EA041978B1 - ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE CARTRIDGE WITH COMPRESSIBLE WICE - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes, and more particularly to liquid storage cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

Background of the invention

In e-cigarette products, the aerosol-forming or vaporizing substance is stored in a container in liquid form. The container typically has an outlet connected to a wick or fluid transfer element that delivers the aerosol or vapor generating agent to the atomizer. In addition to the fluid transfer element, the atomizer also contains a heating device that vaporizes a liquid substance to form an aerosol or vapor.

Electronic cigarettes depend on energy stored locally in batteries and there is a need to provide extended battery life for such devices. The aim of the present invention is therefore to solve such a problem.

US 2014/069424 A1 describes a device that sprays or vaporizes an inhalable liquid. Patent application WO 2016/198417 A1 describes a cartridge for use in an electrically powered aerosol generating system.

The essence of the invention

The above object of the present invention, as well as other problems, are solved in the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaporizer for an electronic cigarette, the vaporizer comprising a fluid transfer element and a heater, the fluid transfer element being compressible and configured to transfer a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater, and wherein the contact surface the fluid transfer element and the heater are movable relative to each other such that when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is compressed, liquid can be released from the fluid transfer element and can be adsorbed onto the heater.

Thus, a controlled portion of the liquid can be transferred to the heater for heating, and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a single vaping puff performed by the user.

Preferably, the evaporator further comprises a compression member movable from a first position separated from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element to a second position closer to the contact surface of the fluid transfer element.

Preferably, the heater is positioned on the compression element such that the heater moves relative to the contact surface and is pressed against the contact surface of the fluid transfer element when the compression element is in the second position, causing a portion of the liquid to be released from the fluid transfer element and adsorbed onto the heater. , and wherein the heater is configured to evaporate the adsorbed portion of the liquid after moving the compressing element from the second position to the first position.

Thus, the normalized part of the liquid is transferred directly to the heater by moving the heater. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unnecessary heating of the fluid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the fluid reservoir are prevented; only a predetermined portion is heated, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

Alternatively, the heater is fixedly located within the electronic cigarette and proximate the contact surface of the fluid transfer element, and the compression element is configured to move the contact surface relative to the heater as the compression element is moved between the first position and the second position, and the compression element in the second position is configured to the possibility of compressing the contact surface so that the liquid is released from the contact surface, and the heater is configured to evaporate the adsorbed part of the liquid when the compressing element is in the first position.

Preferably, when the compression element is in the second position, a fluid bridge is created between the contact surface and the heater, whereby a portion of the liquid released from the fluid transfer element can be adsorbed onto the heater in the second position.

Alternatively, the compressing element in the second position is configured to compress the contact surface and create a distance between the contact surface and the heater, and the compressing element in the first position is released from the contact surface such that the contact surface contacts the heater in the first position and transfers fluid.

Thus, the heater is kept away from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also prevented.

- 1 041978

This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined portion, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

Alternatively, in the first position, the heater is located adjacent to but separated from the fluid transfer element, and the contact surface moves relative to the heater when the compressing element compresses the contact surface, moving from the first position to the second position. When the compressing member compresses the contact surface, a portion of the liquid released from the fluid transfer member is adsorbed on the heater, and the heater is configured to vaporize the adsorbed portion of the fluid after the compressing member moves from the second position to the first position.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element comprises a compressible wick.

Thus, the wick can absorb and store liquid from the liquid reservoir, and can also be compressed to release liquid to be adsorbed onto the heater.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh disposed on a surface of the wick that faces the heater, wherein the mesh and wick are compressed when the compressing element is pressed against the contact surface of the fluid transfer element such that, in use, a portion of the liquid in the wick passes through the grid.

Thus, the mesh contributes to preventing liquid leakage from the wick so that liquid does not leak through the electronic cigarette by forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer member is not deformed by the compressing member.

Preferably the mesh is hydrophobic.

Thus, the prevention of leakage of liquid from the wick through the mesh is improved, as well as adsorption on the heater. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

Preferably, the fluid transfer member further comprises a fluid buffer configured to deliver fluid from the fluid reservoir to the wick by capillary action.

Thus, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by buffering the liquid flow.

Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates extendable from the wick to the liquid reservoir, with channels located between the plates such that, in use, liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir to the wick by capillary action.

Thus, the liquid accumulates in the buffer by capillary action, so that the liquid reaches the wick in a controlled manner.

Preferably, the fluid transfer member includes a piercing member protruding from it for piercing a cartridge containing a fluid reservoir and delivering fluid from the cartridge to the wick through the piercing member.

Thus, the fluid transfer element has two functions, which is that it is used both to pierce the cartridge and to transfer the liquid contained therein to the heater. This is advantageous because both the opening of the cartridge and the interaction of the liquid contained therein with the element for transferring the fluid to the heater take place in one step. Additionally, the user does not need to manually open the cartridge, thereby avoiding possible spillage. Preferably, the piercing piece is a tube with a pointed end. Preferably, the piercing member has an orifice narrow enough to deliver liquid from the cartridge by capillary action. Preferably, the cartridge is a disposable consumable, while the component is located in the reusable portion of the electronic cigarette. Preferably, the reusable part of the electronic cigarette is a battery part.

Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure.

Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure and a printed or embedded heating path connected to the ceramic structure, wherein the ceramic structure comprises a non-porous ceramic with the porous ceramic located on its first surface, and the heating path is located on the second surface of the non-porous ceramic.

