Elastic locking mechanism for electronic cigarette, atomizer, and electronic cigarette

An elastic locking mechanism, an atomizer for an electronic cigarette, and an electronic cigarette are disclosed. The elastic locking mechanism includes an upper cover removably arranged on an opening end of a liquid storage assembly, a screw cap sleeved outside the upper cover, an upper engagement component arranged on the screw cap, a lower engagement component arranged on the upper cover, and an elastic element mounted between the screw cap and the upper cover to prevent the upper engagement component and the lower engagement component from engaging each other. When the screw cap is pressed down or pulled up, the elastic element is compressed or stretched so that the upper engagement component engages the lower engagement component, and the upper cover is driven to rotate together with the screw cap by rotating the screw cap.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electronic cigarette, and more particularly, to an elastic locking mechanism for an electronic cigarette, an atomizer having the elastic locking mechanism, and an electronic cigarette having the atomizer.

BACKGROUND

At present, electronic cigarettes have become relatively mature substitutes for cigarette smoking in the market. When a heating element in an atomizer is powered by a battery, the heating element can be electrically driven to heat tobacco liquid to produce smoke, therefore users can get a smoking experience.

For a traditional electronic cigarette, it is easy to fill liquid into the liquid storage tube by simply unscrewing the upper cover of the electronic cigarette. In such case, the upper cover of the electronic cigarette is easy to be unscrewed by a child if the child gets and plays with the electronic cigarette. Thus, the child may be exposed to the tobacco liquid or the like stored in the liquid storage tube, which is a hazardous for children.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, in order to cater to the needs of the market, an objective of the present disclosure to provide an elastic locking mechanism for an electronic cigarette, an atomizer having the elastic locking mechanism, and an electronic cigarette having the atomizer, to improve safety and protection for the children.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an elastic locking mechanism for an electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes a liquid storage assembly provided with an opening end. The elastic locking mechanism includes an upper cover removably arranged on the opening end of the liquid storage assembly, a screw cap sleeved outside the upper cover, an upper engagement component arranged on the screw cap, a lower engagement component arranged on the upper cover, and an elastic element mounted between the screw cap and the upper cover to prevent the upper engagement component and the lower engagement component from engaging each other. When the screw cap is pressed down or pulled up, the elastic element is compressed or stretched so that the upper engagement component engages the lower engagement component, and the upper cover is driven to rotate together with the screw cap by rotating the screw cap, to open or close the opening end of the liquid storage assembly.

In one embodiment, the upper cover includes an upper cover bottom wall and a connection circumference wall formed on the upper cover bottom wall. The connection circumference wall and the upper cover bottom wall form a containing cavity. The screw cap includes a screw cap top wall, a screw cap outer circumference wall formed on an outer circumference of the screw cap top wall, and a screw cap inner circumference wall formed on a bottom surface of the screw cap top wall, and an annular space is formed between the screw cap outer circumference wall and the screw cap inner circumference wall.

In one embodiment, the upper engagement component is fixedly arranged in the annular space of the screw cap, and the lower engagement component is fixedly arranged in the accommodating cavity of the upper cover. A bottom surface of the upper engagement component is provided with at least one fixing block, and a top surface of the lower engagement component is provided with at least one fixing groove matching the at least one fixing block. Alternatively, the top surface of the lower engagement component is provided with at least one fixing block, and the bottom surface of the upper engagement component is provided with at least one fixing groove matching the at least one fixing block.

In one embodiment, a length of the fixing groove in an arc direction is greater than or equal to a length of the fixing block in an arc direction.

In one embodiment, the upper cover further includes an upper cover circumference edge formed on a top side of the connection circumference wall and extending outward, and a top circumference wall formed on a top surface of the upper cover circumference edge vertically. The upper engagement component is fixedly arranged in the annular space of the screw cap, the lower engagement component is fixedly arranged on the upper cover circumference edge, and the lower engagement component is sleeved outside the upper engagement component. A bottom end of a circumference wall of the upper engagement component is provided with a circumferential edge extending outward, the circumferential edge is provided with at least one fixing block protruding upward, a top end of the lower engagement component is provided with an annular cover top wall, and the cover top wall is provided with at least one projection protruding downward.

In one embodiment, one end of the elastic element is fixedly arranged on the screw cap inner circumference wall, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against a top surface of the upper cover bottom wall at installation. Alternatively, one end of the elastic element is fixedly arranged on the top surface of the upper cover bottom wall, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the screw cap inner circumference wall at installation.

In one embodiment, the upper cover is provided with at least one first air inlet groove, the screw cap is provided with at least one second air inlet groove, and the at least one first air inlet groove is gradually aligned or staggered with the at least one second air inlet groove when the screw cap is turned with respect to the upper cover.

In one embodiment, an outer circumference surface of the upper cover is provided with a convex column extending into the second air inlet groove, a width of the second air inlet groove in an axial direction is greater than a diameter of the convex column.

