JP2022523089A - Vaporizer device with vaporizer cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The cartridge (1320) may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir (1340) and a wick housing (1315) disposed within the cartridge housing, a heating element (1350), and a wicking element (1362). The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below the open top of the receptacle in the vaporizer device (100) when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. The reservoir may be configured to contain vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion (504) that is at least partially located within the wick housing and a contact portion that is at least partially located outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include a cartridge contact (124) that forms an electrical connection with the socket contact in the socket. The wicking element may be located in the wick housing in close proximity to the heated portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw a vaporizable material into the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element.

Description

Mutual reference to related applications This application is filed on October 9, 2019, entitled "HEATING ELEMENT," US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 913,135, filed on February 28, 2019, "RESERVOIR OVERFLOW." US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 812,148 entitled "CONTROL WITH CONSTRICTION POINTS", US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 812,161 entitled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE" filed on February 28, 2019, US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 915,005 filed on October 14, 2019, entitled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE," and US Provisional Patent, entitled "VAPORIZER DEVICE," filed on November 4, 2019. Application Nos. 62 / 930,508, US Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/947,496 entitled "VAPORIZER DEVICE" filed December 12, 2019 and "VAPORIZER DEVICE" filed February 25, 2020. Claims the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 981,498 entitled "WITH VAPORIZER CARTRIDGE". The disclosure of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Area The subject matter described herein generally relates to a vaporizer device, and more particularly to a vaporizer device configured to be coupled with a vaporizer cartridge.

Background A vaporizer device, sometimes referred to as a vaporizer, electronic vaporizer device or e-vaporizer device, is the supply of an aerosol by inhalation of an aerosol (eg, vapor) containing one or more active ingredients by the user of the vaporizer. Can be used for. For example, e-cigarettes, sometimes referred to as e-cigarettes, are typically battery-powered and can be used to simulate the smoking experience, but without the burning of cigarettes or other substances. A type of vaporizer device.

In the use of the vaporizer device, the user inhales an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor, which may be liquid, solution, solid, wax or any other that may be suitable for use with a particular vaporizer device. It can be produced by a heating element that vaporizes a vaporizable material that may be in the form (generally refers to the transfer of a liquid or solid to the vapor phase at least partially). The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer can be provided in a cartridge containing a mouthpiece (eg, for inhalation by the user) (eg, part of the vaporizer containing the vaporizable material in a reservoir). ..

To receive the inhalable aerosol produced by the vaporizer device, the user, in certain cases, by performing a puff, by pressing a button, or by some other approach, the vaporizer. The device can be activated. The term puff, commonly used (also used herein), draws a certain amount of air into the vaporizer device, which allows the inhalable aerosol to vaporize the vaporizable material and air. Refers to user inhalation in the form produced by mixing.

A typical approach for a vaporizer device to produce an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material is to heat the vaporizable material in a vaporizer chamber (or heater chamber) to bring the vaporizable material into the vapor phase (or vapor phase). Includes conversion. The vaporization chamber typically heats the vaporizable material with a heat source (eg, conductive, convective and / or radioactive) to produce a mixture of air and the vaporized vaporizable material, the user of the vaporization device. Refers to the area and volume in the vaporizer device that forms the vapor for inhalation by.

In some embodiments of the vaporizer device, the vaporizable material can be drawn from the reservoir into the vaporization chamber via a wicking element (wick). Such pulling of the vaporizable material into the vaporizing chamber may be due, at least in part, to the capillary action provided by the wick pulling the vaporizable material along the wick in the direction of the vaporizing chamber. However, when the vaporizable material is withdrawn from the reservoir, the pressure in the reservoir is reduced, thereby creating a vacuum and acting against capillary action. This may reduce the effectiveness of the wick that draws the vaporizable material into the vaporizer chamber, thereby causing the vaporizer to vaporize the desired amount of vaporizable material, such as when the user puffs the vaporizer device. It is less effective. In addition, the vacuum created in the reservoir will ultimately prevent all of the vaporizable material from being drawn into the vaporizable chamber, which can result in wasted vaporizable material. Therefore, an improved vaporization device and / or vaporization cartridge that improves or overcomes these problems is desired.

As used herein, in line with the subject, the term vaporizer device generally refers to a portable, built-in device that is convenient for personal use. Typically, such devices are controlled (commonly referred to as controls) by one or more switches, buttons, touch sensitive devices or other user input functions on the vaporizer. However, many devices capable of wireless communication with external controllers (eg, smartphones, smartwatches, other wearable electronic devices, etc.) have become available in recent years. In this context, controls are generally user-accessed on the device, turning the heater on and / or off, adjusting the minimum and / or maximum temperature at which the heater is heated during operation. Refers to the ability to influence one or more of various motion parameters that can include, but are not limited to, various games or other interactive features and / or other motions that can be included.

Various contents and various vaporizable materials having some of such contents can be contained in the cartridge. Some vaporizable materials may have, for example, a smaller percentage of the active ingredient per total volume of the vaporizable material, for example, with adjustments that require a particular active ingredient ratio. Therefore, the user may need to vaporize a large amount of vaporizable material (eg, compared to the total volume of vaporizable material that can be stored in the cartridge) in order to achieve the desired effect.

Overview In certain aspects of this subject, the features described herein in the subject matter relating to the presence of liquid vaporizable material in or near certain sensitive components of electronic vaporizer devices. It can be addressed by including one or more of them or by an equivalent / equal approach understood by those of skill in the art. In one aspect, a cartridge for the vaporizer device is provided. The cartridge is located within the cartridge housing and can be vaporized, with the cartridge housing configured to extend below the open top of the receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is connected to the vaporizer device. A reservoir configured to contain the material, a wick housing located inside the cartridge housing, a heating portion at least partially located inside the wick housing, and a contact portion at least partially located outside the wick housing. A heating element comprising one or more cartridge contacts configured such that the contacts are configured to form an electrical connection with one or more receptacle contacts within the receptacle of the vaporizer device. A wicking element located in the wick housing close to the heated portion of the heating element and configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element. And may be included.

In some variants, one or more features disclosed herein, including the following features, may optionally be included in any feasible combination. The contacts may further be configured to form a mechanical connection with the receptacle of the vaporizer device. By this mechanical connection, the cartridge may be fixed in the socket of the vaporizer device.

In some variations, the receptacle may be the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device. When the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, a recessed region may be formed between the cartridge housing and the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device.

In some variations, the receptacle may include one or more air inlets that form a fluid connection with one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. The one or more slots may be configured to allow air that has entered one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing. One or more air inlets may be located in the recessed area. The one or more air inlets may have a diameter between approximately 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm.

In some variations, the interior of each one or more slots comprises at least one step formed by the inner dimensions of the one or more slots that are smaller than the dimensions of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing. It's fine. The at least one step may provide a stenosis point at which a meniscus is formed to prevent the vaporizable material in the wick housing from flowing out of one or more slots. The dimensions of one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing may be approximately 1.2 mm long x 0.5 mm wide. The inner dimensions of one or more slots may be approximately 1 mm long x 0.3 mm wide.

In some variations, the heated portion of the heating element and the contact portion of the heating element may be formed by folding the substrate material. The substrate material may be cut to include one or more comb teeth (tines) to form the heated portion of the heating element. The substrate material may be further cut to include one or more legs for forming the contacts of the heating element.

In some variations, the contacts of the heating element are formed by folding each of one or more legs so as to form at least a first joint, a second joint and a third joint. It's okay. The first joint may be located between the second joint and the third joint. The second joint may be disposed between the tip of each of the one or more legs and the first joint.

In some variations, the one or more cartridge contacts may be located at the second joint. The heating element is secured to the wick housing by a first mechanical connection between the outside of the wick housing and a portion of each of the one or more legs between the first and third joints. You may be. The cartridge may be secured to the receptacle of the vaporizer device by a second mechanical connection between the second joint and the receptacle of the vaporizer device.

In some variations, one or more cartridge contacts may be located at the first joint. The heating element may be secured to the wick housing by a first mechanical connection between the outside of the wick housing and a portion of each of the one or more legs between the tip and the second joint. .. The cartridge may be secured to the receptacle of the vaporizer device by a second mechanical connection between the first joint and the receptacle of the vaporizer device.

In some variants, the reservoir may include a storage chamber and collector. The collector may include an overflow channel configured to hold the volume of vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber. One or more microfluidic mechanisms may be arranged along the length of the overflow channel. Each one or more microfluidic mechanisms is configured to provide a stenosis point, where a meniscus is formed to prevent air entering the reservoir from passing through the vaporizable material in the overflow channel. May be.

In some variations, the cartridge housing may include an airflow passage leading to an aerosol outlet formed by a heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material. The collector may include a central tunnel that communicates fluid with the air flow passage. The bottom surface of the collector may include a flow controller configured to mix the aerosol produced by the heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material.

In some variations, the inner surface of the air flow passage may include one or more channels extending from the outlet to the wicking element. The one or more channels may be configured to collect the condensate formed by the aerosol and direct at least a portion of the collected condensate to the wicking element.

In some variations, the flow controller may include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel may be offset from the second channel. The first inner surface of the first channel tilts in a different direction than the second inner surface of the second channel, and the first column of aerosol enters the central tunnel through the first channel, the second. It may be oriented in a different direction than the second column of aerosol that enters the central tunnel through the channel.

In some variations, the bottom of the controller may further include one or more wick interfaces. The one or more wick interfaces may be fluid communication with one or more wick feeds in the collector. The one or more wick feeds may be configured to send at least a portion of the vaporizable material contained in the storage chamber to a wicking element located within the wick housing.

In some variants, the wick housing may be at least partially located within the receptacle of the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. Flange is placed at least partially around the upper side of the wick housing. The flange may extend over at least a portion of the cartridge receptacle rim.

In another aspect, a vaporizer device is provided. A vaporizer cartridge is a receptacle that comprises a first portion of the body of the vaporizer device that includes one or more receptacle contacts and when a cartridge containing a vaporizable material is coupled to the vaporizer device. It is configured to receive the wick housing of the cartridge, which extends below the open top of the socket when the cartridge is connected to the vaporizer device and has one or more socket contacts. Is configured to form an electrical connection with one or more cartridge contacts comprising the contacts of the heating elements within the cartridge, the contacts being at least partially located on the outside of the wick housing. From the power supply to the heating element contained in the cartridge, when the cartridge is connected to the vaporizer device, with a receptacle and a power supply located at least partially within the second part of the body of the vaporizer device. A controller configured to control the discharge of current that vaporizes at least a portion of the vaporizable material that fills the wicking element located in the wick housing close to the heated portion of the heating element. Includes a controller, which discharges current to the heating element.

In some variants, one or more features disclosed herein, including the following features, may optionally be included in any feasible combination. The receptacle is further configured to form a mechanical connection with the contact portion of the heating element, which secures the cartridge within the receptacle of the vaporizer device.

In some variations, the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device may have a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device. When the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, a recessed region may be formed between the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device and the cartridge housing.

In some variations, the receptacle may include one or more air inlets that form a fluid connection with one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. The one or more slots may be configured to allow air that has entered one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing. One or more air inlets may be located in the recessed area. The one or more air inlets may have a diameter between approximately 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm.

In some variations, the receptacle is a first portion of the body of the vaporizer device such that the top rim of the socket is substantially flush with the top rim of the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device. It may be placed inside.

In some variations, the receptacle has a flange that is at least partially located around the top of the wick housing, at least one of the top rims of the cartridge socket and / or the top rim of the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device. It may be configured to receive a portion of the wick housing so as to extend over the portion. The depth of the socket may be about 4.5 mm.

Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from this description and drawings as well as the claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and in part thereof herein, show a particular aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description thereof, relate to the disclosed embodiments. It helps explain some principles.

It is a block diagram which shows the example of the vaporizer which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a planar cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume consistent with the embodiment of the subject. FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is a perspective view of the cartridge which has an example connector consistent with the realization form of this subject. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge having another example connector consistent with the embodiment of the subject. FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of a cartridge having an example connector consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. FIG. 3 is a plan sectional view of a cartridge having another example connector consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is a perspective sectional view of the cartridge which has an example connector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a plan top view of the cartridge which has an example connector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the closed state of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is an exploded perspective view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. Another closed perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is a side view of the closed state of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a side plan view of the closed state of the collector example consistent with the realization form of this subject. FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a cartridge containing an example collector consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of the example of the collector which was consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a front view of the example of the collector which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a part of the collector example consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is an upper perspective view of the example of the collector which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a side perspective view of a part of the collector example consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is an upper perspective view of a part of an example of a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluid flow management mechanism in a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluid flow management mechanism in a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the example of the fluid flow management mechanism in a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of the example of the collector which was consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of another example of a collector consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a perspective view, a front view, a side view and an exploded view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a top view of an example of a collector that is consistent with the realization form of the present subject. It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example of a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example of a collector which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is the upper plan view of the example of the wick feed mechanism consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is the upper plan view of the example of the wick feed mechanism consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is the upper plan view of the example of the wick feed mechanism consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the cartridge of an example consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a front view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a front view of a cartridge which has an example of a condensate recycling system consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of a cartridge which has an example of a condensate recycling system consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a bottom view of a cartridge which has an example of a condensate recycling system consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is another front view of the cartridge which has an example of a condensate recycling system consistent with the realization of this subject. It is another top view of the cartridge which has an example of a condensate recycling system consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a front view of the cartridge which has an example external air flow path consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a front view of the cartridge which has an example external air flow path consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, and various side views of an example of a wick housing that is consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example collector and wick housing consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is an exploded perspective view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is an upper perspective view of the example of the cartridge which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a bottom perspective view of an example of a cartridge that matches the realization form of this subject. It is a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in a vaporizer device consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a schematic diagram of the heating element arranged in the vaporizer cartridge for use in the vaporizer device consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a perspective view of a heating element consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of a heating element which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a front view of the heating element which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a heating element and a wicking element which corresponded to the realization form of this subject. It is a bottom perspective view of a wick housing including a heating element that is consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a perspective view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of a bent heating element that is consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a front view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of a bent heating element that is consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a front view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is the upper perspective view of the atomizer assembly which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a bottom perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is an exploded perspective view of the atomizer assembly that matched the realization form of this subject. It is a side sectional view of an atomizer assembly consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is another side sectional view of the atomizer assembly consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a schematic diagram which shows the heating element of an example consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side view of a bent heating element, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of the substrate material provided with the heating element which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a top view of the heating element which is not bent, which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is the upper perspective view of the atomizer assembly which matched the realization form of this subject. It is an enlarged view of a part of the wick housing of the atomizer assembly that matched the realization form of this subject. It is a bottom perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is an exploded perspective view of the atomizer assembly that matched the realization form of this subject. It is a side sectional view of an example of a condensate recycler system consistent with the realization form of this subject. FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example of a condensate recycler system consistent with the embodiment of the subject. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of an example of a condensate recycler system consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is an exploded view of a vaporizer device which is consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the example of the socket contact point | region which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows another example of the socket contact | mouth contact that matched the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows another example of the socket contact | mouth contact that matched the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the example of the cartridge sockets which corresponded to the realization form of this subject. It is the upper perspective view of the vaporizer main body including the cartridge socket of an example consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side cutting view of the cartridge arranged in the cartridge receiving port which coincided with the realization form of this subject. It is another side cutting view of the cartridge arranged in the cartridge receptacle which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a partial view of the side surface of the vaporizer cartridge connected to the vaporizer main body which matched the realization form of this subject. It is another partial view of the side surface of the vaporizer cartridge connected to the vaporizer body which matched the realization form of this subject. It is another partial view of the side surface of the vaporizer cartridge connected to the vaporizer body which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the heat map which shows the distribution of the air pressure and the air flow velocity around the air inlet which corresponded to the realization form of this subject. It is the upper perspective view of the example of the vaporizer main body shell that matched the realization form of this subject. It is sectional drawing of the example of the assembled vaporizer body shell, which was consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is sectional drawing of the wick housing which matched the realization form of this subject. Another cross-sectional view of the wick housing consistent with the embodiment of the subject. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example of a heating element consistent with the embodiment of the subject. It is a side view of another example of a heating element consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a front view of another example of a heating element consistent with the realization of this subject. It is a top view of another example of a heating element consistent with the realization of this subject. It is the bottom view of the example of the collector which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a normal cross-sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is another normal cross-sectional view of the example of the collector which was consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a side sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a perspective view of the example of the collector which matched the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the example of the laminar flow and the example of a turbulent flow which are consistent with the realization form of this subject. It is a figure which shows the resistance measurement about the heating element of an example consistent with the realization form of this subject.

When implemented, similar reference numerals indicate similar structures, features or elements.

Detailed Description A realization of this subject includes a device relating to the vaporization of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. The term "vaporizer" as used generically in the following description refers to a vaporizer device. Examples of vaporizers consistent with the embodiment of the subject include electronic vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes and the like. Such a vaporizer is generally a portable device that heats the vaporizable material in order to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

The vaporizable material used with the vaporizer can optionally be provided in a cartridge (eg, part of the vaporizer that contains the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container), when the cartridge is empty. It may be refillable or disposable for new cartridges containing the same or different types of additional vaporizable material. The vaporizer can be a vaporizer with or without a cartridge, or a versatile vaporizer that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a versatile vaporizer may be a cartridge with a reservoir or the like that receives the vaporizable material directly into the heating chamber and is at least partially accommodating a potable vaporizable material, or other replaceable. A heating chamber (eg, an oven) configured to receive the device can also be included.

In various embodiments, the vaporizer is a liquid vaporizable material (eg, a carrier solution in which the active and / or inert component is suspended or retained in the solution, or the net liquid form of the vaporizable material itself. ) Or may be configured for use with solid vaporizable materials. A solid vaporizable material releases a portion of the plant material as a vaporizable material (eg, such that some of the plant material remains as waste after the vaporizable material is released for inhalation by the user). In solid form (eg, "wax") of the vaporizable material itself so that it can contain plant material to be vaporized, or optionally all of the solid material can be finally vaporized for inhalation. good. The liquid vaporizable material can also be completely vaporized, or can include a portion of the liquid material that remains after consuming all materials suitable for suction.

In some embodiments, leakage of the liquid vaporizable material from the vaporizer cartridge and / or other parts of the vaporizer may occur. In addition, the consistency of manufacturing quality of the heating elements of the vaporizer can be particularly important during the scaled and / or automated manufacturing process. In addition, the use of vaporizers may result in shorter battery operating times, shorter operating times at low temperatures, faster battery aging, and battery performance. It may be done with specific power requirements that may affect it.

Realizations of this subject can also provide benefits and benefits for these issues. For example, various mechanisms for controlling the flow of air and the flow of vaporizable material are described herein. This can provide benefits and improvements to existing approaches, while also introducing the additional benefits described herein. The vaporizer device and / or cartridge described herein includes one or more mechanisms that control and improve the airflow within the vaporizer device and / or cartridge, thereby leaking liquid vaporizable material. , Or the efficiency and effectiveness of vaporizing a liquid vaporizable material with a vaporizer device without introducing additional mechanisms that can lead to the accumulation of condensates that collect along one or more internal channels and outlets. It will be improved.

For example, the heating element can be punched out of a sheet of material and bent to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. The composition of the heating element may allow for the production of a more consistent and improved quality heating element, and the tolerances that can occur during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element with multiple components. May help reduce the problem of. Also, due to at least a partial improvement in the consistency of the possibility of producing a heating element with reduced tolerance issues, the heating element is a measurement obtained from the heating element (eg, resistance). , Current, temperature, etc.) may be improved. The punched heating element may preferably help minimize heat loss and ensure that the heating element behaves as expected to be heated to the appropriate temperature. Useful for.

For further illustration, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram showing an example of the vaporizer 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the vaporizer 100 can execute a power supply 112 (eg, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, etc.) and a controller 104 (eg, logic). Processor, circuit mechanism, etc.) can be included. The controller 104 heats the atomizer 141 to convert the vaporizable material from a condensed form (eg, solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least a portion of untreated plant material, etc.) to a vapor phase. May be configured to control the supply of. For example, the controller 104 can control the supply of heat to the atomizer 141 by at least controlling the discharge of current from the power supply 112 to the atomizer 141. The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with a particular embodiment of the subject.

After converting the vaporizable material to the vapor phase, and depending on the type of vaporizer, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material and / or other factors, at least a portion of the vaporizable material is condensed. It is possible to form particulate matter as part of the aerosol in at least a partial local equilibrium with the vapor phase. The vaporizable material in the condensed phase (eg, particulate matter) is at least partially in local equilibrium with the vaporizable material in the gas phase and is in vaporizer 100 for a given puff or pull-in. Part or all of the inhalable dose provided by 100 can be formed. For example, ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemicals, flow conditions in the airflow path (both in the vaporizer and in the airways of humans or other animals), vaporizable materials of the vapor or aerosol phase and other airflows. A vaporizable material between the vapor phase and the condensed phase in the aerosol produced by the vaporizer 100, as factors such as mixing with can affect one or more physical parameters of the aerosol. It should be understood that the interaction of can be complex and dynamic. In some vaporizers, especially for vaporizers for sending more volatile vaporizable material, inhalable doses can be present primarily in the gas phase (ie, of condensed phase particles). Formation can be very limited).

To enable the vaporizer 100 to be used with liquid vaporizable materials (eg, net liquids, suspensions, solutions, mixtures, etc.), the atomizer 141 can generate fluid motion by capillary pressure 1 It can include a wicking element (also referred to herein as a wick) formed from one or more materials. The wicking element can carry a certain amount of liquid vaporizable material to a portion of the atomizer 141 that includes a heating element (not shown in FIG. 1). The wicking element is generally configured to draw a liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material (which can be contained during use) and the heat generated by the heating element can vaporize the liquid vaporizable material. The wicking element can also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir and replace the volume of the removed liquid. That is, capillary action may draw liquid vaporizable material into the wicking element due to vaporization by the heating element (discussed below), and air is part of the realization of the subject. , Return to the reservoir through the wick and at least partially equalize the pressure in the reservoir. Other approaches to return air into the reservoir to equalize the pressure are also within the scope of this subject, as discussed in more detail below.

The heating element may be, or may include, one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater and a convection heater. One type of heating element is a resistance heating element, which is configured to dissipate power in the form of heat as an electric current passes through one or more resistance segments of the heating element. It can be composed of, or at least contained in, a material (eg, a metal or alloy, eg, a nickel-chromium alloy or a non-metal resistor). In some embodiments of the subject, the atomizer may include a heating element, including a resistance coil or other heating element. The heating element may be wrapped around the wicking element, placed within the wicking element, integrated with the bulk shape of the wicking element, press-fitted into thermal contact with the wicking element, or The liquid vaporizable material, which is in another arrangement to transfer heat to the wicking element and is drawn from the reservoir by the wicking element, has a vapor phase and / or condensation (eg, aerosol particles or) for subsequent inhalation by the user. It causes vaporization in the droplet) phase. Other wicking elements, heating elements and / or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

Alternatively and / or additionally, the vaporizer 100 is, for example, one of a solid phase vaporizable material (eg, wax, etc.) or a plant material containing a vaporizable material (eg, tobacco leaves and / or tobacco leaves). It may be configured to produce an inhalable dose of the vaporizable material of the gas phase and / or the aerosol phase through heating of the non-liquid vaporizable material such as part). Thus, one or more heating elements may be part of the wall of an oven or other heating chamber in which the non-liquid vaporizable material is placed, or somehow integrated with this wall. Alternatively, it may be in thermal contact with this wall. Alternatively, one or more heating elements can be used to heat the air passing through or through the non-liquid vaporizable material to convection heat the non-liquid vaporizable material. In yet another example, one or more resistance heating elements, such that direct conduction heating of the plant material occurs from within the mass of the plant material (eg, as opposed to conducting inward from the wall of the oven). Can be placed in close contact with plant material.

