Patent Description:
The present invention relates to the technical field of atomization, and specifically to an electronic atomizing device and a liquid injecting structure thereof.

Electronic cigarettes are also known as virtual cigarettes or electronic atomizing devices. With similar appearance and flavor to conventional cigarettes, the electronic atomizing devices are generally free of harmful chemicals like tar or aerosol in the cigarettes.

An electronic atomizing device mainly includes a liquid storage cavity, an atomizer disposed at one end of the liquid storage cavity, and a nozzle disposed at another end of the liquid storage cavity. Typically, the liquid storage cavity is refilled with liquid by twisting off the nozzle. However, the nozzle in certain conventional electronic atomizing device is likely twisted off by children, which may result in the liquid being contacted or even swallowed by the children. Besides, a leakage may be occurred due to air pressure in a process of liquid injection. Publication <CIT> discloses liquid injecting container for storing liquid and injecting the liquid into a refillable device. The liquid injecting container includes a hollow housing, a sealing component, and a rotating body. The housing has an open end configured for connecting the refillable device. The sealing component and the rotating body are arranged in the open end. The rotating body is rotatable relative to the sealing component, the sealing component defines at least one liquid outlet, the rotating body is capable of rotating driven by the refillable device between a first position where the rotating body seals the at least one liquid outlet, and a second position where the at least one liquid outlet is opened, such that the liquid in the liquid injecting container can flow into the refillable device.

<CIT> discloses a fluid valve according to the prior art.

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved electronic atomizing device and a liquid injecting structure thereof.

The problem underlying the present application is solved by a liquid injection structure having the features of claim <NUM>. The technical solution adopted by the invention to solve the technical problem is to construct a liquid injecting structure for an electronic atomizing device, comprising an outer tube and a liquid injection assembly disposed in the outer tube; wherein,.

The switch assembly comprises a first sealing member which is circumferentially fixed with the liquid injection tube and rotates synchronously with the liquid injection tube, the first sealing member is connected to the liquid injection tube either directly or by means of a connecting shaft, and the first sealing member defines a first flow port; and
when the switch assembly is in the injecting position, the inlet port is fluidly communicated with the injecting port via the first flow port; and when the switch assembly is in the working position, the first flow port is isolated from the inlet port.

Preferably, the liquid injection assembly further comprises a tubular second sealing member disposed between the outer tube and the liquid injection tube; the second sealing member defines a second flow port, and is circumferentially fixed with the outer tube; and
the injecting port and the first flow port are respectively defined in an inner side and an outer side of the second sealing member; when the switch assembly is in the injecting position, the injecting port is fluidly communicated with the first flow port via the second flow port; and when the liquid injection assembly is in the working position, the second flow port is isolated from the injecting port and the first flow port.

Preferably, the first sealing member is disposed at an inner end of the liquid injection tube, and the first flow port is defined in an outer surface of the first sealing member.

Preferably, the outer tube comprises a body and an end wall disposed at an inner end of the body; the inlet port is defined on the end wall, the first flow port is defined on the outer surface of the first sealing member and extends axially, and the second flow port is defined at an end portion of the second sealing member which is proximate to the first sealing member.

Preferably, the connecting shaft is provided to connect the first sealing member and the liquid injection tube, the second sealing member further comprises an annular flange which is disposed between the liquid injection tube and the first sealing member and isolates the liquid injection tube from the first sealing member; the connecting shaft extends through the annular flange.

Preferably, the switch assembly further comprises an elastic member sleeved on an outer periphery of the connecting shaft; two ends of the elastic member abut against the annular flange and the first sealing member respectively, and the first sealing member is attached to the end wall under an elastic force of the elastic member.

Preferably, an operating portion for driving the liquid injection assembly to rotate is provided on the liquid injection assembly, the operating portion comprises a first rotating arm disposed on the liquid injection tube, and the first rotating arm extends outwardly from an outer surface of the liquid injection tube; and
an outer end portion of the second sealing member defines an arcuate first rotating recess along a circumferential direction; the first rotating arm is arranged in the first rotating recess in a manner enabling to swing in the circumferential direction, to define a rotation range of the switch assembly.

The outer tube further defines an exhaust port for exhausting air in the liquid storage cavity, and an outlet passage for allowing the exhaust port to be fluidly communicated with an outer atmosphere is defined between the outer tube and the liquid injection assembly; and
when the switch assembly is in the injecting position, the exhaust port is fluidly communicated with the outlet passage; and when the switch assembly is in the working position, the exhaust port is isolated from the outlet passage.

Preferably, the exhaust port is defined on a side wall of the outer tube, and the first sealing member further defines a third flow port for fluidly connecting the exhaust port to the outer atmosphere when the switch assembly is in the injecting position.

