BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly of an electronic vaping or e-vaping device and methods of forming the connector assembly.

Description of Related Art

Electronic vaping devices may include a power supply section and a cartridge. The power supply section and the cartridge may be connected by a connector, such as a threaded connector.

SUMMARY

At least one example embodiment relates to a connector assembly of a cartridge of an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, a connector assembly of a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes: a first connector body, a second connector body, and at least two electrical leads, each including a first end and a second end. The first connector body includes a first base portion that is generally cylindrical, a nose portion extending from a first end of the first base portion, at least two slots extending longitudinally through the first base portion and on opposing sides of the nose portion; and a first orifice extending longitudinally through the first base portion and the nose portion. The nose portion is generally cylindrical. The nose portion has a smaller diameter than the first base portion. The first end of each of the electrical leads extends through a respective one of the at least two slots. The second connector body includes a second base portion that is generally cylindrical, a tubular portion extending longitudinally from a second end of the second base portion; and a second orifice extending through the second base portion and the tubular portion. The second orifice is configured to receive a portion of the first base portion of the first connector body and the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads, such that the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads abuts an inner surface of the second orifice.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least two electrical leads are formed of stainless steel. The at least two electrical leads may have a cross-sectional area sufficient to reduce an electrical resistance of the leads.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly may also include a third slot extending longitudinally through the base portion, a third electrical lead extending through the third slot, a fourth slot extending longitudinally through the base portion, and a fourth electrical lead extending through the fourth slot.

In at least one example embodiment, each of the first the connector body and the second connector body is formed of at least one polymer.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least two electrical leads include a generally U-shaped notch at the second end thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly may also include an air inlet in the second base portion of the second connector body. The air inlet may be in fluid communication with the first orifice in the first connector piece.

At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing having a first end and a second end, an inner tube coaxially positioned in the housing, a heating element in the housing, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a first connector body, a second connector body, and at least two electrical leads each including a first end and a second end. The first connector body includes a first base portion that is generally cylindrical, a nose portion extending from a first end of the first base portion, at least two slots extending longitudinally through the first base portion and on opposing sides of the nose portion; and a first orifice extending longitudinally through the first base portion and the nose portion. The nose portion is generally cylindrical. The nose portion has a smaller diameter than the first base portion. The first end of each of the electrical leads extends through a respective one of the at least two slots. The second connector body includes a second base portion that is generally cylindrical, a tubular portion extending longitudinally from a second end of the second base portion; and a second orifice extending through the second base portion and the tubular portion. The second orifice is configured to receive a portion of the first base portion of the first connector body and the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads, such that the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads abuts an inner surface of the second orifice.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least two electrical leads are formed of stainless steel. The at least two electrical leads may have a cross-sectional area sufficient to reduce an electrical resistance of the leads.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly may also include a third slot extending longitudinally through the base portion, a third electrical lead extending through the third slot, a fourth slot extending longitudinally through the base portion, and a fourth electrical lead extending through the fourth slot.

In at least one example embodiment, each of the first the connector body and the second connector body is formed of at least one polymer.

In at least one example embodiment, the at least two electrical leads include a generally U-shaped notch at the second end thereof.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly may also include an air inlet in the second base portion of the second connector body. The air inlet may be in fluid communication with the first orifice in the first connector piece.

In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge may also include a microprocessor configured to control temperature of a heater. The microprocessor may be in the housing.

At least one example embodiment relates to an electronic vaping device.

In at least one example embodiment, an electronic vaping device includes a cartridge and a power supply section. In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing having a first end and a second end, an inner tube coaxially positioned in the housing, a heating element in the housing, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a first connector body, a second connector body, and at least two electrical leads each including a first end and a second end. The first connector body includes a first base portion that is generally cylindrical, a nose portion extending from a first end of the first base portion, at least two slots extending longitudinally through the first base portion and on opposing sides of the nose portion; and a first orifice extending longitudinally through the first base portion and the nose portion. The nose portion is generally cylindrical. The nose portion has a smaller diameter than the first base portion. The first end of each of the electrical leads extends through a respective one of the at least two slots. The second connector body includes a second base portion that is generally cylindrical, a tubular portion extending longitudinally from a second end of the second base portion; and a second orifice extending through the second base portion and the tubular portion. The second orifice is configured to receive a portion of the first base portion of the first connector body and the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads, such that the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads abuts an inner surface of the second orifice. The power supply section may include a second housing, a battery in the housing, and electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the battery to the heater when the cartridge is connected to the power supply section.

In at least one example embodiment, the electrical contacts are formed of at least one of copper coated with tin and brass alloys.

In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaping device may include a second connector assembly arranged in a first end of the second housing. The second connector assembly may include a generally cup-shaped connector piece and a metal lining, the connector piece and the metal lining configured to receive the tubular portion of the second connector body.

In at least one example embodiment, the second connector body may include a post extending through a bottom of the connector piece, the electrical leads configured to be received between the metal lining and the post.

At least one example embodiment relates to a method of making a connector assembly.

In at least one example embodiment, a method of making a connector assembly of a cartridge of an electronic vaping device may include metal insert molding the connector assembly.

In at least one example embodiment, the connector assembly may include a first connector body, a second connector body, and at least two electrical leads each including a first end and a second end. The first connector body includes a first base portion that is generally cylindrical, a nose portion extending from a first end of the first base portion, at least two slots extending longitudinally through the first base portion and on opposing sides of the nose portion; and a first orifice extending longitudinally through the first base portion and the nose portion. The nose portion is generally cylindrical. The nose portion has a smaller diameter than the first base portion. The first end of each of the electrical leads extends through a respective one of the at least two slots. The second connector body includes a second base portion that is generally cylindrical, a tubular portion extending longitudinally from a second end of the second base portion; and a second orifice extending through the second base portion and the tubular portion. The second orifice is configured to receive a portion of the first base portion of the first connector body and the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads, such that the second end of each of the at least two electrical leads abuts an inner surface of the second orifice.