The heating element may be activated in association with a user puff (eg, withdrawal, inhalation, etc.) on the vaporizer mouthpiece 130 (eg, a controller that may be part of the vaporizer body discussed below is a power supply. Current from is optionally passed to a circuit containing a resistance heating element that is considered part of the vaporizer cartridge considered below). The user puff allows air to pass through the atomizer (eg, wicking and heating elements) from the air inlet, along the airflow path, and optionally through one or more condensation regions or chambers, to the air outlet of the mouthpiece. It causes the flow to. The inflow air passing along the air flow path passes through the atomizer, where the vaporizable material of the gas phase is taken into the air. As mentioned above, the vaporizable material of the gas phase taken in is condensed as it passes through the rest of the airflow path, and an inhalable dose of vaporizable material in aerosol form is available from the air outlet (eg, for example. Can be sent (into the mouthpiece 130 for inhalation by the user).

The heating element can be activated in response to detecting the puff and / or determining that the puff is imminent. For example, puff detection can be based on one or more signals. The signal is, for example, one or more pressure sensors (eg, configured to measure pressure along an airflow path with respect to ambient pressure, changes in absolute pressure, etc.), motion sensors, flow rate sensors, capacitive sensors (eg,). It is generated by one or more sensors 113 included in the vaporizer 100, such as (configured to detect contact between the user's lips and the vaporizer 100). Alternatively and / or additionally, detection of a user interacting with one or more input devices 116 included in the vaporizer 100 (eg, a button on the vaporizer 100 or another tactile control device), communicating with the vaporizer 100. It is possible to detect a puff (or an imminent puff) in response to receiving a signal from a computer device or the like. It should be understood that puff detection, including determination of the impending occurrence of puffs, can be performed using a variety of techniques.

In some embodiments of the subject, the vaporizer 100 is to connect (eg, wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computer device (or optionally more than one device) that communicates with the vaporizer. It may be configured. To achieve this goal, the controller 104 may include communication hardware 105. Further, the controller 104 can include the memory 108. The computer device may be a component of the vaporizer system, including the vaporizer 100, and may include its own communication hardware capable of establishing a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of the vaporizer 100. For example, a computer device used as part of a vaporizer system is a general purpose computer device (eg, a smartphone) that runs software to generate a user interface that allows the user of the device to interact with the vaporizer. , Tablets, personal computers, some other portable devices, such as smart watches). In other embodiments of the subject, such devices used as part of a vaporizer system can be configured on one or more physical or soft (eg, screens or other display devices). Touch-sensitive screens or remote controls or other wireless or wired devices with interface controls (selectable via user interaction with some other input device such as mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor button, etc.) It may be a dedicated hardware piece. The vaporizer can also include one or more outputs 117 mechanisms or devices for providing information to the user.

Computer devices that are part of the above defined vaporizer system have one or more functions, such as dose control (eg, dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.), session control (eg, eg). Session monitoring, session settings, session restrictions, user tracking, etc.), control of nicotine delivery (eg, switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable material, adjustment of the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), location information Acquisition (eg, location of other users, location of retailer / commercial venue, location where e-cigarettes can be smoked, relative or absolute position of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (eg, vaporizer naming, vaporization) Lock / password to protect the vessel, coordinate one or more parent controls, associate the vaporizer with a user group, register the vaporizer with the manufacturer or warranty maintenance agency, etc.), for social activities with other users It can be used for any of participation (eg, games, social media communication, interacting with one or more groups, etc.). The terms "setting", "session", "vaporizer session" or "steam session" are used broadly to refer to the period devoted to the use of the vaporizer. The period can include time, number of doses, amount of vaporizable material, and the like.

In an example where the computer device provides a signal associated with the activation of the heating element or in another example where the computer device is coupled to the vaporizer 100 to achieve various controls or other functions, the computer device is one or more. Computer instruction sets can be run to provide a user interface and underlying data processing. In one example, the computer device detects a user interaction with one or more user interface elements so that the computer device signals the vaporizer 100 and the heating element produces an inhalable dose of vapor / aerosol. Causes operation to any of the total operating temperatures. Other functions of the vaporizer can be controlled by dialogue between the user and the user interface on the computer device communicating with the vaporizer 100.

The temperature of the heating element of the vaporizer is the amount of power provided to the heating element and / or the duty cycle in which the power is provided, other parts of the electronic vaporizer and / or heat conduction to the environment, the wicking element and /. Or many, including latent heat loss due to vaporization of vaporizable material from the entire atomizer and convection heat loss due to airflow (eg, air moving across the heating element or the entire atomizer when inhaled by the electronic vaporizer). It may be determined by factors. As mentioned above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or to heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the vaporizer 100 utilizes a signal from a pressure sensor in some embodiments of the subject. It is possible to determine when the user is inhaling. The pressure sensor can be placed in the airflow path and / or inhales the user-generated vapor and / or aerosol with an inlet for air to enter the device (eg, by passage or other path). It can be connected to an air flow path that connects to the outlet. As a result, the pressure sensor undergoes a pressure change as soon as the air passes through the vaporizer device from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments of the subject, the heating element can be activated in association with the user's puff, for example by a pressure sensor that detects a pressure change in the airflow path, eg, by automatic detection of the puff.

Typically, a pressure sensor (and any other sensor 113) is placed or coupled (eg, physically or wirelessly) on a controller 104 (eg, a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). It can be connected electrically or electronically, either through a connection). An elastic seal 150 may separate the airflow path from other components of the vaporizer 100 in order to make accurate measurements of the vaporizer 100 and maintain durability. The seal 150, which may be a gasket, surrounds the pressure sensor at least partially so that the connection of the pressure sensor to the internal circuit of the vaporizer is separated from a part of the pressure sensor exposed to the air flow path. It may be configured. In the example of a cartridge-based vaporizer, the seal 150 provides a portion of one or more electrical connections between the vaporizer body 110 and the vaporizer cartridge 1320 (not shown in FIG. 1) to the vaporizer body 110. It can also be separated from one or more other parts of. Such an arrangement of the seal 150 within the vaporizer 100 has potential for vaporizer components resulting from interaction with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phase, other fluids such as vaporizable materials, etc. Can help reduce destructive effects and / or reduce air leakage from the designed airflow path within the vaporizer. The passage and / or contact of undesired air, liquid, or other fluid into the vaporizer circuit can cause various undesired effects, such as changes in pressure readings, and / or of the vaporizer. Undesirable materials such as moisture and vaporizable materials may accumulate in the parts. In this case, they can result in inadequate pressure signals, deterioration of the pressure sensor or other components, and / or shortening of the life of the vaporizer. Leakage in the seal 150 may also cause the user to inhale air that contains or has passed through a portion of the vaporizer device constructed of this material that may not be desirable for inhalation. ..

The vaporizer 100 may be a cartridge-based vaporizer as described. Thus, FIG. 1 shows vaporization via a controller 104, a power supply 112 (eg, a battery), one or more sensors 113, one or more charging contacts 124 and a seal 150, as well as one or more different mounting structures. The vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer 100 is shown to include a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to receive at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to be coupled to the vessel body 110. In some examples, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 can include a reservoir 140 for accommodating a liquid vaporizable material and a mouthpiece 130 for delivering an inhalable dose to the user. For example, the atomizer 141 including the wicking element and the heating element can be at least partially placed in the vaporizer cartridge 1320. Optionally, the heating element and / or the wicking element is such that the wall surrounding the cartridge receptacle 118 is all or at least one of the heating element and / or the wicking element when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is fully connected to the vaporizer body 110. It may be arranged in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 so as to surround the portion. In some embodiments of the subject, the portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110 may be disposed inside another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. For example, the insertable portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 may be at least partially enclosed by some other portion, such as, for example, the external shell of the vaporizer cartridge 1320.

Alternatively, at least a portion of the atomizer 141 (eg, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element) can be placed within the vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer 100. In an embodiment that is part of the vaporizer body 110, a portion of the atomizer 141 (eg, a heating element and / or a wicking element) is provided so that the vaporizer 100 is from the reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110. It may be configured to send a liquid vaporizable material to the atomizer portion contained in.

As mentioned above, by removing the vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 140 (eg, by capillary withdrawal by a wicking element), at least a partial vacuum (eg, liquid) with respect to the ambient air pressure in the reservoir 140. Decompression (decompression) may occur in some of the emptied reservoirs due to the consumption of vaporizable material. Such a vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wicking element. This depressurization may, in some cases, be large enough to reduce the effectiveness of the wicking element for pulling out the liquid vaporizable material 102, whereby, for example, the user can use the vaporizer. When puffing at 100, the effectiveness of the vaporizer 100 for vaporizing the desired amount of vaporizable material 102 is reduced. In extreme cases, a vacuum in the reservoir 140 makes it impossible to withdraw all of the vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 140, which may result in incomplete use of the vaporizable material 102. To alleviate this problem, it is possible to make the pressure inside the reservoir 140 at least partially equal (and possibly completely equal) to the ambient pressure (eg, the pressure of the ambient air outside the reservoir 140). Therefore, one or more ventilation mechanisms may be included in connection with the vaporizer reservoir 140 (regardless of the placement of the reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 or elsewhere in the vaporizer).

In some cases, allowing pressure equalization in the reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of delivering liquid vaporizable material to the atomizer 141, but otherwise empty void volume in the reservoir 140 (eg, an empty void volume). , The space emptied by the use of the liquid vaporizable material 1302) can be filled with air. As discussed in more detail below, this air-filled void volume may subsequently undergo a pressure change with respect to the ambient air, which under certain conditions will result from the reservoir 140. Eventually, leakage of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 from the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and / or other parts of the vaporizer accommodating the reservoir 140 may occur. For example, a negative pressure event in which the pressure in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is high enough to move at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir 140 is due to various environmental factors such as the ambient temperature, altitude and / of the cartridge 1320. Alternatively, a change in volume may be a trigger. Also, embodiments of this subject can eliminate or at least minimize the leakage of vaporizable material 1302.

2A-2B show planographic views of an example of a vaporizer cartridge 1320 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the cartridge 1320 may include a mouthpiece or mouthpiece region 1330, a reservoir 1340 containing the vaporizable material 1302, and an atomizer (not shown separately). can. The atomizer is such that the wicking element 1362 is thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the heating element 1365 for the purpose of vaporizing the vaporizable material 1302 drawn from or stored in the wicking element 1362. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 may be included together or separately.

Contact 1326 can, in one embodiment, be included to provide an electrical connection between the heating element 1350 and a power source (eg, power source 112 shown in FIG. 1). An airflow passage 1338 that passes through or is defined on the sides of the reservoir 1340 mouthpiece or mouth the area within the cartridge 1320 that houses the wicking element 1362 (eg, the wick housing is not shown separately). It can be connected to an opening leading to the piece region 1330 to provide a path for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to move from the heating element 1350 region to the mouthpiece region 1330.

As provided above, the wicking element 1362 can be coupled to an atomizer or heating element 1350 (eg, resistance heating element or coil) connected to one or more electrical contacts (eg, plate 1326). .. The heating element 1350 (and / or other heating elements described herein according to one or more embodiments) can have a variety of shapes and / or configurations, as provided in more detail below. Can include one or more heating elements 1350, 1350 or a mechanism thereof.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the heating element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 can be made from a sheet of material (eg, punched) and crimped around at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. It can either be bent or bent to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wicking element 1362. For example, the wicking element 1362 may be pushed into the heating element 1350. Alternatively and / or additionally, the heating element 1350 may be held under tension and pulled onto the wicking element 1362.

The heating element 1350 can be bent such that the heating element 1350 secures the wicking element 1362 between at least two or three portions of the heating element 1350. In addition, the heating element 1350 can be bent to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. The configuration of the heating element 1350 can allow the production of the heating element 1350 to be more consistent and of improved quality. The consistency of manufacturing quality of the heating element 1350 can be particularly important during the scaled and / or automated manufacturing process. For example, the heating element 1350 according to one or more embodiments may help reduce tolerance problems that may occur during the manufacturing process when assembling the heating element 1350 with a plurality of components.

Further, in order to improve the heating performance of the heating element 1350, the heating element 1350 as a whole with one or more materials, as further discussed below with respect to the embodiments included with respect to the heating element made of crimped metal. It can be plated selectively and / or selectively. Plating all or part of the heating element 1350 may help minimize heat loss. Plating may also help provide a heating element 1350 that concentrates heat on a portion of the heating element 1350, thereby heating more efficiently and further reducing heat loss. Selective plating may help guide the current provided to the heating element 1350 to the proper position. Selective plating may also help reduce the amount of plating material and / or the costs associated with the manufacture of the heating element 1350.

As mentioned above, the heating element 1350 is such that, in one embodiment, the wicking element 1362 is at least partially located inside the heating element 1350 (eg, the heated portion of the heating element 1350). It may be configured to accept at least a portion of. For example, the wicking element 1362 may extend near or next to the plate 1326 and may extend through a resistance heating element that contacts the plate 1326. The wick housing surrounds at least a portion of the heating element 1350 and the heating element 1350 can be directly or indirectly connected to the air flow passage 1338. The vaporizable material 1302 can be drawn in by the wicking element 1362 through one or more passages connected to the reservoir 1340. In one embodiment, one or both of the primary passages 1382 and the overflow channel 1104 (see FIG. 5A) are utilized to place the vaporizable material 1302 to one or both ends of the wicking element 1362 or to the wicking element. It can be fed or helped to feed radially along the length of 1362.

In more detail below, in particular, as provided with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, the replacement of air and liquid vaporizable material 1302 in and out of reservoir 1340 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is incorporated, referred to as collector 1313. It can be controlled more advantageously due to the structure. By including the collector 1313, the liquid vaporizable material is finally converted into an inhalable aerosol with respect to the total volume of the liquid vaporizable material contained in the cartridge 1320 (which may correspond to the volume of the cartridge 1320 itself). It is also possible to improve the volumetric efficiency of the cartridge 1320, which is defined as the volume of.

According to some embodiments, the cartridge 1320 is by at least one wall (possibly shared with the outer shell of the cartridge) configured to contain the liquid vaporizable material 1302. It can include at least a partially defined reservoir 1340. The reservoir 1340 can include a storage chamber 1342 and an overflow volume 1344. The overflow volume 1344 can include the collector 1313 or can be accommodated in some way. The storage chamber 1342 can accommodate the vaporizable material 1302, and the overflow volume 1344 vaporizes when the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir storage chamber 1342 is moved into the overflow volume 1344 by one or more factors. It may be configured to collect and / or retain at least a portion of the possible material 1302. In some embodiments of the subject, the cartridge 1320 can be initially filled with the vaporizable material 1302 such that the voids in the collector 1313 are prefilled with the vaporizable material 1302.

In some exemplary embodiments, the volume size of the overflow volume 1344 expands due to the maximum expected change in pressure that the reservoir 1340 may experience with respect to ambient pressure as the volume of the contents in the storage chamber 1342 expands. Occasionally, it may be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in volume of the contents (eg, vaporizable material 1302 and air) contained in the storage chamber 1342.

In response to changes in ambient pressure, temperature and / or other factors, the cartridge 1320 is subjected to a change from a first pressure state to a second pressure state (eg, a first between the interior of the reservoir and the ambient pressure). It is subject to a relative pressure difference and a second relative pressure difference between the inside of the reservoir and the ambient pressure). For example, in the first pressure state, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may be less than the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320. In contrast, in the second pressure state, the pressure in the cartridge 1320 may exceed the ambient pressure. When the cartridge 1320 is in equilibrium, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may be substantially equal to the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320.

In some embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 may have an opening outside the cartridge 1320 and may communicate with the reservoir storage chamber 1342. As a result, the overflow volume 1344 serves as a ventilation channel to provide pressure equalization within the cartridge 1320, with the vaporizable material 1302 entering the overflow volume 1344 (eg, between the storage chamber 1342 and the ambient pressure). At least one of the vaporizable materials 1302 that can be collected (from the storage chamber 1342 in response to fluctuations in the pressure difference) and at least temporarily retained and / or optionally collected within the overflow volume 1344. The part can be reversibly returned.

As used herein, "pressure difference" may refer to the difference between the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320. The volume of vaporizable material 1302 remaining in the storage chamber 1342 can be reduced by withdrawing the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 to the atomizer for conversion to a vapor phase or aerosol phase. If there is no mechanism for storing air back into the chamber 1342 (eg, increasing the pressure in the cartridge 1320 to achieve a substantial equilibrium with the ambient pressure), low pressure or vacuum will also occur in the cartridge 1320. In some cases. Low pressure or vacuum can interfere with the capillary action of the wicking element 1362 to draw an additional amount of vaporizable material 1302 into the heating element 1350.

Alternatively, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may rise due to various environmental factors, such as changes in the ambient temperature, altitude, and / or volume of the cartridge 1320, exceeding the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320. be. This increase in internal pressure may occur, for example, after air has been returned into the reservoir chamber 1342 to achieve equilibrium between the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320. However, due to sufficient changes in one or more environmental factors, the pressure in the cartridge 1320 does not allow additional air to enter the cartridge 1320 in order to first achieve equilibrium between the pressure in the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure. It should be understood that a state below the ambient pressure can rise to a state above the ambient pressure (eg, transition from a first pressure state to a second pressure state). Negative pressure events resulting from a sufficient increase in pressure in the cartridge 1320 may cause at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342 to move. If there is no mechanism for collecting and / or holding the transferred vaporizable material 1302 in the cartridge 1320, the transferred vaporizable material 1302 may leak out of the cartridge 1320.

Subsequently referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the reservoir 1340 may be implemented to include a first region and a second region separable from the first region, resulting in the reservoir 1340. The volume of is divided into a storage chamber 1342 and an overflow volume 1344. The storage chamber 1342 may be configured to store the vaporizable material 1302 and may be further coupled to the wicking element 1362 via one or more primary passages 1382. In some examples, the length of the primary passage 1382 may be very short (eg, through holes from the space accommodating the wicking element 1362 or other parts of the atomizer). In another example, the primary passage 1382 may be part of a longer fluid path between the storage chamber 1342 and the wicking element 1362. The overflow volume 1344 is one of the vaporizable materials 1302 that can enter the overflow volume 1344 from the storage chamber 1342 in a second pressure state where the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is higher than the ambient pressure, as provided in more detail below. It may be configured to collect more than one piece and hold it at least temporarily.

In the first pressure condition, the vaporizable material 1302 can be stored in the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. As mentioned above, the first pressure state can exist, for example, when the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320 is approximately equal to or greater than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320. In this first pressure condition, the structural and functional properties of the primary passage 1382 and the overflow channel 1104 allow the vaporizable material 1302 to flow through the primary passage 1382 from the storage chamber 1342 towards the wicking element 1362. It's like that. For example, the capillary action of the wicking element 1362 can pull the vaporizable material 1302 closer to the heating element 1350. The heat generated by the heating element 1350 can act on the vaporizable material 1302 to convert the vaporizable material 1302 into a vapor phase.

In one embodiment, under the first pressure condition, the vaporizable material 1302 may not flow into the collector 1313, eg, into the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313, or may flow in a limited amount. In contrast, as the cartridge 1320 transitions from the first pressure state to the second pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 can flow from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 of the reservoir 1340. By collecting and at least temporarily retaining the vaporizable material 1302 that enters the collector 1313, the collector 1313 may impede or limit the undesired (eg, excessive) flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir 1340. can. As mentioned above, the second pressure state can exist when the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320 is less than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320. This pressure difference can generate expanding bubbles in the storage chamber 1342 and can replace part of the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342. The replaced portion of the vaporizable material 1302 can be collected and at least temporarily retained by the collector 1313 instead of leaving the cartridge 1320 and causing an unwanted leak.

Advantageously, the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 can be controlled by sending the vaporizable material 1302 driven from the storage chamber 1342 to an overflow volume 1344 in a second pressure state. For example, the collector 1313 in the overflow volume 1344 stores the liquid vaporizable material 1302 without allowing the liquid vaporizable material 1302 to reach the outlet of the collector 1313 where the liquid vaporizable material 1302 may exit the collector 1313 and cause an undesired leak. One or more capillary structures configured to contain at least a portion (and advantageously all) of excess liquid vaporizable material 1302 extruded from chamber 1342 and at least temporarily retained. Can include. Also, the collector 1313 is advantageous when the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 drops and / or becomes equal to the ambient pressure (eg, due to the excess pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure). It can also include a capillary structure that allows the liquid vaporizable material pushed into the collector 1313 to be reversibly pulled back into the storage chamber 1342. That is, the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 can have a microfluidic mechanism or property that prevents air and liquid from bypassing each other while filling and emptying the collector 1313. That is, a microfluidic mechanism can be used to control the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 that both enters and exits the collector 1313 (ie, provides a flow reversal mechanism). In doing so, these microfluidic mechanisms can prevent or reduce leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 and can capture air bubbles in the storage chamber 1342 and / or the overflow volume 1344.

Depending on the embodiment, the microfluidic mechanism or properties described above can be associated with the size, shape, surface coating, structural features and / or capillary properties of the wicking element 1362, primary passage 1382 and / or overflow channel 1104. .. For example, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 may optionally have a specific volume of vaporizable material 1302 during a second pressure condition in which at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342 is moved from the storage chamber 1342. May have different capillary properties than the primary passage 1382 leading to the wicking element 1362 so that can pass from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344.

In one exemplary embodiment, the total resistance of the collector 1313, which allows the liquid to flow out of the collector 1313, is such that the vaporizable material 1302 wicks primarily through the primary passage 1382 during the first pressure condition. It may be greater than the total resistance of the wicking element 1362 to allow it to flow towards the element 1362.

The primary passage 1382 can provide a capillary route through or into the wicking element 1362 for the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the reservoir 1340. The capillary pathway (eg, primary passage 1382) may be large enough to allow wicking or capillary action to replace the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in the wicking element 1362, but within the cartridge 1320. It may be small enough to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 from the cartridge 1320 when at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is moved from the storage chamber 1342 due to the excessive pressure of the. The wick housing or wicking element 1362 may be treated to prevent leakage. For example, the cartridge 1320 can be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through the wicking element 1362. Any suitable coating can be used, for example, including a heat-vaporizable coating (eg, wax or other material).

When the user inhales from the mouthpiece region 1330 of the cartridge 1320, air can flow into the cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening that operates with the wicking element 1362. The heating element 1350 may be activated in response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (shown in FIG. 1). As mentioned above, one or more sensors 113 can detect puffs and / or imminent puffs, including detecting changes in pressure sensors, motion sensors, flow rate sensors or, for example, airflow passages 1338. It can include at least one of the mechanisms. When the heating element 1350 is activated, the heating element 1350 rises in temperature as a result of the current flowing through the plate 1326 or through another electrical resistance component of the heating element 1350 that functions to convert electrical energy into thermal energy. Can receive. It is understood that activating the heating element 1350 may include controlling the power supply 112 by a controller 104 (eg, shown in FIG. 1) to discharge current from the power supply 112 to the heating element 1350. sea bream.

In one embodiment, the generated heat is wicked by conductive, convective and / or radioactive heat transfer so that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 is vaporized. It can be transmitted to at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 within element 1362. Depending on the embodiment, the air entering the cartridge 1320 could flow over (or around, near, etc.) the heated elements in the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350 and vaporized into the airflow passage 1338. The vaporizable material 1302 can be stripped off. In this case, the vapor may optionally be condensed and delivered in aerosol form, for example, through an opening in the mouthpiece region 1330.