Preferably, the liquid injection assembly further comprises a tubular second sealing member sleeved between the outer tube and the liquid injection tube; a fourth flow port is defined on an outer surface of the second sealing member along an axial direction; when the switch assembly is in the injecting position, the exhaust port is fluidly communicated with the fourth flow port via the third flow port; and when the liquid injection assembly is in the working position, the third flow port is isolated from the exhaust port and the fourth flow port.

Preferably, the first sealing member is sleeved between the liquid injection tube and the outer tube, and the inlet port is defined on a side wall of the outer tube.

Preferably, the exhaust port is defined on a side wall of the outer tube; a fifth flow port fluidly communicated with an outer atmosphere is defined on an outer surface of the first sealing member in an axial direction; and
when the switch assembly is in the injecting position, the fifth flow port is fluidly communicated with the exhaust port; and when the liquid injection assembly is in the working position, the fifth flow port is isolated from the exhaust port.

Preferably, an operating portion for driving the liquid injection assembly to rotate is provided on the liquid injection assembly, and the operating portion comprises a second rotating arm extending outwardly; and
an outer end portion of the outer tube defines an arcuate second rotating recess along a circumferential direction; the second rotating arm is arranged in the second rotating recess in a manner enabling to swing in the circumferential direction, to define a rotation range of the switch assembly.

Preferably, the switch assembly comprises a collar sleeved outside an outer end of the liquid injection tube, and the second rotating arm extends outwardly from an outer surface of the collar.

Preferably, the outer tube comprises a body and an end wall disposed at an inner end of the body, a rotating shaft rotatably matched with the end wall is provided at the inner end of the liquid injection tube, the rotating shaft is locked with the end wall for axial positioning, and a sealing ring is provided at an end of the rotating shaft which extends out of the end wall.

An electronic atomizing device comprising a liquid storage cavity and the above liquid injecting structure, wherein the liquid injecting structure is disposed on a cavity wall which defines the liquid storage cavity, and an inlet port of the liquid injecting structure is fluidly communicated with the liquid storage cavity.

Implementing the electronic atomizing device and the liquid injecting structure thereof of the invention has the following beneficial effects: with the liquid injecting structure, the switch assembly is easily able to rotate between the injecting position to realize a liquid injection operation and the working position to stop the liquid injection operation; the rotation operation can prevent children from contacting liquid to improve safety; besides, when the electronic atomizing device is in the working position for a user's drawing operation, the liquid injecting structure is shielded by a battery and cannot be opened accidentally.

To make the aforementioned more comprehensible, several embodiments accompanied with drawings are described in detail as follows.

The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

In order to render a more apparent understanding of technical features, objects and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments thereof will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in <FIG>, an electronic atomizing device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an atomizer. The atomizer comprises a nozzle <NUM>, an end cover <NUM>, an atomizing assembly <NUM> and a liquid injecting structure <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and an airflow tube <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. One end of the nozzle <NUM> defines an opening which is capped with the end cover <NUM>. The end cover <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> define a liquid storage cavity <NUM> at a periphery of the airflow tube <NUM> for storing liquid.

The atomizing assembly <NUM> is disposed on the airflow tube <NUM>. The liquid in the liquid storage cavity <NUM> can flow to the atomizing assembly <NUM> to be adsorbed. The atomizing assembly <NUM> heats and atomizes the liquid to generate aerosol when electrified. Then the aerosol flows out of the nozzle <NUM> via the airflow tube <NUM>.

Preferably, the liquid injecting structure <NUM> is disposed on the end cover <NUM> in this embodiment. An inlet port <NUM> of the liquid injecting structure <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the liquid storage cavity <NUM>. The liquid storage cavity <NUM> can be injected with liquid via the inlet port of the liquid injecting structure <NUM>. The liquid injecting structure <NUM> is shielded within a connection position when the atomizer, a battery and the like are assembled, such that the liquid injecting structure <NUM> cannot be opened easily. In other embodiments, the liquid injecting structure <NUM> may be disposed on another cavity wall which defines the liquid storage cavity <NUM>, such as on the nozzle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the liquid injecting structure <NUM> comprises an outer tube <NUM> and a liquid injection assembly <NUM> disposed in the outer tube <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> defines an inlet port <NUM>. The liquid injection assembly <NUM> comprises a switch assembly <NUM> which is rotatable between an injecting position A and a working position B relative to the outer tube <NUM>. The switch assembly <NUM> comprises a liquid injection tube <NUM> which defines an injecting port <NUM>.

When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the injecting port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the inlet port <NUM>, and liquid can be injected into the liquid storage cavity <NUM> via the liquid injection tube <NUM>. When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the injecting port <NUM> is isolated from the inlet port <NUM>, so as to prevent the injected liquid from flowing out.

