Electronic cigarette

An electronic cigarette includes a power supply device, a sensing unit, an atomizer, a liquid storage structure and a fluid transportation device. The atomizer includes an electric heater and a liquid conduit. The liquid conduit has an input port at one end and plural perforations at the other end, and the electric heater is disposed around the liquid conduit. The liquid storage structure includes a passageway and a liquid container. A cigarette liquid is stored in the liquid container. The fluid transportation device includes an input channel and an output channel. The input channel is in communication with the liquid container. The output channel is in communication with the liquid conduit of the atomizer. The cigarette liquid is transferred to the atomizer at a certain amount. Consequently, an atomized vapor is generated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, and more particularly to an electronic cigarette with a fluid transportation device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, electronic cigarettes are widely used to replace the conventional tobacco cigarettes.FIG. 1Ais a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional electronic cigarette.FIG. 1Bis a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the atomizer of the conventional electronic cigarette. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the electronic cigarette comprises a first casing1a, a second casing1b, a power supply device2, a sensing unit3, an atomizer4and a liquid storage structure5. The first casing1aand the second casing1bare thin-wall metal pipes, e.g., stainless steel pipes. The power supply device2, the sensing unit3, the atomizer4and the liquid storage structure5are disposed within the first casing1aand the second casing1b. After the first casing1aand the second casing1bare combined together, the electronic cigarette is assembled. The length and diameter of the electronic cigarette are similar to those of the conventional tobacco cigarette. The power supply device2and the sensing unit3are disposed within the first casing1a. The first casing1acomprises at least one inlet1c, which is disposed near the sensing unit3. The atomizer4and the liquid storage structure5are disposed within the second casing1b. The atomizer4is fixed and supported on a bracket7. The atomizer4comprises an electric heater41, a liquid infiltration part42and a liquid transfer part43. The liquid infiltration part42is disposed around the electric heater41. The liquid transfer part43tightly holds the liquid infiltration part42. The electric heater41has a hollow structure. The liquid storage structure5is disposed within the second casing1b. The liquid storage structure5comprises a passageway51and a liquid container52. The passageway51is formed within the liquid storage structure5for allowing the gas to pass through. The liquid container52is disposed around the passageway51. A communication part431of the liquid transfer part43of the atomizer4is contacted with the liquid container52. Consequently, the cigarette liquid in the liquid container52can be absorbed by the liquid infiltration part42through the communication part431of the liquid transfer part43. Moreover, an intake-and-electric-connection element10is disposed between the atomizer4and the sensing unit3. An airflow path is defined by the intake-and-electric-connection element10. Moreover, the intake-and-electric-connection element10is in communication with the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5. After the ambient airflow is fed into the at least one inlet1c, the airflow is transferred to the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5through the sensing unit3and the electric heater41. The electronic cigarette further comprises an electrode ring8. The electrode ring8is electrically connected with two pins of the electric heater41. Moreover, the electrode ring8is electrically connected with the power supply device2through the electric connection between the intake-and-electric-connection element10and the sensing unit3. The electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is selectively enabled or disabled according to the result of sensing the airflow by the sensing unit3. In one embodiment, the sensing unit3can switch on or off the electric circuit of the power supply device2according to the airflow detected by the sensing unit3. Moreover, a mouthpiece9is disposed on an end of the second casing1band in communication with the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5.

The operations of the electronic cigarette will be described as follows. As mentioned above, the cigarette liquid in the liquid container52can be absorbed by the liquid infiltration part42through the communication part431of the liquid transfer part43. When the user smokes and inhales the air through the mouthpiece9, the airflow flows through the electronic cigarette. According to the sensing result of the sensing unit3, the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is enabled. After the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is enabled, the power supply device2provides electric power to the electrode ring8. Consequently, the electric heater41is enabled to heat the cigarette liquid. Meanwhile, the cigarette liquid in the liquid infiltration part42is heated and atomized by the electric heater41. Consequently, the user inhales the atomized vapor from the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5through the mouthpiece9. When the user stops smoking, the airflow does not flow through the electronic cigarette. According to the sensing result of the sensing unit3, the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is disabled. Meanwhile, the electric heater41stops heating the cigarette liquid.

As mentioned above, the cigarette liquid is transferred to the liquid infiltration part42through the communication part431of the liquid transfer part43. However, this design has some drawbacks.