Thus, the adsorption properties of the heater liquid are improved. Preferably, the heater adsorbs liquid by capillary action into the pores of the porous ceramic. The heater may be selected from the group consisting of a spiral coil, a mesh, or a printed or embedded surface heater. The heater may comprise a ceramic disc. Preferably the non-porous ceramic is quartz. Preferably, the second surface of the non-porous ceramic is a surface opposite the first surface of the non-porous ceramic. The heating track may be a resistive heating element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge, the cartridge comprising a vaporizer according to the first aspect and further comprising a liquid reservoir.

Thus, the component can be placed in a refillable part of an electronic cigarette, such as a battery part, while a disposable cartridge can be removed and replaced after being used up.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an evaporator according to the first aspect, the method comprising compressing a contact surface of the fluid transfer element such that liquid is released from the fluid transfer element, establishing a fluid bridge between the released liquid and the heater, such that that a part of the released liquid is adsorbed on the heater; and heating the adsorbed liquid by the heater to generate steam while breaking the fluid bridge.

Thus, the rated portion of the liquid is heated and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir and a fluid transfer element, the fluid transfer element comprising a compressible wick and a flexible contact surface, the fluid transfer element being configured to receive liquid from the reservoir for liquid, and wherein the flexible contact surface is configured to release liquid held in the compressible wick from the electronic cigarette cartridge when the fluid transfer member is compressed.

Thus, the release of liquid from the liquid reservoir is prevented when the liquid transfer member is not compressed.

Preferably, the fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the compressible wick through an opening between the fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer member.

Thus, the liquid reservoir and the squeezable wick may be contained in separate parts of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The fluid reservoirs can be simple and economical to produce a consumable while the fluid transfer element can be a reusable part.

Alternatively, the compressible wick is located within the liquid reservoir.

Thus, the squeezable wick and the liquid reservoir can be contained in the same part of the cartridge, so that the liquid in the liquid reservoir can be easily absorbed by the wick.

Alternatively, the fluid transfer element further comprises an insert that houses a compressible wick, the insert being able to be placed in a fluid reservoir and having a first end directed toward the fluid in the fluid reservoir, with a buffer located at the first end for delivering the fluid. from the liquid reservoir to the wick by capillary action.

Thus, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by buffering the liquid flow.

Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates operable from the compressible wick to the liquid reservoir, with channels located between the plates such that, in use, liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir to the compressible wick by capillary action.

In this way, the liquid is collected in the buffer by the channels between the plates by capillary action, so that the liquid reaches the wick in a controlled manner.

Alternatively, the fluid transfer element is located outside the liquid reservoir, and the liquid reservoir can be engaged with the fluid transfer element such that during operation, the fluid transfer element transfers a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater in the electronic cigarette .

Thus, the fluid reservoir can be replaced and the fluid transfer element can be reused.

Preferably, the fluid transfer member further comprises a mesh disposed on the surface of the compressible wick such that the mesh forms a flexible contact surface and the mesh is positioned to allow fluid to pass through when compression is applied to the compressible wick.

Thus, the mesh helps to prevent liquid leakage from the wick by forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer member is not deformed or compressed.

Preferably the mesh is hydrophobic.

Thus, the prevention of leakage of liquid from the wick through the mesh is improved. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette for use with an electronic cigarette cartridge according to the fourth aspect, the electronic cigarette comprising a compression member and a heater, the compression member being movable relative to the fluid transfer member from a first position, separated from the fluid transfer element to a second position pressing against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element to compress the compressible wick so that liquid can be released from the wick and adsorbed onto the heater.

Thus, a controlled portion of the liquid can be transferred to the heater for heating, and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a single vaping puff performed by the user.

Preferably, the heater is positioned on the compressing element such that the heater is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element when the compressing element is in the second position, and part of the liquid released from the compressible wick is adsorbed on the heater, and the heater is configured to vaporize the adsorbed part of the liquid when detaching the compressing element from the contact surface.

Thus, the normalized part of the liquid is transferred directly to the heater due to the movement of the compressing element. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unnecessary heating of the fluid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the fluid reservoir are prevented; only a predetermined portion is heated, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

Alternatively, the heater is adjacent to, but separated from, the fluid transfer element and positioned such that, by pressing the compression element against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element when the compression element is in the second position, a portion of the liquid is released from the compressible wick. and adsorbed on the heater, and the heater is configured to vaporize the adsorbed portion of the liquid after the compressing member moves from the second position to the first position.

Thus, the heater is kept away from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also prevented. This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined portion, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an electronic cigarette according to the fifth aspect, the method comprising moving a compressing member to press against a flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer member such that liquid is released from the fluid transfer member, establishing a fluid bridge between the released liquid and the heater so that part of the released liquid is adsorbed on the heater, and heating the adsorbed liquid with the vapor generating heater while breaking the fluid bridge.

Thus, the rated portion of the liquid is heated and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid transfer component for an electronic cigarette, the fluid transfer component being capable of establishing a fluid connection between a liquid reservoir and a heater in an electronic cigarette, the fluid transfer component comprising: a fluid intake configured to be connected to the body of the fluid reservoir, a chamber configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir via the fluid acquisition part, and a fluid transfer element comprising a compressible wick configured to deliver fluid from the chamber near the heater by capillary action and a flexible contact surface configured to deform in the axial direction of the fluid transfer component, wherein the flexible contact surface is configured to release liquid from the compressible wick for i transfer to the heater while compressing the fluid transfer element.

Thus, the fluid transfer component can be used to connect a liquid reservoir, such as a cartridge, to an electronic cigarette heater in a simple and efficient manner.

Preferably, the fluid transfer component is releasably connected to the fluid reservoir via the fluid absorption piece.

Thus, the expired liquid reservoir can be detached from the fluid transfer component and replaced in a simple and efficient manner. The fluid transfer component may be coupled to a most conventional fluid reservoir to provide a fluid reservoir with fluid transfer capabilities.