In one embodiment, the elastic locking mechanism further includes a ventilation tube and an unlocking component, the upper cover and the lower engagement component are integrated to form the ventilation tube, the screw cap and the upper engagement component are integrated to form the unlocking component, the ventilation tube is provided with a stop protrusion/groove, and the unlocking component is provided with a corresponding stop groove/protrusion.

In one embodiment, the ventilation tube is provided with a stop protrusion, the elastic element is provided with a blocking groove matching the stop protrusion such that the elastic element is sleeved outside the ventilation tube.

In one embodiment, the elastic element is made up of rubber or silicone.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an atomizer having any one of the above elastic locking mechanisms is provided.

In one embodiment, the atomizer further includes a smoke guiding assembly, an atomizing assembly and a liquid storage assembly. The atomizing assembly is arranged in an inner cavity of the liquid storage assembly, the elastic locking mechanism is removably arranged on the liquid storage assembly, one end of the elastic locking mechanism is connected to the smoke guiding assembly, and the other end of the elastic locking mechanism is connected to the atomizing assembly.

In one embodiment, the upper cover is integrally connected to a connection tube with an outlet end opposed to the upper cover. The outlet end of the connection tube is connected to the atomizing assembly. The smoke guiding assembly includes a smoke outlet tube and an air inlet tube. The smoke outlet tube extends into the connection tube through the top of the screw cap, the air inlet tube is mounted at the outlet end of the connection tube and sleeved on the smoke outlet tube, the air inlet tube communicates a channel of the smoke outlet tube with an inner cavity of the atomizing assembly, an air guiding gap is formed between an outer circumference wall of the smoke outlet tube and an inner circumference wall of the connection tube, outer circumference surface of the air inlet tube is provided with at least one air guiding groove, and the air guiding groove communicates the air guiding gap with the inner cavity of the atomizing assembly.

In one embodiment, the atomizing assembly includes an atomizer head with a heating element inside, the liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage tube and a conductive base arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage tube, the atomizer head is arranged inside the liquid storage tube, a liquid storage space is formed between an inner circumference wall of the liquid storage tube and an outer circumference wall of the atomizer head, and the conductive base is electrically connected to the heating element.

In one embodiment, the atomizer further includes an atomizer head, an atomizing tube, a ventilation tube, an unlocking component and an inlet and outlet separation tube. The upper cover and the lower engagement component are integrated to form the ventilation tube, the screw cap and the upper engagement component are integrated to form the unlocking component, a lower end of the ventilation tube is removably connected to the atomizer head, the unlocking component is sleeved outside an upper end of the ventilation tube, the ventilation tube is sleeved outside the inlet and outlet separation tube, one end of the atomizing tube is communicated to the atomizer head, and the other end of the atomizing tube fits the inlet and outlet separation tube tightly.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette is provided, including a liquid storage assembly with an opening end, and any one of the above atomizers.

In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette further includes a housing and a battery assembly, both the battery assembly and the liquid storage assembly are arranged inside the housing, the liquid storage assembly is provided with a liquid storage cavity, and a part of the atomizer is arranged inside the liquid storage cavity.

In one embodiment, a bottom of the atomizer is provided with a first electrical contact, and the liquid storage assembly is provided with a second electrical contact electrically connected to the first electrical contact.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an elastic locking mechanism for an electronic cigarette is provided, including an upper cover removably arranged on an opening end of a liquid storage assembly, a screw cap sleeved outside the upper cover, an upper engagement component fixedly arranged inside the screw cap, a lower engagement component fixedly arranged inside the upper cover, and an elastic element mounted between the screw cap and the upper cover to prevent the upper engagement component and the lower engagement component from engaging each other. When the screw cap is pressed down or pulled up, the elastic element is compressed or stretched so that the upper engagement component engages the lower engagement component, and the upper cover is driven to rotate together with the screw cap by rotating the screw cap.

In one embodiment, the upper cover includes an upper cover bottom wall and a connection circumference wall formed on the upper cover bottom wall, the connection circumference wall and the upper cover bottom wall form a containing cavity. The screw cap includes a screw cap top wall, a screw cap outer circumference wall formed on an outer circumference of the screw cap top wall, and a screw cap inner circumference wall formed on a bottom surface of the screw cap top wall, and an annular space is formed between the screw cap outer circumference wall and the screw cap inner circumference wall.

In one embodiment, the upper engagement component is fixedly arranged in the annular space of the screw cap, and the lower engagement component is fixedly arranged in the accommodating cavity of the upper cover. A bottom surface of the upper engagement component is provided with at least one fixing block, and a top surface of the lower engagement component is provided with at least one fixing groove matching the at least one fixing block. Alternatively, the top surface of the lower engagement component is provided with at least one fixing block, and the bottom surface of the upper engagement component is provided with at least one fixing groove matching the at least one fixing block.

In one embodiment, a length of the fixing groove in an arc direction is greater than or equal to a length of the fixing block in an arc direction.

In one embodiment, the upper cover further includes an upper cover circumference edge formed on a top side of the connection circumference wall and extending outward, and a top circumference wall formed on a top surface of the upper cover circumference edge vertically.

