Abstract:
An electronic cigarette ( 10 ), comprising an atomizing assembly ( 100 ) and a power source assembly ( 300 ) connected in a detachable mode; the atomizing assembly ( 100 ) comprises a housing ( 120 ) and an atomizer ( 140 ) located in the housing ( 120 ); the housing ( 120 ) is provided with a pressing portion ( 160 ) therein; the atomizer ( 140 ) comprises a liquid storage container ( 142 ) and an atomizing element connected to the liquid storage container ( 142 ); the power source assembly ( 300 ) comprises a first connecting portion ( 320 ) facing the atomizer ( 140 ); one end of the housing ( 120 ) facing the power source assembly ( 300 ) is provided with a second connecting portion ( 180 ) connected to the first connecting portion ( 320 ) in a detachable mode; one end of the atomizer ( 140 ) facing the power source assembly ( 300 ) is provided with a third connecting portion ( 144 ); and when the first connecting portion ( 320 ) is connected to and fixed with the second connecting portion ( 180 ), the pressing portion ( 160 ) presses the atomizer ( 140 ) to enable the third connecting portion ( 144 ) to press against the first connecting portion ( 320 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410597265.4, filed on Oct. 29, 2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to cigarette substitutes, and more particularly relates to an electronic cigarette. 
         [0003]    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
         [0004]    Electronic cigarettes include disposable electronic cigarettes and rechargeable electronic cigarettes. In the disposable electronic cigarette, the battery and the atomizer are both located m integral electronic cigarette housing. While the rechargeable electronic cigarette generally includes a battery assembly and an atomizing assembly, which are detachable. The current rechargeable electronic cigarette includes two types, the first is a liquid refillable type, i.e., after the liquid is exhausted, one can add the liquid directly into the atomizing assembly, the second is an atomizing assembly replaceable type, i.e., after the liquid in the atomizing assembly is exhausted, the atomizing assembly can be replaced directly. 
         [0005]    According to the first type of rechargeable electronic cigarette, the atomizing assembly can be repeatedly used, therefore, even if the appearance of the atomizing assembly can be made exquisite, it does not increase the cost of the user. However, the problem with this type of electronic cigarette is that, it is inconvenient for the user to refill the liquid, and direct exposure to liquid may cause a security risk. According to the second type of rechargeable electronic cigarette, since the atomizing assembly thereof is disposable, the appearance of the atomizing assembly cannot be made exquisite, otherwise the cost of use will be relatively high. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, it is necessary to provide an electronic cigarette, which has a convenient operation, a low cost of use, and a fine appearance. 
         [0007]    An electronic cigarette includes: an atomizing assembly comprising a housing and an atomizer located in the housing; the housing having an abutment portion; the atomizer comprising a reservoir and an atomizing element connected to the reservoir; and a power supply assembly removably connected to the atomizing assembly; the power supply assembly comprising a first connecting portion facing the atomizing assembly; wherein the housing is provided with a second connecting portion on an end thereof facing the power supply assembly, the second connecting portion is removably connected to the first connecting portion; the atomizer is provided with a third connecting portion on an end thereof lacing the power supply assembly; when the first connecting portion is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion, the abutment portion abuts against the atomizer, such that the third connecting portion abuts against the first connecting portion. 