- 4 041978

Preferably, the liquid absorption member is an elongated tube extending from the chamber and provided with a tip, configured to be placed in a liquid reservoir such that liquid can enter the elongated tube through the tip to be transferred to the chamber.

Thus, the liquid absorption member carries liquid from the liquid reservoir to the compressible wick. Preferably, the elongated tube has a sufficiently narrow opening to deliver liquid from the liquid reservoir by capillary action.

Preferably, the liquid intake member is configured to form a friction fit with the opening in the liquid reservoir.

In this way, the liquid absorption part forms a secure and tight connection with the opening in the liquid reservoir with a tight connection, so that leakage of liquid from the liquid reservoir is prevented.

Preferably, the tip includes a pointed end of an elongated tube configured to pierce the body of the fluid reservoir.

Thus, the fluid transfer component can be used to pierce a fluid reservoir or cartridge and transfer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the fluid transfer element. This is advantageous because both the opening of the liquid reservoir and the interaction of the liquid contained therein with the fluid transfer element for transfer from the liquid reservoir takes place in one step.

Preferably, the fluid transfer member further comprises a mesh disposed on the surface of the compressible wick such that the mesh forms a flexible contact surface and the mesh is positioned to allow fluid to pass through when compression is applied to the compressible wick.

Thus, the mesh helps to prevent liquid leakage from the wick by forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer member is not deformed or compressed.

Preferably the mesh is hydrophobic.

Thus, the prevention of leakage of liquid from the wick through the mesh is improved. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

Preferably, the fluid transfer component can be detachably attached to an electronic cigarette.

Thus, the fluid transfer component may be a consumable component that can be replaced at the end of its useful life. This eliminates the need to replace the entire electronic cigarette when, for example, the squeezable wick needs to be replaced.

In another aspect, the fluid transfer component is fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir of the cartridge via a fluid acquisition member.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic cigarette for use with the fluid transfer component of the seventh aspect, the electronic cigarette comprising a wick compression device and a heater, the wick compression device being movable relative to the fluid transfer member from a first position separated from the fluid transfer element to a second position pressing against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element to compress the compressible wick so that liquid can be released from the wick and adsorbed onto the heater.

Thus, a controlled portion of the liquid can be transferred to the heater for heating, and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a single vaping puff performed by the user.

Preferably, the heater is positioned on the wick compression device such that the heater is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer member when the wick compression device is moved from the first position to the second position, and a portion of the liquid released from the compressible wick can be adsorbed onto the heater, and the heater configured to evaporate the adsorbed part of the liquid when the wick compression device is moved from the second position to the first position.

Thus, the normalized part of the liquid is transferred directly to the heater by moving the wick compression device. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unnecessary heating of the fluid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the fluid reservoir are prevented; only a predetermined portion is heated, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

Alternatively, the heater is located adjacent to, but separated from, the fluid transfer element and positioned such that when the wick compression device is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element when moving from the first position to the second position, a portion of the liquid released from the compressible wick can be adsorbed on the heater, and the heater is configured to evaporate the adsorbed part of the liquid when

- 5 041978 moving the wick compression device from the second position to the first position.

Thus, the heater is kept away from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also prevented. This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined portion, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an electronic cigarette according to the eighth aspect, the method including: moving a wick compression device to be pressed against a flexible contact surface of a fluid transfer member such that liquid is released from the fluid transfer member, establishing a bridge from the fluid between the released liquid and the heater so that part of the released liquid is adsorbed on the heater, and heating the adsorbed liquid by the heater to generate steam while breaking the fluid bridge.

Thus, the rated portion of the liquid is heated and heat is not distributed to and into the liquid reservoir, thereby improving energy efficiency since only the liquid to be evaporated is heated.

Brief description of graphic materials

Embodiments of the present invention are described below by way of example with reference to the drawings in which:

in fig. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge in an electronic cigarette;

in fig. 1B-1D are schematic cross-sectional views of a compressible wick in an electronic cigarette cartridge compressible by a heater;

in fig. 2A-2E are schematic cross-sectional views of a wick compressing heater in operation;

in fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of liquid droplets on a hydrophobic mesh;

in fig. 4A-4D are schematic diagrams showing the evaporation of liquid adsorbed on the heater;

in fig. 5A-5C are schematic cross-sectional views of a compressible wick in an electronic cigarette cartridge being compressed by a wick compression device;

in fig. 6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views of a compressible wick cartridge;

in fig. 7A and 7B are exploded views of a compressible wick cartridge, and FIGS. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an evaporator in engagement with a cartridge;

in fig. 8B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative evaporator arrangement in engagement with a cartridge.

Detailed description

In FIG. 1A shows an electronic cigarette 100 with a vaporizer arrangement, and FIG. 1B-1D show a vaporizer arrangement 102 for use in an electronic cigarette in more detail. The vaporizer assembly 102 includes a compressible fluid transfer element 104 and a heater 105 that is movable relative to the flexible contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104. In an example, heater 105 is of ceramic construction with a printed or embedded heating track. The ceramic structure may be a non-porous ceramic with a porous ceramic layer on its surface. The fluid transfer element 104 includes a compressible wick 109 capable of being impregnated with a vaporized liquid. In the example of FIG. 1A, a compressible fluid transfer member 104 is located in a removable cartridge 111 operable to be connected to a cartridge receptacle 190 in an electronic cigarette body body 129, and a heater 105 is disposed as a component of the electronic cigarette body. Squeezable wick 109 is configured to absorb liquid 121 from liquid reservoir 106 in cartridge 111; the liquid 121 then spreads through the wick 109 so that the wick 109 becomes impregnated. The wick may be composed of a compressible porous or fibrous material such as cotton or silica. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may be a refillable liquid reservoir that is integral with the fluid transfer member part of the electronic cigarette.