With reference to FIG. 2B, the storage chamber 1342 has an overflow volume without the portion of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 driven from the storage chamber 1342 driven out of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 by the increased pressure in the storage chamber 1342 with respect to the atmosphere. It may be connected to an airflow passage 1338 (ie, via an overflow channel 1104 with an overflow volume of 1344) for the purpose of allowing it to be retained within 1344. Although the embodiments described herein relate to a vaporizer cartridge 1320 that includes a reservoir 1340, the approach described is also suitable for use in vaporizers that do not have separable cartridges and is intended for use. Please understand that it will be done.

Returning to the example, if the pressure in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is lower than the ambient pressure, the air that can enter the storage chamber 1342 can increase the pressure in the vaporizer cartridge 1320, the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The vaporizer cartridge 1320 can be transferred to a second pressure state in which the internal pressure exceeds the external ambient pressure of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. Alternatively and / or additionally, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 may include changes in ambient temperature, changes in ambient pressure (eg, due to changes in external conditions such as altitude, weather, etc.) and / or volume of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. (For example, when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is compressed by an external force such as squeezing), it is possible to shift to the second pressure state. For example, in the case of a negative pressure event, an increase in pressure in the storage chamber 1342 causes at least expansion of the air occupying the void space of the storage chamber 1342, thereby at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342. Can be moved. The moved portion of the vaporizable material 1302 can move through at least some portion of the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313. The microfluidic mechanism of the overflow channel 1104 completes the cross-sectional area of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 along the length of the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 and across the direction of flow along that length. Only the meniscus that covers the area can be moved.

In some embodiments of the subject, the microfluidic mechanism is such that the liquid vaporizable material 1302 surrounds the overflow channel 1104 with respect to the composition of the material on which the wall of the overflow channel 1104 is formed and the liquid vaporizable material 1302. It can contain a cross section small enough to preferentially wet the overflow channel 1104 around the whole. For examples where the liquid vaporizable material 1302 contains one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the wetting properties of such a liquid are advantageous in terms of the geometry of the second passage 1384 and the overflow channel. Considered in combination with the material from which the walls of 1104 are formed. In this way, the liquid vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104 as the sign (eg, positive, negative or equal) and magnitude of the pressure difference between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure changes. A meniscus is maintained between and the air coming in from the surrounding atmosphere, preventing the vaporizable material 1302 and the air from passing through each other. The pressure in the reservoir 1342 is sufficiently low with respect to the ambient pressure and is present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 if there is sufficient void volume in the reservoir 1342 to allow it. The vaporizable material 1302 may be sufficiently drawn into the storage chamber 1342 to allow the main liquid-air meniscus to reach the gate or port between the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 and the storage chamber 1342. At this point, if the pressure difference in the reservoir chamber 1342 with respect to the ambient pressure is negative enough to overcome the surface tension that maintains the meniscus at the gate or port, the meniscus is released from the gate or port wall. Then, one or more bubbles are formed and then released into a storage chamber 1342 having a sufficient volume so that the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 becomes equal to the ambient pressure.

As discussed above, so that air that has entered (or would have been present in it) in the storage chamber 1340 can occur (eg, in an airplane cabin or other high altitude position). Mechanical pressure to reduce the volume of the storage chamber 1340 by reducing the ambient pressure, when the window of a moving vehicle is opened, when the train or vehicle leaves a tunnel, etc. or local heating, distorting the shape. The above process can be reversed if there is an increased pressure condition with respect to the surroundings (due to an increase in internal pressure in the storage chamber 1340, which may occur due to, etc.). The liquid enters the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 through the gate or port, and a meniscus is formed on the leading edge of the column of the vaporizable material 1302 that enters the overflow channel 1104, and the air is circumvented to the vaporizable material 1302. Prevents flow against progress.

By maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the aforementioned microfluidic properties, the column of vaporizable material 1302 may be pulled back into the storage chamber 1340 if the elevated pressure in the storage chamber 1340 is subsequently reduced. , The meniscus may be pulled back until it reaches the gate or port. If the pressure difference gives the ambient pressure a sufficient advantage over the pressure in the storage chamber 1342, the bubble formation process described above may occur until the two pressures are equal. In this way, the collector 1313 receives the vaporizable material 1302 extruded from the storage chamber 1342 under the transition conditions of the storage chamber pressure higher relative to the ambient pressure, while the overflow volume of the vaporizable material 1302. At least a portion (and preferably all or most) is returned to the storage chamber 1340 for later feed, eg, feed to the heating element 1350 for conversion to inhalable aerosol. It can act as a reversible overflow volume, enabling it.

Depending on the embodiment, the storage chamber 1342 may or may not be connected to the wicking element 1362 via the overflow channel 1104. In embodiments that include a first end of the overflow channel 1104 coupled to the storage chamber 1342 and a second end overflow channel 1104 connected to the wicking element 1362, the overflow channel 1104 may exit the overflow channel 1104 at the second end. Any of the available vaporizable materials 1302 can further fill the wicking element 1362.

The storage chamber 1342 can optionally be located closer to the end of the reservoir 1340, which is near the mouthpiece area 1330. The overflow volume 1344 can be placed, for example, between the storage chamber 1342 and the heating element 1350, closer to the end of the reservoir 1340, closer to the heating element 1350. The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter with respect to the location of the various components disclosed herein. For example, the overflow volume 1344 can be located at the top, center or bottom of the cartridge 1320. The location and placement of the reservoir 1342 may be adjusted with respect to the location of the overflow volume 1344 so that the storage chamber 1342 can be located at the top, center or bottom of the cartridge 1320 according to one or more variations. can.

In one embodiment, when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is filled to volume, the volume of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 may be equal to the internal volume of the storage chamber 1342 plus the overflow volume 1344. The internal volume of the overflow volume may, in some exemplary embodiments, correspond to the volume of the overflow channel 1104 between the gate or port connecting the overflow channel 1104 to the chamber 1340 and the outlet of the overflow channel 1104. can. That is, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 can be initially filled with the liquid vaporizable material 1302 so that all or at least a portion of the internal volume of the collector 1313 is occupied by the liquid vaporizable material 1302. In such an example, the liquid vaporizable material 1302 can be sent to the atomizer (including, for example, the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350) required for delivery to the user. For example, a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 can be withdrawn from the storage chamber 1340 to feed a portion of the vaporizable material 1302, whereby any vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 is stored. It is pulled back to the chamber 1340. Due to the meniscus maintained by the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104, air cannot enter through the overflow channel 1104 (so that air flows past the vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104. To be prevented). After the vaporizable material 1302 has been sent from the storage chamber 1340 to the atomizer (eg, for vaporization and user inhalation) in sufficient quantity to draw the original volume of the collector 1313 into the storage chamber 1340, above. The considered behavior is performed. For example, when a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is removed from the storage chamber 1340, one or more bubbles are expelled from the gate or port between the secondary passage 1384 and the storage chamber 1340 and into the storage chamber 1340. The pressure can be equal (eg, relative to ambient pressure). When the pressure in the reservoir chamber 1340 rises above the ambient pressure (eg, due to the inflow of air in the first pressure state, changes in temperature, changes in ambient pressure, changes in volume of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, etc.), the reservoir The movement of a portion of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the chamber 1340 from the storage chamber 1340 over the gate or port in the overflow channel 1104 until the elevated pressure condition in the storage compartment is reduced. Will be able to. At the point of decline, the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 can be stored and pulled back into the chamber 1340.

In certain embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 is large enough to accommodate a proportion of the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342, including up to about 100% of the volume of the storage chamber 1342. Can be done. In one embodiment, the collector 1313 may be configured to accommodate at least 6% to 25% of the volume of the vaporizable material 1302 that can be stored in the storage chamber 1342. Other scopes are also within the scope of this subject.

The structure of the collector 1313 allows the overflow portion of the vaporizable material 1302 to be at least temporarily received, contained or stored in the overflow volume 1314 in a controlled manner (eg, by capillary pressure). Thereby, the vaporizable material 1302 is configured within the overflow volume 1344 to have different shapes and different properties in order to prevent leakage from the cartridge 1320 or overfilling the wicking element 1362. It may be constructed, molded, manufactured or placed. It should be understood that the above description referring to the overflow channel 1104 is not intended to be limited to a single such overflow channel 1104. One or optionally more than one overflow channel 1104 may be connected to the storage chamber 1340 via one or more gates or ports. In some embodiments of the subject, a single gate or port can be connected to two or more overflow channels 1104, or a single overflow channel 1104 is split into two or more overflow channels 1104. Can provide additional overflow volume or other benefits.

In some embodiments of the subject, the air vent 1318 allows the overflow volume 1344 to be connected to an airflow passage 1338 that ultimately leads to the ambient air environment outside the cartridge 1320. The air vent 1318 may have been formed or captured in the collector 1313, for example, during a second pressure condition in which the overflow channel 1104 is filled with a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 that has moved from the reservoir 1342. Alternatively, it can allow a path for air bubbles to escape through the air vent 1318.

According to some embodiments, the air vent 1318 acts as a reverse vent while the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 returns from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342 from the second pressure state to the equilibrium state, the cartridge 1320. Can provide pressure equalization within. In this embodiment, when the ambient pressure exceeds the internal pressure in the cartridge 1320, ambient air flows through the air vent 1318 into the overflow channel 1104 and the vaporizable material 1302 temporarily stored in the overflow volume 1344. It can be usefully useful for returning to the storage chamber 1342 in the reverse direction.

In one or more embodiments, in the first pressure state, the overflow channel 1104 may be at least partially occupied by air. In the second pressure condition, the vaporizable material 1302 can enter the overflow channel 1104, for example, through an opening (ie, vent) at the interface between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344. As a result, the air in the overflow channel 1104 can be replaced (eg, by the incoming vaporizable material 1302) and exit through the air vent 1318. In some embodiments, the air vent 1318 allows air to exit the overflow volume 1344, but prevents the vaporizable material 1302 from exiting the overflow channel 1104 into the airflow passage 1338 (eg, a control valve). Can function as or include a selective osmosis membrane, microfluidic gates, etc.). As described above, the air vent 1318 is filled with, for example, a vaporizable material 1302 in which the collector 1313 has been replaced by excess pressure in the storage chamber 1342, and the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is substantially equal to the ambient pressure. As it becomes empty, it can function as an air exchange port that allows air to enter and exit the collector 1313. That is, the first pressure state when the pressure in the cartridge 1320 is lower than the ambient pressure, the second pressure state where the pressure in the cartridge 1320 exceeds the ambient pressure, and the pressure and the ambient pressure in the cartridge 1320 are substantially. During the transition between the equilibrium state and the same, the air vent 1318 can allow air to enter and exit the collector 1313.

Thus, until the pressure in the cartridge 1320 stabilizes (eg, when the pressure in the cartridge 1320 is substantially equal to the ambient pressure or meets the specified equilibrium), or the vaporizable material 1302 (eg, of vaporization). The vaporizable material 1302 can be stored in the collector 1313 until it is removed from the overflow volume 1344 (by being drawn into the atomizer). Therefore, by controlling the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 inside and outside the collector 1313 as the ambient pressure changes, the level of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow volume 1344 can be controlled. In one or more embodiments, the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 is a pressure event that caused the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 in response to changes detected in the environment (eg, the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302). Can be reversed or reversible (when is subsided or terminated).

As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the subject, the pressure in the cartridge 1320 is lower than the ambient pressure (eg, when transitioning from a second pressure state back to a first pressure state). Then, the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 may be reversed in the direction of causing the vaporizable material 1302 to flow back from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. Therefore, depending on the embodiment, the overflow volume 1344 is an overflow portion of the vaporizable material 1302 during a second pressure state in which at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is moved from the storage chamber 1342 by the high pressure in the cartridge 1320. May be configured to hold temporarily. Depending on the embodiment, at least the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 held in the collector 1313 during or after reversing to the first pressure state when the pressure in the cartridge 1320 is substantially below ambient pressure. Some may be returned to the storage chamber 1342.

In another embodiment of the subject, in order to control the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in the cartridge 1320, the collector 1313 optionally perpetuates or perpetuates the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 moving through the overflow channel 1104. It can include absorbent or semi-absorbent materials (eg, materials with sponge-like properties) for semi-permanent collection or retention. In one exemplary embodiment in which the absorbent material is contained within the collector 1313, the backflow of the vaporizable material 1302 returning from the overflow volume 1344 into the storage chamber 1342 contains no (or almost no) absorbent material in the collector 1313. It may not be practical or possible as compared to the embodiments realized in (1). That is, the presence of the absorbent or semi-absorbent material prevents the vaporizable material 1302 collected in the overflow volume 1344 from returning to the storage chamber 1342 at least partially. Thus, the reversibility and / or reversible rate of the vaporizable material 1302 to the storage chamber 1342 is by including some density or volume of absorbent material in the collector 1313, or by controlling the texture of the absorbent material. Can be controlled by In this case, such properties result in higher or lower absorption rates, either immediately or over a longer period of time.

3A-3D show various design alternatives of the connector for forming a connection between the cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer 100. 3A-3B each show perspective views of various examples of connectors. On the other hand, FIGS. 3C to 3D show flat side views of various examples of the connector. Examples of connectors shown in FIGS. 3A-3D can include complementary male connectors (eg, protrusions) and female connectors (eg, sockets). As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2B and 3A-3D, one end of the cartridge 1320 allows one or more connections between the cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110 of the vaporizer 100. Can include connectors. For example, one end of the cartridge 1320 is one or more mechanical connectors, electrical connectors and configured to provide an electrical connection, a mechanical connection and / or a fluid connection between the cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. Can include fluid connectors. It should be understood that these connectors can be implemented in a variety of configurations.

In one embodiment of the subject shown in FIGS. 1, 3A and 3C, one end of the cartridge 1320 is configured to connect to a female connector (eg, cartridge receptacle 118) within the vaporizer body 110. A male connector 710 (eg, a protrusion) can be included. In this example, when the cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110, the contact 1326 located on the male connector 710 may form an electrical connection with the corresponding socket contact 125 in the cartridge receptacle 118. can. Further, the contact 1326 on the male connector 710 is mechanically engaged with the receiving contact 125 in the cartridge receiving port by, for example, a snap lock method, and the cartridge 1320 is fixed in the cartridge receiving port 118 of the vaporizer main body 110. Can be done. Alternatively, FIGS. 3B and 3D show another example in which one end of the cartridge 1320 includes a female connector 712. The female connector 712 may be a receptacle configured to receive the corresponding male connector (eg, protrusion) on the vaporizer body 110. In this exemplary embodiment, the contacts 1326 can be placed within the female connector 712 to form electrical and mechanical connections with the corresponding contacts in the male connector on the vaporizer body 110. It may be configured in.

3E-3F show further views of the cartridge 1320 with the male connector 710 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. With reference to FIG. 3E, which shows a perspective sectional view of an example of the cartridge 1320, the cartridge 1320 can include a wick housing area 910 configured to accommodate at least the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 of the cartridge 1320. .. As shown in FIG. 3E, the wick housing region 910 can be placed in the male connector 710 at at least in part at one end of the cartridge 1320. When the male connector 710 is thus inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110, the wick housing region 910 containing the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 is at least partially located within the cartridge receptacle 118. The cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110 can then provide additional insulation for the heating element 1350. On the other hand, FIG. 3F shows an upper plan view of the cartridge 1320. In particular, FIG. 9B shows that the male connector 710 can include one or more vent holes 920 located in or near the wick housing region 910. One or more vent holes 920 provide pinpoint steam discharge and / or airflow to the wicking element 1362, eg, to help control condensation within the cartridge 1320, to improve capillary action, and the like. It may be configured to do so.

4A-4D show examples of cartridges 1320 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the cartridge 1320 can include a collector 1313, a heating element 1350, a wicking element 1362, contacts 1326, and an air flow passage 1338. As mentioned above, the collector 1313 may be configured to control the exchange of air and vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the reservoir 1340 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The collector 1313 can be placed within the housing of the cartridge 1320. In some embodiments of the subject, the collector 1313 may be configured, designed, manufactured, manufactured or constructed completely or partially independently of the housing of the cartridge 1320. Further, the collector 1313 is completely or partially independent of other components of the cartridge 1320, including, for example, a storage chamber 1342, an air flow passage 1338, a storage chamber 1342, a heating element 1350, a wicking element 1362, and the like. Can be formed.

For example, in one embodiment of the subject, the cartridge 1320 can have a cartridge housing formed from a monolithic hollow structure having a first end and a second end. The first end (ie, the first end, also referred to as the receiving end of the cartridge housing) may be configured to accept at least the collector 1313 insertably. In one embodiment, the second end of the cartridge housing can function as a mouthpiece with an orifice or opening. The orifice or opening can be located on the opposite side of the receiving end of the cartridge housing into which the collector 1313 can be inserted and received. In some embodiments, the opening can be connected to the receiving end, for example, by an air flow passage 1338 that can extend through the body of the cartridge 1320 and the collector 1313. As in other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the atomizer comprising the atomizer, eg, the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350 discussed elsewhere herein, is a liquid vaporizable material 1302. Adjacent to the airflow passage 1338 or optionally so that an inhalable form or optionally a precursor in an inhalable form can be released from the atomizer into the air passing through the airflow passage 1338 towards the orifice or opening. It can be placed in it, at least in part.

In some embodiments of the subject, the collector 1313 may have one or more gates and one or more channels configured to control the flow of air and vaporizable material 1320 in and out of the reservoir 1340. can. For further illustration, FIG. 5A shows a side plan view of an example collector 1313 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. A side plan view of the cartridge 1320 including an example collector 1313 is shown in FIG. 5B. The example collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B can include one gate 1102 and one overflow channel 1104, but an alternative embodiment of collector 1313 has additional gates and / or channels. Can include. In the example of the collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the collector 1313 gates to an opening towards the first portion (eg, top) of the collector 1313 where the collector 1313 contacts or communicates with the reservoir chamber 1342. 1102 can be provided. The gate 1102 can provide a fluid connection between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 formed by the second portion (eg, the central portion) of the collector 1313.

In some embodiments of the subject, the second portion of the collector 1313 can have a ribbed or multi-fin shaped structure forming the overflow channel 1104. The overflow channel 1104 may be spiral, tapered, and / or beveled in the direction away from the gate 1102 towards the air exchange port 1106. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the overflow channel 1104 may be configured to move at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 collected within the overflow volume 1344 towards the air exchange port 1106. .. The vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 can enter the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102. The air exchange port 1106 may be connected to ambient air by an air path or air flow path connected to the mouthpiece. This air path or air flow path is not explicitly shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments of the subject, the collector 1313 places the collector 1313 on the inner wall of the storage chamber 1342 after the collector 1313 has been inserted into the receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342. It may be configured to include a flat rib 2102 extending around the bottom of the collector 1313 to create a suitable surface for welding. An all-around weld or temporary weld option can be used to securely secure the collector 1313 in the receiving cavity or receptacle in the chamber 1342. Alternatively, it is possible to establish friction and leakage resistant couplings without the use of welding techniques and / or to utilize adhesive materials in place of or in addition to the coupling techniques described above. can.

Referring here to FIG. 6B, stylizing the seal bead profile 2104 with spiral ribs around a collector 1313 defining the overflow channel 1104 so that the seal bead profile 2104 can support the rapid turn injection molding process. Can be done. The geometry of the seal bead profile 2104 can be devised in various ways so that the collector 1313 can be inserted into the receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342 in a friction resistant manner. In this case, the vaporizable material 1302 can flow through the overflow channel 1104 without any leakage along the seal bead profile 2104.

In some embodiments of the subject, the collector 1313 may include a central tunnel 1100 (eg, shown in FIG. 5D) that may be configured to function as an airflow channel leading to the mouthpiece. The airflow channel is connected to the volume in the storage chamber 1342 via the gate 1102 so that the volume in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 is connected to the ambient air via the air exchange port 1106. It can be connected to 1106. As such, according to some embodiments of the subject, the gate 1102 is utilized primarily as a control fluid valve for controlling the flow of liquid and air between the overflow volume 1344 and the storage chamber 1342. be able to. For example, the air exchange port 1106 can be used to control the flow of air and vaporizable material 1302 between the overflow volume 1344 and the air path leading to the mouthpiece. It should be understood that the overflow channel 1104 may be oblique, vertical or horizontal with respect to the elongated body of the cartridge 1320.

The vaporizable material 1302 can have at least an initial interface with the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 when the cartridge 1320 is filled. This is because the initial interface between the vaporizable material 1302 and the gate 1102 can prevent, for example, the air trapped in the overflow channel 1104 from entering the storage chamber 1342. In addition, such an interface can initiate capillary interactions between the vaporizable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104. As a result, a limited amount of the vaporizable material 1302 can enter the overflow channel 1104 without breaking the equilibrium where the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the overflow volume 1344 is negligible. Capillary action (or interaction) between the wall of the overflow channel 1104 and the vaporizable material 1302 allows the aforementioned equilibrium to be maintained. On the other hand, the cartridge 1320 is in the first pressure state when the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure.

Equilibrium and additional capillary interactions between the vaporizable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 are established or configured by adapting or adjusting the volume size of the overflow channel 1104 along the length of the channel. May be done. As provided in more detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is outlined as a measure of the size of the cross section of the overflow channel 1104, including embodiments of the subject in which the overflow channel 1104 does not have a circular cross section. As used herein) allows for capillary interaction strong enough to provide forward and backward flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in and out of collector 1313 in response to changes in pressure. In addition, it allows for a large total volume of the overflow channel, while still maintaining the gate point for meniscus formation and preventing air from flowing past the liquid in the overflow channel 1104. Alternatively, it can be limited at predetermined intervals or points or over the length of the entire channel.

The combination of the surface tension caused by the adhesion in the vaporizable material 1302 and the wetting force between the vaporizable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 is such that the overflow channel 1104 crosses the axis of flow in the overflow channel 1104. The diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the can function to cause the formation of a meniscus that separates the liquid vaporizable material 1302 from the air. The meniscus can prevent air and liquid vaporizable materials 1302 from passing through each other. It should be understood that the meniscus has an inherent curvature. Therefore, reference to the dimension across the direction of flow is not intended to mean that the air-liquid interface is planar at this dimension or any other dimension.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 5B, the wicking element so that at least a portion of the evaporable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 can be vaporized by the heat generated by the heating element 1350. The 1362 can be thermally or thermodynamically connected to the heating element 1350. The air exchange port 1106, on the other hand, is configured to allow the flow of air (and / or other gas) from the overflow channel 1104, while preventing the flow of vaporizable material 1302 from the overflow channel 1104. It's okay.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5B, the forward or backward flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in the collector 1313 is controlled (eg, enhanced or reduced) by achieving a suitable structure (eg, microchannel configuration). ), Capillary properties that may be present between the vaporizable material 1302 and the retaining wall of the overflow channel 1104 can be introduced and / or utilized. For example, length, diameter, inner surface texture (eg, coarse vs. smooth), constriction points, directional tapering of channel structures, constrictions or materials used to construct or coat the surface of the gate 1102, overflow channels. Factors related to 1104 or the air exchange port 1106 positively or negatively affect the speed at which the liquid is drawn into or through the overflow channel 1104 by capillary action or other influence acting on the cartridge 1320. May be given.

Depending on the embodiment, one or more of the factors described above may be used to control the replacement of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 as the vaporizable material 1302 is collected into the channel structure of the collector 1313. A desired degree of reversibility can be introduced. Therefore, in some embodiments, the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to the collector 1313 is by selectively controlling the various factors described above and in response to changes in pressure conditions inside and outside the cartridge 1320. It may be completely reversible or semi-reversible.

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B and 11A-11B, in one or more embodiments, the collector 1313 is formed, constructed or configured to have a single channel single vent structure. It's okay. In such an embodiment, the overflow channel 1104 is a continuous passage, tube, channel or other structure for connecting the gate 1102 to an air exchange port 1106 where the gate 1102 can optionally be located near the wicking element 1362. You can do it. Thus, in such an embodiment, the vaporizable material 1302 can enter and exit collector 1313 through channels individually configured from gate 1102. In this case, the vaporizable material 1302 flows in the first direction when the overflow volume 1344 is filled and in the second direction when the overflow volume 1344 is discharged.

