to being completely discharged), which could otherwise damage the battery and may reduce its long-term lifespan. Other applications may have different maximum values when applying current or voltage, for example, approximately 250-600 mA and approximately in the range of 3-6 V (respectively).

The PCB control unit 1106 is also connected to the temperature sensor 1108. The temperature sensor 1108 is in thermal contact with the battery 151 in order to be responsive to the temperature of the battery 151. When the battery is charged using the power supplied through the connector 164, the battery will typically become warm. However, if the battery gets too hot (perhaps due to battery failure or because the ambient temperature is too high), it may cause damage to the battery 151 or package 100, or worse, harm the user. In addition, if the battery is too cold (perhaps because the ambient temperature is too low), then an attempt to charge the battery 151 may also cause damage to the battery 151. Thus, the circuit board control unit 1106 monitors the temperature of the battery 151 using the information provided by the sensor. 1108 temperature. If the temperature becomes too high (i.e., above a certain predetermined upper threshold) or too low (i.e., below a certain predetermined lower threshold), then the circuit board control unit 1106 turns off the power supply to the battery 210. This reduces the possibility damage to the battery 151 or the package 100, as well as harm to the user due to the overheating of the battery 151, and reduces the possibility of damage to the battery 151 by charging it when it is too cold.

The predetermined upper threshold is set such that high temperatures, indicative of overheating of the battery, will cut off current to the battery 151, but normal (normal) increases in battery temperature that do not carry a risk of damage will not cut off current to the battery. 151. Similarly, the predetermined lower threshold is set such that at low temperatures that may damage the battery 151, the current supplied to the battery 151 is turned off. However, a drop in battery temperature that remains within certain limits of normal battery operation does not cut off current to battery 151. Examples of upper and lower temperature thresholds, respectively, are about 45°C and about -5°C. However, for some batteries, the upper temperature threshold may be up to about 60°C and the lower temperature threshold may be up to about -20°C. Typically, the upper temperature threshold is in the range of 45-60°C, while the lower threshold is in the range of 0 to -20°C.

In some applications, the package 100 may be provided with a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature within the cigarette package (typically in the vicinity of any refill of an electronic cigarette within the package). And in this case, this sensor can also trigger a power outage if the temperature is detected to rise above a certain threshold, such as 50°C for example. It should be noted that such a temperature sensor may be provided in addition to or instead of a temperature sensor 1108 such as shown in FIG. 11 (which is intended to measure primarily the temperature of the battery 151).

In addition to the current and voltage control used by the circuit board regulator 1106, the package 100 provides additional protection against excessive voltages or currents that are too high and which therefore could cause damage to the battery 151 or other components of the cigarette package (or harm the user). For example, package 100 also includes an overcurrent shutdown module 1100 and an overvoltage shutdown module 1102.

The overcurrent shutdown module 1100 cuts off the power supplied from the connector 164 to the other components of the package 100 (including the control circuit board 1106) when it detects that the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. Even though the current supplied to the battery 151 is regulated by the control circuit board 1106 (as previously described), the overcurrent shutdown module 1100 provides an additional layer of protection for the battery 151 and other components of the package 100. For example, the module 1100 overcurrent shutdown helps reduce the risk of damage to package components when too much current is drawn through connector 164 (this can happen, for example, if an inappropriate charger is used that delivers too much current connected to connector 164, or in if a short circuit occurs on one of the packaging components).

The overcurrent trip module 1100 may be applied, for example, using a thermal resettable fuse that trips by entering a high impedance state when the current exceeds a predetermined threshold. At a subsequent point in time when the temperature is lowered, the thermal reset fuse enters the low impedance state again, thereby allowing current to flow again (as a result of which the use of the cigarette package 100 can be resumed). The pre-set current threshold is set so that a high current that could cause damage is switched off, but current changes within normal and acceptable operating parameters do not cause a trip. For example, a predetermined current threshold may be set to approximately 1 amp.

The overvoltage shutdown module 1102 cuts off the power supplied from the connector 164 to the other components of the package 100 (including the control circuit board 1106) when it detects that the applied voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. Even though the voltage supplied to the battery 151 is regulated by the regulation circuit board 1106 (as previously described), the overvoltage shutdown module 1102* provides an additional level of protection for the battery 151 and other components of the package 100, thus reducing risk of damage to the packaging components (or potential harm to the user) if too high voltage is applied through connector 164. Such a high voltage can be applied, for example, if an unsuitable charger connected to connector 164 is used, which delivers too much voltage. The pre-set voltage threshold is set such that dangerously high voltages are tripped (i.e., voltages that could cause damage to the device or could cause harm to the user), but voltage changes within the normal (non-dangerous) operating range do not cause a trip. . For example, a predetermined voltage threshold can be set to approximately 6V, thus ensuring that a 5V USB charger will not activate the overvoltage shutdown module 1102, however, higher voltages will activate the overvoltage shutdown module 1102.