In one embodiment, the upper cover further includes an upper cover circumference edge formed on a top side of the connection circumference wall and extending outward, and a top circumference wall formed on a top surface of the upper cover circumference edge vertically. The upper engagement component is fixedly arranged in the annular space of the screw cap, the lower engagement component is fixedly arranged on the upper cover circumference edge, and the lower engagement component is sleeved outside the upper engagement component. A bottom end of a circumference wall of the upper engagement component is provided with a circumferential edge extending outward, the circumferential edge is provided with at least one fixing block protruding upward, a top end of the lower engagement component is provided with an annular cover top wall, and the cover top wall is provided with at least one projection protruding downward.

In one embodiment, one end of the elastic element is fixedly arranged on the screw cap inner circumference wall, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against a bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover at installation. Alternatively, one end of the elastic element is fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover, and the other end of the elastic element abuts against a bottom surface of the screw cap inner circumference wall at installation.

In one embodiment, the top circumference wall is provided with at least one first air inlet groove in a circumferential direction, an inner side of the outer circumference wall fits an outer side of the top circumference wall, the screw cap is provided with at least one second air inlet groove in a circumferential direction, and the at least one first air inlet groove is gradually aligned or staggered with the at least one second air inlet groove when the screw cap is rotated.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an atomizer having the above elastic locking mechanism is provided.

The atomizer includes a smoke guiding assembly, an atomizing assembly, a liquid storage assembly and the above elastic locking mechanism. One end of the elastic locking mechanism is mounted on the top of the atomizing assembly and removably arranged on the liquid storage assembly, the smoke guiding assembly is mounted on an end of the elastic locking mechanism opposed to the atomizing assembly and is communicated to an inner cavity of the atomizing assembly. The liquid storage assembly including a liquid storage tube, an atomizer head is housed inside the liquid storage tube, and a liquid storage space is formed between an inner circumference wall of the liquid storage tube and an outer circumference wall of the atomizer head.

In one embodiment, the upper cover further includes a connection tube integrally connected to a bottom surface of the upper cover bottom wall. The smoke guiding assembly includes a smoke outlet tube and an air inlet tube. An end of the smoke outlet tube extends into the connection tube, the air inlet tube is mounted on an outlet end of the connection tube and sleeved on the end of the smoke outlet tube, an air guiding gap is formed between an outer circumference wall of the smoke outlet tube and an inner circumference wall of the connection tube, and an outer circumference surface of the air inlet tube is provided with at least one air guiding groove communicating the air guiding gap to an inner cavity of the atomizing assembly.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette having said the above atomizer is provided, in which a battery assembly is mounted at the bottom of the atomizer.

The electronic cigarette includes an atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly includes an air inlet tube, an unlocking component and a blocking component. The unlocking component is sleeved outside an upper end of the air inlet tube, the blocking component is sleeved outside the air inlet tube and arranged between the air inlet tube and the unlocking component, the air inlet tube is provided with a stop protrusion/groove, the unlocking component is provided with a stop groove/protrusion, the blocking component is an elastic component, the blocking component is provided with a blocking groove matching the stop protrusion, and when the unlocking component is pressed so that the stop groove engages the stop protrusion, the electronic cigarette is in an unlocked state.

In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette further includes a battery assembly and a liquid storage assembly, the battery assembly and the liquid storage assembly are arranged inside a housing, the liquid storage assembly is provided with a liquid storage cavity, and a part of the atomizing assembly is arranged inside the liquid storage cavity.

In one embodiment, an outer periphery of said the air inlet tube is provided with connection thread, the liquid storage assembly further includes a thread ring matching the connection thread, and the air inlet tube is removably connected to the liquid storage assembly by cooperation between the connection thread and the thread ring.

In one embodiment, the thread ring is arranged on an upper end of the liquid storage cavity.

In one embodiment, the atomizing assembly includes an atomizer head removably connected to a lower end of the air inlet tube, a peripheral portion of the air inlet tube close to an upper end of the air inlet tube extends outward to form a convex edge, a connection portion is formed between a lower end of the air inlet tube and the convex edge, and the connection thread is arranged on a outer circumference of the connection portion.

In one embodiment, the atomizing assembly further includes an atomizing tube and an air inlet and outlet separation tube, the air inlet tube is sleeved outside the air inlet and outlet separation tube, one end of the atomizing tube is fluid communication with the atomizer head and the other end is closely fit the air inlet and outlet separation tube.

In one embodiment, the bottom of the atomizer head is provided with a first electrical contact and the liquid storage assembly is provided with a second electrical contact electrically connected to the first electrical contact.

In one embodiment, the battery assembly includes a battery, a circuit board assembly support mounted inside the housing, a circuit board assembly mounted on the circuit board assembly support, a battery gasket mounted at an end of the housing, and a battery bottom cover connected to the housing by an interference fit.

In one embodiment, the blocking component is made of rubber or silicone.