Firstly, it is difficult to precisely control the amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the liquid infiltration part42through the communication part431of the liquid transfer part43. Consequently, the cigarette liquid is not uniformly absorbed by the liquid infiltration part42. In case that a site of the liquid infiltration part42absorbs a small amount of the cigarette liquid, the liquid drop is not uniformly generated. After the liquid drop of the cigarette liquid is heated by the electric heater41, the atomized vapor has a burning taste that is unpleasing to the user.

Secondly, since the amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the liquid infiltration part42cannot be precisely controlled, another problem occurs. Especially when the mouthpiece9faces up, the force of gravity continuously transfers the cigarette liquid from the liquid container52to the liquid infiltration part42. Once the cigarette liquid absorbed by the liquid infiltration part42reaches a saturation state, the cigarette liquid drops down to the bracket7and the intake-and-electric-connection element10. Then, the cigarette liquid drops down through the sensing unit3and leaks out from the at least one inlet1c. Meanwhile, a liquid leakage problem occurs.

Moreover, there are some differences between the electronic cigarettes and the real cigarettes. For example, when people smoke the real cigarettes, they are accustomed to smoking quickly, shortly and laboriously. Whereas, people smoke the electronic cigarettes lengthily and gently. While the user smokes the real cigarette and inhales a great amount of oxygen gas, the user can quickly get the wanted amount of smoke because the tobacco is burnt and atomized faster. However, while the user smokes the conventional electronic cigarette, the electric power to be transmitted to the electric heater and the heating speed cannot be adjusted. If the heating speed is too fast, the cigarette liquid is atomized by the atomizer very quickly. Since the cigarette liquid of the conventional electronic cigarette is provided according to a siphon effect, the speed of providing the cigarette liquid is too slow. Under this circumstance, the amount of the atomized vapor is insufficient or the atomized is burnt out. Since the electric power transmitted to the atomizer of the conventional electronic cigarette is fixed, the user has to smoke the electronic cigarette lengthily and gently to provide a sufficient heating time to the atomizer. That is, the conventional method of atomizing the cigarette liquid of the electronic cigarette still has some drawbacks. The above problems lead to significant differences between the real cigarette and the electronic cigarette. Because of these drawbacks, the user does not prefer to choose the electronic cigarette in replace of the real cigarette.

For solving the drawbacks of the conventional technologies, the present invention provides an improved electronic cigarette.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention provides an electronic cigarette. The cooperation of a fluid transportation device and a liquid conduit of an atomizer forms a controllable switch element. The amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the atomizer is precisely controlled by the controllable switch element. Consequently, the taste of the atomized vapor is enhanced, and the liquid leakage problem is solved.

Another object of the present invention provides an electronic cigarette for allowing the user to inhale a great amount of atomized vapor quickly. The electronic cigarette includes an airflow sensor and an air pressure sensor. The air pressure sensor issues a detection signal to the control module according to the result of detecting the pressure of the airflow. According to the detection signal, a control module adjusts the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid. That is, the control signal from the control module is adjusted according to the detection signal. Since the driving frequency of the fluid transportation device and the driving power of the heater module are correspondingly changed according to the control signal, the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid are adjusted. Consequently, the user can inhale a great amount of atomized vapor quickly, or the user can inhale the same amount of atomized vapor.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette includes a power supply device, a sensing unit, an atomizer, a liquid storage structure, a fluid transportation device, a casing and a mouthpiece. The power supply device provides a driving power and a control signal. An electric circuit of the power supply device is selectively enabled or disabled according to a result of detecting an airflow by the sensing unit. The atomizer includes an electric heater and a liquid conduit. The liquid conduit has an input port at one end and plural perforations at the other end, and the electric heater is disposed around the liquid conduit. The liquid storage structure includes a passageway and a liquid container. The airflow is allowed to pass through the passageway. A cigarette liquid is stored in the liquid container. The fluid transportation device includes an input channel and an output channel. The input channel is in communication with the liquid container. The output channel is in communication with the input port of the liquid conduit of the atomizer. The cigarette liquid is transferred from the liquid container to the liquid conduit through the fluid transportation device and transferred to the outside of the liquid conduit through the plural perforations. Consequently, the cigarette liquid is transferred to the electric heater of the atomizer at a certain amount. After the cigarette liquid is heated by the electric heater, an atomized vapor is generated. The power supply device, the sensing unit, the fluid transportation device, the atomizer, the liquid storage structure and an intake-and-electric-connection element are disposed within the casing. The casing has an inlet for the airflow to pass through. After the airflow is fed into the inlet, the airflow passes through the sensing unit and the passageway of the liquid storage structure along an airflow path. The fluid transportation device and the electric heater of the atomizer are electrically connected with the power supply device and the sensing unit through the intake-and-electric-connection element. The mouthpiece is located at an end of the casing and in communication with the passageway of the liquid storage structure. The mouthpiece has a mouth. The atomized vapor is transferred through the passageway of the liquid storage structure and the mouth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 2Ais a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Bis a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating some components near the power supply device of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Cis a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating some components near the atomizer of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the electronic cigarette of the present invention comprises a casing1, a power supply device2, a sensing unit3, an atomizer4, a liquid storage structure5, a fluid transportation device6and a mouthpiece9. The casing1is a combination of a first casing1aand a second casing1b. The second casing1bis replaceable. The first casing1aand the second casing1bare thin-wall metal pipes, e.g., stainless steel pipes. After the first casing1aand the second casing1bare combined together, the electronic cigarette is assembled. The length and diameter of the electronic cigarette are similar to those of the conventional tobacco cigarette. The power supply device2and the sensing unit3are disposed within the first casing1a. The first casing1acomprises at least one inlet1c, which is disposed near the sensing unit3.