The heater 105 is connected via a compression member 103 to a motor or solenoid 137 in the body 127 of the electronic cigarette body. The cartridge can be placed in either the same or a different part of the housing as the heater, compression element, and motor in an electronic cigarette. The heater 105 comes into contact with the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104 and deforms the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104, thereby compressing the wick 109 and releasing the liquid held in the wick 109 from the contact surface 110. The liquid held in wick 109, adsorbed on the surface of the heater 105. Porous

- 6 041978 ceramic layer on the surface of the heater can facilitate the transfer of liquid to the heater due to capillary action. Heater 105 is then retracted from contact surface 110, and the heater is configured to heat the adsorbed liquid to generate steam as heater 105 is separated from contact surface 110. This process is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1B-1D and 2A-2E. The electronic cigarette 100 includes a mouthpiece 131 through which the user of the electronic cigarette 100 can puff to inhale the generated vapor. When the user takes a puff through the mouthpiece 131, steam is drawn into the mouthpiece 131 through the vapor tube 135. The steam enters the steam tube 135 at the first end of the steam tube near the heater and exits the steam tube 135 at the second end of the steam tube connected to the mouthpiece 131.

In FIG. 1B-1D show the release and evaporation of liquid from the cartridge in more detail.

In FIG. 1B, heater 105 is separated from the compressible surface of fluid transfer element 104. The heater 105 is coupled by a compression member 103 to an actuator such as a motor or solenoid (as described with reference to FIG. 1A but not shown in FIGS. 1B-1D). The heater 105 and the driver are powered by a power source such as a battery inside the body of the electronic cigarette.

The actuator is configured to move the heater 105 relative to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 from a position separated from the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 (as shown in FIG. 1B) to a position in which the heater 105 is in contact with the contact surface 110 the fluid transfer element 104 and deforms it, thereby compressing the fluid transfer element 104 (as shown in FIG. 1C).

The compression applied to the fluid transfer member 104 results in the release of the liquid retained in the fluid transfer member 104 from the fluid transfer member 104 (similar to compressing an impregnated sponge) onto the contact surface 110. This released fluid 113 is adsorbed onto the surface heater 105.

The actuator is further configured to move the heater 105 relative to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 by moving the heater 105 from a position in which it is in contact with the fluid transfer element 104 (as shown in FIG. 1C) and compresses it back. to a position where the heater 105 is separated from the fluid transfer element 104 (as shown in FIG. 1D). Accordingly, after liquid 115 is adsorbed on the surface of heater 105, the actuator retracts heater 105 away from fluid transfer element 104 with adsorbed liquid 115 on the surface of heater 105. Retracting heater 105 releases compression applied to fluid transfer element 104, causing wick 109 to retract fluid from the fluid reservoir to replace the fluid adsorbed on the heater 105. In other words, the actuator drives the heater 105 to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 and draws it away from the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 with liquid from the fluid transfer element 104 the medium adsorbed on the heater 105. When withdrawn from the fluid transfer member 104, the heater 105 applies thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115, thereby heating and vaporizing the adsorbed liquid 115 to form vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled by the user of the electronic cigarette through the mouthpiece.

The surface of the wick 109 facing the heater 105 may form a flexible contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104. In other words, the wick 109 itself may be a fluid transfer element 104. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 104 may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 107 located on the surface of the wick 109 between the wick 109 and the heater 105. If a hydrophobic mesh is provided, the hydrophobic mesh 107 can be provided as a contact surface 110 for the heater 105. In others In other words, the fluid transfer element 104 can be both the wick 109 and the mesh 107. Accordingly, when the heater 105 contacts the contact surface 110 and compresses the fluid transfer element 104, it deforms both the hydrophobic mesh 107 and the wick 109 As a result of the compression, the liquid contained in the wick 109 passes through the mesh 107. The hydrophobicity of the mesh 107 causes the liquid that has passed through the mesh 107 to be rather repelled and form droplets on the surface of the mesh 107 (as illustrated in Fig. 3), rather than being absorbed back through the mesh 107 into the wick 109. This improves the absorption of liquid and 115 on heater 105. Additionally, hydrophobic mesh 107 prevents fluid 121 from leaking out of cartridge 111 in the absence of applied compression. Air can pass through the mesh 107 providing breathability. In an embodiment, mesh 107 may be of metallic construction and have a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively, the mesh 107 itself may be made from a hydrophobic material, such as a nonwoven material. The hydrophobic material or coating may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon. The hydrophobic network may have material properties that make it resiliently flexible to allow deformation; the hydrophobic network may also have structural properties that provide flexibility, such as having a convex domed shape or a bulge that allows deformation. To further enhance the ability of liquid 115 to adsorb onto heater 105, heater 105 may be hydrophilic. The properties of the hydrophilic heater 105 are also effective in promoting

- 7 041978 wetting the surface of the heater 105, so that a uniform distribution of the liquid 115 over the heater 105 is achieved. This increases the heating efficiency.

In some examples, the cartridge 111 has a barrier 123 provided between the wick 109 and the liquid 121 in the liquid reservoir 106. An opening 125 is provided in the barrier 123 between the wick 109 and the liquid 121 in the liquid reservoir 106 so that the liquid 121 can flow from the liquid reservoir 106 to the wick 109 in a controlled manner. The barrier 123 also holds the wick 109 in position at the end of the cartridge 111 against the grid 107 for interaction with the heater 105.