The shape and structural configuration of the overflow channel 1104, gate 1102 and / or air exchange port 1106 to help maintain equilibrium and / or control the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to the overflow channel 1104. The flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 in 1104 can be adapted or modified to equilibrate under different pressure conditions. In an embodiment of the subject, for example, the overflow channel 1104 has a cross-sectional dimension (eg, diameter, area, etc.) of the overflow channel 1104 that decreases toward the gate 1102, while the cross-sectional dimension of the overflow channel 1104 (eg, diameter). , Area, etc.) may be tapered so that it increases toward the air exchange port 1106. That is, the cross-sectional dimension of the overflow channel 1104 may be the smallest at the gate 1102 where the overflow channel 1104 is connected to the storage chamber 1342, while the cross-sectional dimension of the overflow channel 1104 is the ambient environment where the overflow channel 1104 is outside the cartridge 1320. It may be maximum at the air exchange port 1106 coupled with. It should be understood that the taper of the overflow channel 1104 may be continuous or discontinuous. Alternatively and / or additionally, one or more stenosis points can be placed along the length of the overflow channel 1104.

The non-tapered end of the overflow channel 1104, which has the smallest cross-sectional dimension of the overflow channel 1104, has a vaporized vaporizable material 1302 attached to the mouthpiece (eg, the air vent 1318 shown in FIG. 2A connected to the airflow passage 1338). It can be connected to the air flow path to be sent. Further, the non-tapered end of the overflow channel 1104 may also lead to an area near the wick housing 1315 so that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 exiting the overflow channel 1104 can fill the wicking element 1362. Yes (see, for example, Figure 7).

The tapered structure of the overflow channel 1104 can reduce or increase the restriction on the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to the collector 1313, if desired. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 is tapered towards the gate 1102, the preferred capillary pressure towards backflow is attracted into the overflow channel 1104 by the tapering, resulting in a change in pressure state. When (eg, when the negative pressure event is eliminated or subsided), the direction of flow of the vaporizable material 1302 exits the collector 1313 and enters the storage chamber 1342. In particular, by realizing the overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening, it is possible to prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from freely flowing into the collector 1313. That is, the tapering of the overflow channel 1104 towards the gate 1102 facilitates the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to flow out of the gate 1102 (eg, back into the storage chamber 1342) and through the gate 1102 to the overflow channel. The flow of vaporizable material 1302 into the 1104 (eg, from the storage chamber 1342) can be blocked. On the other hand, due to the non-tapered configuration for the overflow channel 1104 in the direction towards the air exchange port 1106, at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir chamber 1342 due to the pressure rise in the cartridge 1320 is from the narrower section of the overflow channel 1104. An efficient reservoir of vaporizable material 1302 in the collector 1313 is provided during the second pressure condition flowing into the collector 1313 into the larger volume section of the overflow channel 1104.

Thus, the dimensions (eg, diameter) and shape of the collector 1313 can be realized so that the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 into the overflow channel 1104 through the gate 1102 is controlled at the desired rate. For example, during the second pressure state, the dimensions and shape of the collector 1313 may be such that the vaporizable material 1302 (eg, due to excess pressure in the cartridge 1320 that stores at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 and moves it out of the chamber 1342). Prevents it from flowing too freely (eg, beyond a certain flow rate or threshold) into the collector 1313, while the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the external ambient pressure of the cartridge 1320 are substantially balanced. It may be configured to favor backflow to the storage chamber 1342 (when achieved). In one embodiment, the combination of interactions between the vent 1318 and the interaction between the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 constituting the overflow volume 1344 and the air exchange port 1106 is suitable for air bubbles that can be introduced into the cartridge by various environmental factors. Note that it is possible to provide a controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the airflow and overflow channels 1104.

Referring again to FIG. 5B, a portion of the cartridge 1320 containing the storage chamber 1342 may also be configured to include a mouthpiece that may be utilized by the user to inhale the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. The airflow passage 1338 extends through the storage chamber 1342, whereby the vaporization chamber can be connected. Depending on the embodiment, the airflow passage 1338 may be, for example, a straw-shaped structure or a hollow cylinder that forms a channel in the storage chamber 1342 to allow the passage of vaporized vaporizable material 1302. It should be understood that the airflow passages can have a circular or at least nearly circular cross-sectional shape, but other cross-sectional shapes for the airflow passages are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The first end of the air flow passage 1338 can be connected to the opening of the first mouthpiece end of the storage chamber 1342 where the user can inhale the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. As provided in more detail herein, the opening of the first end of the collector 1313 may accept the second end of the air flow passage 1338 (opposite the first end). can. Depending on the embodiment, the second end of the airflow passage 1338 extends through the collector 1313 and completely through the receiving cavity connected to the wick housing capable of accommodating the wicking element 1362. Or it can be partially extended.

In some embodiments of the subject, the airflow passage 1338 may be an integral part of a monolithic molded mouthpiece comprising a storage chamber 1342, in which the airflow passage 1338 extends through the storage chamber 1342. In other configurations, the airflow passage 1338 may be an independent structure that can be inserted separately into the storage chamber 1342. In some configurations, the airflow passage 1338 may be, for example, a structural extension of the body of the collector 1313 or cartridge 1320 such that it extends inward from the opening of the mouthpiece portion.

Various different structural configurations are possible for connecting the mouthpiece (and the airflow passage 1338 inside the mouthpiece) to the air exchange port 1106 in the collector 1313, without limitation. As provided herein, a collector 1313 can be inserted into the body of a cartridge 1320 that can also include and / or function as a storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the airflow passage 1338 can be constructed as an internal sleeve that is an integral part of the monolithic cartridge body so that the opening at the first end of the collector 1313 provides the airflow passage 1338. It can accept the first end of the sleeve structure to be formed. It should be understood that the mouthpiece may be a single barrel mouthpiece as shown in FIG. 5B, or may be a multi-barrel mouthpiece, for example a double barrel mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is provided with a plurality of airflow passages to deliver a high dose of vaporized vaporizable material 1302.

As mentioned above, the collector 1313 can include various mechanisms for controlling the forward and backward flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the collector 1313 (eg, overflow volume 1344). Some of these factors can include configuring capillary drive of fluid vents referred to herein as gate 1102. The capillary drive of the gate 1102 can be, for example, smaller than the capillary drive of the wicking element 1362, while the flow resistance of the collector 1313 can be greater than the flow resistance of the wicking element 1362. The overflow channel 1104 can have a smooth and / or wavy inner surface to control the flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 through the overflow channel 1104. As mentioned above, the overflow channel 1104 provides proper capillary interaction and force to limit the flow rate flowing into the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102 during the first pressure condition and the second pressure condition. It may be slanted and / or tapered in order to facilitate a backflow outflow from the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102.

Further modifications to the shape and structure of the components of the collector 1313 may help to further adjust or fine-tune the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the collector 1313. For example, in the smoothly curved spiral channel configuration shown in FIGS. 5A-5H (ie, in contrast to channels with sharp turns or edges), additional mechanisms such as one or more vents, channels, openings. Parts and / or contraction structures can be included in the collector 1313 at predetermined intervals along the overflow channel 1104. As provided in more detail herein, such additional mechanisms, structures and / or configurations are more for the vaporizable material 1302, for example, along the overflow channel 1104 or through the gate 1102. Can help provide a high level of flow control.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, a fully or partially inclined spiral surface is realized along the interior of the overflow channel 1104 to create one or more of the internal volumes of the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313. The sides of the can be defined. As a result, the vaporizable material 1302 can freely flow through the overflow channel 1104 due to capillary pressure (or gravity) as the vaporizable material 1302 enters the overflow channel 1104. Central tunnel 1100 may traverse the length of collector 1313. At the first end, the central tunnel 1100 through the collector 1313 interacts with or into the wick housing 1315 (see, eg, FIG. 7) in which the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350 are located. You can connect. At the second end, the central tunnel 1100 interacts with, connects to, or accepts one end of a duct or tube that forms an airflow passage 1338 within the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1320. Can be done. The first end of the airflow passage 1338 can be connected (eg, by insertion) to the second end of the central tunnel 1100. The second end of the airflow passage 1338 can include an opening or an orifice formed in the mouthpiece region.

According to one or more embodiments, the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 produced by the heating element 1350 that heats the vaporizable material 1302 enters through the first end of the central tunnel 1100 in the collector 1313. It can pass through the central tunnel 1100 and further exit the second end of the central tunnel 1100 and enter the first end of the airflow passage 1338. The vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can then travel through the airflow passage 1338 and exit through the mouthpiece opening formed at the second end of the airflow passage 1338.

In some embodiments of the subject, the gate 1102 can control the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313. The air exchange port 1106 controls the flow in and out of the overflow channel 1104 via a connection path to ambient air, as provided herein in more detail, in the collector 1313 and then in the cartridge 1320. The air pressure in the storage chamber 1342 can be adjusted. In certain embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 allows the vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 to exit the overflow channel 1104 (eg, by moving due to excess pressure in the cartridge 1320). It may be configured to prevent leakage into the airflow passage (eg, central tunnel 1100).

The air exchange port 1106 may be configured to exit the vaporizable material 1302 towards a path leading to the area containing the wicking element 1362. This embodiment can help avoid leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 into an airflow passage leading to the mouthpiece (eg, central tunnel 1100) as the vaporizable material 1302 moves out of the storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 allows the gas material (eg, air bubbles) to enter and exit, but a membrane that prevents the vaporizable material 1302 from entering and exiting the collector 1313 through the air exchange port 1106. Can have.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 5C-5H, the flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 can be directly associated with the volumetric pressure in the overflow channel 1104. Therefore, the flow rate entering and exiting the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 can be controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the overflow channel 1104. As a result, by reducing the total volume of the overflow channel 1104 (eg, either uniformly or by introducing multiple constriction points), the pressure in the overflow channel 1104 is increased and the flow rate to the collector 1313 is increased. Can be adjusted. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the hydraulic diameter (or cross-section) of the overflow channel 1104 is uniformly introduced along the length of the helical path of the overflow channel 1104, or one or more constriction points 1111a. It can be made smaller (eg, thinner, tighter, narrowed or restricted) by either. For example, in the example collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5C-5E, the overflow channel 1104 has various constriction points 1111a arranged along the length of the overflow channel 1104 between the gate 1102 and the air exchange port 1106. And can include a plurality of downwardly inclined spirals having 1111b. The volumetric pressure in the collector 1313 can be determined by the amount of spirals in the overflow channel 1104 and the amount of constriction points along the length of the overflow channel 1104. Further, the volumetric pressure in the collector 1313 can be determined by the configuration of the constriction points arranged along the length of the overflow channel 1104.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the stenosis point 1111a can be formed by bumps, ridges, protrusions or stenosis points extending from the inner surface of the overflow channel 1104 (ie, the blade of collector 1313). The shape of the constriction point 1111a can be defined as any other shape that constricts the cross-sectional area across the flow direction within the bump, finger, protrusion, fin, edge or flow direction. In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the stenosis point 1111a may be, for example, in the shape of a shark fin whose distal end of the stenosis point 1111a tapers toward the edge. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the shark fin-shaped pointed edges or cantilever edges can be rounded, but the cantilever edges can also be tapered to sharp ends. The shape, size, relative position and total number of constrictions placed along the length of the overflow channel 1104 are formed, for example, in the overflow channel 1104 (eg, separating the liquid vaporizable material 1302 from the air). By fine-tuning the tendency of the meniscus, it can be adjusted to further control the ingress and egress of the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in and out of the overflow channel 1104.

For example, instead of keeping the inflow to the overflow channel 1104 faster than the outflow, the liquid may preferably have a flat surface facing the outflow and a round surface facing the inflow. The constriction point is facilitated to form and retain the meniscus that resists outward flow (eg, away from the storage chamber 1340), while facilitating the meniscus collapsing from the return side towards the constriction point storage compartment 1340. Can be molded. In this way, the series of such constrictions functions as a kind of "hydraulic ratchet" system in which the flow of liquid returning to the reservoir is micro-fluidally encouraged with respect to the outward flow from the reservoir. can do. This effect can be achieved at least partially by the relative tendency of the meniscus to collapse from the storage chamber side of the stenosis point rather than from the opposite side.

Referring again to FIG. 5C, in one exemplary embodiment, in addition to (or instead of) the constriction points extending from the floor or ceiling of the overflow channel 1104, some constriction points are the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104. Can be extended from. As clearly shown in FIG. 5F, the stenosis point can extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same stenosis point 1111a. In this case, two additional stenosis points extend from the floor and ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 to form the C-shaped stenosis point 1111a. According to the exemplary implementations shown in FIGS. 5D and 5F, the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 are more effectively adjusted to retreat towards the storage chamber 1340 with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5C. The liquid flow can be promoted as such. This is because the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is more narrowed (ie, narrowed) at the narrowing point 1111a shown in FIGS. 5D and 5F.

The stenosis points formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be uniform in shape, size, frequency or symmetry. That is, different stenosis points 1111a or 1111b can be realized with different sizes, designs, shapes, positions or frequencies along the overflow channel 1104, depending on the embodiment. In one example, the shape of the stenosis point 1111a or 1111b may be similar to the shape of the letter C with a round inner diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming an inner diameter as a rounded C-shape, the inner wall of the stenosis point has a corner (eg, a sharp corner) as shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G. There is.

In some examples, the overflow channel 1104 can have a constriction point extending from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 at the first level, while at the second level the constriction point is of the overflow channel 1104. Can extend from the floor. At the third level, the stenosis point can extend, for example, from the inner wall. Adjusting or changing the number of stenosis points and the shape of the stenosis points or placing the stenosis points in different orders or levels to help control the microfluidic effect on the flow in two directions within the overflow channel 1104. Thereby, it is possible to substitute the above-mentioned implementation form. In one example, stenosis point 1111a can be achieved, for example, on one or more (or all) levels, sides or widths of collector 1313.

Referring now to FIGS. 5E-5G, in addition to defining the stenosis point 1111a along the longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or the wider side of the collector 1313, one or more extra stenosis points 1111b. , Can be defined along the narrower side of the collector 1313. As such, according to the exemplary implementations shown in FIGS. 5E-5G, resistance to meniscus desorption or meniscus desorption in the desired direction at the overflow channel 1104 as compared to the embodiment in FIG. 5D. The coordination of promotion of separation can be improved. This is because the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow volume) of the overflow channel 1104 is more narrowed by the addition of the extra narrowing point 1111b.

Referring now to FIG. 5H, in some embodiments of the subject, the gate 1102, like the constriction points 1111a or 1111b, has an opening or opening having a flatter tapered edge, rim, or flange in one direction. It may be configured to include a partial configuration. For example, the rim of the gate 1102 opening may be formed to be flat on one side (eg, the side towards the storage chamber 1342) and rounded on the other side (eg, the side away from the storage chamber 1342). .. In such a configuration, the microfluidic force that facilitates the flow back from the reservoir 1340 towards the reservoir chamber 1340 overflow is improved due to the easier meniscus separation on the non-round side relative to the round side. Will be.

Thus, depending on the implementation and variation forms in the structure or configuration of the constriction point and gate 1102, the resistance to the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the collector 1313 into the collector 1313 and towards the storage chamber 1340 is the vaporizable material 1302. May be higher than the resistance to the flow of. In certain embodiments, the gate 1102 is configured to maintain a liquid seal such that a layer of vaporizable material 1302 is present in the medium in which the storage chamber 1342 communicates with the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344. There is. The presence of the liquid seal maintains a pressure balance between the reservoir 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 and promotes a sufficient level of vacuum (eg, partial vacuum) within the reservoir 1342 so that the vaporizable material 1302 overflows. It can help prevent complete drainage into volume 1344 and prevent loss of sufficient filling of the wicking element 1362.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, a single aisle or channel within the collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 by two vents. As a result, the two vents maintain the liquid seal regardless of the position of the cartridge 1320. Further, the formation of the liquid seal at the gate 1102 is such that the air in the collector 1313 is stored in the chamber 1342 even when the cartridge 1320 is held at an angle to the horizontal or the cartridge 1320 is arranged downward with respect to the mouthpiece. Can help prevent entry. This is because when air bubbles from the collector 1313 enter the reservoir, the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 becomes equal to the pressure of the ambient pressure. That is, the partial vacuum in the storage chamber 1342 (eg, formed as a result of the vaporizable material 1302 being expelled through the wick feed 1368) is offset when ambient air flows into the storage chamber 1342.

In some scenarios, the headspace vacuum may not be maintained if the empty space in the storage chamber 1342 (ie, the headspace on the vaporizable material 1302) contacts the gate 1102. As a result, the liquid seal established at gate 1102 may be broken, as described above. This effect may be due to the inability of the gate 1102 to maintain the fluid membrane as the collector 1313 is ejected and the headspace contacts the gate 1102, leading to the loss of partial headspace vacuum. ..

In certain embodiments, the headspace in the storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure and if there is a hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer in the cartridge 1320, the storage chamber 1342 The contents of the wick box may be ejected into the atomizer, resulting in overflow and leakage of the wick box. To avoid leaks, one or more embodiments are realized to eliminate the hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer and maintain the functionality of the gate 1102 when the storage chamber 1342 is approximately drained. be able to.

5I-5K show the maze-shaped structure 1190. The maze-shaped structure 1190 may be constructed around the gate 1102 to establish a high drive connection between the gate 1102 and the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 to maintain the liquid seal at the gate 1102. In the example shown in FIG. 5J, the mote-shaped structure 1190 can be included as a means for further improving the maintenance of the liquid seal at the gate 1102 according to one or more implementations.

5L-5N show various diagrams of the gate 1102 that are consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 is a V-shaped or horn such that, for example, the V-shaped gate 1102 contains at least two (and preferably three) openings to which the V-shaped gate 1102 is connected to the storage chamber 1342. It may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 via a shaped fluid gate 1102. As provided in more detail herein, the liquid seal may be maintained at gate 1102 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of the cartridge 1320.

As shown in FIG. 5L, on the first side of the vent, a vent path can be maintained between the overflow channel 1104 and the gate 1102. Through this vent path, air bubbles can escape from the overflow channel 1104 in the collector into the reservoir. On the second side, one or more high drive channels connected to the reservoir are provided to facilitate pinch-off at pinch-off point 1122, with early ventilation of air bubbles from the overflow channel 1104 to the reservoir and from the reservoir to the overflow channel. A liquid seal can be maintained to prevent unwanted entry of air or vaporizable material 1302 into 1104.

Depending on the embodiment, the high drive channel shown as an example on the right side of FIG. 5L is preferably kept sealed by the capillary pressure exerted by the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the cartridge reservoir. The low drive channel formed on the opposite side (ie, shown on the left side of FIG. 5L) has a relatively low capillary drive compared to the high drive channel, but the liquid seal is highly driven in the first pressure condition. It may still be configured to have sufficient capillary drive to be maintained in both the channel and the low drive channel.

Therefore, in the first pressure condition (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is approximately greater than or equal to the ambient air pressure), the liquid seal is maintained on both the low and high drive channels and air bubbles flow into the reservoir. To prevent. Conversely, in a second pressure condition (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is lower than the ambient air pressure), bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (eg, entering through the air exchange port 1106), or more. In general, the front edge meniscus edge of the liquid evaporable material-air interface can move towards the controlled fluid gate 1102. When the meniscus reaches the pinch-off point 1122 located between the low and high drive channels of the vent 1104, the air has one or more low drive channels due to the higher capillary resistance present in the high drive channels. Is passed preferentially.

As the bubbles pass through the low drive channel portion of the gate 1102, the bubbles enter the reservoir and the pressure inside the reservoir becomes equal to the pressure of the ambient air. In this way, ambient air entering through the overflow channel 1104 passes through the reservoir until an equilibrium pressure state is established between the reservoir and the ambient air by the air exchange port 1106 combined with the controlled fluid gate 1102. It is possible to make it. As mentioned earlier, this process can be referred to as reservoir aeration. Once the equilibrium pressure state is established (eg, the transition from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state), the high and low drive channels supplied by the liquid vaporizable material 1302 stored in the reservoir. Due to the presence of liquid in both, the liquid seal is reestablished at pinch-off point 1122.

In some embodiments, the tapered channel can be designed to increase the drive towards the controlled vent. Considering the pinch-off of the two advancing menisci, the tank wall of the reservoir and the bottom of the channel may be configured to continue to provide drive, while the sidewalls to provide a pinch-off position for the meniscus. It may be configured in. In one configuration, the net drive of the meniscus in the forward direction does not exceed the net drive of the meniscus in the backward direction, thus keeping the system statically stable.

Returning to FIGS. 4C-4D and 5B, in certain variations, the collector 1313 may be configured to be insertably received by the receiving end of the storage chamber 1342. The end of the collector 1313 opposite to the end received by the storage chamber 1342 may be configured to receive the wicking element 1362. For example, the fork-shaped constriction point may be formed to firmly receive the wicking element 1362. The wick housing 1315 can be used to further secure the wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the stenosis points. This configuration can also help prevent the wicking element 1362 from being substantially swollen and weakened by overfilling.

Referring to FIGS. 5C-5E, depending on the embodiment, one or more additional ducts, channels, tubes or cavities moving through the collector 1313 may be combined with the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342. It can be constructed or configured as a path to feed the wicking element 1362. In certain configurations as discussed in more detail herein, the wickfeed duct, tube, or cavity (ie, wickfeed 1368) can extend approximately parallel to the central tunnel 1100. In at least one configuration, one or more wick feeds extending diagonally along the length of the collector 1313, eg, independently or optionally in connection with a wick exchange containing one or more other wick feeds. Can exist.

In certain embodiments, multiple wick feeds can be interactively connected in a multilink configuration so that the exchange of supply paths that may intersect each other can result in a wick housing area. This configuration can help prevent complete blockage of the wick feed mechanism when, for example, the formation of air bubbles or other types of clogging obstructs one or more supply paths within the wick feed switch. can. Advantageously, the instrumentation of multiple supply channels allows the vaporizable material 1302 to be completely or partially blocked or blocked, even if some or certain paths within the wick feed switch are completely or partially blocked. It can be allowed to travel safely through one or more paths (or crossroads to different but open paths) towards the wick housing area.

Depending on the embodiment, the wick supply path may be molded, for example, into a tubular shape having a circular or multifaceted cross-diameter shape. For example, the hollow cross section of the wick feed may be a triangle, rectangle, pentagon or any other suitable geometry. In one or more embodiments, the perimeter of the cross section of the wickfeed is, for example, a hollow cruciform such that the cruciform arm has a narrower width relative to the diameter of the central intersection of the cruciform in which the arm extends. It may be in the shape of. More generally, the wickfeed channel (also referred to herein as the first channel) is an alternative for the flow of liquid vaporizable material as bubbles block the rest of the cross section of the wickfeed. It can have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregularity (eg, protrusion, side channel, etc.) that provides a path. The cross-shaped cross section of this example is an example of such a structure, but those skilled in the art should understand that other shapes are also contemplated and feasible in line with the present disclosure.

The implementation of a cruciform duct or tube formed through the wick feed path can overcome the problem of clogging. Because the cruciform tube can essentially be considered to contain five separate paths (eg, a central path formed in the hollow center of the cruciform and four additional paths formed in the hollow arm of the cruciform). Is. In such an embodiment, for example, an obstruction of the supply tube by air bubbles could be formed in the central portion of the cruciform tube and remain flowing in a secondary path (ie, the path through the arm of the cruciform tube). There will be.