A protection circuit module (PCM) 1110, which is installed between the control circuit board and battery 151, monitors the current and voltage between battery 151 and other components of the cigarette package (including control circuit board 1106), and disconnects the electrical connection between battery 151 and other components of the package in if the current or voltage is outside the specified range for current or voltage (respectively). This monitoring is performed to both charge the battery 151 (from an external power supply via the connector 164) and discharge the battery 151 (to supply power to the battery 210 in the electronic cigarette 10 via the connector 703, as well as to other package components such as light signaling 128). In particular, during the charging or discharging of the battery 151, if any of the two parameters, i.e. current or voltage exceeds (respectively) a predetermined threshold value, then the electrical connection between the battery 151 and other components of the package is disconnected (disconnected), i.e. the flow of electricity between the battery 151 and the other components of the package is prevented or at least significantly impeded. This helps to reduce the risk of too much current or voltage supplied to or from the battery 151 and related problems (such as damage to the battery 151 and/or other components, harm to the user, etc.). The overvoltage threshold may be set to, for example, approximately 4.3V, while the overcurrent threshold may be set, for example, in the range of 1.5-2.5 amps, for example, approximately 1.8A.

In addition, during the discharging of the battery 151, for example, to recharge the battery 210 in the electronic cigarette 10, if the voltage from the battery 151 falls below a predetermined threshold, then in this case, the electrical connection between the battery 151 and other components of the package, such as the connector 703, turns off. This helps to prevent damage to the battery 151 that may otherwise occur due to continued draining of current from the battery when it has low residual capacity and low output voltage (this may occur with certain rechargeable batteries such as lithium ion batteries).

The protection circuit module (PCM) 1110 may comprise a separate circuit board or may (for example) be integrated as part of the battery 151. capable of detecting voltage/current deviations that cannot be detected by other components of the voltage/current regulation package (such as circuit board control unit 1106, overcurrent trip module 1100, overvoltage trip module 1102). Thus, the protection circuit module 1110 adds an additional layer of protection against the risk of damage to the battery 151 or any other components (or the electronic cigarette 10), as well as the potential harm to the user caused by incorrect voltage or current values.

The protection circuit module (PCM) 1110 may comprise any standard circuit board suitable for detecting whether the applied voltage and/or current is within certain predetermined limits. In addition, the PCM 1110 may include a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) for detecting when the current exceeds a predetermined current threshold.

The multi-position control unit (MCU) 1104 ensures that current is supplied to the battery 151 only during charging for a predetermined period of time before it is turned off. This helps to ensure that the battery 151 is not overcharged, during which the battery 151 is continuously charged even though it has been charged to full capacity (which could damage the battery 151). The predetermined time period is set to allow the battery to be charged to its full capacity (thus maximizing the length of time between charges during which the user can use the cigarette package 100, for example, to recharge the electronic cigarette 10), but also to to prevent overcharging of the battery 151. For example, the predetermined time period may be approximately set in the range of 2-8 hours, such as between 4 and 6 hours.

Turning off the current supply to battery 151 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed can also help reduce the likelihood that battery 151 gets too hot or too cold. Although this is controlled by the temperature monitoring function of the PCB control unit 1106 (as already described), if for any reason the temperature monitoring function does not work properly, then in this case, due to the fact that the current is supplied to the battery 151 only for a given period of time (instead of being applied indefinitely), the problems discussed above associated with the continuous supply of current to the battery 151 when it is too hot can at least be mitigated.

The multi-position control unit (MCU) 1104 also ensures that current is only supplied from the battery 151 while the electronic cigarette 10 is being charged via the connector 703 for a predetermined period of time before it is turned off. This provides an additional layer of protection to help prevent overcharging of the battery 210 of the electronic cigarette 10 (in addition to the timed overcurrent shutdown function of the charging tip circuit board 1002 for charging the electronic cigarette 10 itself, as described above). For example, the predetermined time period may be approximately set in the range of 2-6 hours, such as between 3 and 5 hours. It should be noted that this shutdown applies regardless of whether current is supplied to the electronic cigarette 10 through an external power supply and connector 164 or from the battery 151 of the cigarette package.

Overcharging of the battery 210 of the electronic cigarette 10 can be avoided in the first place by using the preset charging time for the electronic cigarette of the charging tip board 1002, with the preset charging time for the electronic cigarette of the multi-position control unit (MCU) in this case being set to the same or slightly longer. value to act as a backup in case the MCU 1104 timer becomes faulty and fails to turn off the current at the appropriate time. Thus, overcharging of the electronic cigarette 10 can be prevented even if the timer function of the electronic cigarette 10 fails.

