Inhalation device with at least one liquid jet device, cartridge for an inhalation device and method of conveying liquid drops in an inhalation device

Abstract

An inhalation device ( 10 ), in particular an electronic cigarette, has at least one liquid jet device ( 24 ), such as a micro heater or resistor, to produce liquid drops on demand, wherein a hollow needle ( 40 ) is mounted on the liquid jet device ( 24 ). A cartridge ( 16 ) has at least one first septum ( 54 ) sealing Around the needle ( 40 ) of the inhalation device ( 10 ). Further, the invention relates to a method of conveying liquid drops in an inhalation device ( 10 ) as a liquid jet, such as by means of at least one liquid jet device ( 24 ), in particular a micro heater or resistor, in combination with a hollow needle ( 40 ) mounted on the liquid jet device ( 24 ).

1 . An inhalation device ( 10 ), in particular an electronic cigarette, with at least one liquid jet device ( 24 ), such as a micro heater or resistor, to produce liquid drops on demand, the inhalation device ( 10 ) being suitable for being combined with a cartridge ( 16 ),
 wherein a hollow needle ( 40 ) is mounted on the liquid jet device ( 24 ), the hollow needle ( 40 ) being adapted to puncture a septum closing the cartridge ( 16 ), when the cartridge ( 16 ) is combined with the inhalation device ( 10 ).   
     
     
         2 . The inhalation device ( 10 ) of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid jet device ( 24 ) is in the form of an MEMS. 
     
     
         3 . The inhalation device ( 10 ) of  claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a spring-loaded plate ( 52 ) surrounding the needle in a manner to extend beyond a needle point, when the spring element is at least partly relaxed. 
     
     
         4 . The inhalation device ( 10 ) of  one of the preceding claims , wherein the inhalation device ( 10 ) and/or the spring-loaded plate ( 52 ) has means ( 66 ,  62 ) for positioning the spring element. 
     
     
         5 . The inhalation device ( 10 ) of one of  claim 3 or 4 , wherein the needle is adapted to guide the spring-loaded plate ( 52 ). 
     
     
         6 . A cartridge ( 16 ) for an inhalation device ( 10 ) with at least one liquid jet device ( 24 ) and a hollow needle ( 40 ), preferably combined with the liquid jet device ( 24 ) of one of the proceeding claims, with at least two septa ( 38 ,  54 ), at least one ( 54 ) of them having a hole adapted to tightly seal around the needle ( 40 ) of the inhalation device ( 10 ). 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge ( 16 ) of  claim 6  further comprising a first septum ( 38 ) sealing the cartridge ( 16 ) in an original state. 
     
     
         8 . The cartridge ( 16 ) of  claim 6 or 7  wherein the cartridge ( 16 ) has a container ( 30 ) and at least one cap ( 32 ), preferably connected to the container ( 30 ) by a thread ( 36 ). 
     
     
         9 . The cartridge ( 16 ) of  claim 8  further comprising at least one seal ( 50 ) between the cap ( 32 ) and the container ( 30 ). 
     
     
         10 . The cartridge ( 16 ) of one of  claims 6-9 , further comprising at least one wick ( 46 ). 
     
     
         11 . The cartridge ( 16 ) of one of  claims 6-10 , further comprising at least one internal tube ( 44 ). 
     
     
         12 . A method of conveying liquid drops in an inhalation device ( 10 ), the inhalation device ( 10 ) being suitable for being combined with a cartridge ( 16 ), as a liquid jet, such as by means of at least one liquid jet device, in particular a micro heater or resistor, in combination with a hollow needle ( 40 ) mounted on the liquid jet device ( 24 ), the hollow needle ( 40 ) being adapted to puncture a septum closing the cartridge ( 16 ), when the cartridge is combined with the inhalation device ( 10 ). 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the liquid is delivered to the liquid jet device ( 24 ) from at least one replaceable cartridge ( 16 ). 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein when combining the inhalation device ( 10 ) and the cartridge ( 16 ), a first septum ( 38 ) of the cartridge ( 16 ) is opened, and a second septum ( 54 ) of the cartridge ( 16 ) is combined with a hollow needle ( 40 ) of the inhalation device ( 10 ) in a fluid tight manner.