According to one or more embodiments, the wick feed path may be wide enough to allow the vaporizable material 1302 to move freely towards the wick through the feed path. In some embodiments, the flow through the wickfeed is driven by capillary pulling or pressure on the vaporizable material 1302 that travels through the wickfeed path by devising the relative diameter of a particular portion of the wickfeed. Can be enhanced or adapted. That is, depending on the shape and other structural or material factors, some wick feed paths can induce the movement of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick housing portion, depending on gravity or capillary force.

For example, in the embodiment of the cruciform tube, the feed path through the arm of the cruciform tube may be configured to supply the wick by capillary pressure instead of relying on gravity. In such an embodiment, the central portion of the cruciform tube can be supplied with a wick, for example by gravity, while the flow of vaporizable material 1302 within the arm of the cruciform tube is supported by capillary pressure. Can be done. It should be noted that the cruciform tubes disclosed herein are intended to provide exemplary embodiments.

It should be understood that the cruciform cross-section of the wickfeed path is only of multiple possible configurations consistent with the realization of this subject. That is, the concept and functionality realized in this exemplary embodiment is a hollow star with two or more arms extending from a wickfeed path with different cross-sectional shapes (eg, a central tunnel extending along the wickfeed path). Can be extended to a tube with a shaped cross section). A general mechanism consistent with this aspect of the subject is the wettability of the material forming the wickfeed path and the liquid vaporizable material used, preferentially, for example, bubbles completely across the cross section. It has a cross-sectional shape that cannot be closed. One or more protrusions in a cross section cross the protrusions to maintain a continuous liquid flow path around any such bubble (eg, in the portion of the wickfeed path that forms the protrusion in the cross section). This is because the size is determined so that the meniscus is formed.

Referring to FIG. 5C again, an exemplary collector 1313 structure is shown. In this structure, two wick feeds 1368 are placed on the two opposite sides of the central tunnel 1100, so that the vaporizable material 1302 enters these feeds and other than the collector 1313 to form a housing for the wick. It can flow directly towards the cavity area at the end.

The wick feed mechanism can be formed through the collector 1313 so that at least one wick feed path within the collector 1313 can be formed as a multifaceted cross-diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross section of the wick feed may be in the shape of a plus sign (eg, the hollow cross section of the wick feed as viewed from the top cross section). As a result, the cruciform arm has a narrower width in relation to the diameter of the central intersection of the cruciform in which the arm extends.

Such a central arrangement of bubbles will ultimately remain open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302, even if the central path is blocked by the bubbles (ie, of a cruciform tube). Will leave a path through the arm). For a wickfeed passage structure that can achieve the same or similar objectives as those disclosed above with respect to trapping air bubbles or avoiding trapped air bubbles completely clogging the wick feed passage. Other implementations are possible.

If additional vents are available, the vaporizable material 1302 with a relatively large aggregate volume can be replaced by adding more vents to the structure of the collector 1313, depending on the embodiment. Faster flow rates are possible. Thus, although not explicitly shown, embodiments having three or more vents (eg, triple vent implementations, quadruple vent implementations, etc.) are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a top view of an exemplary collector 1313, which is consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIG. 8A, gate 1102 may be V-shaped. The collector 1313, along with additional components (eg, wicking element 1362, heating element 1350 and wick housing 1315), can be fitted into the hollow cavity within the cartridge 1320. The wicking element 1362 can be placed between the second end of the collector 1313 and the heating element 1350 wrapped around the wicking element 1362. During assembly, the collector 1313, the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350 can be fitted together, covered by the wick housing 1315 and then inserted into the cavity within the cartridge 1320.

The wick housing 1315, along with other described components, can be inserted into the end of the cartridge 1320 opposite the mouthpiece to hold these components inside by pressure sealing or pressure fitting. The seals or fittings of the wick housing 1315 and collector 1313 within the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 are desirable and sufficiently sealed to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 retained in the reservoir of the cartridge 1320. In some embodiments, the pressure seal between the wick housing 1315 and the collector 1313 and between the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 is also sufficient to prevent manual disassembly of the component by the user's bare hands. It is sealed.

Referring here to FIGS. 8B-8C, in some embodiments of the subject, the wicking element 1362 is along its length (eg, a wicking element 1362 located directly below the wick feed 1368. Leakage by being constrained or compressed by compression ribs 1110 at a particular location (towards the distal end in the longitudinal direction), eg, by maintaining a higher filling area of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the end of the wicking element 1362. Can help prevent. As a result, the central portion of the wicking element 1362 remains drier and tends to be less leaky. Further, by using the compression ribs 1110, the wicking element 1362 can be further pushed into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage to the atomizer.

8D-8F show an upper plan view of an example of a wick feed mechanism that may be formed or configured by collector 1313. In the example shown in FIG. 8D, at least one wick feed 1368 path in the collector 1313 can be molded as a multifaceted cross-diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross section of the wickfeed 1368 path may be in the shape of a plus sign (eg, a hollow cross-shaped wickfeed when viewed from the top cross section). As a result, the cross-shaped arm has a narrower width in relation to the diameter of the central intersection of the cross on which the arm extends. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8E, the problem of clogging can be overcome by a duct or tube having a cruciform diameter formed by the wickfeed 1368 path. A tube with a cruciform diameter can be considered to contain five separate paths (eg, a central path formed in the hollow center of the cruciform and four additional paths formed in the hollow arm of the cruciform). Because. In such an embodiment, a blockage of the feed tube by air bubbles (eg, air bubbles) could be formed in the central portion of the cruciform tube shown in FIG. 8E. Such a central arrangement of bubbles will ultimately remain open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302 even if the central path is blocked by the bubbles (ie, of a cruciform tube). Will leave a path through the arm).

Now referring to FIG. 8F, the wick feedback mechanism is capable of capturing air bubbles or avoiding the captured air bubbles completely clogging the wick feed 1368 path with a wick feed 1368 path structure. There may be. As illustrated in FIG. 8F, when air bubbles are trapped in the central region of the wickfeed 1368 path, one or more droplet-shaped constriction points 1368a and / or 1368b (eg, wickfeed 1368 path in between). (Similar in shape to one or more separated nipples) can be formed at the end of the wick feed 1368 path through which the vaporizable material 1302 flows from the storage chamber 1342 into the collector 1313. The vaporizable material 1302 can be used to guide through. In this way, a reasonably controllable and consistent flow of the vaporizable material 1302 can flow towards the wick and prevent the scenario where the wick is not fully filled with the vaporizable material 1302.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and an exploded view of an example of the cartridge 1320 that matches the realization form of the present subject. As shown, the cartridge 1320 can include a mouthpiece-reservoir combination molded in the form of a sleeve having an airflow passage 1338 defined by a sleeve. The area within the cartridge 1320 houses the collector 1313, the wicking element 1362, the heating element 1350, and the wick housing 1315. The opening at the first end of the collector 1313 leads to an air flow passage 1338 within the mouthpiece and provides a path for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to travel from the heating element 1350 region to the mouthpiece to be inhaled by the user.

9A-9C show a perspective view, a front view, and a side view of an example of the cartridge 1320, which is consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, the shown cartridge 1320 includes a collector 1313, a heating element 1350, and a wick housing 1315 for holding the cartridge component in place as it is inserted into the body of the cartridge. Can be assembled from multiple components, including. In one embodiment, laser welding can be performed at a circumferential contact portion located approximately at that point where one end of the collector 1313 contacts the wick housing 1313. Laser welding between the collector 1313 and the heating chamber 1315 can prevent the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the collector 1313 from flowing into the heating chamber 1315 in which the atomizer is located.

Vaporizing the vaporizable material into an aerosol can result in the collection of condensate along one or more internal channels and outlets of some vaporizers (eg, along the mouthpiece). For example, such a condensate can include a vaporizable material that is drawn from the reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into the condensate before leaving the vaporizer. In addition, vaporizable material that bypasses the vaporization process may accumulate along one or more internal channels and / or air outlets. This results in a condensate and / or non-vaporizable evaporable material that exits the mouthpiece outlet and deposits in the user's mouth, thereby causing an unpleasant experience for the user or inhalation that is available in some way. Both can result in a reduction in the amount of possible aerosol. In addition, the accumulation and loss of condensate may ultimately prevent all vaporizable material from being drawn from the reservoir into the vaporization chamber, thereby wasting the vaporizable material. For example, when particles of vaporizable material accumulate in the internal channels of the air tube downstream of the vaporization chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the airflow passage is narrowed, which increases the flow rate of air, thereby accumulating fluid. Drag is added to the air, thus increasing the possibility of fluid entrainment from the internal channel through the mouthpiece outlet. Thus, in some embodiments of the subject, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 may include, for example, a condensate collector 3201 and a condensate recycling channel 3204 (eg, microfluidic) extending from the mouthpiece opening to the wicking element 1362. Condensation recycling systems can be included, including channels). For further illustration, FIGS. 10A-10E show various diagrams of the cartridge 1320 containing an example condensate recycling system consistent with the embodiment of the subject.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10E, the condensate collector 3201 acts on the vaporized vaporizable material 1302, which is cooled in the mouthpiece and converted into droplets, to collect the condensation droplets and condensate recycler channel. Can be sent to 3204. The Condensate Recycler Channel 3204 collects the condensate and large vapor droplets and returns them to the wick, where the liquid vaporizable material formed within the mouthpiece while the user puffs or inhales the mouthpiece. Prevents it from accumulating in the user's mouth. By implementing the Condensate Recycler Channel 3204 as a microfluidic channel, it captures any droplet condensate, thereby eliminating the direct inhalation of liquid vaporizable material and unwanted sensations or tastes in the user's mouth. Can be avoided.

Additional and / or alternative embodiments of the condensate recycler channel and / or one or more other mechanisms for controlling, collecting and / or recycling the condensate in the vaporizer device are described in FIGS. 45A-. Explained and shown with respect to FIG. 45C. For example, FIGS. 45A-45C show another example of the Condensation Recycler System 360 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. The condensate recycler system 360 may be configured to collect the vaporizable material condensate and return the condensate directly to the wick for reuse. As shown in FIGS. 45A-45C, the condensate recycler system 360 can include an internal grooved air tube 334 that forms an airflow passage 338 extending from the mouthpiece to the vaporization chamber 342. It may be configured to collect any vaporizable material condensate and return it directly to the wick (by capillary action) for reuse.

One function of the groove can include trapping or somehow arranging the vaporizable material condensate in this groove. When placed in the groove, the condensate is ejected to the wick by the capillary action caused by the wicking element. Discharge of the condensate in the groove can be achieved at least partially by capillary action. If any condensate is present in the air tube, the vaporizable material particles can fill the groove, but if the groove is not present, rather a wall of condensate is formed in the air tube. Or be built. Once the groove is sufficiently filled to establish fluid communication with the wick, the condensate can be drained through the groove and reused as a vaporizable material. In some embodiments, the groove can be tapered to narrow towards the wick and widen towards the mouthpiece. Such tapering can facilitate fluid movement towards the vaporization chamber as more condensate collects in the grooves due to higher capillary action at narrower points.

FIG. 45A shows a cross-sectional view of the air tube 334. The air tube 334 includes an air flow passage 338 and one or more internal grooves whose hydraulic diameter decreases toward the vaporization chamber 342. The groove is sized and shaped such that the fluid (eg, condensate) placed in the groove can be carried from the first position to the second position by capillary action. The internal groove includes an air tube groove 364 and a chamber groove 365. The air tube groove 364 can be arranged within the air tube 334, the cross section of the air tube groove 364 at the first end 362 of the air tube is the cross section of the air tube groove 364 at the second end 363 of the air tube. It can be tapered so that it can be made larger. The chamber groove 365 can be placed close to the second end 363 of the air tube and can be connected to the air tube groove 364. The internal groove allows fluid communication with the wick, which allows the vaporizable material condensation to be continuously discharged from the internal groove, thus preventing the accumulation of a film of the condensate in the air flow passage 338. It may be configured in. The condensate can preferentially enter the internal groove by driving the capillary of the internal groove. The capillary-driven gradient in the internal groove causes the fluid to move towards the wick housing 346, where the vaporizable material condensation is recycled by refilling the wick.

45B and 45C show internal views of the Condensate Recycler System 360 as seen from the first end 362 of the air tube and the second end 363 of the air tube, respectively. The first end 362 of the air tube can be placed close to the mouthpiece and / or the air outlet. The second end 363 of the air tube can be placed in close proximity to the vaporization chamber 342 and / or the wick housing 346, and the second end 363 of the air tube is fluid communication with the chamber groove 365 and / or the wick. Can be done. The air tube groove 364 can have a first diameter 366 and a second diameter 368. The second diameter 368 may be narrower than the first diameter 366.

As the effective cross section of the air flow passage becomes narrower, either condensate accumulates in the air flow passage or, due to either of the designs discussed herein, the flow rate of air moving through the air tube It increases and applies drag to the accumulated fluid (eg, condensate). When the drag pulling the fluid towards the user (eg, in response to inhalation on the vaporizer) is higher than the capillary force pulling the fluid towards the wick, the fluid exits the air outlet.

Air with a cross section of the air tube groove 364 close to the vaporization chamber 342 close to the mouthpiece to overcome this problem and facilitate the condensate away from the mouthpiece outlet and back to the vaporization chamber 342 and / or the wick. A tapered air flow passage is provided so as to be narrower than the cross section of the tube groove 364. Further, each internal groove is narrowed so that the width of the internal groove close to the first end 362 of the air tube can be wider than the width of the internal groove close to the second end 363 of the air tube. .. In this way, the narrowing passage increases the capillary drive of the air tube groove 364 and facilitates fluid movement of the condensate towards the chamber groove 365. Further, the chamber groove 365 close to the second end 363 of the air tube may be wider than the width of the chamber groove 365 close to the wick. That is, each groove channel gradually narrows as the air flow passage itself approaches the wick, in addition to narrowing toward the end of the wick.

In order to maximize the effectiveness of the capillary action provided by the condensate recycler system design, the cross-sectional size of the air tube relative to the groove size can be considered. As the width of the groove narrows, the capillary drive can be increased, but as the size of the groove decreases, the condensate can overflow the groove and clog the air tube. Therefore, the groove width can be in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves can be varied. For example, the groove does not necessarily have to have a hydraulic diameter that decreases towards the wick. In some embodiments, the hydraulic diameter that decreases towards the wick can improve the performance of capillary drive. However, other embodiments can be considered. For example, the internal grooves and channels can have a substantially linear structure, a tapered structure, a spiral structure and / or other configurations.

11A-11B show front and side views of the cartridge 1310 having an example external airflow path consistent with the embodiment of the subject. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, one or more gates, also referred to as air inlets, can be provided on the vaporizer body 110. An air inlet channel with a width, height, and depth sized to prevent the user from unintentionally blocking individual air inlets when the user holds the vaporizer 100 coupled to the cartridge 1320. An air inlet can be placed inside. In one aspect, the air inlet channel structure can be long enough, for example, so that the air flow through the air inlet channel is not significantly blocked or restricted when the user's finger blocks the area of the air inlet channel.

In some embodiments of the subject, for example, to ensure that the user cannot completely cover or block the air inlet in the air inlet channel with fingers, hands, and / or another body part. The geometry of the air inlet channel can provide at least one of the shortest length, minimum depth, or longest width. For example, the length of the air inlet channel can be longer than the width of the average human finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel is formed when the user's finger is pressed onto the top of the channel. Wrinkles on the skin can be prevented from interfacing with the air inlet in the air inlet channel.

The air inlet channel may be configured or formed to have a rounded edge or to wrap around one or more corners or regions of the vaporizer body 110. As a result, the air inlet channel cannot be easily covered by the user's fingers or body parts. In some embodiments of the subject, any cover can be provided to protect the air inlet channel. As a result, the user's finger cannot block or completely restrict the air flow to the air inlet channel. Alternatively and / or additionally, the air inlet channel can be located at the interface between the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. For example, an air inlet in a recessed region formed between the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110 when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110, for example, a seam, a cavity, a groove, a gap, or the like. Channels can be placed. This recessed region can at least partially extend around the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. As a result, the user's finger (or other body part) can cover only part of the recessed area and air can still enter the air inlet channel through the uncovered part of the recessed area. ..

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view, a top view, a bottom view, and various side views of an example of the wick housing 1315 that is consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. As shown, one or more perforations, holes or slots 596 are formed at the bottom of the wick housing 1315, allowing air to flow into the wick housing 1315 and around the wick element 1362 located within the wick housing 1315. It may be acceptable to pass and / or pass through it. A sufficient number of slots 596 can facilitate proper airflow through the wick housing 1315. The wick housing 1315 responds to the heat generated by the heating element 1350 located near or around the wicking element 1362 for proper and timely vaporization of the vaporizable material 1302 absorbed within the wicking element 1362. May be required to provide.

Further to prevent the vaporizable material 1302 present in the wick housing 1315, eg, the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362, from flowing out of the wick housing 1315, eg, the vaporizable material 1302. The internal dimensions of slot 596 (eg, cross-sectional area, diameter, width, length, etc.) can be stepped to provide one or more constriction points where meniscus can be formed to prevent spillage. .. For further illustration, FIGS. 50A-50B show cross-sectional views of the wick housing 1315 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown in FIGS. 50A-50B, the slot 596 can be stepped in that the inner dimensions of the slot 596 can be smaller than the dimensions of the slot 596 at the bottom of the wick housing 1315. As a result, the interior of slot 596 shows at least one step.

In some embodiments of the subject, the dimensions of slot 596 at the bottom of the wick housing 1315 may be 1.0-1.4 mm long x 0.3-0.7 mm wide. For example, slot 596 can be 1.2 mm long x 0.5 mm wide at the bottom of the wick housing 1315, but the internal dimensions of the slot are approximately 1.0 mm long x 0.3 mm wide. The inside of the staircase can be shown so as to be. This step can provide a constriction point where a meniscus can be formed to prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from further flowing out of slot 596. In particular, where the liquid vaporizable material 1302 breaks the bottom of the wick housing 1315 by maintaining an air-liquid interface inside the stepped interior of slot 596, eg, where the vaporizer cartridge 1320 connects to the vaporizer body 110. It is possible to prevent the external environment including the vaporizer main body 110 located at a position close to (for example, the cartridge receiving port 118) from being contaminated.

FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the collector 1313 and the wick housing 1315 which can be connected to form, for example, at least a portion of the cartridge 1320. As shown, the wick housing 1315 (including the wick housing portion of the cartridge) can be implemented to include one or more overhangs or tabs 4390. The tab 4390 may be configured to extend from the upper end of the wick housing 1315 and will fit into the receiving end of the collector 1313 during assembly. The tab 4390 may include, for example, one or more facets corresponding to or matching one or more facets in the receiving notch or receiving cavity 1390 in the bottom of the collector 1313. The receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to detachably receive the tab 4390, for example for snap fitting engagement. The snap-fitting configuration can help hold the collector 1313 and the wick housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

In certain embodiments, the tab 4390 can be used to orient the wick housing 1315 during assembly. For example, in one embodiment, one or more vibration mechanisms (eg, vibration bowls) can be utilized to temporarily store or stage various components of the cartridge 1320. According to some embodiments, the tab 4390 can help orient the top of the wick housing 1315 for mechanical grippers for easy engagement and precise automated assembly.

In some embodiments of the subject, the collector 1313 may include one or more mechanisms configured to facilitate mixing of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 within the airflow passage 1338. As mentioned above, the central tunnel 1100 can form a fluid connection across the collector 1313 between the air flow passage 1338 and the wick housing 1315 in which the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 are located. .. Therefore, the aerosol produced by the heating element 1350 that heats the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 collects from the wick housing 1315 before flowing into the airflow passage 1338 for feeding to the user. You can move to the central tunnel 1100 in 1313. The vaporized vaporizable material 1302 acts as an interface between the collector 1313 and the wick housing 1315 to facilitate mixing of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 as it travels through the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338. The bottom surface of the collector 1313 can include one or more mechanisms configured to guide the flow of vaporized vaporizable material 1302.

For further illustration, FIGS. 52A-52E show a collector 1313 with an example flow controller 5220 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. Referring to FIGS. 52A-52E, the collector 1313 may include a flow controller 5220 on its bottom surface. The bottom surface of the collector 1313 may further include one or more coupling mechanisms for fixing the collector 1313 to the wick housing 1315. The coupling mechanism includes, for example, a first coupling mechanism 5210a and a second coupling mechanism 5210b. The first coupling mechanism 5210a and the second coupling mechanism 5210b are male connectors configured to be inserted into and frictionally engaged with the corresponding female connector (eg, socket) in the wick housing 1315. For example, it may be a fork). In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 52A-52E, the bottom surface of collector 1313 may further include, for example, one or more wick interfaces including a first wick interface 5230a and a second wick interface 5230b. .. The first wick interface 5230a and the second wick interface 5230b can be coupled to the wick feed 1368. For example, the first wick interface 5230a can be placed between the end of the first wick feed 1368a and the wick housing 1315, while between the end of the second wick feed 1368b and the wick housing 1315. A second wick interface 5230b can be placed in. The first wick interface 5230a and the second wick interface 5230b, respectively, serve as conduits for sending at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 flowing through the wick feed 1368 to the wicking element 1360 disposed within the wick housing 1315. It may be configured to work.

Referring again to FIGS. 52A-52E, the flow controller 5220 can be fluid-connected to the central tunnel 1100, and then the central tunnel 1100 is fluid-communicated with the airflow passage 1338. In some embodiments of the subject, the flow controller 5220 conducts the flow of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in a manner that facilitates mixing of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in the central tunnel 1100 and / or the airflow passage 1338. It may be configured to guide. Mixing the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 may be desirable for a variety of reasons, including, for example, adjusting the temperature and / or distribution of vaporized particles in the aerosol delivered to the user.

In some embodiments of the subject, the flow controller 5220 may include, for example, one or more channels including a first channel 5225a and a second channel 5225b. In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 52A-52E, the first opening of the first channel 5225a to the central tunnel 1100 is at least from the second opening of the second channel 5226b to the central tunnel 1100. The relative positions of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b can be offset (or staggered) so that they are partially offset. Further, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b can be tapered to form, for example, separate Rohto-like structures. Also, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b can be tapered towards the end where the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b are in contact with the central tunnel 1100. For example, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b, respectively, span a height of about 2.25 mm (at the bottom of the collector 1313) from 2.62 mm x 5.85 mm to 1.35 mm x 0. It can be tapered to 70 mm. Further, the inner walls of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b can be inclined towards the center of the central tunnel 1100. Thus, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b can each form a separate column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 entering the flow controller 5220 from the wick housing 1315.

Further, each column of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can flow in the offset direction due to the inclined internal contours of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b. For example, instead of moving straight towards the airflow passage 1338, a column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can be guided towards the walls of the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338. That is, the flow controller 5220 may be configured to divide the laminar flow of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. In laminar flow, each layer of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 moves at its own rate, has its own temperature, and moves independently between layers without any fragmentation or mixing. Lateral mixing between layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in a laminar flow may be minimal and slow (eg, by diffusion mixing). Therefore, without the disruption introduced by the flow controller 5220, the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 may not be sufficiently mixed before being present in the airflow passage 1338 for feeding to the user. ..

In contrast, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b are configured to offset the flow of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 so that the flow controller 5220 allows the vaporized vaporization through the flow controller 5220. Turbulence can be introduced into the possible material 1302. For example, by offsetting the flow direction of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302, each column of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can interact with the walls of the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338 and between the columns. These interactions can move at different rates and split layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 with different temperatures to facilitate mixing of layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302.