         [0008]    According to the foregoing electronic cigarette, when replacing or assembling the atomizer, the atomizer is firstly mounted in the housing, the abutment portion abuts against the atomizer, the power supply assembly is then connected to the housing, the first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion, at that time the third connecting portion abuts against the first connecting portion, thus fixing the atomizer in the housing. Thus it is easy for the user to replace or assemble the atomizer of the foregoing electronic cigarette. Since the replaceable atomizer is located in the housing, and the housing is a reusable part, the electronic cigarette has a line appearance, as well as a low cost of use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    To illustrate the technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present invention or in the prior art more clearly, the accompanying drawings for describing the embodiments or the prior art are introduced briefly is the following. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and persons of ordinary skill in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without creative efforts. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electronic cigarette according to one embodiment: 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an partial, enlarged view of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is an partial enlarged view of the electronic cigarette according to another embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an partial, enlarged view of the electronic cigarette according to another embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a power supply assembly of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a first connecting portion of an atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second connecting portion of an atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third connecting portion of an atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an atomizer of the electronic cigarette according to another embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an atomizing base of the atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a liquid conduction cord and an atomizing element of the atomizer of the electronic cigarette of  FIG. 11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe, in detail, embodiments of the present electronic cigarette. It will be understood that the particular method and device embodying the invention are shown by way of illustration and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0026]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , an electronic cigarette  10  according to an embodiment includes an atomizing assembly  100  and a power supply assembly  300 , which are removably connected to each other. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the atomizing assembly  100  includes a housing  120  and an atomizer  140  located in the housing  120 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the power supply assembly  300  includes a first connecting portion  320  facing the atomizer  140 . The housing  120  is provided with an abutment portion  160  therein to abut against the atomizer  140 . The housing  120  is provided with a second connecting portion  180  on an end thereof facing the power supply assembly  300 . The second connecting portion  180  is removably connected to the first connecting portion  320 , e.g., the first connecting portion  320  is threadedly connected to the first connecting portion  320 . The atomizer  140  includes a reservoir  142  and an atomizing element connected to the reservoir  142 , and the atomizer  140  is provided with a third connecting portion  144  on an end thereof facing the power supply assembly  300 . When the first correcting portion  320  is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion  180 , the abutment portion  160  abuts against the atomizer  140 , such that the third connecting portion  144  abuts against the first connecting portion  320 , thereby fixing the atomizer  140  in the housing  120 . 
         [0028]    During assembly of the foregoing electronic cigarette  10 , the atomizer  140  is firstly received in the housing  120 , the power supply assembly  300  is then connected the housing  120 , the first connecting portion  320  is connected to the second connecting portion  180 , the abutment portion  160  abuts against the atomizer  140 , such that the third connecting portion  144  abuts against the first connecting portion  320 , thereby fixing the atomizer  140  in the housing  120 . The electronic cigarette  10  has a simple structure, easy assembly and low cost. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, when the first connecting portion  320  is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion  180 , the atomizer  140  is compressed between the abutment portion  160  and the power supply assembly  300 . When the first connecting portion  320  is disengaged from the second connecting portion  180 , the atomizer  140  can be removed from the housing  120 . The reservoir  142  of the atomizer  140  is used to store liquid, especially tobacco flavored e-liquid. When the liquid is exhausted, the user can easily remove or reload the atomizer  140 . Since the atomizer  140  can be removed and reload as a whole, a convenient and sanitary replacement of the atomizer  140  can be achieved. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment the third connecting portion  144  serves also as a negative electrode of the atomizing assembly  100 , and the first connecting portion  320  serves also as a negative electrode of the power supply assembly  300 . When the first connecting portion  320  is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion  180 , an end of the first connecting portion  320  abuts against the third connecting portion  144 . In the illustrated embodiment, since the third connecting portion  144  can be electrically coupled to the first connection portion  320  directly, there is no need to provide a boss for the third connecting portion  144  for electrically coupling to the second connecting portion  180 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in alternative embodiments, the third connecting portion  144  is provided with a boss  1422  configured for electrically connecting the second connecting portion  180 . The second connecting portion  180  is electrically coupled to the first connecting portion  320 . Serving as an auxiliary electrical coupling position, the boss  1422  can improve the reliability of the electrical coupling between the third connecting portion  144  and the first connecting portion  320 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in alternative embodiments, the third connecting portion  144  serves also as a negative electrode and defines an air inlet, the third connecting portion  144  is electrically coupled to a negative electrode of the atomizing element. The atomizer  140  bather includes a positive electrode connecting member  146  and an insulating sleeve  148 . The positive electrode connecting member  146  is located at the air inlet. The positive electrode connecting member  146  is electrically coupled to a positive electrode of the atomizing element. The insulating sleeve  148  is sleeved on the positive electrode connecting member  146 , and the insulating sleeve  148  is located between the third connecting portion  144  and the positive electrode connecting member  146 , such that the third connecting portion  144  is insulated from the positive electrode connecting member  146 . 
         [0032]    Referring also to  FIG. 7 , the power supply assembly  300  further includes a positive electrode contact boss  340 . The first connecting portion  320  serves also as a negative electrode and surrounds an outside of the positive electrode contact boss  340 . Referring also to  FIG. 8 , the first connecting portion  320  can include a first main body  322  and a tubular portion  324 , which arc fixedly connected. The positive electrode contact boss  340  is insulated from the first main body  322 . In one embodiment, the tubular portion  324  is provided with a connecting thread  3242  for connecting to a charging device. 