In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette further includes a removable cigarette holder, an end of the air inlet and outlet separation tube far away from the atomizing tube is provided with a mounting hole, one end of the cigarette holder is inserted into the mounting hole.

For the elastic locking mechanism according to the present disclosure, the screw cap should be pressed down or pulled up by resisting a certain amount of elastic force firstly, and then the upper cover may be rotated together with the screw cap by the rotation of the screw cap when the screw cap engages the upper cover. Compared with the prior art, the elastic locking mechanism according to the present disclosure is favorable to protect the rotation operation of the upper cover. Therefore, the elastic locking mechanism, the atomizer having the elastic locking mechanism and the electronic cigarette having the atomizer have a children lock function, which can prevent the upper cover from being removed by a child easily, and prevent the children from touching and eating the tobacco liquid.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantageous effects will be detailed by reference to the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments of the disclosure that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 1, an atomizer is provided in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, including an elastic locking mechanism1for an electronic cigarette, a smoke guiding assembly2, an atomizing assembly3and a liquid storage assembly4. One end of the elastic locking mechanism1is removably arranged on an opening end of the liquid storage assembly4, and the other end of the elastic locking mechanism1is connected to the smoke guiding assembly2. The atomizing assembly3is arranged inside an inner cavity of the liquid storage assembly4and connected to one end of the elastic locking mechanism1opposed to the smoke guiding assembly2.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, when adding liquid, the elastic locking mechanism1should be pressed down so that two ends of the elastic locking mechanism1engage each other, and then elastic locking mechanism1is able to be rotated to disengage from the liquid storage assembly4to expose the opening end of the liquid storage assembly4. Since children's thoughts are relatively simple, and it is difficult for them to think of removing the elastic locking mechanism1by a series of actions of pressing down and rotating the elastic locking mechanism1, thus, it can prevent the children from being exposed to the tobacco liquid. In addition, the elastic locking mechanism1has a function of adjusting the air inflow of the atomizing assembly3.

The elastic locking mechanism1includes an upper cover10, a screw cap20, an upper engagement component30, a lower engagement component40and an elastic element50. The upper cover10is removably arranged on the opening end of the liquid storage assembly4, the screw cap20is sleeved outside the upper cover10, the upper engagement component30is arranged inside the screw cap20, the lower engagement component40is arranged inside the upper cover10, and the elastic element50is arranged between the upper cover10and the screw cap20to prevent the upper engagement component30and the lower engagement component40from engaging each other. When the screw cap20is pressed down, the elastic element50is compressed so that the upper engagement component30engages the lower engagement component40, and the upper cover10can be driven by the screw cap20to rotate.

The upper cover10includes an upper cover bottom wall11, a connection circumference wall12formed on the upper cover bottom wall11, an upper cover circumference edge13formed on a top side of the connection circumference wall12and extending outward, and a top circumference wall14formed on a top surface of the upper cover circumferential edge13vertically. The connection circumference wall12and the upper cover bottom wall11form a containing cavity. The top circumference wall14is provided with at least one first air inlet groove141in a circumferential direction. Further, the upper cover10includes a connection tube15integrally connected to a bottom surface of the upper cover bottom wall11, and the connection tube15is in fluid communication with the containing cavity formed by the connection circumference wall12and the top cover bottom11.

The screw cap20is sleeved on the upper cover10, including a screw cap top wall21and a screw cap outer circumference wall22vertically formed on a periphery of the screw cap top wall21. The center of the screw cap top wall21is provided with a center hole23. The screw cap20further includes a screw cap inner circumference wall24arranged around the center hole23and perpendicularly to the screw cap top wall21. Thus, an annular space is formed between the screw cap outer circumference wall22and the screw cap inner circumference wall24. The screw cap outer circumference wall22is provided with at least one second air inlet groove221in the circumferential direction.

The upper engagement component30has a shape of a circular ring. The upper engagement component30is fixedly arranged inside the annular space of the screw cap20by an interference fit with the outer side of the screw cap inner circumference wall24. A bottom surface of the upper engagement component30is provided with at least one fixing block31.

The lower engagement component40has a shape of a circular ring matching the upper engagement component30. The lower engagement component40is fixedly arranged inside the containing cavity of the upper cover10by an interference fit with the inner side of the connection circumference wall12. A top surface of the lower engagement component40is provided with at least one fixing groove41used for cooperating with the fixing block31of the upper engagement component30. The length of the fixing groove41in the arc direction is greater than or equal to the length of the fixing block31in the arc direction. When the fixing block31of the upper engagement component30is inserted into the fixing groove41and rotated a predetermined angle with regards to the fixing groove41, the fixing block31abuts against the side wall of the fixing groove41. When continue to turn the upper engagement component30, the lower engagement component40is driven to rotate by the upper engagement component30.

It will be understood that in other embodiments, the at least one fixing block31is arranged on the top surface of the lower engagement component40, and the at least one fixing groove41is arranged on the bottom surface of the upper engagement component30accordingly.

It will be understood that the interference fit may be replaced by a threaded connection.