In FIG. 2A-2E are schematic representations of the operation steps of the evaporator 102 described with reference to FIG. 1.

The heater 105 is connected to a compression element 103 operatively connected to the actuator. The drive may be a motor or solenoid (as described with reference to FIG. 1A but not shown in FIGS. 2A-2E) that is configured to drive heater 105 to and from fluid transfer element 104. The fluid transfer element 104 includes a compressible wick 109 with a contact surface 110 facing the liquid in the fluid reservoir 111 and a contact surface opposite the first surface. The contact surface 110 may be part of the same material as the fluid transfer element. Alternatively, as previously described, the hydrophobic mesh 107 may be provided as contact surface 110.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 2A, heater 105 is separated from fluid transfer element 104. The compressing member 103 moves the heater 105 to the contact surface 110 and compresses the fluid transfer member 104 as shown in FIG. 2B. This causes some of the liquid 113 held in the wick 109 to be released from the wick 109 and pass through the mesh 107 where it comes into contact with the heater 105. The liquid is adsorbed onto the surface of the heater 105. The surface of the heater 105 may include porous ceramics; the capillary action provided by this material may assist in the transfer of the released liquid 113 to the heater 105.

The compression member 103 then moves the heater 105 away from the fluid transfer member. A portion of the adsorbed liquid 115 is also diverted from the mesh 107 to the heater 105 as shown in FIG. 2C. This leads to the arrangement of FIG. 2D, in which the heater 105 and the adsorbed liquid 115 are separated from the fluid transfer element. In FIG. 4A shows a heater 105 with a layer of liquid 115 adsorbed on the surface and wetting it. Retraction of the heater 105 results in the removal of the compression applied to the fluid transfer element, this causes the fluid transfer element to return to its uncompressed state, with the wick 109 drawing more liquid from the liquid reservoir 111.

When the heater 105 is separated from the fluid transfer element 104, power is supplied to the heater 105 from a power source such as a battery in an electronic cigarette. The applied power heats the heater 105 such that the heater 105 transfers thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115. This transfer of thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115 raises the temperature of the adsorbed liquid 115 such that the adsorbed liquid 115 is vaporized and vapor 117 is generated, as shown in FIG. 2E. This vapor 117 may then be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette 100.

Thus, only a portion of the liquid absorbed on the heater 105 needs to be heated to its vaporization point. This requires less energy than heating a larger volume of liquid, such as held in a liquid container, to its point of evaporation. Accordingly, such savings in heating energy result in longer battery life in the electronic cigarette 100. In addition, separating the heater 105 and the liquid reservoir 106 prevents heat from spreading through the liquid reservoir 106, which would waste energy.

In FIG. 4A-4D show the sequence of evaporation from heater 105 over time. As the evaporation time elapses, the amount of adsorbed liquid 115 remaining on the heater 105 decreases as it turns into vapor 117 starting from FIG. 4A, before the start of evaporation, to FIG. 4B where some of the liquid has evaporated, to FIG. 4C where most of the liquid has evaporated, and finally FIG. 4D, where all the liquid has evaporated.

When the adsorbed liquid 115 has evaporated, the operating cycle returns to the state described with reference to FIG. 2A.

In some examples, the position of heater 105 oscillates back and forth from contact with contact surface 110 and compression of the fluid transfer element to separation from the fluid transfer element. Thus, the operation of the evaporator repeatedly repeats the compression-adsorption-removal-evaporation cycle as described with reference to FIG. 2A-2E.

In FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of an alternate evaporator 502 arrangement to that described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2. This embodiment is also based on an arrangement in which the heater and the contact surface of the fluid transfer element are able to move relative to each other, and as a result, heat is transferred to the adsorbed liquid only when the heater is separated from the contact surface.

- 8 041978

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, only the contact surface (or fluid transfer surface) 510 of the cartridge 511 is movable, while the heater 505 is stationary. The heater 505 is held in a fixed position with respect to the cartridge 511, and a separate compression member 503 deforms the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504, thereby compressing the fluid transfer member 504.

In this arrangement, the vaporizer 502 includes a compressible fluid transfer member 504, a heater 505 that is held at a fixed offset relative to the cartridge 511, and a compressive member 503, such as a piston or an elongated rod, configured to compress the fluid transfer member 504 to deform a flexible contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 facing the heater 505. The piston is movable into and out of the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504; this deformation of the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 causes the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 to move relative to the fixed position of the heater 505.

The fluid transfer element 504 is housed within the cartridge 511 and includes a compressible wick 509 capable of being impregnated with vaporized liquid. In the example of FIG. 5, a compressible fluid transfer member 504 is disposed in a cartridge 511 suitable for placement in an electronic cigarette cartridge slot 190, and a heater 505 and a compressive member 503 are disposed as part of the body of the electronic cigarette. Squeezable wick 509 is configured to absorb liquid 521 from liquid reservoir 506 in cartridge 511; liquid 521 then spreads through wick 509 so that wick 509 becomes impregnated. The surface of the wick 509 facing the heater 505 may form a flexible contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504. In other words, the wick 509 itself may be a fluid transfer element 504. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 504 may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 507 (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1) located on the surface of the wick 509 between the wick 509 and the heater 505. If a hydrophobic mesh is provided, the hydrophobic mesh 507 may be provided as a contact surface 510. In other words, the fluid transfer element may be both a wick 109 and a mesh 107. Like previous embodiments, the fluid transfer element 504 may optionally further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 507 covering the surface of the wick 509 opposite the surface facing the liquid 521 in the liquid reservoir 506. The hydrophobicity of the mesh 507 causes liquid that has passed through the mesh 507 to be repelled and droplets on the surface of the mesh 507 (as illustrated in FIG. 3) rather than being absorbed back through the mesh 507 into the wick 509.