Therefore, in general, the package 100 shown in FIG. 11 can use a large number of protective features, such as: protection against high voltage, and/or high current received from the connector 164 and/or supplied from the connector 164 of the power supply for too long a period of time; protection against cigarette package 100 and/or battery 151 having too high (or too low) temperature (this protection is valid for all three charging modes defined above); protection against high voltage and/or high current supplied to the electronic cigarette 10 through connector 703 and/or protection against power supplied to the electronic cigarette 10 through connector 703 for too long (this current/voltage protection and timing protection can be applied regardless of whether the electronic cigarette is recharged with an external power source or with the package battery 151). In addition, shutdowns can also be made by the circuit board regulator 1106 if the voltage of the pack battery 151 exceeds a predetermined level while the pack battery is being recharged (typically in the range of approximately 4.2 - 4.5V), or if the voltage of the battery 151 falls below a predetermined level while the battery of the package is being discharged (by the electronic cigarette or other components of the package). This lower voltage can be set, for example, in the range of 2-3V, for example approximately 2.5V.

One or more of the components shown in FIG. 11, such as PCB control unit 1106, protection circuit module 1110, multi-position control unit (MCU) 1104, may be integrated as part of PCBs 160, 135, or 154 shown in FIG. 8. Alternatively, one or more of these components may be separate components. In addition, the functionality between different components can be distributed in different ways. Likewise, there are numerous potential variations for connector 703 of cigarette package 100 and connector 900 of electronic cigarette 10. For example, connectors 703, 900 may vary in position, size, shape, etc., as long as connectors may provide an electrical connection to each other to allow current to flow from the battery 151 of the package 100 to the battery 210 of the electronic cigarette.

In light of the above embodiments of the invention, it can be seen that all of the various safety components of the electronic cigarette 10 (as described with reference to FIG. 10) and the package 100 (as described with reference to FIG. 11) contribute to overall improved control. voltage, current, and temperature in the electronic cigarette 10 and the cigarette package 100 while charging the electronic cigarette 10 and the package 100. This results in a rechargeable electronic cigarette and cigarette package that operate reliably and safely.

However, it should also be appreciated that even if only some (instead of all) of the above-mentioned safety components of the electronic cigarette 10 and/or the package 100 are used, the improved reliability and safety of the rechargeable electronic cigarette and/or can still be enjoyed. or packaging for cigarettes.

In addition, the approach described here may extend to the field of electronic systems for providing evaporation, such as devices (heat-not-burn) using heat instead of combustion (which may include some plant materials or an extract, for example, a tobacco leaf, which then heated or provided with steam to produce the desired vapors). One example of such an alternative form of electronic vaporization system is described in US 2011/0226236, which discloses an inhaler containing a vaporizer based on a combined planar structure that includes both a heating mechanism and an absorption mechanism.

The approach described here provides protection against misoperation by:

a) monitoring and controlling a plurality of parameters or measurements in general, in particular using time, temperature, voltage and current. Making these various measurements not only can help detect various fault conditions, but they also help provide redundant (redundant) protection against certain fault conditions should one of the monitoring or control systems itself become faulty;

b) tracking and adjusting at multiple locations within both the electronic cigarette 10 and the package 100. Tracking and adjusting at multiple locations within the same device (i.e. inside the package or electronic cigarette), potentially for the same parameter (current, voltage etc.) can again help detect various fault conditions and also help provide redundant (redundant) protection against certain fault conditions should one of the monitoring or control systems itself become faulty. In addition, providing appropriate tracking and regulation functionality in both the e-cigarette itself and the charging package further helps to provide some protection if the user attempts to use a different charging package (i.e., a package without the safety features described above) to recharge. electronic cigarette, or the user attempts to use the recharging package to recharge another electronic cigarette (i.e., a cigarette without the safety features described above).

Finally, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments of the invention in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosed invention are only a representative selection of embodiments of the invention, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are only an aid to the understanding and study of the claimed invention(s). It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments of the invention, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosed invention should not be construed as limitations on the invention as defined by the claims, or as limitations on the equivalents of the claims; it should also be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments of the invention may, respectively, contain, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., which differ from those that were, in particular, described here. The disclosed invention may include one or more other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (42)