FIG. 3is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the power supply device of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3, the power supply device2comprises a power module21, a control module22, a heater module23and a light emitting diode24. The power module21is a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery for providing a driving power to the control module22, the heater module23and the sensing unit3. The control module22provides a first control signal to the heater module23and provides a second control signal to the fluid transportation device6. The heater module23provides electric energy to the atomizer4. The light emitting diode24is located at a front end of the first casing1a. Under control of the control module22, the light emitting diode24is turned on or turned off to provide or not provide a prompt signal so as to indicate the operating condition of the electronic cigarette or provides a prompt signal with varied intensity so as to indicate the intensity of the atomized vapor.

Please refer toFIGS. 2A, 2B and 2Cagain. The sensing unit3is disposed within the first casing1a. There is an airflow chamber1dbetween the sensing unit3and the power supply device2. After the ambient airflow is introduced into the airflow chamber1dthrough the at least one inlet1c, the airflow passes through the sensing unit3along an airflow path. In an embodiment, the sensing unit3includes an airflow sensor31and an air pressure sensor32. The airflow sensor31issues a detection signal to the control module22according to the result of detecting the airflow. Consequently, the electric connection of the power supply device2is selectively established or interrupted. That is, the control module22of the power supply device2is selectively enabled or disabled to provide the control signal and the heater module23is selectively provide the electric energy to the atomizer4. The air pressure sensor32issues a detection signal to the control module22according to the result of detecting the pressure of the airflow. According to the detection signal, the control module22adjusts the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid. That is, the control signal from the control module22is adjusted according to the detection signal. Since the driving frequency of the fluid transportation device6and the driving power of the heater module23are correspondingly changed according to the control signal, the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid are adjusted. Moreover, an intake-and-electric-connection element10is disposed between the atomizer4and the sensing unit3. The power supply device2is electrically connected with the atomizer4and the fluid transportation device6through the intake-and-electric-connection element10. The airflow channel corresponding to the sensing unit3is in communication with the second casing1bthrough the intake-and-electric-connection element10.

FIG. 2Dis a schematic top view illustrating the structure of the atomizer of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer toFIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D. The atomizer4is disposed within the second casing1b. The atomizer4is fixed and supported on a fixing seat71of a bracket7. The atomizer4comprises an electric heater41and a liquid conduit44. In one embodiment, the electric heater41is disposed on a first end of the passageway51. The electric heater41has a hollow structure. The two pins (not shown) of the electric heater41are electrically connected with the power supply device2and the sensing unit3through the intake-and-electric-connection element10. According to the flowing condition of the airflow detected by the sensing unit3, the electric heater41is controlled to selectively heat or stop heating. The liquid conduit44is a tube for transferring liquid. Preferably but not exclusively, the liquid conduit44is a stainless steel tube. The liquid conduit44is disposed on the fixing seat71and has an input port441at one end and plural perforations442at the other end. The electric heater41is disposed on the fixing seat71and disposed around the liquid conduit44. The fixing seat71has a channel72.