In the example of FIG. 5, compression member 503 is an elongate rod or piston operable to pass through an annular heater 505. The elongate rod is connected to an actuator (not shown), such as a solenoid or motor, that drives the elongate rod from a position separated from member 504 to fluid transfer element (as shown in FIG. 5A), to a position where the elongated rod is in contact with and deforms the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504, thereby compressing the fluid transfer element 504 (as shown in FIG. .5B). In other words, the actuator drives the compression member 503 toward the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504 and moves it away from the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504.

The heater 505 and the driver are powered by a power source such as a battery inside the main body of the electronic cigarette. In other examples, the compression member 503 may be of any other shape suitable for movement to enter into and exit from the fluid transfer member 504 while in close proximity to the heater 505.

When the compression member 503 presses against the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504, the applied compression on the wick 509 of the fluid transfer member 504 due to the deformation applied to the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504 causes the fluid 513 to be released, held in the wick 509 as shown in FIG. 5V. In embodiments providing hydrophobic mesh 507 as contact surface 510, liquid retained in wick 509 is released through hydrophobic mesh 507. Heater 505 is located such that the surface of heater 505 is in close proximity to contact surface 510 of fluid transfer element 504. medium so that these droplets 515 are adsorbed onto the fluid bridge heater 505, thereby wetting the surface of the heater 505 as shown in FIG. 5C. Optionally, the heater 505 may have hydrophilic properties to assist in fluid transfer from the contact surface of the mesh 507 to the surface of the heater 505. The surface of the heater 505 may comprise porous ceramics; the capillary action provided by this material may assist in the transfer of the released liquid 513 to the heater 505.

The compression member 503 is then retracted from the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504. The release of the compression causes the fluid transfer element 504 to return to its uncompressed state, with the wick 509 drawing more fluid from the fluid reservoir 506.

Power is supplied to the heater 505 by a power source such as a battery in an electronic cigarette. When the liquid 515 is adsorbed on the surface of the heater 505, the heater 505 supplies thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 515; this thermal energy transfer of the adsorbed liquid 515 raises the temperature of the adsorbed liquid 515 so that the adsorbed liquid 515 evaporates and vapor is generated. This vapor can then be inhaled by the user of the electronic cigarette through the mouthpiece.

Similar to what is described with reference to FIG. 2A-2E, the compression member 503 can oscillate back and forth from being in contact with and deforming the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer member 504 to separation from the fluid transfer member 504. Thus, the operation of the evaporator 502 repeatedly repeats the compression-adsorption-removal-evaporation cycle.

In some examples, like those described with reference to FIG. 1, a barrier 523 is provided in the cartridge 511 between the wick 509 and the liquid 521 in the liquid reservoir 506. An opening 525 is provided in the barrier 523 between the wick 509 and the liquid 521 in the liquid reservoir 506 so that the liquid 521 can flow from the liquid reservoir 506 to the wick 509 in a controlled manner. The barrier also holds the wick 509 in position at the end of the cartridge 511 against the mesh 507 for interaction with the heater 505.

The example described with reference to FIG. 5 provides the same energy saving benefits as described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2, in that it is necessary to heat only a small part of the liquid adsorbed on the heater, and not a larger volume of liquid in the liquid tank when generating steam.

In an alternative arrangement similar to and closely related to that described with reference to FIG. 5, the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is in contact with the heater when the compression element is in the first position. The compressing member moves to the second position, deforming the contact surface and compressing the wick such that the contact surface moves away from the heater, thus creating a distance between the contact surface and the heater. This contraction releases the liquid held in the wick through the contact surface such that the released liquid forms a fluid bridge and the liquid is adsorbed onto the surface of the heater. The heater then heats and evaporates the adsorbed liquid. The compressing element is retracted from the contact surface and returned to the first position. The deformation of the contact surface and the compression of the wick are released so that the contact surface contacts the heater again. Applying and releasing compression on the wick as the compression member moves between the first and second positions provides a pumping action that can draw additional fluid into the wick from the fluid reservoir. Where appropriate, all of the features described with reference to FIG. 5.

In FIG. 6A and 6B show another embodiment of a cartridge 611 suitable for use with a heater as described with reference to FIG. 1, 2 and 5; in fig. 7A and 7B show exploded schematics of such a cartridge 611. Cartridge 611 contains the components of an evaporator wick. The cartridge 611 is configured to be inserted into an electronic cigarette such that the fluid transfer element 604 of the cartridge is arranged with the heater of the electronic cigarette to form a vaporizer as described with reference to FIG. 1, 2 and 5.

The cartridge 611 includes a housing 641 forming a reservoir 606 for liquid; body 641 is substantially cylindrical with one open end. Although the example is described as being cylindrical, any other suitable shape may be used.

Insert 627 is located at the open end of housing 641; wherein the insert 627 has an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the body 641 so that a snug fit is achieved. The insert 627 has a cavity 649 defined by side walls 645 adjacent to the walls of the body 641 and a bottom wall 647 perpendicular to the side walls located at the end of the insert within the body 641 of the cartridge 611. The end of the insert 627 opposite the bottom wall 647 of the insert 627 has an outwardly extending a flanged portion 643 with an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of body 641. This seals against the open end of body 641, providing a stop point for insert 627 as it is pushed into body 641, and prevents insert 627 from advancing past the stop point further into body 641.

Within cavity 649 is contained a wick 609 which essentially fills cavity 649 due to its size. The bottom wall 647 of the insert 627 has a series of holes so that the liquid held in the liquid reservoir 606 of the cartridge 611 can enter the cavity 649 of the insert 627 where it is absorbed by the wick 609.