The elastic element50has compressive elasticity. One end of the elastic element50is fixedly arranged on the screw cap inner circumference wall24, and the other end the elastic element50abuts against a bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover10(i.e., a top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11) at installation.

It will be understood that in other embodiments, one end of the elastic element50is fixedly arranged on a bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover10(i.e., a top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11), and the other end of the elastic element50abuts against a bottom surface of the screw cap inner circumference wall24.

After the elastic locking mechanism1has been assembled, the inner side of the screw cap outer circumference wall22fits the outer side of the top circumference wall14, the upper engagement component30is arranged inside the annular space of the screw cap20, the lower engagement component40is arranged inside the containing cavity of the upper cover10, and the fixing groove41of the lower engagement component40faces the fixing block31of the upper engagement component30. The elastic element50is mounted between the upper cover10and the screw cap20. One end of the elastic element50is fastened on the screw cap inner circumference wall24and the other end of the elastic element50abuts against the top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11at installation. When the screw cap20is pressed down, the fixing block31of the upper engagement component30is inserted into the fixing groove41of the lower engagement component40. In this case, when the screw cap20is rotated, the fixing block31rotates a predetermined angle with regards to the fixing groove41to abut against the side wall of the fixing groove41, and when continue to turn the screw cap20, the upper cover10is driven to rotate by the screw cap20, so the elastic locking mechanism1may be removed from the liquid storage assembly4.

In addition, the outer circumference surface of the top circumference wall14of the upper cover10is provided with a convex column (not shown). During assembling, the convex column is inserted into the second air inlet groove221of the screw cap outer circumference wall22, to prevent the screw cap20from being disengaged from the upper cover10in the axial direction. In addition, the width of the second air inlet groove221in the axial direction is greater than the diameter of the convex edge, so that the screw cap20can be pressed down by a predetermined distance with regards to the upper cover10, i. e., there is a movement space for the engagement and disengagement of the upper engagement component30and the lower engagement component40.

Smoke guiding assembly2includes a cigarette holder201, a smoke outlet tube202and an air inlet tube203. One end of the cigarette holder201is a suction end and the other end of the cigarette holder201is a screw joint. The smoke outlet tube202has a shape of a trumpet. One end of the smoke outlet tube202that is an opening of the trumpet is connected to the screw joint by a threaded connection, and an outer circumference edge is formed on the outer circumference of this end. The other end of the smoke outlet tube202is inserted into the connection tube15of the upper cover10. The air inlet tube203is fixedly arranged inside an outlet end of the connection tube15to communicate the smoke outlet tube202and the atomizing assembly3, so that the smoke in the inner cavity of the atomizing assembly3flows towards the smoke outlet tube202and then the cigarette holder201.

The atomizing assembly3includes an atomizer head301with an inner cavity. One end of the atomizer head301is connected to the outlet end of the connection tube15of the upper cover10to communicate the inner cavity of the atomizer head301to the smoke outlet tube202through the air inlet tube203. The other end of the atomizer head301is provided with a heating element.

The liquid storage assembly4includes a liquid storage tube401and a conductive base arranged at the bottom of the liquid storage tube401. The atomizer head301is arranged inside the liquid storage tube401. A liquid storage space for containing liquid is formed between the inner circumference wall of the liquid storage tube401and the outer circumference wall of the atomizer head301. The conductive base is electrically connected to the heating element located at the other end of the atomizer head301.

After the atomizer has been assembled, the outlet end of the connection tube15is connected to the top of the inner cavity of the atomizer head301(i.e., an end of the atomizer head301opposed to the heating element) by a threaded connection. The smoke guiding assembly2is mounted on the elastic locking mechanism1. One end of the smoke outlet tube202is inserted into the center hole23of the screw cap top wall21, and the outer circumference edge of the smoke outlet tube202abuts against the end face of the screw cap top wall21. The bottom end of the smoke outlet tube202(an end opposed to the outer circumference edge) extends into the connection tube15and is close to the outlet end of the connection tube15. An air guiding gap is formed between the outer circumference wall of the smoke outlet tube202and the inner circumference wall of the connection tube15. The air inlet tube203is sleeved on the bottom end of the smoke outlet tube202, and the outer circumference surface of the air inlet tube203abuts against the inner circumference surface of the connection tube15. In this way, the air inlet tube203communicates the inner cavity of the atomizer head301and the channel of the smoke outlet tube202. Further, the outer circumference surface of the air inlet tube203is provided with at least one air guiding groove231communicating both ends of the air inlet tube203to communicate the air guiding gap to the inner cavity of the atomizing assembly3. In this embodiment, the air guiding groove231is an inclined groove arranged on the outer circumference surface of the air inlet tube203in an axial direction. In this way, the air guiding gap communicates with the air guiding groove231to form an air guiding passage, and the external air may flow into the air guiding gap through the second air inlet groove221of the screw cap outer circumference wall22and the first air inlet groove141of the top circumference wall14, and into the atomizing assembly3through the air guiding groove231.