For further illustration, FIG. 52F shows examples of laminar and turbulent flows through the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338. On the left side of FIG. 52F, the column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 remains separated as the column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 moves through the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338. Thus, the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 substantially maintains laminar flow, in which case minimal mixing occurs between the layers of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. In contrast, on the right side of FIG. 52F, the flow controller 5220 introduces turbulence into the vaporized vaporizable material 1302, including by offsetting the flow direction of the column of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. As a result, the column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 interacts with the walls of the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passage 1338 as well as between the columns. As mentioned above, the turbulence of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can facilitate the mixing of different layers of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302. As a result, the resulting aerosol delivered to the user can be more uniform in temperature and / or distribution of vaporized particles.

As described above, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 consistent with the embodiment of the present subject can include one or more heating elements, such as a heating element 1350 and the like. According to some embodiments of the subject, the heating element 1350 is preferably molded to receive the wicking element 1362 and / or at least partially crimped or pressed around the wicking element 1362. obtain. The heating element 1350 can be bent such that the heating element 1350 is configured to secure the wick element 1362 between at least two or three portions of the heating element 1350. The heating element 1350 can be bent to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. The heating element 1350 can be manufactured more easily than a typical heating element. The heating element consistent with the embodiment of the subject may be made of a conductive metal suitable for resistance heating, and in some embodiments, the heating element makes the heating element (and thus the vaporizable material) more efficient. Selective plating of another material can be included so that it can be heated.

13A shows an exploded view of an example of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, and FIG. 13C shows a bottom perspective view of an example of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. As shown in FIGS. 44A-44C, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is configured to house a collector 1313, a wick housing 1315 and a heating element 1350 (at least partially located within the wick housing 1315). Housing 160 and can be included. In some embodiments of the subject, the wick housing 1315, heating element 1350, and wicking element 1362 can form the atomizer assembly 141 shown in FIG.

As described in more detail below, at least a portion of the heating element 1350 is placed between the housing 160 and the wick housing 1315 and connected to a portion of the vaporizer body 110 (eg, the receptacle contact 125 and electricity). It is exposed so as to be connected). The wick housing 1315 can include four sides. For example, the wick housing 1315 can include two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides. Each of the two opposing long sides can include at least one (two or more) recesses. Recesses can be placed along the long sides of the wick housing 1315 and adjacent to each intersection between the long and short sides of the wick housing 1315. The recess can be formed to detachably connect to a corresponding mechanism (eg, a spring) on the vaporizer body 110 in order to secure the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110 in the cartridge receptacle 118. .. The recesses provide a mechanically stable fixing means for connecting the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110.

In some embodiments, the wick housing 1315 also includes an identification chip 174 that may be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the vaporizer. For example, on the short side of the wick housing 1315, the identification chip 174 can be glued and / or somehow adhered to the wick housing 1315. The wick housing 1315 may additionally or optionally include a chip recess configured to receive the identification chip 174. The tip recess may be surrounded by two, four or more walls. The tip recess can be shaped to secure the identification tip 174 to the wick housing 1315.

14 to 17 show schematic views of the heating element 1350, which is consistent with the embodiment of the subject. For example, FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of the heating element 1350 in the unfolded position. As shown, in the unfolded position, the heating element 1350 forms a planar heating element. First, the heating element 1350 can be formed from the substrate material. Then, the substrate material is cut into an appropriate shape and / or punched by various mechanical processes including, but not limited to, punching, laser cutting, photoetching, chemical etching and the like.

The substrate material may be made of a conductive metal suitable for resistance heating. In some embodiments, the heating element 1350 includes nickel-chromium alloys, nickel alloys, stainless steel and the like. As discussed below, the heating element 1350 increases, limits or whatever the resistivity of the heating element at one or more positions of the substrate material (which can be all or part of the heating element 1350). It can be plated by coating on one or more positions on the surface of the substrate material for modification in the above manner.

The heating element 1350 comprises one or more comb teeth 502 (eg, heating segments) located in the heating portion 504 and one or more connecting portions or legs 506 (eg, one or two) located in the transition region 508. Or more) and cartridge contacts 124 located at the electrical contact region 510 and formed at the ends of each of the one or more legs 506. The comb tooth 502, the leg portion 506, and the cartridge contact 124 can be integrally formed. For example, the comb teeth 502, the legs 506 and the cartridge contacts 124 form part of the heating element 1350 punched and / or cut from the substrate material. In some embodiments, the heating element 1350 may also include a heat shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 and may be integrally formed with comb teeth 502, legs 506 and cartridge contacts 124. can.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 is configured to interface with a vaporizable material drawn into the wicking element from the reservoir 1340 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The heated portion 504 of the heating element 1350 can be molded, sized and / or treated in some way to produce the desired resistance. For example, a comb tooth 502 located within the heating portion 504 is matched with an appropriate amount of resistance from the wicking element that the resistance of the comb tooth 502 affects the local heating within the heating portion 504. The vaporizable material can be designed to heat more efficiently and effectively. The comb teeth 502 form thin path heating segments or traces in series and / or in parallel to provide the desired resistance.

The comb tooth 502 (eg, trace) can include various shapes, sizes and configurations. In some configurations, one or more comb teeth 502 are spaced so that the vaporizable material is sucked out of the wicking element and from there it is vaporized at the lateral edges of each comb tooth 502. Can be placed. Among other properties of the comb tooth 502, the shape, length, width, composition, etc. maximize the efficiency of generating aerosols by vaporizing the vaporizable material from within the heated portion of the heating element 1350, maximizing electrical efficiency. Can be optimized to. Among other properties of the comb tooth 502, the shape, length, width, composition, etc. are such that the heat is uniformly distributed over the length of the comb tooth 502 (or a part of the comb tooth 502, for example, the heated portion 504). In addition, it can be optimized additionally or alternatively. For example, the width of the comb teeth 502 may be uniform or variable along the length of the comb teeth 502 to control the temperature profile over at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. In some examples, the length of the comb teeth 502 can be controlled to achieve the desired resistance along at least a portion of the heating element 1350, eg, the heating portion 504. As shown in FIGS. 45-48, the comb teeth 502 each have the same size and shape. For example, the comb teeth 502 include an outer edge 503 that is substantially aligned and has a nearly rectangular shape, such as a flat or rectangular outer edge 503 or a rounded outer edge 503. In some embodiments, the one or more comb teeth 502 may include an outer edge 503 that is not aligned and / or may be of a different size or shape. In some embodiments, the comb teeth 502 can be evenly spaced or have variable spacing between adjacent comb teeth 502. The specific geometry of the comb teeth 502, preferably the performance of the heating element 1350 to heat the vaporizable material and generate an aerosol, creating a specific local resistance to heat the heated portion 504. Can be selected to maximize.

The heating element 1350 can include a wider and / or thicker geometry and / or a portion of a different composition with respect to the comb tooth 502. These portions can form electrical contact areas and / or more conductive parts and / or can include a mechanism for mounting the heating element 1350 within the vaporizer cartridge. The leg 506 of the heating element 1350 extends from the end of each outermost comb tooth 502A. The legs 506 typically form part of a heating element 1350 having a width and / or thickness wider than the width of each comb tooth 502. However, in some embodiments, the legs 506 have a width and / or thickness equal to or narrower than the width of each comb tooth 502. The leg 506 connects the heating element 1350 to the wick housing 1315 or another part of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. As a result, the heating element 1350 is at least partially or completely surrounded by the housing 160. The legs 506 provide rigidity that facilitates mechanical stability of the heating element 1350 during and after manufacture. Further, the leg portion 506 connects the cartridge contact 124 to the comb tooth 502 located at the heating portion 504. The legs 506 are formed and sized so that the heating element 1350 can maintain the electrical requirements of the heating portion 504. As shown in FIG. 18, the leg portion 506 arranges the heating portion 504 at intervals from the end of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 when the heating element 1350 is assembled with the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The leg 506 may also include a capillary mechanism configured to limit and / or prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from flowing from the heating portion 504 to other portions of the heating element 1350.

In some embodiments, the one or more legs 506 includes one or more positioning mechanisms 516. The positioning mechanism 516 is used to interface the vaporizer cartridge 1320 with other (eg, adjacent) components to relatively position the heating element 1350 or a portion thereof during and / or after assembly. be able to. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism 516 properly positions the substrate material to cut and / or punch the substrate material to form the heating element 1350 or to post-treat the heating element 1350. Can be used during or after production. The positioning mechanism 516 can be sheared and / or cut before crimping or bending the heating element 1350 in any way.

In some embodiments, the heating element 1350 comprises one or more heat shields 518. The heat shield 518 forms part of the heating element 1350 extending laterally from the legs 506. When folded and / or crimped, the heat shield 518 is placed offset from the comb teeth 502 in the same plane in a first direction and / or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the heating element 1350 is assembled to the vaporizer cartridge 1320, the heat shield 518 is placed between the comb teeth 502 (and the heating portion 504) and the body of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 (eg, a plastic body). It is configured. The heat shield 518 can serve to insulate the heated portion 504 from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The heat shield 518 minimizes the effect of heat generated from the heating portion 504 on the body of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, protects the structural integrity of the body of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, melts or otherwise the vaporizer cartridge 1320. Helps prevent deformation of. The heat shield 518 also helps maintain a consistent temperature in the heated portion 504 by retaining heat within the heated portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss during vaporization. can do. In some embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 1320 can also include or can optionally include a heat shield 518A separate from the heating element 1350.

As mentioned above, the heating element 1350 includes at least two cartridge contacts 124 forming the ends of each leg 506. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14-17, the cartridge contact 124 can form a portion of the leg 506 that is folded along the fold line 507. The cartridge contacts 124 can be folded at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the legs 506. In some embodiments, the cartridge contacts 124 are placed at other angles with respect to the legs 506, such as about 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or between them. Can be folded at other range angles. The cartridge contacts 124 can be folded towards or away from the heating portion 504, depending on the embodiment. Also, the cartridge contacts 124 can be formed, for example, along the length of at least one leg 506 into another portion of the heating element 1350. The cartridge contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to the environment when assembled within the vaporizer cartridge 1320.

The cartridge contacts 124 can form conductive pins, tabs, posts, receptive holes or surfaces or other contact configurations for the pins or posts. Some types of cartridge contacts 124 are springs or to provide better physical and electrical contact between the cartridge contacts 124 on the vaporizer cartridge and the receptacle contacts 125 on the vaporizer body 110. Other urging mechanisms can be included. In some embodiments, the cartridge contact 124 includes a wiping contact configured to clean the connection between the cartridge contact 124 and another contact or power supply. For example, the wiping contacts would include two parallel but offset bosses. These protrusions frictionally engage with each other and slide in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

The cartridge contact 124 is configured to interface with a receptacle contact 125 arranged near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the vaporizer 100. As a result, when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 and connected to it, the cartridge contacts 124 and the receptacle contacts 125 are electrically connected. The cartridge contact 124 can be electrically communicated with the power supply 112 of the vaporizer device (eg, via a receptacle contact 125 or the like). The circuit completed by these electrical connections makes it possible to send an electric current to the resistance heating element to heat at least a portion of the heating element 1350, for example based on the thermal coefficient of the resistance of the resistance heating element. Based on one or more electrical properties of the resistance heating element or other circuit of the vaporizer cartridge to measure the resistance of the resistance heating element for use in determining and / or controlling the temperature of the resistance heating element. Can be further used for additional functions such as to identify cartridges. Cartridge contacts 124, for example, using conductive plating, surface treatment and / or deposition materials, as described in more detail below, to provide improved electrical properties (eg, contact resistance). Can be processed.

In some embodiments, the heating element 1350 can be processed by a series of crimping and / or bending operations to form the heating element 1350 into the desired three-dimensional shape. For example, the heating element 1350 is operated to receive around the wicking element 1362 or is crimped around the wicking element 1362 and between at least two parts (eg, approximately parallel parts) of the heating element 1350 (eg, approximately parallel parts). For example, the wicking element can be fixed to the opposing portions of the heated portion 504). To crimp the heating element 1350, the heating element 1350 can be bent towards each other along the fold line 520. By folding the heating element 1350 along the fold line 520, the area between the fold line 520 and the lateral comb tooth portion 526 defined by the region between the fold line 520 and the outer edge 503 of the comb tooth 502. A defined platform comb tooth portion 524 is formed. The platform comb tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the wicking element 1362. The side comb tooth portion 526 is configured to be in contact with both sides of the wicking element 1362. The platform comb-toothed portion 524 and the lateral comb-toothed portion 526 form a pocket that receives the wicking element 1362 and / or is shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. This pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and held within the pocket by the heating element 1350. The platform comb tooth portion 524 and the lateral comb tooth portion 526 come into contact with the wicking element 1362 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362. More efficient of the vaporizable material (via the wicking element 1362) from the reservoir 1340 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to be vaporized to the heating portion 504 by the multidimensional contact between the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362. And / or faster travel is provided.

In some embodiments, parts of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 can also be bent away from each other along the fold line 522. By folding some of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 away from each other along the fold line 522, the first direction and / or the second direction opposite to the first direction (eg, in the same plane). ), The leg portion 506 is located at a position away from the heating portion 504 (and the comb teeth 502) of the heating element 1350. Therefore, by folding a part of the leg portion 506 of the heating element 1350 so as to be separated from each other along the folding line 522, the heating portion 504 is separated from the main body of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of the heating element 1350 folded around the wicking element 1362 along the fold line 520 and the fold line 522. As shown in FIG. 15, the wicking element is placed in a pocket formed by folding the heating element 1350 along fold lines 520 and 522.

In some embodiments of the subject, the heating element 1350 can also be bent along the fold line 523. For example, the cartridge contacts 124 can be bent along the fold line 523 towards each other (to and from the paper shown in FIG. 16). The contact portion of the heating element 1350, including the cartridge contact 124, can be arranged at least partially outside the wick housing 1315 so that the cartridge contact 124 is exposed to the external environment and can engage the receptacle contact 125. On the other hand, the heated portion of the heating element 1350 can be at least partially located within the wick housing 1350.

During use, when the heating element 1350 is assembled in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the user puffs on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, air flows into the vaporizer cartridge along the air path. In connection with the user's puff, the heating element 1350 vaporizes motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive lip sensors and / or air by detecting button presses by the user, for example by automatic detection of the puff by a pressure sensor. A signal generated from another approach that can detect that the user is puffing, trying to puff, or inhaling in some way to put it in the vessel 100 and at least move it along the air path. Can be started by. When the heating element 1350 is activated, power can be supplied from the vaporizer device to the heating element 1350 at the cartridge contact 124.

When the heating element 1350 is activated, the temperature rises due to the current flowing through the heating element 1350 to generate heat. This heat is transferred to a quantity of vaporizable material by conductive, convective and / or radioactive heat transfer so that at least a portion of the vaporizable material is vaporized. Heat transfer can occur to the vaporizable material in the reservoir and / or to the vaporizable material drawn into the wicking element 1362 held by the heating element 1350. In some embodiments, the vaporizable material can be vaporized along one or more edges of the comb teeth 502, as mentioned above. Air entering the vaporizer device flows along an air path across the heating element 1350, stripping the vaporized material from the heating element 1350. The vaporized vaporizable material can be condensed by cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that the vaporizable material exits the mouthpiece 130 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

As mentioned above, the heating element 1350 may be made of various materials such as nichrome, stainless steel or other resistance heater material. Combinations of two or more materials can be included in the heating element 1350, such combinations where the homogeneous distribution of the two or more materials over the entire heating element or the relative amount of the two or more materials is spatial. Can include both other configurations that are inhomogeneous to. For example, the comb tooth 502 is more resistant and can thus have a portion designed to be hotter than the comb tooth or other sections of the heating element 1350. In some embodiments, at least the comb teeth 502 (eg, in the heated portion 504) can include a material having high conductivity and heat resistance.

The heating element 1350 can be plated entirely or selectively with one or more materials. Since the heating element 1350 is made of a thermally and / or electrically conductive material such as stainless steel, nichrome or other thermally and / or electrically conductive alloy, the heating element 1350 is In the path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the comb teeth 502 in the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350, electrical or heat loss may occur. To help reduce heat loss and / or electrical loss, at least a portion of the heating element 1350 is plated with one or more materials to reduce resistance in the electrical path leading to the heating portion 504. Can be done. In some embodiments consistent with the subject, the heated portions 504 (eg, comb teeth 502) remain unplated and at least a portion of the legs 506 and / or the cartridge contacts 124 are of those portions. It is beneficial to be plated with a plating material that reduces resistance (eg, bulk resistance and / or contact resistance).

For example, the heating element 1350 can include various portions plated with different materials. In another example, the heating element 1350 can be plated with a layered material. Plating at least a portion of the heating element 1350 helps to concentrate the current flowing through the heating element 504 and reduce electrical and / or heat loss in the other parts of the heating element 1350. In some embodiments, low resistance in the electrical path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the comb teeth 502 of the heating element 1350 is maintained to reduce electrical and / or heat loss in the electrical path and the heating section 504. It is desirable to compensate for the voltage drop that is concentrated on the whole.

In some embodiments, the cartridge contacts 124 can be selectively plated. By selectively plating the cartridge contacts 124 with a particular material, measurements can be made to minimize or eliminate contact resistance at the point where electrical contact is made between the cartridge contacts 124 and the receptacle contacts. can. By providing low resistance to the cartridge contacts 124, more accurate voltage, current and / or resistance measurements and readings can be provided. This can be useful in accurately determining the current actual temperature of the heated portion 504 of the heating element 1350.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the legs 506 can be plated with one or more outer plating materials 550. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the legs 506 can be plated with at least gold or another material that provides low contact resistance, such as platinum, palladium, silver, copper, and the like. ..

In some embodiments, the surface of the heating element 1350 can be plated with an adhesive plating material in order to secure the low resistance outer plating material to the heating element 1350. In such a configuration, the adhesion plating material can be deposited on the surface of the heating element 1350 and the outer plating material can be deposited on the adhesion plating material. Each is defined as a first and second plating layer. Adhesive plating materials include materials that have adhesive properties when the outer plating material is deposited on the adhesive plating material. For example, the adhesive plating material can include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, alloys thereof and the like.

In some embodiments, the surface of the heating element 1350 should be deposited on the heating element 1350 using a non-plating primer rather than by plating the surface of the heating element 1350 with an adhesive plating material. Can be primed for outer plating materials. For example, the surface of the heating element 1350 can be primed using etching rather than by depositing an adhesive plating material.

In some embodiments, all or part of the legs 506 and the cartridge contacts 124 can be plated with an adhesive plating material and / or an outer plating material. In some examples, the cartridge contacts 124 may include the rest of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion having an outer plating material having a larger thickness relative to the legs 506 of the heating element 1350. In some embodiments, the cartridge contacts 124 and / or the legs 506 can have a greater thickness than the comb teeth 502 and / or the heated portion 504.

In some embodiments, instead of forming a heating element 1350 of a single substrate material and plating the substrate material, the heating elements 1350 are variously coupled to each other (eg, by laser welding, diffusion treatment, etc.). Can be made of the same material. The material of each part of the heating element 1350 connected to each other provides low resistance or no resistance at the cartridge contacts 124 and comb teeth 502 or heating part 504 with respect to the other parts of the heating element 1350. Can be selected to provide high resistance in.

In some embodiments, the heating element 1350 can be electroplated with silver ink and / or spray coated with one or more plating materials, such as an adhesive plating material and an outer plating material.

As mentioned above, the heating element 1350 has various shapes, sizes and geometries to more efficiently heat the heated portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and to vaporize the vaporizable material 1302 more efficiently. Can include geometry.

19-24 show another example of the heating element 1350 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown, the heating element 1350 has one or more comb teeth 502 located within the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the comb teeth 502, and / or one at the ends. It can include a cartridge contact 124 formed as part of each of the two or more legs 506.

The comb teeth 502 can be folded and / or crimped to define the pocket in which the wicking element 1362 (eg, flat pad) is located. The comb tooth 502 includes a platform comb tooth portion 524 and a lateral comb tooth portion 526. The platform comb tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 1362. The side comb tooth portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 1362. The platform comb-toothed portion 524 and the lateral comb-toothed portion 526 receive the wicking element 1362 and / or form a pocket shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. This pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and held within the pocket by the heating element 1350.

In this example, the comb teeth 502 have different shapes and sizes and are spaced apart from each other at the same or different distances. For example, as shown, each lateral comb tooth portion 526 contains at least four comb teeth 502. In the first pair 570 of adjacent comb teeth 502, the adjacent comb teeth 502 are equal from the inner region 576 located near the platform comb tooth portion 524 to the outer region 578 located near the outer edge 503, respectively. Arranged at a distance. In the second pair 572 of the adjacent comb teeth 502, the adjacent comb teeth 502 are arranged at various distances from the inner region 576 to the outer region 578. For example, the adjacent comb teeth 502 of the second pair 572 are spaced by a large width in the more inner region 576 in the outer region 578. These configurations may help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the comb teeth 502 of the heated portion 504. By maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the comb teeth 502, the maximum temperature can be maintained more uniformly throughout the heated portion 504, thus providing a higher quality aerosol.

As mentioned above, each leg 506 can include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact the corresponding socket contact 125 of the vaporizer 100. In some embodiments, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact a single socket contact 125. In some embodiments, the leg 506 includes a holding portion 180 that is configured to be bendable and extends substantially away from the heating portion 504. The holding portion 180 is configured to be disposed within the corresponding recess in the wick housing 1315. The holding portion 180 forms the end of the leg portion 506. The holding portion 180 serves to secure the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 to the wick housing 1315 (and the vaporizer cartridge 1320). The holding portion 180 can have a tip portion 180A extending from the end of the holding portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. This configuration reduces the possibility that the holding portion will come into contact with another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 1320.

The outer edge 503 of the comb teeth 502 in the heated portion 504 can include a tab 580. The tab 580 can include one, two, three, four or more tabs 580. The tab 580 extends outward from the outer edge 503 and can extend away from the center of the heating element 1350. For example, the tab 580 can be placed along the edge of the heating element 1350 that surrounds the internal volume defined by at least the lateral comb tooth portion 526 to receive the wicking element 1362. The tab 580 can extend outwardly away from the internal volume of the wicking element 1362. Further, the tab 580 may extend so as to be separated from the platform comb tooth portion 524 in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the tabs 580 arranged on either side of the internal volume of the wicking element 1362 can extend apart from each other. This configuration helps to widen the opening leading to the internal volume of the wicking element 1362, thereby trapping the wicking element 1362 and causing and / or damaging it when assembled with the heating element 1350. Helps reduce the chances of it going wrong. Due to the material of the wicking element 1362, when assembled with the heating element 1350 (eg, when placed or inserted therein), the wicking element 1362 is easily captured and cracked and / or something. There is a risk of damage by this method. Contact between the wicking element 1362 and the outer edge 503 of the comb teeth 502 can also cause damage to the heating element. The shape and / or positioning of the tab 580 makes it possible to more easily position the wicking element 1362 into or within the pocket formed by the comb teeth 502 (eg, the internal volume of the heating element 1350). , It can prevent or reduce the possibility that the wicking element 1362 and / or the heating element will be damaged. Therefore, the tab 580 helps reduce or prevent damage to the heating element 1350 and / or the wicking element 1362 upon entry of the wicking element 1362 in thermal contact with the heating element 1350. The shape of the tab 580 also helps to minimize the effect of the heated portion 504 on the resistance.

In some embodiments, one or more of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the legs 506 to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 1350 contacts the receptacle contact 125. It can be plated with the outer plating material 550 of.

25A-25B, 26-28, 29A-29B and 30A-30B show another example of the heating element 1350 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown, the heating element 1350 is located at and / or at the ends of one or more comb teeth 502 disposed within the heating portion 504 and one or more legs 506 extending from the comb teeth 502. Includes cartridge contacts 124 formed as part of each of the one or more legs 506.