With the liquid injecting structure <NUM>, the switch assembly <NUM> is easily able to rotate between the injecting position to realize a liquid injection operation and the working position to stop the liquid injection operation. The rotation operation can prevent children from contacting liquid to improve safety. Besides, when the electronic atomizing device is in the working position for a user's drawing operation, the liquid injecting structure <NUM> is shielded by the battery and cannot be opened accidentally.

An operating portion C for driving the liquid injection assembly <NUM> to rotate is provided on the liquid injection assembly <NUM>. The operating portion C in this embodiment can be directly operated by hand, which is user friendly. The operating portion C in other embodiments may be a structure such as a clamping groove, a clamping boss, or a clamping hole, which can be driven to rotate only with a matched tool.

The outer tube <NUM> further defines an exhaust port <NUM> for exhausting air in the liquid storage cavity <NUM>. An outlet passage D for allowing the exhaust port <NUM> to be fluidly communicated with an outer atmosphere is defined between an inner side of the outer tube <NUM> and an outer side of the liquid injection assembly <NUM>.

When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the exhaust port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the outlet passage D. Thus the air in the liquid storage cavity <NUM> is able to be exhausted during a liquid injection process into the liquid storage cavity <NUM>, so as to maintain a balance of the air pressure. When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the exhaust port <NUM> is isolated from the outlet passage D, thus the liquid storage cavity <NUM> is sealed to maintain a good sealing performance.

The switch assembly <NUM> comprises a first sealing member <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> is circumferentially fixed with the liquid injection tube <NUM>, and rotates synchronously with the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> defines a first flow port <NUM>.

When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the inlet port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the injecting port <NUM> via the first flow port <NUM>. When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the first flow port <NUM> is isolated from the inlet port <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> can improve the sealing performance between the injecting port <NUM> of the liquid injection tube <NUM> and the inlet port <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>, and maintain a good sealing performance during rotation.

In a first embodiment, the operating portion C comprises a first rotating arm <NUM> which is disposed on the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The first rotating arm <NUM> extends outwards laterally.

In this embodiment, the liquid injection assembly <NUM> further comprises a tubular second sealing member <NUM> sleeved between the outer tube <NUM> and the liquid injection tube <NUM>. An outer end portion of the second sealing member <NUM> defines an arcuate first rotating recess <NUM> along a circumferential direction. The first rotating arm <NUM> is arranged in the first rotating recess <NUM> in a manner enabling to swing in the circumferential direction. The first rotating arm <NUM> can only swing in the first rotating recess <NUM>, so as to define a rotation range of the switch assembly <NUM>, and to indicate the switching state to the user.

The second sealing member <NUM> defines a second flow port <NUM>. The second sealing member <NUM> is circumferentially fixed with the outer tube <NUM>, enabling a relative rotation in a circumferential direction between the second sealing member <NUM> and the switch assembly <NUM> when the switch assembly <NUM> rotates.

The injecting port <NUM> and the first flow port <NUM> are respectively defined at an inner side and an outer side of the second sealing member <NUM>. When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the injecting port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the first flow port <NUM> via the second flow port <NUM>. When the liquid injection assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the second flow port <NUM> is isolated from the injecting port <NUM> and the first flow port <NUM>.

The exhaust port <NUM> is defined on a side wall of the outer tube <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> further defines a third flow port <NUM> for fluidly connecting the exhaust port <NUM> to the outer atmosphere when the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A.

A fourth flow port <NUM> is defined on an outer surface of the second sealing member <NUM> along an axial direction. The fourth flow port <NUM> defines the outlet passage D. When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the exhaust port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the fourth flow port <NUM> via the third flow port <NUM>. When the liquid injection assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the third flow port <NUM> is isolated from the exhaust port <NUM> and the fourth flow port <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first sealing member <NUM> is disposed at an inner end of the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The first flow port <NUM> and the third flow port <NUM> are defined on an outer surface of the first sealing member <NUM>.

Furthermore, the outer tube <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and an end wall <NUM> disposed at an inner end of the body <NUM>. The inlet port <NUM> is defined on the end wall <NUM>. The first flow port <NUM> and the third flow port <NUM> are defined on an outer surface of the first sealing member <NUM> and extend along an axial direction of the first sealing member <NUM>. The second flow port <NUM> is defined at an end portion of the second sealing member <NUM> which is proximate to the first sealing member <NUM>. The liquid can enter the liquid storage cavity <NUM> sequentially through the injecting port <NUM>, the second flow port <NUM>, the first flow port <NUM> and the inlet port <NUM>, guaranteeing the fluid flows smoothly, and avoiding accumulation of the liquid.