By rotating the screw cap20with regards to the upper cover10, the first air inlet groove141is gradually aligned or staggered with the second air inlet groove221, thus, the size of the air inlet through hole formed by the first air inlet groove141and the second air inlet groove221can be adjusted. In this way, the volume of the external air flowing into air guiding passage can be adjusted to achieve the adjustment of the air inlet of the atomizing assembly3.

The configuration of the atomizer in the embodiment 2 is substantially the same as that in the embodiment 1, but the difference is that the configuration and the arrangement of the upper engagement component60and the lower engagement component70in the embodiment 2 is different from the configuration and the arrangement of the upper engagement component30and the lower engagement component40in the embodiment 1. In the embodiment 2, the upper engagement component60has a shape of a circular ring. The upper engagement component60is fixedly arranged inside the annular space of the screw cap20by an interference fit with the outer side of the screw cap inner circumference wall24. A circumference edge extends outward from the bottom of the upper engagement component60, and is provided with at least one fixing block61protruding upward.

The lower engagement component70has a shape of a circular ring, the inner diameter of the lower engagement component70is greater than the outer diameter of the upper engagement component60, and the lower engagement component70is sleeved on the upper engagement component60. The lower engagement component70is fixedly arranged on the upper cover circumference edge13of the upper cover10by an interference fit with the inner side of the top circumference wall14. An annular cover top wall is arranged on the top of the lower engagement component70, the cover top wall is provided with at least one projection71protruding downward, and the projection71can cooperate with the fixing block61of the upper engagement component60. When the fixing block61is pulled upward to the same horizontal plane as the projection71, the upper end of the fixing block61abuts against the cover top wall of the lower engagement component70to prevent the upper engagement component60from further moving upward. The upper engagement component60is rotated to a predetermined angle so that the fixing block61abuts against the side wall of the projection71. Continue to rotate the upper engagement component60, the lower engagement component70is driven to rotate by the upper engagement component60. One end of the elastic element50is fastened on the screw cap inner circumference wall24, and the other end of the elastic element50abuts against the bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover10(i.e., the top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11) at installation.

It will be understood that in other embodiments, one end of the elastic element50is fixedly arranged on the bottom surface of the containing cavity of the upper cover10(i.e., the top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11), and the other end of the elastic element50abuts against the bottom surface of the screw cap inner circumference wall24at installation.

It will be understood that the interference fit may be replaced by a threaded connection.

In the embodiment 2, after the elastic locking mechanism1has been assembled, the inner side of the screw cap outer circumference wall22fits the outer side of the top circumference wall14, the upper engagement component60is fixedly arranged inside the annular space of the screw cap20, the lower engagement component70is fixedly arranged on the upper cover circumference edge13of the upper cover10, the projection71on the top end of the lower engagement component70is arranged above the fixing block61of the upper engagement component60, and the position of the projection71corresponds to the position of the fixing block61. One end of the elastic element50is fastened on the screw cap inner circumference wall24, and the other end of the elastic element50abuts against the top surface of the upper cover bottom wall11. When the screw cap20is pulled upward, the elastic element50is stretched, the fixing block61of the upper engagement component60moves up to the same horizontal plane as the projection71. Then the screw cap20is rotated, the fixing block61rotates a predetermined distance with regards to the projection71and abuts against the side wall of the projection71, to drive the upper cover10to rotate with the screw cap20.

The principle of adjusting the air of the atomizer applied in the elastic locking mechanism1in the embodiment 2 is the same as that in the embodiment 1, which is not described here.

Referring toFIG. 7, an electronic cigarette having the atomizer according to embodiment 1 or 2 is provided, including a battery assembly5mounted at the bottom of the atomizer. Specifically, the cigarette holder201of the smoke guiding assembly2is connected to the top of the screw cap20, and the battery assembly5is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage tube401. When the electronic cigarette is in use, the battery assembly5supplies power to the atomizer, and the user smokes through the cigarette holder201. When user is smoking, the air flows into the air guiding gap through the second air inlet groove221and the first air inlet groove141, and then into the inner cavity of the atomizer head301through the air guiding groove231. The air mixed with the smoke flows through the smoke outlet tube202and out of the cigarette holder201.

As can be seen from the above, it is necessary for the user to resist a certain amount of elastic force to press down or pull up the screw cap20so that the screw cap20engages the upper cover10and the screw cap20is able to drive the upper cover10to rotate. In this way, the elastic locking mechanism1is favorable to protect the rotation operation of the upper cover10. Therefore, the elastic locking mechanism1, the atomizer having the elastic locking mechanism1and the electronic cigarette having the atomizer have a children lock function, which can prevent the upper cover10from being removed by a child easily, and prevent the children from touching and eating the tobacco liquid.