The comb teeth 502 can be folded and / or crimped to define the pocket in which the wicking element 1362 (eg, flat pad) is located. The comb tooth 502 includes a platform comb tooth portion 524 and a lateral comb tooth portion 526. The platform comb tooth portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 1362. The side comb tooth portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 1362. The platform comb-toothed portion 524 and the lateral comb-toothed portion 526 receive the wicking element 1362 and / or form a pocket shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362. This pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and held within the pocket by the heating element 1350.

In this example, the comb teeth 502 have the same shape and size and are spaced apart from each other at equal distances. Here, the comb tooth 502 includes a first lateral comb tooth portion 526A and a second lateral comb tooth portion 526B spaced apart by the platform comb tooth portion 524. The first and second lateral comb tooth portions 526A and 526B each include an inner region 576 located near the platform comb tooth portion 524 and an outer region 578 located near the outer edge 503. In the outer region 578, the first lateral comb tooth portion 526A is arranged substantially parallel to the second comb tooth portion 526A. In the internal region 576, the first lateral comb tooth portion 526A is arranged offset from the second comb tooth portion 526B, and the first and second lateral comb tooth portions 526A, 526B are not parallel. This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the comb teeth 502 of the heated portion 504. By maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the comb teeth 502, the maximum temperature can be maintained more uniformly throughout the heated portion 504, thus providing a higher quality aerosol.

As mentioned above, each leg 506 can include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact the corresponding socket contact 125 of the vaporizer 100. In some embodiments, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact a single socket contact 125. In some embodiments, the leg 506 includes a holding portion 180 that is configured to be bendable and extends substantially away from the heating portion 504. The holding portion 180 is configured to be disposed within the corresponding recess in the wick housing 1315. The holding portion 180 forms the end of the leg portion 506. The holding portion 180 serves to secure the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 to the wick housing 1315 (and the vaporizer cartridge 1320). The holding portion 180 can have a tip portion 180A extending from the end of the holding portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. This configuration reduces the possibility that the holding portion will come into contact with another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 1320.

The outer edge 503 of the comb teeth 502 in the heated portion 504 can include a tab 580. The tab 580 extends outward from the outer edge 503 and can extend away from the center of the heating element 1350. The tab 580 may be shaped such that the wicking element 1362 can be more easily placed in the pocket formed by the comb teeth 502, whereby the wicking element 1362 is captured by the outer edge 503. Can be prevented or reduced. The shape of the tab 580 helps to minimize the effect of the heating portion 504 on the resistance.

In some embodiments of the subject, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and / or at least a portion of the legs 506 are to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 1350 contacts the socket contact 125. It can be plated with one or more outer plating materials 550.

With reference to FIGS. 24 and 30A-30B, the geometry of the heating element 1350 may resemble the letter "H" in the unfolded state, with the heating portion 504 substantially the leg 506. Placed across the center. The temperature of the heating element 1350 may correspond, for example, to the resistance of the heating element 1350 across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. For example, the temperature of the heating element 1350 can be determined based on the heat coefficient and resistance of the resistivity of the heating element 1350. Thus, the temperature of the heating element 1350 can be determined and / or controlled by at least measuring the resistance over the heating element 1350, eg, over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 (eg, by the controller 104). It should be understood that in some embodiments of the subject, the geometry of the heating element 1350 allows the measurement of resistance over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. That is, the resistance over the heating portion 504 can be measured separately (eg, from the other portion of the heating element 1350), thereby improving the accuracy of the resistance measurement and the accuracy of the corresponding temperature measurement. ..

To further illustrate, FIG. 53 shows resistance measurements for an example heating element 1350 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. Referring to FIG. 53, a resistance across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350, for example, a current from a first point 1a to a second point 2b located at each tip portion 180A of the leg portion 506 of the heating element 1350. It can be measured by applying it. The current can flow from the first point 1a to the second point 2b, but cannot flow between the third point 2a and the fourth point 1b.

The voltage drop that occurs between the first point 1a and the third point 2a can correspond to the voltage drop between the fifth point C and the sixth point D. As shown in FIG. 53, the fifth point C and the sixth point D are located at each end of the heated portion 504 of the heating element 1350. Therefore, the voltage drop over the fifth point C and the sixth point D can correspond to the voltage drop over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350. Further, measuring the voltage drop over the first point 1a and the third point 2a can correspond to measuring the voltage drop over the fifth point C and the sixth point D. The resistance R over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 can be determined based on the following equation (1). This equation correlates the resistance R over the heating portion 504 with the voltage V and current I over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350.
R = VI (1)

In some embodiments of the subject, the first point 1a and the third point 2a located at the tip 180A of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 are the receptacle contacts 125 in the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110. Can at least partially coincide with the cartridge contacts 124 forming an electrical connection with. Therefore, due to the geometrical configuration of the heating element 1350, the tip portion 180A of the leg portion 506 is located outside the wick housing 1315 and is more accessible than the heating portion 504 disposed at least partially inside the wick housing 1315. Measuring the voltage drop over (eg, first point 1a and third point 2a) allows independent measurement of resistance over the heated portion 504 of the heating element 1350.

31 to 32 show an example of the atomizer assembly 141 with the heating element 1350 assembled with the wick housing 1315, and FIG. 33 shows an exploded view of the atomizer assembly 141 consistent with the embodiment of the subject. The wick housing 1315 may be made of polypropylene or the like which is a plastic. The wick housing 1315 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each leg 506 of the heating element 1350 can be located and secured. As shown, the wick housing 1315 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to an internal volume 594, within which at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 are located. ..

Also, the wick housing 1315 can include a separate heat shield 518A. The heat shield 518A is located within an internal volume 594 within the wick housing 1315 between the wall of the wick housing 1315 and the heating element 1350. The heat shield 518A is formed so as to at least partially surround the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and to displace the heating element 1350 from the side wall of the wick housing 1315. The heat shield 518A can serve to insulate the heating portion 504 from the body and / or wick housing 1315 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. The heat shield 518A minimizes the effect of heat generated from the heating portion 504 on the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and / or the wick housing 1315, and the structural integrity of the body and / or wick housing 1315 of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. And helps prevent melting or other deformation of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and / or the wick housing 1315. The heat shield 518A can also help maintain a consistent temperature in the heated portion 504 by retaining heat within the heated portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss.

The heat shield 518A is a portion of the wick housing 1315 opposite the opening 593, eg, one or more slots formed at the base of the wick housing 1315 (eg, one, two, three, four, etc. One or more slots 590 (eg, three slots) aligned with five, six or seven or more slots) 596 (see FIGS. 32 and 43). One or more slots 590,596 allow the flow of liquid vaporizable material in the heated portion 504 and the pressure generated by the vaporization of the vaporizable material to be released, affecting the flow of liquid in the vaporizable material. There is no.

In some embodiments, overflow may occur between the heating element 1350 (eg, legs 506) and the outer wall of the wick housing 1315 (or for each portion of the heating element 1350). For example, the liquid vaporizable material can accumulate due to the capillary pressure between the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 and the outer wall of the wick housing 1315, as indicated by the liquid path 599. In such cases, sufficient capillary pressure may be present to withdraw the liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir and / or the heated portion 504. To help limit and / or prevent the liquid vaporizable material from escaping from the internal volume of the wick housing 1315 (or heating portion 504), the wick housing 1315 and / or the heating element 1350 has a sharp capillary pressure. Can include a capillary mechanism that causes a change, thereby forming a liquid barrier that prevents liquid vaporizable material from passing through this mechanism without the use of additional seals (eg, airtight seals). be able to. The capillary mechanism can define capillary breaks formed by sharp tips, bends, curved surfaces or other surfaces within the wick housing 1315 and / or the heating element 1350. The capillary mechanism allows the conductive element (eg, the heating element 1350) to be placed in both the wet and dry areas.

Capillary mechanisms can be placed on and / or part of the heating element 1350 and / or wick housing 1315, causing abrupt changes in capillary pressure. For example, the capillary mechanism causes a sharp change in capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick housing along the length of the heating element or another component of the vaporizer cartridge: bends, sharp tips, curved surfaces, tilts. Can include surfaces or other surface mechanisms. In addition, the capillary mechanism expands the capillary channel formed between the heating element and the wick housing, for example, for each part of the heating element, so that the capillary channel does not draw liquid into the capillary channel. It may also include heating elements and / or protrusions or other parts of the wick housing that are sufficient to reduce the capillary pressure in the channel (eg, the capillary mechanism arranges the heating elements at intervals from the wick housing). can. Thus, the capillary mechanism prevents or limits the flow of liquid across the capillary mechanism along the liquid pathway, at least in part, due to abrupt changes and / or drops in capillary pressure. The size and / or shape of the capillary mechanism (eg, bends, sharp tips, curved surfaces, slanted surfaces, protrusions, etc.) can be applied to other walls of the capillary channel formed between materials or components such as heating elements and wick housings. Two components that define the capillary channel, which may be a function of the wet angle formed, a function of the material of the heating element and / or the wick housing or other component, and / or among other properties. For example, it may be a function of the size of the gap formed between the heating element and / or the wick housing.

As an example, FIGS. 34A and 34B show a wick housing 1315 with a capillary mechanism 598 that causes abrupt changes in capillary pressure. The capillary mechanism 598 prevents or limits the flow of liquid across the capillary mechanism 598 along the liquid path 599 and helps prevent the liquid from accumulating between the leg 506 and the wick housing 1315. Capillary mechanism 598 on the wick housing 1315 spaced the heating elements 1350 (eg, metal components, etc.) away from the wick housing 1315 (eg, plastic components, etc.), thereby 2 Reduces capillary strength between two components. The capillary mechanism 598 shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B also includes a sharp edge at the end of the inclined surface of the wick housing that limits or prevents liquid from flowing beyond the capillary mechanism 598.

As shown in FIG. 34B, the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 may also be angled inward towards the internal volume of the heating element 1350 and / or the wick housing 1315. The slanted leg 506 can form a capillary mechanism that helps limit or prevent liquid from flowing over the outer surface of the heating element and along the leg 506 of the heating element 1350.

As another example, the heating element 1350 may include a capillary mechanism (eg, a bridge 585) formed by one or more legs 506 and spaced apart from the heating portions 504. can. The bridge 585 can be formed by folding the heating element 1350 along the fold lines 520, 522. In some embodiments, the bridge 585 serves, for example, to reduce or eliminate the overflow of vaporizable material from the heated portion 504 due to capillary action. For example, in some examples, such as the exemplary heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 25A-30B, the bridge 585 is angled and angled to help limit fluid outflow from the heating portion 504. / Or includes a bend.

As another example, the heating element 1350 can include a capillary mechanism 598 that defines a sharp tip that causes abrupt changes in capillary pressure, thereby allowing liquid vaporizable material to flow past the capillary mechanism 598. Can be prevented. The capillary mechanism 598 can form the end of a bridge 585 that extends outwardly away from the heated portion by a distance longer than the distance between the leg 506 and the heated portion 504. The end of the bridge 585 may be a sharp edge that further helps prevent liquid vaporizable material from entering and / or exiting the heated portion 504, thereby reducing leakage. The amount of vaporizable material remaining in the heated portion 504 can be increased.

35 to 37 show changes in the heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 19 to 24. In this modification of the heating element 1350, the leg portion 506 of the heating element 1350 includes a bending portion in the bending region 511. The bend in the leg 506 can form the capillary mechanism 598, which helps prevent the liquid vaporizable material from flowing beyond the capillary mechanism 598. For example, the bend can cause a sharp change in capillary pressure, which helps limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material over the bend and / or the leg 506. It can also help limit or prevent accumulation between the wick housing 1315 and the liquid vaporizable material and also help limit or prevent the liquid vaporizable material from flowing out of the heated portion 504. ..

As shown in FIG. 35, the leg 506 can be bent to form one or more joints, including, for example, a first joint 534a, a second joint 534b and a third joint 534c. In the example of the heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 35-37, the leg 506 is placed so that the first joint 534a can be placed between the second joint 534b and the third joint 534c, while The second joint can be bent so that it can be placed between the tip 180a (of the leg 506) and the first joint 534a. Further, the plating material 550 and the cartridge contact 124 can be arranged at the second joint 534b. By bending the leg 506 in this way, a spring load can be applied to at least the leg 506, so that the leg 506 is mechanically connected (eg,) to the receptacle contact 125 in the receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110. , Friction engagement) can be formed.

38-39 show another variation of the heating element 1350 consistent with the realization of the subject. In this variation of the heating element 1350, the leg portion 506 of the heating element 1350 includes a bending portion in the bending region 511. The bend in the leg 506 can form the capillary mechanism 598, which helps prevent the liquid vaporizable material from flowing beyond the capillary mechanism 598. For example, the bend can cause a sharp change in capillary pressure, which also helps limit or prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing over the bend and / or the leg. It can also help limit or prevent accumulation between the 506 and the wick housing 1315, and can also help limit or prevent the liquid vaporizable material from flowing out of the heated portion 504.

18A-18E show another variation of the heating element 1350 consistent with the realization of the subject. In some embodiments of the subject, the tip 180A of the holding portion 180 of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 is inward (eg, instead of being bent outwards as shown in FIGS. 19-22). Can be bent in the direction. Each leg 506 can include and / or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact the corresponding socket contact 125 of the vaporizer 100. For example, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact a single socket contact 125. A spring load can be applied to the leg 506 to allow the leg 506 to maintain contact with the socket contact 125. The leg 506 can include a portion extending along the length of the curved leg 506 to help maintain contact with the socket contact 125. Spring loading and / or curvature of the leg 506 can help increase and / or maintain a consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the socket contact 125. In some embodiments, the leg 506 is coupled with a support 176 that helps increase and / or maintain a consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the socket contact 125. The support 176 may include plastic, rubber or other material to help maintain contact between the leg 506 and the socket contact 125. In some embodiments, the support 176 is formed as part of the leg 506.

51A-51D show another variation of the heating element 1350 consistent with the realization of the subject. In some embodiments of the subject, the tip 180A of the holding portion 180 of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 is inward (eg, instead of being bent outwards as shown in FIGS. 19-22). Can be bent in the direction. The holding portion 180 of the leg portion 506 is located in the corresponding recess of the wick housing 1315, while the tip portion 180A of the holding portion 180 can come into contact with the wick housing 1315. As shown in FIG. 51B, folding the legs 506 in this way forms, for example, one or more joints including a first joint 534a, a second joint 534b and a third joint 534c. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 51B, the first joint 534a can be placed between the second joint 534b and the third joint 534c, while the second joint 534b is at the tip 180a. Can be placed between the first joint 534a and the first joint 534a. In the example of the heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 51A-51D, the cartridge contacts 124 and the plating material 550 can be arranged at the first joint 534a of the legs 506. By bending the leg portion 506 of the heating element 1350 in this way, the leg portion 506 can form a mechanical connection (for example, frictional engagement) with the receptacle contact 125 in the receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110. As such, a spring load can be applied to the leg portion 506.

For example, as shown in FIG. 51B, the first crease of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 bends the tip 180A of the holding portion 180 of the leg 506 inward to form the second joint 534b. be able to. The holding portion 180 of the leg portion 506 allows the heating element 1315 to be secured to the wick housing 1315 (eg, by being placed in a corresponding recess within the wick housing 1315), but forms a first joint 534a. The second fold of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 that can provide spring tension to further secure the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110. That is, while the cartridge contact 124 is electrically connected to the receptacle contact 125, the first joint 534a formed by the second crease of the leg 506 fixes the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110. Sufficient pressure can be applied to the cartridge receptacle 118. It should be appreciated that this configuration of the heating element 1350 may be associated with the minimum stress at the third joint 534c in the heating element 1350 where the heating element 1350 is folded a third time. This is because at least the force of the leg 506 on the cartridge receptacle 118 is more evenly distributed along the length of the leg 506.

42A-42B and 43 show another example of the atomizer assembly 141 with the heating element 1350 assembled with the wick housing 1315 and the heat shield 518A, and FIG. 44 shows an atomizer consistent with the embodiment of the subject. An exploded view of the assembly 141 is shown. The wick housing 1315 may be made of polypropylene or the like which is a plastic. The wick housing 1315 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each leg 506 of the heating element 1350 can be located and secured. In the recess 592, the wick housing 1315 fixes the heating element 1350 to the wick housing 1315, for example, via a snap-fitting configuration between at least a portion of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 and the wick housing holding mechanism 172. One or more wick housing holding mechanisms 172 configured to do so can be included. The wick housing holding mechanism 172 helps to displace the heating element 1350 from the surface of the wick housing 1315 and prevents heat from acting on the wick housing and melting parts of the wick housing 1315. Can be useful.

As shown, the wick housing 1315 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to an internal volume 594, within which at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 are located.

The wick housing 1315 may also include one or more other notches that help to dispose the heating element 1350 from the surface of the wick housing 1315 to reduce the amount of heat that comes into contact with the surface of the wick housing 1315. can. For example, the wick housing 1315 can include a notch 170. The notch 170 can be formed along the outer surface of the wick housing 1315 in close proximity to the opening 593. The notch 170 can also include a capillary mechanism, such as a capillary mechanism 598. The capillary mechanism of the notch 170 can define a surface (eg, a curved surface) that breaks the contacts between adjacent (or intersecting) walls (eg, the walls of the wick housing). The curved surface can have a sufficient radius to reduce or eliminate the capillarity formed between the adjacent outer walls of the wick housing.

With reference to FIG. 42A, the wick housing 1315 can include a tab 168. The tab 168 can help to properly position and / or orient the wick housing with respect to one or more other components of the vaporizer cartridge during assembly of the vaporizer cartridge. For example, the additional material forming the tab 168 moves the center of mass of the wick housing 1315. The movement of the center of mass allows the wick housing 1315 to rotate or slide in a fixed orientation during assembly to align with the corresponding mechanism of another component of the vaporizer cartridge.

FIG. 46 shows an exploded view of an example of the vaporizer main body 110 that matches the realization form of the present subject. In some embodiments of the subject, the vaporizer body 110 receives and / or receives cartridges having the various mechanisms described above, including, for example, a cartridge 1320 with a collector 1313, a condensate collector 352 with fins, and the like. It may be configured to be connected to this.

As shown in FIG. 46, the vaporizer body 110 includes a cosmetic sheath 1219, a battery 1212, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 1203, an antenna 1217, a skeleton 1211, a charging badge 1213, a cartridge receptacle 118, an end cap 1201 and an LED. A shell 1220 containing the badge 1215 can be included. In some embodiments, assembling the vaporizer body 110 comprises placing the battery 1212 within the skeleton 1211 at the lower end of the skeleton 1211 (left side of FIG. 46). The antenna 1217 can be connected to the lower end of the battery 1212. The cartridge receiving port 118, the PCBA 1203, and the battery 1212 can be mechanically connected by, for example, one or more connecting means. For example, the lower end of the PCBA 1203 can be connected to the upper end of the battery 1212, and the upper end of the PCBA 1203 can be connected to the cartridge receptacle 118 using press fitting, solder joining and / or any other connecting means. .. The decorative sheath 1219 may be configured to at least partially surround the cartridge receiving port 118 when the cartridge receiving port 118 is arranged within the decorative sheath 1219.

As shown in FIG. 46, the cosmetic sheath 1219 may include an opening sized and shaped to receive the charging badge 1213 on the first side surface of the cosmetic sheath 1219. The second aspect of the cosmetic sheath 1219 can include the LED badge 1215, which is incorporated within the decorative sheath 1219 or placed in another opening of a size and shape that receives the LED badge 1215. be able to. In some embodiments, the decorative sheath 1219 can include a stainless steel material and can have a thickness of about 0.2 mm. The LED badge 1215 can be molded with a black print circuit. In some embodiments, the charging badge 1213 may include liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polycarbonate and / or phosphor bronze contacts. The charging badge 1213 can minimize the distance between the charging pads by using the Mylar film. Plating of the charging badge can include palladium-nickel, black nickel, physical vapor deposition (PVD), or another black plating option. In some embodiments, the assembled battery 1212, PCBA1203, cartridge receptacle 118 and cosmetic sheath 1219 may be configured to fit within the skeleton 1211 and the skeleton 1211 fits within the shell 1220. It may be configured as follows. In some embodiments, the decorative sheath 1219 can include a stainless steel material having a thickness of 0.2 mm. The shell 1220 includes a ground pad, end cap data, an LED interface, one or more air inlets (which, when the cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110, fluidly communicates with slot 596 at the bottom of the wick housing 1315), and It can include a skeletal snap mechanism that snaps in place when the skeletal 1211 is inserted into the shell 1220. The end cap 1201 can be placed at the lower end of the shell 1220 opposite the decorative sheath 1219. The end cap 1201 may be configured to hold the internal components of the vaporizer body 210 within the shell 1220 and may also function as a vent at the lower end of the shell 1220.

In a vaporizer in which the power supply 112 is a part of the vaporizer body 110 and the heating element is arranged in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 configured to be connected to the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer 100 is a controller 104 (eg, for example). , Printed circuit boards, microcontrollers, etc.), electrical connection mechanisms for completing circuits including power supplies and heating elements (eg, means for completing circuits). These mechanisms provide the bottom surface of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 so that when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 and connected to the cartridge receptacle 118, the cartridge contacts 124 and the receptacle contacts 125 make an electrical connection. At least two contacts 124 above (referred to herein as cartridge contacts 124) and at least two contacts 125 located near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the vaporizer 100 (referred to herein as receptacle contacts 125). ) And can be included. The circuit completed by these electrical connections allows the transfer of current to the resistance heating element and, for example, determines the temperature of the resistance heating element based on the thermal coefficient of the resistance of the resistance heating element and / or. For additional functions such as to measure the resistance of a resistance heating element for use in control, to identify other circuits of the cartridge or vaporizer cartridge based on the electrical properties of one or more of the resistance heating elements, etc. Can be used.

In some examples of the subject, at least two cartridge contacts and at least two socket contacts may be configured to be electrically connected in any of at least two orientations. For example, a first set of cartridge contacts of at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically connected to a first set of socket contacts of at least two socket contacts 125 and a second set of at least two cartridge contacts 124. One or more circuits required for the operation of the vaporizer (vaporizer cartridge with cartridge) such that the cartridge contacts are electrically connected to a second set of socket contacts of at least two socket contacts 125. Can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 1320 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in the first direction of rotation (around the axis whose end is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110). Further, one or more circuits required for the operation of the vaporizer are electrically connected to the cartridge contacts of the first set of at least two cartridge contacts 124 to the socket contacts of the second set of at least two socket contacts 125. Cartridges in the second rotational direction that are connected so that the cartridge contacts of the second set of at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to the socket contacts of the first set of at least two socket contacts 125. It can be completed by inserting the vaporizer cartridge 1320 into the receiving port 118. This mechanism of the vaporizer cartridge 1320, which can be reversibly inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110, is further described below.

In an example of a mounting structure for connecting the vaporizer cartridge 1320 to the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer body 110 has one or more detents (eg, dimples, protrusions) that project inward from the inner surface of the cartridge receptacle 118. , Spring connector, etc.) One or more outer surfaces of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 will fit into such a detent and / or whatever when the end of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 on the vaporizer body 110. Corresponding recesses (not shown in FIG. 1) that can be snap fitted in this way can be included. When the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110 are connected (for example, by inserting the end of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 into the cartridge receiving port 118 of the vaporizer body 110), the return stopper in the vaporizer body 110 Can be fitted and / or somehow held in the recess of the vaporizer cartridge 1320 in order to hold the vaporizer cartridge 1320 in place when assembled. Such a detent-recess assembly is sufficient to hold the vaporizer cartridge 1320 in place to ensure good contact between at least two cartridge contacts 124 and at least two socket contacts 125. Support can be provided, while the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is moved to the vaporizer body 110 when the user pulls the vaporizer cartridge 1320 with moderate force to disengage the vaporizer cartridge 1320 from the cartridge receptacle 118. It becomes possible to attach and detach from. For example, in one embodiment of the subject, at least two detents can be placed outside the cosmetic sheath 1219. The outer detent of the cosmetic sheath 1219 extends beneath the open top of the cosmetic sheath 1219 (and cartridge receptacle 118) so as to cover at least a portion of the cosmetic sheath 1219 (and cartridge receptacle 118), for example, a vaporizer. It may be configured to engage one or more corresponding recesses in the vaporizer cartridge 1320 on the inner surface of a portion of the housing of the cartridge 1320.