         [0033]    When the first connecting portion  320  is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion  180 , the tubular portion  324  is sleeved on both of the positive electrode connecting member  146  and the insulating sleeve  148 , an end of the tubular portion  324  abuts against, the third connecting portion  144 , and the positive electrode connecting member  146  abuts against the positive electrode contact boss  340 . At this time, the positive electrode of the atomizing assembly  100  is electrically coupled to the positive electrode of the power supply assembly  300 , the negative electrode of the atomizing assembly  100  is electrically coupled to the negative electrode of the power module  300 , while the positive electrode is insulated from the negative electrode. The foregoing connection has a simple structure, easy assembly, and a good reliability. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, in order to ensure smooth ventilation, an end of the tubular portion  324 , which is used to abut against the third portion  144 , defines a ventilation groove  3244  communicating an inside and an outside of the tubular portion  324 . In alternative embodiments, as a substitute of the ventilation groove  3244 , the tubular portion  324  may define a ventilation vent thereon communicating an inside and an outside of the tubular portion  324 . In alternative embodiments, the ventilation groove  3244  and the ventilation vent can both be provided. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, the second connecting portion  180  has a tubular shape and is provided with an internal thread  182 . The first main body  322  is provided with an external thread  3222  fitting with the internal thread  182 , the second connecting portion  180  is threadedly connected to the first main body  322 . In addition, in one embodiment, the first main body  322  is provided with a stepped portion  3224 , which is adjacent to the external thread  3222 . When the first connecting portion  320  is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion  180 , the second connecting portion  180  abuts against the stepped portion  3224 . The abutment between the second connecting portion  180  and the stepped portion  3224  has a positioning function, so as to avoid the poor contact of the circuit due to dislocation caused by the rotation. 
         [0036]    Referring also to  FIG. 10 , additionally, in one embodiment, the third connecting portion  144  includes a third main body  1442  and a connecting tube  1444  which are fixedly connected. The connecting tube  1444  is located at the air inlet. The positive electrode connecting member  146  is at least partially located in the connecting tube  1444 , such that the positive electrode connecting member  146  is firmly connected to the third connecting portion  144 . 
         [0037]    Referring also to  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, the atomizer  140  further includes a spacer  152 , a liquid storage layer  134 , and a liquid conduction cord  156 . The reservoir  142  includes an inner tube  1422  and an outer tube  1424 , the inner tube  1422  is at least partially received in the outer tube  1424 . The inner tube  1422  defines an airflow channel  1426  therein. The inner tube  1422  and the outer tube  1424  cooperatively form a liquid storage chamber  1428  therebetween for restoring liquid. The spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  are sleeved on the inner tube  1422 , the spacer  152  is positioned between the liquid storage chamber  1428  and the liquid storage layer  154 . A side of the liquid storage layer  154  abuts against the spacer  152 . The spacer  152  defines a liquid-conducting hole  1522  communicating the liquid storage chamber  1428  and the liquid storage layer  154 , the liquid storage layer  154  is configured to absorb and store liquid in die liquid storage chamber  1428 . Another side of the liquid storage layer  154  abuts against the liquid conduction cord  156 . The liquid conduction cord  156  is configured to absorb the liquid in the liquid storage layer  154 . The atomizing element is fixedly connected to the liquid conduction cord  156 , and the atomizing element is configured to atomize the liquid in the liquid conduction cord  156 . 
         [0038]    The liquid in the liquid storage chamber  1428  is in contact with the liquid storage layer  154  via the liquid-conducting hole  1522  of the spacer  152 , then the liquid is absorbed by the liquid storage layer  154 . The liquid conduction cord  156  absorbs the liquid in the liquid storage layer  154 , such that the atomizing element can atomize the liquid in the liquid conduction cord  156 . The spacer  152  has a high liquid passing rate, which can be roughly controlled by the configuration of the number and the diameter of the liquid-conducting hole  1522 . The liquid storage layer  154  has a low liquid passing rate, and the passing amount of the liquid can further be precisely controlled by the liquid storage layer  154 . Due to the collective effect of the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154 , the control accuracy of the amount of the liquid in the liquid conduction cord  156  is effectively improved. Since the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  are both sleeved on the inner tube  1422 , the assembly of the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  is based on the inner tube  1422 , thus facilitating the assembly. The spacer  152  has an inexpensive sheet-like structure, which reduces the production cost. 