Please refer toFIGS. 2A and 2C. The liquid storage structure5is disposed within the second casing1b. The liquid storage structure5comprises a passageway51and a liquid container52. The passageway51is formed within the liquid storage structure5for allowing the gas to pass through. The cigarette liquid is stored in the liquid container52. Moreover, the liquid container52is in communication with an input channel6aof the fluid transportation device6. In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the fluid transportation device6is used as a switch element for selectively allowing the cigarette liquid from the liquid container52to pass through. The fluid transportation device6is supported and positioned in the second casing1bthrough a supporting seat1e. The supporting seat1ehas a gas channel1f. An output channel6bof the fluid transportation device6is in communication with the input port441of the liquid conduit44of the atomizer4. When the fluid transportation device6is enabled, the cigarette liquid is transferred from the liquid container52to the liquid conduit44through the fluid transportation device6and then transferred to the outside of the liquid conduit44through the perforations442. Meanwhile, the cigarette liquid is heated and atomized by the electric heater41. Moreover, the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5is in communication with the intake-and-electric-connection element10through the gas channel72of the fixing seat71and the gas channel1fof the supporting seat1e. After the ambient airflow is fed into the at least one inlet1c, the airflow is transferred to the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5through the sensing unit3and the electric heater41of the atomizer4.

FIG. 4is a schematic perspective view illustrating the fluid transportation device of the electronic cigarette according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5Ais a schematic exploded view illustrating the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along a front side.FIG. 5Bis a schematic exploded view illustrating the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along a rear side.FIG. 6Ais a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve body of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the front side.FIG. 6Bis a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve body of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the rear side.FIG. 7Ais a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve chamber seat of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the front side.FIG. 7Bis a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve chamber seat of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the rear side.

Please refer toFIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B. The fluid transportation device6comprises a valve body63, a valve membrane64, a valve chamber seat65, an actuator66and an outer sleeve67. After the valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66are sequentially stacked on each other, the combination of the valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66is accommodated within the outer sleeve67and assembled with the outer sleeve67.

The valve body63and the valve chamber seat65are the main components for guiding the fluid to be inputted into or outputted from of the fluid transportation device6. The valve body63comprises an inlet passage631and an outlet passage632. The inlet passage631and the outlet passage632penetrate a first surface633and a second surface634of the valve body63. An inlet via6311is formed in the second surface634and in communication with the inlet passage631. Moreover, a groove6341is formed in the second surface634and disposed around the inlet via6311. A protrusion block6343is disposed on the periphery of the inlet via6311. An outlet via6321is formed in the second surface634and in communication with the outlet passage632. A groove6342is disposed around the outlet via6321. Moreover, plural recesses63bare formed in the second surface634of the valve body63.

The valve chamber seat65comprises a third surface655, a fourth surface656, plural posts65a, an inlet valve channel651, an outlet valve channel652and a pressure chamber657. The plural posts65aare formed on the third surface655. The posts65aare aligned with the corresponding recesses63bof the valve body63. When the posts65aare inserted into the corresponding recesses63bof the valve body63, the valve body63and the valve chamber seat65are locked and combined together. The inlet valve channel651and the outlet valve channel652penetrate the third surface655and the fourth surface656. A groove653is formed in the third surface655and disposed around the inlet valve channel651. A protrusion block6521is disposed on the periphery of the outlet valve channel652. A groove654is formed in the third surface655and disposed around the outlet valve channel652. The pressure chamber657is concavely formed in the fourth surface656, and in communication with the inlet valve channel651and the outlet valve channel652. Moreover, a concave structure658is formed in the fourth surface656and disposed around the pressure chamber657.