As shown inFIGS. 8-17, another electronic cigarette is provided, including an atomizer817and a main body816connected to the atomizer817. In this embodiment, the atomizer817and the main body816are removably connected together. According to one implementation of this embodiment, the main body816includes a battery assembly83and a liquid storage assembly87integrated to the battery assembly83. According to one implementation of this embodiment, both the battery assembly83and the liquid storage assembly87are arranged inside a housing85. Specifically, the housing85includes a cavity with an open end, the liquid storage assembly87is arranged inside the cavity, and the liquid storage assembly87is provided with a liquid storage cavity87-1. Specifically, the liquid storage assembly87includes a cup-shaped transparent or semitransparent structure, for example, made of transparent resin or glass. The bottom of the liquid storage cavity87-1is closed by the second electrical contact87-2to prevent the tobacco liquid from leaking from the bottom of the liquid storage cavity87-1. A part of the atomizer817is arranged inside the liquid storage cavity87-1, so that the upper end (i.e., the opening end) of the liquid storage cavity87-1is closed by the atomizer817and the other part of the atomizer817is exposed to the outside to form a part of the outer surface of the electronic cigarette. The housing85is further provided with a window820, to help the user to observe the tobacco liquid in the liquid storage cavity87-1and determine whether it is required to add or replace the tobacco liquid.

The atomizer817includes an atomizer head810, an atomizing tube811, a ventilation tube812, an unlocking component813, am air inlet and outlet separation tube814and an elastic element818. The lower end of the ventilation tube812is removably connected to the atomizer head810, specifically, by a threaded connection. The unlocking component813is sleeved outside the upper end of the ventilation tube812. The elastic element818is sleeved outside the ventilation tube812, and arranged between the ventilation tube812and the unlocking component813. The inner side of the upper end of the ventilation tube812is provided with inner thread, and the air inlet and outlet separation tube814is provided with outer thread corresponding to the inner thread of the upper end of the ventilation tube812. The ventilation tube812is connected to the air inlet and outlet separation tube814through the inner thread and outer thread, i.e., the ventilation tube812is sleeved outside the air inlet and outlet separation tube814through the inner thread. One end of the air inlet and outlet separation tube814arranged inside the ventilation tube812fits closely to the atomizing tube811. The end of the air inlet and outlet separation tube814far away from the atomizing tube811is connected to the cigarette holder815. Specifically, one end of the atomizing tube811is communicated to the atomizer head810and the other end of the atomizer head810fits closely to the air inlet and outlet separation tube814, so that the smoke created in the atomizer head810flows from the atomizing tube811through the air inlet and outlet separation tube814and the cigarette holder815to the mouth of the user. The elastic element818is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the elastic element818is made of rubber or silicon. The elastic element818has both elasticity and reliability, with a long serve life.

Further, the air inlet and outlet separation tube814is provided with a mounting hole814-1. One end of the cigarette holder815is inserted into the mounting hole814-1, to facilitate the user to replace the cigarette holder815.

The ventilation tube812is provided with a stop protrusion812-1, and the elastic element818is provided with a blocking groove818-1matching the stop protrusion812-1. The unlocking component813is provided with a stop groove813-1. When the unlocking component813and the elastic element818are pressed, the elastic element818is squashed, the decrease in the thickness of the elastic element818reduces the distance between the stop protrusion812-1and the stop groove813-1, and the stop protrusion812-1and the stop groove813-1engage each other. In this case, the electronic cigarette is in an unlocked state. The unlocked state means that the atomizer817may be driven to be separated from other components of the electronic cigarette, such as the main body816, by continuously applied pressure in combination with other force, such as rotating force, so that operations of adding the tobacco liquid or replacing the atomizer head can be performed. It is known that the positions of the stop protrusion and the stop groove can be exchanged with each other, which brings the same technical effect and is not further described. It is known that, in this embodiment, the ventilation tube12is arranged at the opening end of the liquid storage assembly87and provided with the stop protrusion812-1, and the unlocking component813is sleeved outside the ventilation tube812and provided with the stop groove813-1, so in this embodiment, the ventilation tube812acts as both the upper cover and the lower engagement component, and the unlocking component acts as both the screw cap and the upper engagement component. This shows the ventilation tube812, the unlocking component813and the elastic element818forms an elastic locking mechanism together.

Specifically, when the electronic cigarette is in a locked state, the blocking groove818-1is sleeved on the stop protrusion812-1of the ventilation tube812, and the upper portion of the elastic element818slightly protrudes from the stop protrusion812-1. In this case, if no downward force is applied on the unlocking component813, the stop groove813-1and the stop protrusion812-1are unable to touch or engage with each other, and the atomizer817is unable to be separated from the main body816since the unlocking component813is in an idle position. On the contrary, if the unlocking component813is pressed down, the atomizer817can be removed through rotating the unlocking component813. The elastic element818is sleeved on the stop protrusion812-1through the blocking groove818-1. Compared with the configuration in which the elastic element818is arranged between the upper portion of the ventilation tube812and the lower portion of the unlocking component813, the above configuration has the following advantages: 1) the length of the atomizer817is shortened, and the space utilization of the electronic cigarette is increased (e.g., for the electronic cigarettes of the same length, the shorter the atomizer817is, the longer the main body816is, so the amount of the liquid storage of the main body816is increased.); and 2) the user only needs to apply small acting force on the unlocking component813to unlock the electronic cigarette, which is convenient for the user to disassemble the atomizer817.