1. Cigarette packaging for placing in it and for refilling the electronic cigarette, the above package contains: a rechargeable battery pack of cigarettes; the first connector that can be electrically connected to an external power source; a first recharging mechanism for recharging a cigarette pack battery using an external power supply when the first connector is electrically connected to the external power supply; a second connector that can be electrically connected to an electronic cigarette contained within the cigarette package; And a second recharging mechanism for recharging the electronic cigarette when the electronic cigarette is electrically connected to the second connector; wherein: the first reloading mechanism contains: a first protection circuit module for preventing the flow of electric power from the external power source to the cigarette package battery when the current supplied to the cigarette package battery exceeds the first predetermined current threshold or the voltage supplied to the cigarette package battery exceeds the first predetermined voltage threshold; And the second reloading mechanism contains: a second protection circuit module for preventing electric power from flowing from the cigarette package battery to the electronic cigarette when the current supplied by the cigarette package battery exceeds the second predetermined current threshold or when the voltage supplied by the cigarette package battery exceeds the second predetermined voltage threshold. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the second protection circuit module is configured to prevent electrical energy from flowing from the package battery to the electronic cigarette if the voltage supplied by the cigarette package falls below a predetermined lower voltage threshold. 3. Cigarette packaging for placing and recharging the electronic cigarette, the above packaging contains: cigarette packaging battery; the first connector that can be electrically connected to an external power source; a first recharging mechanism for recharging a cigarette pack battery using an external power supply when the first connector is electrically connected to the external power supply; a second connector that can be electrically connected to the electronic cigarette when the electronic cigarette is contained inside a cigarette package; And a second recharging mechanism for recharging the electronic cigarette using the battery of the cigarette package when the electronic cigarette is electrically connected to the second connector and placed inside the package; wherein the first recharging mechanism is configured to monitor and regulate the recharging of the package battery based on the voltage, current, time and temperature of the cigarette package battery. 4. Packaging according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, further comprising a control unit for converting the voltage and current of the electrical power supplied from the external power source to appropriate predetermined voltage and current values before the electrical power is supplied to the battery of the cigarette package. 5. The package according to claim 4, wherein the target value of the voltage supplied to the battery of the cigarette package by the control unit is in the range of 4-4.5 V, and the target value of the current supplied to the battery of the cigarette package by the control unit is in the range 400-500 mA. 6. A package according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first reloading mechanism further comprises: an overcurrent shutdown module for preventing electric power from flowing from the external power supply to the control unit when the current supplied by the external power supply exceeds the third predetermined current threshold; And an overvoltage shutdown module for preventing the flow of electrical energy from the external power supply to the control unit when the voltage supplied by the external power supply exceeds the third predetermined voltage threshold. 7. The package of claim 6 wherein the third current threshold setting is about 1A and the third voltage threshold setting is about 6V. 8. Packaging according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which: the first recharging mechanism further comprises a first timer that is configured to start determining the time when electric power starts to flow from the external power source to the cigarette pack battery, and also to prevent the flow of electric power from the external power source to the cigarette pack battery after the first predetermined period of time expires; And the second recharging mechanism further comprises a second timer that is configured to start determining the time when electric power starts to flow from the cigarette package battery to the electronic cigarette, and also to prevent electric power from flowing from the cigarette package battery to the electronic cigarette after the second predetermined time period expires. 9. A package as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first predetermined time period is between 4 and 6 hours and the second predetermined time period is between 1 and 2.5 hours. 10. Packaging according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, wherein the first recharging mechanism further comprises a temperature sensor that is responsive to the temperature of the cigarette package battery, wherein the first recharging mechanism is configured to prevent the flow of electrical energy from an external power source to the package battery when it is determined that the temperature is The package battery is outside the range defined between the lower temperature threshold and the upper temperature threshold. 11. The cigarette package of claim 10, wherein the lower temperature threshold is about -5°C and the upper temperature threshold is about 45°C. 12. A rechargeable electronic cigarette, comprising: battery; a connector that can be electrically connected to an external power source; And a recharging mechanism for recharging a battery using an external power source when the connector is electrically connected to an external power source, wherein the recharging mechanism comprises: a charging controller for controlling electrical energy flowing from the external power supply to the cigarette battery; And timer; wherein the timer is configured to start determining the time when electric power starts to flow from the external power source to the cigarette battery, and also to prevent the flow of electric power from the external power source to the cigarette battery after the predetermined time period has elapsed. 13. Cigarette according to claim 12, containing a temperature sensor that responds to the temperature of the battery; wherein the charging controller is configured to prevent the flow of electrical power from the external power source to the cigarette battery when the battery temperature is detected to be outside the range defined between the lower temperature threshold and the upper temperature threshold, wherein the lower temperature threshold is about 0°C, and the upper temperature threshold is about 50°C. 14. A cigarette according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the predetermined time period is in the range of 1-3 hours. 15. Cigarette according to any one of paragraphs. 12-14, wherein the charging controller is configured to prevent the flow of electrical power from the external power source to the cigarette battery when the voltage or current of the electrical power flowing to the battery exceeds a predetermined voltage or current threshold. 16. Cigarette according to any one of paragraphs. 12 to 15, in which a predetermined period of time is set such that the battery can be charged to full capacity, but at the same time, overcharging of the battery is also prevented.

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