FIG. 8is a schematic top view illustrating the valve membrane of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4. Please refer toFIGS. 5A, 5B and 8. In an embodiment, the valve membrane64is made of polyimide (PI), and the valve membrane64is produced by a reactive ion etching (RIE) process, in which a photosensitive photoresist is applied to the valve structure and the pattern of the valve structure is exposed to light, then the polyimide layer uncovered by the photoresist is etched so that the valve structure of the valve membrane64is formed. The valve membrane64is a flat thin film structure. As shown inFIG. 8, the valve membrane64comprises two valve plates641aand641bat two perforated regions64aand64b, respectively. The two valve plates641aand641bhave the same thickness. The valve membrane64further comprises plural extension parts642aand642b. The extension parts642aand642bare arranged around the valve plates641aand641bfor elastically supporting the valve plates641aand641b. The valve membrane64further comprises plural hollow parts643aand643b, each of which is formed between two adjacent extension parts642aand642b. When an external force is exerted on any one of the valve plates641aand641b, deformation and displacement of which occur, since it is elastically supported by the extension parts642aand642b. Consequently, a valve structure is formed. Preferably but not exclusively, the valve plates641aand641bhave circular shapes, rectangular shapes, square shapes or arbitrary shapes. The valve membrane64further comprises plural positioning holes64c. The posts65aof the valve chamber seat65are inserted into the corresponding positioning holes64c. Consequently, the valve membrane64is positioned on the valve chamber seat65. Meanwhile, the inlet valve channel651and the outlet valve channel652are respectively covered by the valve plates641aand641b(seeFIG. 8). In this embodiment, the valve chamber seat65comprises two posts65aand valve membrane64comprises two positioning holes64c. It is noted that the number of the posts65aand the number of the positioning holes64care not restricted.

FIG. 11is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the assembled structure of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4. When the valve body63and the valve chamber seat65are combined together, four sealing rings68a,68b,68cand68dare received in the groove6341of the valve body63, the groove6342of the valve body63, the groove653of the valve chamber seat65and the groove654of the valve chamber seat65, respectively. Due to the sealing rings68a,68b,68cand68d, the fluid is not leaked out after the valve body63and the valve chamber seat65are combined together. The inlet passage631of the valve body63is aligned with the inlet valve channel651of the valve chamber seat65. The communication between the inlet passage631and the inlet valve channel651is selectively enabled or disabled through the valve plate641aof the valve membrane64. The outlet passage632of the valve body63is aligned with the outlet valve channel652of the valve chamber seat65. The communication between the outlet passage632and the outlet valve channel652is selectively enabled or disabled through the valve plate641bof the valve membrane64. When the valve plate641aof the valve membrane64is opened, the fluid is transferred from the inlet passage631to the pressure chamber657through the inlet valve channel651. When the valve plate641bof the valve membrane64is opened, the fluid is transferred from the pressure chamber657to the outlet passage632through the outlet valve channel652.

Please refer toFIGS. 5A and 5Bagain. The actuator66comprises a vibration plate661and a piezoelectric element662. The piezoelectric element662may be a square plate, and is attached on the surface of the vibration plate661. In an embodiment, the vibration plate661is made of a metallic material, and the piezoelectric element662is made of a highly-piezoelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric powder. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element662, the piezoelectric element662is subjected to a deformation. Consequently, the vibration plate661is vibrated along the vertical direction in the reciprocating manner to drive the operation of the fluid transportation device6. In this embodiment, the vibration plate661of the actuator66is assembled with the fourth surface656of the valve chamber seat65to cover the pressure chamber657. As mentioned above, the concave structure658is formed in the fourth surface656and disposed around the pressure chamber657. For preventing from the fluid leakage, a sealing ring68eis received in the concave structure658.

As mentioned above, the valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66are the main components of the fluid transportation device6for guiding the fluid. In accordance with the feature of the present invention, the fluid transportation device6has a specified mechanism for assembling and positioning these components. That is, it is not necessary to use the fastening elements (e.g., screws, nuts or bolts) to fasten these components. In an embodiment, the valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66are sequentially stacked on each other and accommodated within the outer sleeve67. Then, a valve cover62is tight-fitted into the outer sleeve67. Consequently, the fluid transportation device6is assembled. The mechanism for assembling and positioning these components will be described as follows.

FIG. 9is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer sleeve of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4. Please refer toFIGS. 5A, 5B and 9. The outer sleeve67is made of a metallic material. An accommodation space is defined by an inner wall671of the outer sleeve67. Moreover, a ring-shaped protrusion structure672is formed on the lower portion of the inner wall671of the outer sleeve67.

FIG. 10Ais a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve cover of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the front side.FIG. 10Bis a schematic perspective view illustrating the valve cover of the fluid transportation device ofFIG. 4and taken along the rear side. The valve cover62is also made of a metallic material. The valve cover62comprises a first via621and a second via622. The inlet passage631and the outlet passage632of the valve body63are inserted into the first via621and the second via622, respectively. Moreover, a bottom edge of the valve cover62has a chamfer structure623. The outer diameter of the valve cover62is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer sleeve67.