Optionally, the holes in the bottom wall 647 of the insert 627 are formed by a series of plates 629 located side by side and forming flow channels 631 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. Thus, the plates 629 form a series of channels 631 extending from the fluid reservoir 606 into the cavity 649 of the insert 627. The plates 629 extend outward from the insert 627 and into the fluid reservoir 606. These channels 631 are sized to provide capillary action to draw fluid from fluid reservoir 606 into cavity 649, acting as a fluid buffer, for absorption by wick 609. In this example, the combination of channels 631 between plate-like projections 629 and wick 609 constitute element 604 for fluid transfer. As will be described later, the fluid transfer element 604 may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 607 (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1). In use, when the fluid transfer member 604 is compressed and then expanded, fluid is drawn into the channels 631. This provides a pumping action that delivers fluid from the fluid reservoir 606 to the space formed between the plates 629 defining the channels 631. Thus, the space between they provide a fluid reservoir or buffer that is held near the fluid transfer element. This ensures that fluid is supplied to the fluid transfer element 604 and reduces the risk that the fluid transfer element 604 will run out of liquid.

The wick 609 is compressed by deforming the contact surface 610, which faces outwardly toward the cartridge, such that, upon contraction, a portion of the liquid retained in the wick 609 is released from the contact surface 610. In other words, the fluid transfer member 604 has a flexible contact surface.

The surface of the wick 609 facing outward from the cartridge 611 may form a flexible contact surface 610 of the fluid transfer element 604. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 604 may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 607 located on the surface of the wick 609 facing outward from the cartridge 611. If a hydrophobic mesh 609 is provided, the hydrophobic mesh 507 can be provided as contact surface 510. Hydrophobic properties of the mesh 607 provide two main functions. First, the hydrophobic properties prevent liquid stored in wick 609 from leaking through mesh 607 when wick 609 and mesh 607 are not compressed. Second, when the liquid passes through the mesh 607 after compression, the hydrophobic properties cause the liquid to be droplets on the surface of the mesh 607 rather than flow back through the mesh 607. Thus, the droplets can be adsorbed onto the heater.

In some examples, the cartridge 611 is a disposable consumable to be replaced after the liquid stored in the cartridge is used up. The expired cartridge 611 is removed from the electronic cigarette, and a new liquid-filled cartridge 611 is inserted into the electronic cigarette.

Using the cartridge 611 described with reference to FIG. 6 and 7 provides energy saving benefits similar to those described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it allows a smaller portion of the liquid to be withdrawn for heating rather than heating a larger volume of liquid in the liquid container to generate steam.

In other examples, cartridge 611 is refillable and can be refilled. For example, insert 627 may be removed from housing 641 to allow additional fluid to be added. The insert can then be reinstalled and the cartridge can be reconnected to the electronic cigarette.

In FIG. 8A and 8B show schematic cross-sectional views of other embodiments of an electronic cigarette vaporizer system 800. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the system of FIG. 8a and 8b is configured to enable dispensing and prevent heater 805 from transferring heat to a liquid reservoir or cartridge 811. As illustrated, a vaporizer system 800 includes a liquid reservoir or cartridge 811 in a slot 890 in an electronic cigarette body body 829, a component 804 for fluid transfer and heater 805. The fluid reservoir or cartridge 811, the fluid transfer component 804, and the heater are configured as separable parts. Instead of being housed in cartridge 811, fluid transfer component 804 may be a separate component and include chamber 855, fluid transfer member 857, piercing member 833, and fluid transfer surface 810 (or heater contact surface). The individual parts of the evaporator system allow the liquid reservoir to have a simple design that simplifies its manufacture.

The fluid transfer component 804 is shaped to match the contact area of the heater 805. The fluid transfer component 804 may be in the form of a disc with a piercing member 833 extending from one surface facing toward the cartridge 811 or cartridge slot 890 in an electronic cigarette. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the fluid transfer component 804 can be detachably attached to the body 839 of the electronic cigarette body. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the fluid transfer component 804 may be attached solely to the liquid reservoir or cartridge 811. Optionally, the two body parts 829, 839 may be detached to allow the user of the electronic cigarette to access the fluid transfer component 804 as well as good luck

- 11 041978 repair or replace it.

The piercing member 833 is preferably in the form of an elongate tube with a pointed end 835 and is configured to pierce the cartridge or fluid reservoir 811 and contact the fluid within the fluid reservoir of the cartridge 811. The channel 837 extends through the elongated point to draw fluid through the disc-shaped portion of the transfer component. fluid. The piercing member 833 connects the electronic cigarette to the cartridge 811 and provides a fluid connection between the electronic cigarette body 839 and the liquid reservoir of the cartridge 811. The piercing member 833 forms an airtight connection with the cartridge 811 through a friction fit to prevent leakage. Optionally, the cartridge 811 has a recess 851 on the surface configured to engage with the piercing member so that the puncturing member is directed to the proper area on the cartridge 811. The cartridge 811 is preferably made of a plastic material with a suitable stiffness to store the liquid to be vaporized and is thin enough to be pierced with piercing member 833. In an alternative example, piercing member 833 may be replaced by a tube configured to be placed in cartridge 811. In such an example, the cartridge may have a tear-off seal; when the seal is torn off, an opening is opened in the cartridge into which the tube is placed. The tube may form a sealed connection with the cartridge by frictional fit in the hole to prevent leakage.

The disc-shaped portion of the fluid transfer component 804 includes a fluid transfer element 857 and a chamber 855. medium with a channel 837 passing through the elongated tip, and the second side opposite the first side is the contact surface 810.