It will be understood that in other embodiments the positions of the stop protrusion812-1and the stop groove813-1can be exchanged with each other, i.e., the stop protrusion812-1is arranged on the unlocking component813, the stop groove813-1is arranged on the ventilation tube812, and the blocking groove818-1is arranged to match the stop protrusion812-1.

In this embodiment, the unlocking component813is annular-shaped and has the functions of unlocking and adjusting the air intake. It will be understood that the unlocking component813can be a component only with a function of unlocking, or a component with the unlocking function and other functions including adjusting the liquid intake, according to the practical production requirements.

Further, the peripheral portion of the ventilation tube812close to an upper end of the ventilation tube812extends outward to form a convex edge812-2. The convex edge812-2can not only prevent the elastic element818from moving downward, but also play a role in shielding. A connection portion812-3is formed between a lower end of the ventilation tube812and the convex edge812-2. The outer diameter of the connection portion812-3is greater than that of the lower end of the ventilation tube812. The periphery of the connection portion812-3is provided with connection thread. The atomizer817is threadedly connected to the main body816through the connection thread.

Further, the bottom of the atomizer head810is provided with a first electrical contact810-1through which the atomizer817is electrically connected to the main body816.

The main body816includes a battery assembly83and a liquid storage assembly87integrated to the battery assembly83.

The liquid storage assembly87is provided with a liquid storage cavity87-1, a part of the ventilation tube812extends into and is received in the liquid storage cavity87-1, and the atomizer head810is also received in the liquid storage cavity87-1. One end of the liquid storage assembly87close to the battery assembly83is provided with a second electrical contact87-2which is electrically connected to the first electrical contact810-1when the atomizer817is mounted on the main body816. The liquid storage assembly87further includes a thread ring89connected to the housing85by an interference fit. The thread ring89is threadedly connected to the connection portion812-3of the ventilation tube812and arranged on the upper end of the liquid storage cavity87-1. The main body816can be threadedly connected to the atomizer817through the thread ring89.

The battery assembly83includes a housing85, a battery819disposed in the housing85, a circuit board assembly support86mounted inside the housing85, a circuit board assembly84mounted on the circuit board assembly support86, a battery gasket82arranged at the end of the housing85and a battery bottom cover81connected to the housing85by an interference fit. The thread ring89matches the connection thread of the ventilation tube812, so that the main body816is connected to the atomizer817by a threaded connection.

It will be understood that in other embodiments, the battery assembly83connected to the liquid storage assembly87by a threaded connection or a snap fit.

During assembling, the atomizing tube811is connected to the air inlet and outlet separation tube814by an interference fit, one end of the cigarette holder815is inserted into the mounting hole814-1of the air inlet and outlet separation tube814, the elastic element818is sleeved on the ventilation tube812so that the blocking groove818-1engages the stop protrusion812-1, the unlocking component813is arranged on the upper end of the ventilation tube812, the air inlet and outlet separation tube814is connected to the ventilation tube812by a threaded connection, and the atomizer head810is connected to the ventilation tube812by a threaded connection, to form the atomizer817. The thread ring89is connected to the housing85by an interference fit. The circuit board assembly84is mounted on the circuit board assembly support86, the leads on the circuit board assembly84is welded to the battery819and the liquid storage assembly87, the circuit board assembly84, the circuit board assembly support86, the liquid storage assembly87and the battery819are mounted into the housing85, and the battery bottom cover81is connected to the housing85by an interference fit, to assemble as the main body816.

In use, when it is required to remove the atomizer817from the main body816, the unlocking component813should be pressed down (i.e., in a direction towards the main body816) firstly, and the unlocking component813presses the elastic element818, so that the elastic element818is deformed elastically. Then the unlocking component813is pressed continually so that the stop groove813-1engages the stop protrusion812-1, and in this case, the atomizer817may be rotated with the unlocking component813when the unlocking component813is rotated. This means that the atomizer817may be removed from the maim body816only by pressing down and rotating the unlocking component813sequentially. In this way, after reading the manual or other information, the adult can know how to remove the atomizer817from the main body816to add liquid or replace the atomizer head810. Such operation is simple, without disassembling the large number of parts of the electronic cigarette. Since the atomizer817is not removed by simple rotation or press, but a specific combination of rotation and press, and the removing operation should be applied on a specific component (i.e., the unlocking component813), it is difficult for children to know the process. Thus it can prevent the children from touching and eating the tobacco liquid, and play a good role in protecting children.

During unlocking, when the user stops applying the downward force on the unlocking component813, the elastic element818restores due to its elasticity so that the stop groove813-1is disengaged from the stop protrusion812-1. In this case, the unlocking component813is in an idle position, and the atomizer817cannot be removed from the main body816so that the electronic cigarette goes back to the locked state.

The embodiments are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application so as to activate others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure and various embodiments. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.