Please refer toFIGS. 5A and 5Bagain. The valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66are sequentially stacked on each other and placed into the accommodation space within the inner wall671of the outer sleeve67, being supported by the ring-shaped protrusion structure672of the outer sleeve67. As mentioned above, the outer diameter of the valve cover62is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the outer sleeve67. Due to the chamfer structure623, the valve cover62is tight-fitted into the outer sleeve67. Consequently, the combination of the valve body63, the valve membrane64, the valve chamber seat65and the actuator66is securely fixed between the valve cover62and the outer sleeve67. Meanwhile, the fluid transportation device6is assembled. In this embodiment, the actuator66is also disposed within the accommodation space of the outer sleeve67. When piezoelectric element662is subjected to a deformation in response to the applied voltage, the vibration plate661is vibrated along the vertical direction in the reciprocating manner. In other words, it is not necessary to use the fastening elements (e.g., screws, nuts or bolts) to fasten the components of the fluid transportation device6.

Please refer toFIG. 11again. The inlet valve channel651of the valve chamber seat65is aligned with the inlet via6311of the valve body63, and the inlet valve channel651of the valve chamber seat65and the inlet via6311of the valve body63are selectively in communication with each other through the valve plate641aof the valve membrane64. When the inlet via6311of the valve body63is closed by the valve plate641a, the valve plate641ais in close contact with the protrusion block6343of the valve body63. Consequently, a pre-force is generated to result in a stronger sealing effect, and the fluid will not be returned back. Similarly, the outlet valve channel652of the valve chamber seat65is aligned with the outlet via6321of the valve body63, and the outlet valve channel652of the valve chamber seat65and the outlet via6321of the valve body63are selectively in communication with each other through the valve plate641bof the valve membrane64. When the outlet valve channel652of the valve chamber seat65is closed by the valve plate641b, the valve plate641bis in close contact with the protrusion block6521of the valve chamber seat65. Consequently, a pre-force is generated to result in a stronger sealing effect, and the fluid will not be returned back to the pressure chamber657. Under this circumstance, in case that the fluid transportation device6is disabled, the fluid is not returned back to the inlet passage631and the outlet passage632of the valve body63.

The operations of the fluid transportation device6will be described in more details as follows.FIG. 12Ais a schematic view illustrating the operations of the fluid transportation device in a first situation. When the piezoelectric element662of the actuator66is subjected to a deformation in response to the applied voltage and causes downwardly deformation of the vibration plate661, the volume of the pressure chamber657is expanded to result in suction. In response to the suction, the valve plate641aof the valve membrane64is quickly opened. Consequently, a great amount of the fluid is inhaled into the inlet passage631of the valve body63, transferred to the pressure chamber657through the inlet via6311of the valve body63, the hollow parts643aof the valve membrane64and the inlet valve channel651of the valve chamber seat65. Then, the inhaled fluid is temporarily stored in the pressure chamber657. Since the suction is also exerted on the outlet valve channel652, the valve plate641bsupported by the extension parts642bof the valve membrane64is in close contact with the protrusion block6521of the valve chamber seat65. Consequently, the valve plate641bis tightly closed.

FIG. 12Bis a schematic view illustrating the operations of the fluid transportation device in a second situation. Once, the direction of electric field which is applied to the piezoelectric element662is changed, the piezoelectric element662drives the vibration plate661to deform upwardly, and the volume of the pressure chamber657is shrunken. As a result, the fluid within the pressure chamber657is compressed, generating a pushing force applied to the inlet valve channel651. In response to the pushing force, the valve plate641asupported by the extension parts642aof the valve membrane64is in close contact with the protrusion block6343of the valve body63to be closed. Consequently, the fluid cannot be returned back to the inlet valve channel651. Meanwhile, the pushing force is also applied to the outlet valve channel652. In response to the pushing force, the valve plate641bsupported by the extension parts642bof the valve membrane64is separated from the protrusion block6521to be open. Consequently, the fluid is transferred from the pressure chamber657to the external portion of the fluid transportation device6through the outlet valve channel652of the valve chamber seat65, the hollow parts643bof the valve membrane64, the outlet via6321of the valve body63and the outlet passage632of the valve body63, sequentially.

The processes ofFIGS. 12A and 12Bare repeatedly done. Consequently, the fluid can be transferred by the fluid transportation device6at high efficiency without being returned back.