The fluid transfer component 804 is located within the electronic cigarette 800 with a heater 805. The heater 805 can be configured to deform the fluid transfer surface 810 by being pushed into the fluid transfer surface 810 by a motor or solenoid to which it is attached by a compression member 803, as described with respect to FIG. 1 and 2. Alternatively, heater 805 may be held at a fixed distance from fluid transfer surface 810 and deformed by a separate compression member 853, such as a piston or elongate rod, as described with reference to FIGS. 5. In both cases, the deformation applied to the fluid transfer surface 810 releases liquid through the fluid transfer surface 810, which is adsorbed onto the heater 805 and vaporized. The surface of the heater 805 may contain porous ceramics; the capillary action provided by this material can help transport the released liquid to the heater 805.

In some embodiments, fluid transfer element 857 is a wick 809 that transfers liquid by capillary action from a chamber 855 accommodated along channel 837, and fluid transfer surface 810 (or contact surface 810) is the surface of wick 809 located with the turned face to the heater. Optionally, the fluid transfer element may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 807 (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1) covering the surface of the wick 809 facing the heater. If a hydrophobic mesh 807 is provided, the hydrophobic mesh 807 forms a fluid transfer surface 810 (or contact surface 810) of the fluid transfer element 857.

When the wick 809 is compressed by the deformation of the fluid transfer surface 810, the liquid stored in the wick 809 is released from the fluid transfer surface 810 and adsorbed onto the heater. If a hydrophobic mesh 807 is provided, the released liquid passes through the hydrophobic mesh 807 to form droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic mesh 807 which are adsorbed onto the heater.

In use, the cartridge 811 is inserted into an electronic cigarette and pierced by the piercing member 833. The liquid in the cartridge 811 is drawn to the wick 809 through the piercing member 833, such as by capillary action and/or pumping due to the contraction and release of the wick 809 compressions. The heater 805 or the compressing element 853 deforms the contact surface 810 (in other words, the surface of the wick 809 or the hydrophobic mesh 807, if present) and compresses the wick 809, releasing the liquid stored in the wick 809. If a hydrophobic mesh 807 is provided, the liquid is released through the hydrophobic mesh 807 from the wick 809 , and the liquid forms droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic network 807. The liquid is adsorbed on the surface of the heater 805 where it is heated to generate steam. The generated vapor can then be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette. When the liquid content from cartridge 811 has been depleted, cartridge 811 can be removed from piercing member 833 and replaced with a new cartridge 811 or a refilled cartridge that stores a fresh supply of vaporized liquid.

The example described with reference to FIG. 8 provides the same benefits as described with

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Claims (11)

with reference to FIG. 1, 2 and 5 in that only a portion of the liquid absorbed on the heater needs to be heated to its point of evaporation. This requires less energy than heating a larger volume of liquid, such as held in a liquid container, to its point of evaporation. Accordingly, this saving of energy during heating leads to an increase in battery life in an electronic cigarette. In addition, separating the heater and liquid reservoir prevents heat from spreading through the liquid reservoir, which would waste energy. The specialist will be clear that features from the various examples described in this document, if necessary, can easily replace each other in all embodiments. CLAIM 1. An electronic cigarette cartridge (611) comprising a liquid reservoir (606) and a fluid transfer element (604), the fluid transfer element comprising a compressible wick (609) and a flexible contact surface (610); wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to receive liquid from the liquid reservoir, and wherein the flexible contact surface is configured to release liquid held in the compressible wick from the electronic cigarette cartridge when the fluid transfer element is compressed. 2. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is in fluid communication with the compressible wick through an opening between the liquid reservoir and the fluid transfer element. 3. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the squeezable wick is located inside the liquid reservoir. 4. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid transfer element further comprises an insert (627) in which a compressible wick is placed, and the insert can be placed in the liquid reservoir and has a first end located directed towards the liquid in the liquid reservoir, and wherein a buffer is located at the first end for delivering liquid from the liquid reservoir to the wick by capillary action. 5. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates (629) configured to extend from the compressible wick into the liquid reservoir, with channels (631) located between the plates so that when In use, liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir to the compressible wick by capillary action. 6. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid transfer element is located outside the liquid reservoir, and the liquid reservoir can be engaged with the fluid transfer element, so that during operation, the fluid transfer element transfers some of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater in the electronic cigarette. 7. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh (607) located on the surface of the compressible wick such that the mesh forms a flexible contact surface, and the mesh is located with the possibility of liquid passing through it when compression is applied to the compressible wick. 8. An electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the mesh is hydrophobic. 9. An electronic cigarette comprising an electronic cigarette cartridge according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises a compressing element (103; 503) and a heater (105; 505); wherein the compressing element is configured to move relative to the fluid transfer element from the first position, separated from the fluid transfer element, to the second position, pressing against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element to compress the compressible wick so that the liquid ( 115; 515) can be released from the wick and adsorbed on the heater. 10. An electronic cigarette according to claim 9, characterized in that the heater (105) is located on the compression element (103) in such a way that the heater is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element when the compression element is in the second position, and part the liquid released from the compressible wick can be adsorbed onto the heater; and wherein the heater is configured to vaporize the adsorbed portion of the liquid (115) upon releasing the compressing member from the contact surface. 11. An electronic cigarette according to claim 9, characterized in that the heater (505) is adjacent to the fluid transfer element, but separated from it, and is located so that when the compressing element (503) is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element environment, when the compressing element is in the second position, as a result of this, part of the liquid is released from the compressible wick and adsorbed on the heater; and at the same time the heater is configured to evaporate the adsorbed part of the liquid (515) -