         [0039]    Since the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  are both sleeved on the inner tube  1422 , the assembly of the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  is based on the inner tube  1422 , thus facilitating the assembly. The spacer  152  can be made of rigid materials, thus further facilitating the assembly. The spacer  152  has a sheet-like structure, in one embodiment, the spacer  152  can be a plastic sheet with holes, which is inexpensive, thus reducing the production cost. The number of the liquid-conducting hole  1522  can be one or more. The shape of the liquid-conducting hole  1522  is best not to be circular, because circular holes tend to form a stable film on its surface if the liquid in the liquid storage chamber  1428  has a large viscosity and surface tension, the film will block the liquid from flowing out. Accordingly, in a preferable embodiment, at least one liquid-conducting hole  1522  has a non-circular shape, which is not easy to from the film, thus ensuring a smooth passing of liquid. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment, the reservoir  142  further includes an extending tube  1429  connected to an edge of the outer tube  1424  and extending away from the outer tube  1424 . The extending tube  1429  defines a receiving cavity therein, the spacer  152  and the liquid storage layer  154  are received in the receiving cavity. The liquid storage layer  154  abuts against an inner side wall of the extending tube  1429 , and the liquid storage layer  154  seals a space between the extending tube  1429  and the inner tube  1422 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube  1422 , the outer tube  1424 , and the extending tube  1429  can be integrated formed. The extending tube  1429  has a greater inner diameter than that of the outer tube  1424 . A step portion  1425  is formed at a connecting portion between the extending tube  1429  and the outer tube  1424 , and the spacer  152  is latched on the step portion  1425 . The connection method of the illustrated embodiment makes the assembly of the atomizer  140  more convenient, and the connection is stable and reliable. In one embodiment, the liquid storage layer  154  abuts against the inner sidewall of the extending tube  1429 , and the liquid storage layer  154  seals the space between the extending tube  1429  and the inner tube  1422 . The liquid storage layer  154  can prevent the liquid from running out of the liquid storage chamber  1428 , such that it acts as a seal to ensure sealing between the liquid storage chamber  1428  and the airflow channel  1426 . 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIG. 14 , in one embodiment, the atomizer  140  further includes an atomizing base  158  defining an atomization chamber therein. One end of the atomizing base  158  has an opening, the other end of the atomizing base  158  defines a through hole communicating the atomization chamber and an outside of the atomizing base  158 . The liquid conduction cord  156  is located in the atomization chamber, and an edge of the end of the atomizing base  158  having the opening abuts against the liquid storage layer  154 . The atomizing base  158  provides a sealed space for atomization, air can enter the atomization chamber via the through hole, the atomized liquid can enter the airflow channel  1426  and is inhaled by the user. 
         [0042]    The atomizing element includes a wire (not shown), the atomizing element is located in the atomization chamber, and the wire requires to extend through the atomizing base  158 . In one embodiment, the atomizing base  158  is made of resilient materials, such as silica gel. The atomizing base  158  can be provided with a wire hole which may be formed by wire extending through a blind bole. After the wire extends through the atomizing base  158 , the atomizing base  158  can utilize its own elasticity to seal the periphery of the wire, so as to prevent the liquid from flowing out of the atomization chamber along the wire. 
         [0043]    In addition, the atomizing base  158  can includes a sidewall  1582  and a bottom surface  1584 . The sidewall  1582  has a tubular shape with a short length, the bottom surface  1584  is connected to one end of the sidewall  1582 . The blind hole and the through hole can both be provided on the bottom surface  1584 . In one embodiment, the sidewall  1582  defines a groove  1586  to accommodate the liquid conduction cord  156 , such that the liquid conduction cord  156  can be precisely positioned and is less likely to be moved. In one embodiment, the bottom surface  1584  defines another groove  1588  to receive the liquid dripped by the liquid conduction cord  156 , such that the liquid dropping from the liquid conduction cord  156  is not easily to be accumulated in the surrounding of the wire, thus further preventing the liquid from flowing out of the atomization chamber along the cord. 