The fluid transportation device6is disposed between the sensing unit3and the atomizer4. The inlet passage631and the input channel6aof the fluid transportation device6are connected with each other. The fluid transportation device6is in communication with the liquid container52through the input channel6a. The outlet passage632and the output channel6bof the fluid transportation device6are connected with each other. The output channel6bof the fluid transportation device6is in communication with the input port441of the liquid conduit44of the atomizer4. When the fluid transportation device6is enabled, the cigarette liquid is transferred from the liquid container52to the liquid conduit44through the fluid transportation device6and then transferred to the outside of the liquid conduit44through the perforations442. In response to the control signal from the control module22, the fluid transportation device6is enabled. Since the fluid transportation device6is used as a switch element, the cigarette liquid is transferred from the liquid container52to the liquid conduit44through the fluid transportation device6at a certain amount. Under the same pressure, the cigarette liquid is uniformly transferred to the outside of the liquid conduit44through the perforations442to generate uniform droplets. Once the cigarette liquid in the liquid conduit44reaches a saturation state, the fluid transportation device6is disabled. In other words, the cooperation of the fluid transportation device6and the atomizer4forms a controllable switch element in order for precisely controlling the amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the atomizer4. Consequently, the taste of the atomized vapor is enhanced, and the liquid leakage problem is solved.

Please refer toFIGS. 2A and 2C. The mouthpiece9is located at an end of the second casing1b. Moreover, the mouthpiece9is in communication with the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5. The mouthpiece9comprises a filter91and a mouth92. The filter91is located at an end of the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5. In case that the cigarette liquid is not atomized, the cigarette liquid is stopped by the filter91. Consequently, the cigarette liquid cannot be inhaled by the user. In one embodiment, the cigarette liquid is blocked by the filter91when being initially heated and incompletely atomized such that a guard against inhalation as a protection measure is formed. In another embodiment, the filter91is disposed on a second end of the passageway51, and the electric heater41is disposed on a first end of the passageway51.

The operations of the electronic cigarette will be described as follows. When the user smokes and inhales the air through the mouth92of the mouthpiece9, the airflow flows through the electronic cigarette. According to the sensing result of the sensing unit3, the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is enabled. After the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is enabled, the power supply device2provides electric power to the heater module23. Consequently, the electric heater41is enabled to heat the cigarette liquid. Meanwhile, the cigarette liquid is heated and atomized by the electric heater41. The cooperation of the fluid transportation device6and the atomizer4forms a controllable switch element in order for precisely controlling the amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the atomizer4at a certain amount. Consequently, the user inhales the atomized vapor from the passageway51of the liquid storage structure5through the mouth92of the mouthpiece9. When the user stops smoking through the mouth92of the mouthpiece9, the airflow does not flow through the electronic cigarette. According to the sensing result of the sensing unit3, the electric circuit of the electronic cigarette is disabled. Meanwhile, the electric heater41is disabled.

When the user inhales the atomized vapor through the mouth92of the mouthpiece9, the air pressure sensor32issues a detection signal to the control module22according to the result of detecting the pressure of the airflow. According to the detection signal, the control module22adjusts the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid. That is, the control signal from the control module22is adjusted according to the detection signal. Since the driving frequency of the fluid transportation device6and the driving power of the heater module23are correspondingly changed according to the control signal, the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid are adjusted. Consequently, the user can inhale a great amount of atomized vapor quickly, or the user can inhale the same amount of atomized vapor.

From the above descriptions, the present invention provides the electronic cigarette. The cooperation of the fluid transportation device and the liquid conduit of the atomizer forms the controllable switch element. The amount of the cigarette liquid to be transferred to the atomizer is precisely controlled by the controllable switch element. The electronic cigarette includes an airflow sensor and an air pressure sensor. The air pressure sensor issues a detection signal to the control module according to the result of detecting the pressure of the airflow. According to the detection signal, a control module adjusts the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid. That is, the control signal from the control module is adjusted according to the detection signal. Since the driving frequency of the fluid transportation device and the driving power of the heater module are correspondingly changed according to the control signal, the speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid are adjusted. Consequently, the fluid can be transferred by the fluid transportation device at high efficiency without being returned back. Since the amount of the cigarette liquid is precisely controlled, the droplets are uniformly generated, the taste of the atomized vapor is enhanced, and the liquid leakage problem is solved. In other words, the electronic cigarette with the fluid transportation device is industrially valuable.