The first sealing member <NUM> and the liquid injection tube <NUM> are connected by a connecting shaft <NUM> therebetween. The second sealing member <NUM> further comprises an annular flange <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is disposed between the liquid injection tube <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM>, and isolates the liquid injection tube <NUM> from the first sealing member <NUM>. The connecting shaft <NUM> extends through the flange <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> can achieve a sealed function.

The switch assembly <NUM> further comprises an elastic member <NUM> sleeved on an outer periphery of the connecting shaft <NUM>. Two ends of the elastic member <NUM> abut against the flange <NUM> and the first sealing member <NUM> respectively. The first sealing member <NUM> is attached to the end wall <NUM> under an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first sealing member <NUM> may be connected to the liquid injection tube <NUM> directly.

As shown in <FIG>, the first sealing member <NUM> in a second embodiment is sleeved between an outer periphery of the liquid injection tube <NUM> and an inner periphery of the outer tube <NUM>. The first sealing member <NUM> rotates synchronously with the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The inlet port <NUM> is defined on a side wall of the outer tube <NUM>.

As in the first embodiment, the outer tube <NUM> in this embodiment comprises a body <NUM> and an end wall <NUM> disposed at an inner end of the body <NUM>. A rotating shaft <NUM> rotatably matched with the end wall <NUM> is provided at an inner end of the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The rotating shaft <NUM> is locked with the end wall <NUM> for axial fixing. A sealing ring <NUM> is provided at an end of the rotating shaft <NUM> which extends out of the end wall <NUM>.

As in the first embodiment, the outer tube <NUM> in this embodiment defines an exhaust port <NUM> for exhausting air in the liquid storage cavity <NUM>. The exhaust port <NUM> is defined on a side wall of the outer tube <NUM>. In this embodiment, a fifth flow port <NUM> fluidly communicated with an outer atmosphere is defined on an outer surface of the first sealing member <NUM>. The fifth flow port <NUM> extends along an axial direction of the first sealing member <NUM>, and defines the outlet passage D.

When the switch assembly <NUM> is in the injecting position A, the fifth flow port <NUM> is fluidly communicated with the exhaust port <NUM>. When the liquid injection assembly <NUM> is in the working position B, the fifth flow port <NUM> is isolated from the exhaust port <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the switch assembly <NUM> comprises a collar <NUM> sleeved outside an outer end of the liquid injection tube <NUM>. The operating portion C comprises a second rotating arm <NUM> extending outwards laterally from an outer surface of the collar <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second sealing member <NUM> may extend outwards laterally from an outer surface of the liquid injection tube <NUM>.

Furthermore, an outer end portion of the outer tube <NUM> defines an arcuate second rotating recess <NUM> along a circumferential direction. The second rotating arm <NUM> is arranged in the second rotating recess <NUM> in a manner enabling to swing in the circumferential direction, to define a rotation range of the switch assembly <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A liquid injecting structure (<NUM>) for an electronic atomizing device, comprising: an outer tube (<NUM>) and a liquid injection assembly (<NUM>) disposed in the outer tube (<NUM>); wherein,
the outer tube (<NUM>) defines an inlet port (<NUM>), the liquid injection assembly (<NUM>) comprises a switch assembly (<NUM>), the switch assembly (<NUM>) is rotatable between an injecting position (A) and a working position (B) relative to the outer tube (<NUM>); the switch assembly (<NUM>) comprises a liquid injection tube (<NUM>) which defines an injecting port (<NUM>); and when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the injecting position (A), the injecting port (<NUM>) is fluidly communicated with the inlet port (<NUM>), such that liquid can be injected into a liquid storage cavity (<NUM>); and
when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the working position (B), the injecting port (<NUM>) is isolated from the inlet port (<NUM>);
wherein the switch assembly (<NUM>) comprises a first sealing member (<NUM>) which is circumferentially fixed with the liquid injection tube (<NUM>) and rotates synchronously with the liquid injection tube (<NUM>), wherein the first sealing member (<NUM>) is connected to the liquid injection tube (<NUM>) either directly or by means of a connecting shaft (<NUM>), and the first sealing member (<NUM>) defines a first flow port (<NUM>); and
when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the injecting position (A), the inlet port (<NUM>) is fluidly communicated with the injecting port (<NUM>) via the first flow port (<NUM>); and when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the working position (B), the first flow port (<NUM>) is isolated from the inlet port (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the outer tube (<NUM>) further defines an exhaust port (<NUM>) for exhausting air in the liquid storage cavity (<NUM>), and an outlet passage (D) for allowing the exhaust port (<NUM>) to be fluidly communicated with an outer atmosphere is defined between the outer tube (<NUM>) and the liquid injection assembly (<NUM>); and
when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the injecting position (A), the exhaust port (<NUM>) is fluidly communicated with the outlet passage (D); and when the switch assembly (<NUM>) is in the working position (B), the exhaust port (<NUM>) is isolated from the outlet passage (D).