         [0044]    Referring also to  FIG. 13 , in one embodiment the liquid conduction cord  156  includes a plurality of filaments  1562 , ends of the plurality of filaments  1562  are split. Some parts of ends of the plurality of filaments  1562  abut against the liquid storage layer  154 , and the rest of ends of the plurality of filaments  1562  are sandwiched between the atomizing base  158  and the liquid storage layer  154 . The above-mentioned splitting of the plurality of filaments  1562  can be formed by dispersing the tip of the liquid conduction cord  156 . The split filaments  1562  can increase the contact area between the filaments  1562  and the liquid storage layer  154 , thereby increasing the flowing rate of the liquid between the filaments  1562  and the liquid storage layer  154 . 
         [0045]    The liquid conduction cord  156  generally has two ends, and the two ends are located at opposing sides of the inner tube  1422 . Furthermore, in one embodiment, some parts of ends of the plurality of filaments  1562  abut against the liquid storage layer  154 , while the rest of ends of the plurality of filaments  1562  are sandwiched between the atomizing base  158  and the liquid storage layer  154 , thus ensuring the stability of the liquid conduction cord  156  and preventing the liquid conduction cord  156  from being disengaged from the liquid storage layer  154  due to gravity or the like. Moreover, at the splitting position of the plurality of filaments  1562 , the length of the filament  1562  whose end is in contact with the liquid storage layer  154  may be less than the length of the filament  1562  which is sandwiched between the atomizing base  158  and the liquid storage layer  154 . The sandwiched filament  1562  has a greater length, such that a sufficient contact area between the filament  1562  and the atomizing base  158  and the liquid storage layer  154  can be ensured, thus increasing the reliability of clamping. The filament  1562  which abuts against the liquid storage layer  154  has a less length, thus it is possible to prevent the filaments  1562  from accumulating at a location contacting the liquid storage layer  154 , for the accumulating may cause squeezing between the filaments  1562  and blocking of the liquid conduction. Meanwhile, the top end of the filaments  1562  is in contact with the liquid storage layer  154 , thus further ensuring the liquid conduction rate. It should be noted that,  FIG. 13  only shows a schematic view of the splitting state of the filaments  1562 , the number of the filaments  1562  is actually greater than that shown in  FIG. 13 , and the filaments  1562  may be intertwined with each other. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the atomizing element can include a heating wire  159 , which is wound on a middle portion of the liquid conduction cord  156 . The inner tube  1422  defines an opening thereon communicating the airflow channel  1426  and the atomization chamber. The through hole is aligned with the opening on the inner tube  1422 , and the heating wire  159  is located between the through hole and the opening on the inner tube  1422 . The heating wire  159  is configured at such position that the atomized liquid can be taken away by the airflow directly and not easy to be condensed on the inner wall of the atomization cavity. In one embodiment, a distance between the heating wire  159  and the inner tube  1422  is greater than 2 mm. The inner tube  1422  is generally made of plastic, which may be deformed in case of heating. Since the distance between the heating wire  159  and the inner tube  1422  is greater than 2 mm, it can be prevented that the inner tube  1422  is heated and deformed by the heating wire  159 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the housing  120  includes a pipe  122  and a mouthpiece  124  connected to an end of the pipe  122 . The abutment portion  160  is located at an inner side wall of the pipe  122 , or the abutment portion  160  is located at the mouthpiece  124 . The position of the abutment portion  160  can be relatively flexible, as long as the abutment portion  160  can abut against the atomizer  140  after the atomizer  140  is received in the pipe  122 . In one embodiment the abutment portion  160  is made of a resilient material, such as silica gel. The abutment portion  160  and the third connecting portion  144  are located at both ends of the atomizer  140 . When the third connecting portion  144  abuts against the first connecting portion  220 , the atomizer  140  can be clamped and fixed by the abutment portion  160  and the first connecting portion  320 . Since the abutment portion is elastic, the third connecting portion  144  and the first connecting portion  320  can maintain a stable abutting condition, thus improving the reliability of electrical coupling between the third connecting portion  144  and the first connecting portion  320 . 
         [0048]    Although the respective embodiments have been described one by one, it shall be appreciated that the respective embodiments will not be isolated. Those skilled in the art can apparently appreciate upon reading the disclosure of this application that the respective technical features involved in the respective embodiments can be combined arbitrarily between the respective embodiments as long as they have no collision with each other. 
         [0049]    The foregoing descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the appended claims.