In addition to the above study that the electrical connection between the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer body is reversible, resulting in at least two directions of rotation of the vaporizer cartridge in the cartridge receptacle. For the unit vaporizer, the shape of the vaporizer cartridge or at least the shape of the end of the vaporizer cartridge configured to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle can have at least a second order of rotational symmetry. That is, the vaporizer cartridge or at least the insertable end of the vaporizer cartridge may be symmetrical at 180 ° rotation around the axis in which the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. In such a configuration, the vaporizer circuit can support the same operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the vaporizer cartridge occurs. In some embodiments, the first rotation position may be greater than or less than 180 ° from the second rotation position.

In some examples, the vaporizer cartridge, or at least one end of the vaporizer cartridge configured to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle, may have a non-circular cross section across the axis through which the vaporizer cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. can. For example, a non-circular cross section is a nearly rectangular, nearly oval (eg, has a nearly elliptical shape), non-rectangular, but has two sets of parallel or nearly parallel opposite sides (eg, a parallelogram). It may have such a shape) or it may be another shape having at least a quadratic rotational symmetry. In this context, having a near shape indicates that the basic similarity to the described shape is clear, but the sides of the shape do not have to be perfectly linear and the vertices are perfect. Indicates that there is no need to be sharp. Rounding of edges and / or vertices of a cross-sectional shape is contemplated in the description of any non-circular cross section referred to herein.

47A-47C show various examples of the socket contact 125, which is consistent with the realization of the present subject. FIG. 47A shows an exemplary pod ID contact 307A extending from the pod ID overmold 308. The pod ID contact 307A may be configured to be connected to the contact 293 of the identification chip 174. FIG. 47B shows another exemplary pod ID contact 307B extending from the pod ID overmold 308. FIG. 47C shows another exemplary pod ID contact 307C extending from the pod ID overmold 308.

As shown in FIGS. 47A-47C, the cartridge 1320 can be inserted into the cartridge receptacle 318 from the top of the paper. In some embodiments, when the cartridge 1320 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 318, the pod ID contacts 307A-307C may be compressed inward or to the left of the paper, depending on the insertion of the cartridge 1320. can. Further, the pod ID contacts 307A-307C may be configured to connect to one or more cartridge contacts 124 (eg, contacts 293) after the cartridge 1320 is completely inserted into the cartridge receptacle 318.

As shown in FIG. 47A, the pod ID contact 307A includes a 180 ° bend in the material of the pod ID contact 307A at position 407. The pod ID contact 307C of FIG. 47C is similar to and adapted to the pod ID contact 307B of FIG. 47B. As shown in FIG. 47C, the pod ID contact 307C includes a protective member (eg, foot or boot) 408 that at least partially surrounds a portion of the pod ID contact 307C.

FIG. 47D shows the assembled cartridge receiving port 118 of the vaporizer main body 110. As shown in FIG. 47D, the cartridge receptacle 118 comprises one or more pod ID contacts on the first side surface 404 of the cartridge receptacle 418, including, for example, pod ID contacts 307A, 307B and 307C. FIG. 47D further shows the two heater / cartridge receptacle contacts 125A and 125B on the second side surface 402 of the cartridge receptacle 118.

FIG. 47E shows an upper perspective view of the vaporizer main body 110 including an example cartridge receiving port 118 that matches the embodiment of the present subject. As shown in FIG. 47E, the cartridge receptacle 118 can be arranged at least partially within the cosmetic sheath 1219. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 47E, the upper rim of the cartridge receptacle 118 and the cosmetic sheath 1219 may be substantially flush. The interior of the cartridge receptacle 118 may include one or more pod ID contacts (eg, pod ID contacts 307A, 307B and 307C) and one or more socket contacts (eg, socket contacts 125A and 125B). Further, the vaporizer body 110 can also include one or more pod holding mechanisms 415 that can be located inside the cartridge receptacle 118 and / or outside the cosmetic sheath 1219. Examples of the pod holding mechanism 415 can include pins, clips, protrusions, detents, and the like. The pod holding mechanism 415 may be configured to fix the cartridge 1320 in the cartridge receiving port 118, including by applying a magnetic force, an adhesive force, a compressive force, a frictional force, or the like to the cartridge 1320.

In an embodiment in which the pod holding mechanism 415 is located within the cartridge receptacle 118, the pod holding mechanism 415 is, for example, at least a portion of the heating element 1350 (eg, one or more legs located outside the wick housing 1315). It may be configured to form a mechanical connection with a portion of the portion 506) and / or a portion of the wick housing 1315 (eg, a recess in the wick housing 1315). Alternatively and / or additionally, in an exemplary embodiment in which the pod holding mechanism 415 is located outside the cosmetic sheath 1219, the pod holding mechanism 415 forms a mechanical connection with the housing of the vaporizer cartridge 1320. It may be configured as follows. It should be appreciated that the pod holding mechanism 415 can include various means of fixing the cartridge 1320 within the cartridge receptacle 118. Further, the pod holding mechanism 415 can be arranged at any suitable position in the vaporizer body 110.

48A-48B show side-cut views of the cartridge 1320 arranged in the cartridge receptacle 118, which is consistent with the embodiment of the subject. As shown in FIG. 48A, the pod ID contact 307 can be located on the first side surface of the cartridge receptacle 118 and can be coupled to the identification chip 174 on the cartridge 1320. Further, the pod ID contact 309 can be located on the second side surface of the cartridge receiving port 118 (the side opposite to the first side surface of the cartridge receiving port 118) and can be connected to the cartridge 1320. FIG. 48A further shows the pod ID contact 309 connected to the contact 293 of the identification chip 250. It should be appreciated that the cartridge receptacle 118 can be sized to receive, for example, at least a portion of the cartridge 1320, including at least a portion of the wick housing 1315. For example, the cartridge receptacle 118 may be about 4.5 mm deep, so that the wick housing has a height of about 5.2 mm including flanges that are at least partially located around its upper perimeter. The 1315 can be partially (eg, up to the flange) in the cartridge receptacle 118. The flange can remain outside the cartridge receptacle 118 when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110 and can at least partially extend over the rim of the cartridge receptacle 118 and the cosmetic sheath 1219. can.

As mentioned above, one or more air inlets can be formed and / or maintained while the cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110, for example by inserting it into the cartridge receptacle 118. One or more air inlets can communicate fluid with one or more slots 596 in the wick housing 1315. As a result, air entering through one or more air inlets can further enter the wick housing 1315 through one or more slots 596 and flow through and / or around the wicking element 1362. As mentioned above, proper airflow through the wick housing 1315 may be required to allow proper and timely vaporization of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362. In the example where there are two or more air inlets, the plurality of air inlets can be arranged around the assembly including the cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. For example, two or more air inlets can be placed substantially opposite sides of the assembly that includes the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. Having two or more air inlets located on the same side of the assembly containing the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110, or different sides of such an assembly but not substantially the opposite side (eg,). Having an air inlet on the (adjacent) side is also within the scope of this subject.

In some embodiments of the subject, the air inlet may be configured to contain sufficient air to allow the vaporization of the vaporizable material 1302 and the production of an inhalable aerosol. Further, as mentioned above, the one or more air inlets may be configured to resist obstruction by, for example, the user's fingers, hands or other body parts. For example, one or more air inlets can be arranged at the interface between the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. As shown in FIGS. 48A-48D, when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is connected to the vaporizer body 110, a recessed region 1395 (eg, a cavity, etc.) is located between the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110. Gap, seams, etc.) can be formed. One or more air inlets may be extended within the recessed area 1395 so that the cartridge 1320 (eg, housing 160) and portion of the vaporizer body 110 can extend beyond the area containing the one or more air inlets. Can be placed. Further, the recessed region 1395 can at least partially extend around the vaporizer cartridge 1320 and the vaporizer body 110 to provide clearance for one or more air inlets. This is because the user's fingers (or other body parts) can cover only part of the recessed area 1395. Thus, as shown in FIG. 48E, even if the user's finger (or other body part) covers part of the recessed area, the air is still covered in the recessed area. One or more air inlets can be entered through the missing parts.

It should be understood that the air inlet can exhibit at least some constriction to the air flow in the vaporizer cartridge 1320. For example, in the pressure map shown in FIG. 48F, the maximum local pressure drop is observed at the air inlet, in which case the ambient air enters the cartridge 1320 and vaporizes the evaporable material 1320, as described above. And sufficient air can be provided to allow the production of inhalable aerosols. It is also possible to observe the maximum velocity of air flow through the air inlet as the ambient air enters the constricted space of the air inlet. The slowdown of airflow is observed following the inspiration through the air intake.

FIG. 49A shows a perspective view of the assembled vaporizer body shell 1220 with the LED badge 1215 facing forward. As shown in FIG. 49A, the shell 1220 comprises a cartridge receptacle 118 having a second side surface 402 having one or more pod holding mechanisms, cartridge receptacle contacts 125A and 125B, and a pod ID contact 307. Can be done. FIG. 49A further shows the shell 1220 such that it comprises at least one air inlet 1605 to the right of the shell 1220. However, it should be understood that the shell 1220 may include additional air inlets located at different locations than indicated. For example, in some embodiments of the subject, a second portion of the shell 1220 under a cosmetic sheath 1219 configured to accommodate at least a portion of the power supply 112 (eg, battery 1212) with the air inlet 1605. It can be placed above the raised portion 1387 of the shell 1220 formed by the first portion of the shell 1220 (including the decorative sheath 1219) having a smaller cross-sectional dimension. The air inlet 1605 may be configured to allow ambient air to enter the cartridge 1320 and mix with the steam produced in the atomizer 141. For example, the air inlet 1605 extends through the body of the cartridge 1320 so that ambient air can enter the airflow passage 1338 through the air inlet 1605 when the cartridge 1320 is connected to the shell 1220. It can communicate with the air flow passage 1338 in a fluid manner. The mixture of ambient air and the vapor produced in the atomizer 141 may be drawn through the air passage 1338 for inhalation through the mouthpiece 130 (eg, into the user's mouth).

Alternatively and / or additionally, the air inlet 1605 can be in fluid communication with an air vent 1318 located at one end of the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344 of the collector 1313. As mentioned above, air can enter and exit the collector 1313 via the air vent 1318. For example, air bubbles trapped in the collector 1313 can be released via the air vent 1318. In addition, air can also enter the collector 1313 via the air vent 1318 to increase the pressure in the reservoir 1340. Thus, the dimensions of the air inlet 1605, the shape of the air inlet 1605, and / or the location of the air inlet 1605 on the shell 1220 are such that at least a portion of the ambient air entering the air inlet 1605 enters the collector 1313 via the air vent 1318. It should be understood that the size, shape and position can be such that at least a portion of the air discharged from the collector 1313 can exit the air vent 1318 through the air inlet 1605. The air inlet 1605 may be substantially circular and may have a diameter of 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. For example, in some embodiments of the subject, the air inlet 1605 is substantially circular and can have a diameter of about 0.8 mm. In some embodiments of the subject, the air vent 1318 may also have fluid communication with the air passage 1338. Thus, ambient air entering the air inlet 1605 can be supplied to the collector 1313 (eg, via the air vent 1318) and the air passage 1338 (eg, to produce an inhalable aerosol).

FIG. 49B shows a cross-sectional view of the vaporizer body shell 1220, which is consistent with the embodiment of the present subject. As shown in FIG. 49B, the shell 1220 has a pressure sensor path 1602, a cosmetic sheath 1219, an air inlet 1605 that can also include a pod identification cavity, a pod ID spring 307 or 309 and / or a heater contact 125A and It can include a pod ID housing 1607 which can include a connection to 125B (or 302).

When a term feature or element is referred to herein as "above" another feature or element, that feature or element may be immediately above the other feature or element. There can also be features and / or elements that can or intervene. In contrast, if one feature or element is mentioned to be "just above" another feature or element, then there are no intervening features or elements. Also, when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected,""attached," or "connected" to another feature or element, that feature or element is another feature or element. It should be understood that there can be features or elements that are directly connected to, attached to, or connected to the element, or intervening. In contrast, if one feature or element is referred to as "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly connected" to another feature or element, the intervening feature or element Does not exist.

Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may be applicable to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references to structures or features that are "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underneath the adjacent feature.

The terms used herein are used solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context. The terms "preparing" and / or "preparing", as used herein, express the presence of the features, steps, actions, elements and / or components described, but one or more other features. It will be further understood that it does not preclude the existence or addition of steps, actions, elements, components and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items and may be abbreviated as "/".

Within the scope of the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may be followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term "and / or" may appear in a list of more than one element or feature. Unless implicitly or explicitly denied in some way by the context used, such a phrase means either of the listed elements or features individually or is either of the listed elements or features. It is intended to mean a combination of a sword and any of the other listed elements or features. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B" and "A and / or B" are "A only, B only or both A and B, respectively." Is intended to mean. Similar interpretations are intended for lists containing three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C" and "A, B and / or C" are "A only, B", respectively. It is intended to mean "only, C only, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or both A and B and C." The use of the term "based on" above and in the claims is intended to mean "at least partially based on" so that features or elements not listed are also acceptable.

For example, spatially relative terms such as "forward", "backward", "downward", "downward", "lower", "upper", "upper" are shown in the drawings. It may be used herein to facilitate a description to explain the relationship between one element or feature as described above and another element or feature. Spatial relative terms will be understood to be intended to include the various orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientations shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element labeled "down" or "just below" the other element or feature will be directed "up" to the other element or feature. Become. For this reason, the exemplary term "downward" may include both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in any way (rotated 90 degrees or in any other orientation) and the spatially relative description used herein can be construed accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertically", "horizontally", etc. are used herein for purposes of explanation unless otherwise indicated. Only used.

In the present specification, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to describe various features / elements (including steps), but these features / elements are referred to. Unless the context dictates otherwise, these terms are not limited. These terms can be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings provided herein, the first feature / element considered below can be referred to as the second feature / element, which is also considered below. The second feature / element can be referred to as the first feature / element.

Unless otherwise specified, the words "about" or "almost" are used in all numbers as used herein and in the claims, including those used in the examples. Even if it does not appear clearly, it can be read as if it were prefaced. When describing size and / or position, the phrase "about" or "almost" is used to indicate that the value and / or position described is within a reasonable predictive range of this value and / or position. Can be used. For example, the numerical value is +/- 0.1% of the displayed value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the displayed value (or range of values), +/- 2 of the displayed value (or range of values). It can have a value such as%, +/- 5% of the displayed value (or a range of values), +/- 10% of the displayed value (or a range of values), and the like. It is to be understood that any numerical value given herein includes about or almost all of them, unless otherwise specified in context. For example, when the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. In addition, when a value is disclosed, the value "less than or equal to", "greater than or equal to that value", and the possible range between those values are also disclosed so that those skilled in the art will properly understand. I want to be understood. For example, when the value "X" is disclosed, "X or less" and "X or more" (for example, X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, the data are provided in many different formats, which represent the scope for the end and start points and any combination of these data points. For example, if a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" are disclosed, then greater than 10 and 15, 10 and 15 or greater, less than 10 and 15, 10 and 15 or less, and 10 and 15. It is understood that equality is considered to be disclosed as well as the range between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13 and 14 are also disclosed.

Although various exemplary embodiments have been discussed above, any of a number of modifications can be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the various method steps described are performed may often be changed in the alternative embodiment, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps are completely skipped. May be done. Any feature of the various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and may not be included in other embodiments. Therefore, the above description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein are digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware. , Firmware, software and / or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may be special or general purpose, such as receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device and at least one output device, and transmitting data and instructions to them. It can include implementations in one or more computer programs that can and / or are interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor that is concatenated. A programmable system or computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact over a communication network. The client-server relationship is created by a computer program that runs on each computer and has a client-server relationship with each other.

These computer programs, which can also be called programs, software, software applications, applications, components or codes, include machine instructions for programmable processors, high-level procedural languages, object-oriented programming languages, functional programming languages, logical programming. Can be run in language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" is used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that accept machine instructions as machine-readable signals. Refers to any computer program product, device and / or device, such as a magnetic disk, disk disk, memory and programmable logic device (PLD). The term "machine readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non-temporarily, for example in a non-temporary solid-state memory or magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium, alternative or additionally, temporarily stores such machine instructions in, for example, a processor cache associated with one or more physical processor cores or other random access memory. Can be done.

The illustrations and illustrations contained herein represent specific embodiments in which the subject can be practiced, by way of example, but not by limitation. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived from such that structural and logical substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. .. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the invention voluntarily extend the scope of the present application to any single invention or concept of invention, simply by the term "invention" for convenience, if more than one is actually disclosed. It may be referred to individually or collectively herein without being intended to be limited to. Thus, although particular embodiments have been exemplified and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same objective can be replaced with respect to the particular embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all indications or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments with other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the above description.

Claims (25)

A cartridge for a vaporizer device,
A cartridge housing configured to extend below the open top of the receptacle in the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device.
A reservoir located within the cartridge housing and configured to contain vaporizable material.
The wick housing arranged in the cartridge housing and
A heating element that includes a heating portion that is at least partially located within the wick housing and a contact portion that is at least partially located outside the wick housing, wherein the contact portion is in the receptacle of the vaporizer device. A heating element comprising one or more cartridge contacts configured to form an electrical connection with one or more socket contacts.
A wicking element located in the wick housing close to the heated portion of the heating element so as to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wick housing for vaporization by the heating element. The configured wicking elements and
With a cartridge. The contact portion is further configured to form a mechanical connection with the receptacle of the vaporizer device, wherein the cartridge is fixed in the socket of the vaporizer device by the mechanical connection. The cartridge according to claim 1. The receptacle comprises a first portion of the body of the vaporizer device having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device and when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a recessed region is formed between the cartridge housing and the second portion of the main body of the vaporizer device. The receptacle comprises one or more air inlets that form a fluid connection with one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, said one or more slots. Is configured to allow air that has entered the one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing, the one or more air inlets being arranged in the recessed area. The cartridge according to claim 3. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the one or more air inlets have a diameter between approximately 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. The interior of each of the one or more slots comprises at least one step formed by the inner dimensions of the one or more slots that are smaller than the dimensions of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing. At least one step provides a constriction point where a meniscus is formed to prevent the vaporizable material in the wick housing from flowing out of the one or more slots, claim 4 or 5. The listed cartridge. The dimensions of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing are approximately 1.2 mm long x 0.5 mm wide, and the inner dimensions of the one or more slots are approximately length. 6. The cartridge according to claim 6, which is 1.0 mm wide by 0.30 mm wide. The heated portion of the heating element and the contact portion of the heating element are formed by folding a substrate material, wherein the substrate material is one or more combs for forming the heated portion of the heating element. Claims 1-7, wherein the substrate material is cut to include teeth and the substrate material is further cut to include one or more legs for forming the contact portion of the heating element. The cartridge according to any one of the above. The contact portion of the heating element is formed by folding each of the one or more legs so as to form at least a first joint, a second joint and a third joint. The first joint is arranged between the second joint and the third joint, and the second joint is formed by the tip of each of the one or more legs and the first joint. The cartridge according to claim 8, which is arranged between the cartridges. The one or more cartridge contacts are arranged in the second joint, and the heating element is the one outside the wick housing and between the first joint and the third joint. The cartridge is secured to the wick housing by a first mechanical connection to each part of each of the above legs, and the cartridge is located between the second joint and the receptacle of the vaporizer device. The cartridge according to claim 9, which is fixed to the socket of the vaporizer device by a second mechanical connection. The one or more cartridge contacts are arranged in the first joint, and the heating element is the outside of the wick housing and the one or more legs between the tip and the second joint. Secured to the wick housing by a first mechanical connection to a portion of each portion, the cartridge is a second portion between the first joint and the receptacle of the vaporizer device. The cartridge according to claim 9, which is fixed to the socket of the vaporizer device by mechanical connection. The reservoir comprises a reservoir and a collector, the collector comprising an overflow channel configured to hold the volume of the vaporizable material in fluid contact with the reservoir, along the length of the overflow channel. One or more microfluidic mechanisms are arranged, each of which is a meniscus formed to allow air that has entered the reservoir to pass through the vaporizable material in the overflow channel. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is configured to provide a constriction point to prevent. The cartridge housing includes an airflow passage leading to an aerosol outlet formed by the heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material, and the collector includes a central tunnel that fluidly communicates with the airflow passage, said collector. 12. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the bottom surface comprises a flow controller configured to mix the aerosol produced by the heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material. The inner surface of the air flow passage comprises one or more channels extending from the outlet to the wicking element, and the one or more channels collect and collect the condensate formed by the aerosol. 13. The cartridge according to claim 13, which is configured to direct at least a part of the condensate toward the wicking element. The flow controller includes a first channel and a second channel, the first channel is offset from the second channel, and the first inner surface of the first channel is the second channel. The first column of the aerosol enters the central tunnel through the first channel and enters the central tunnel through the second channel, tilted in a direction different from the second inner surface of the channel. 13. The cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, which is oriented in a direction different from that of the second column of the aerosol. The bottom surface of the flow controller further comprises one or more wick interfaces, the one or more wick interfaces being fluid communicating with one or more wick feeds in the collector, said one or more wick feeds. Is configured to feed at least a portion of the vaporizable material contained in the storage chamber to the wicking element disposed in the wick housing, any of claims 13-15. The cartridge according to item 1. The wick housing is at least partially located in the socket of the vaporizer device when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, and the wick housing is at least partially flanged around the upper side of the wick housing. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flange is arranged and extends over at least a part of the rim of the socket of the cartridge. It ’s a vaporizer device,
A receptacle comprising a first portion of the body of the vaporizer device, the wick of the cartridge when a cartridge comprising one or more receptacle contacts and containing a vaporizable material is coupled to the vaporizer device. It is configured to receive the housing, the housing of the cartridge extending below the open top of the socket when the cartridge is connected to the vaporizer device, and the one or more socket contacts. With a receptacle configured to form an electrical connection with one or more cartridge contacts comprising a contact portion of a heating element within the cartridge, wherein the contact portion is at least partially located outside the wick housing. ,
With a power supply that is at least partially located within the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device.
A controller configured to control the discharge of current flowing from the power source to the heating element contained in the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, within the wick housing. A controller that discharges the current to the heating element to vaporize at least a portion of the vaporizable material that fills the wicking element located close to the heating portion of the heating element.
Equipped with a vaporizer device. The socket is further configured to form a mechanical connection of the heating element to the contact portion, wherein the cartridge is secured in the receptacle of the vaporizer device by the mechanical connection. The vaporizer device according to claim 18. The first portion of the body of the vaporizer device has a cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the second portion of the body of the vaporizer device and when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein a recessed region is formed between the second portion of the main body of the vaporizer device and the housing of the cartridge. The receptacle comprises one or more air inlets that form a fluid connection with one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled to the vaporizer device, said one or more slots. Is configured to allow air that has entered the one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing, the one or more air inlets being arranged in the recessed area. The vaporizer device according to claim 20. The vaporizer device of claim 20 or 21, wherein the one or more air inlets have a diameter between approximately 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. The receptacle is such that the top rim of the socket is substantially flush with the top rim of the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device. The vaporizer device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, which is arranged in a portion. The socket has a flange that is at least partially disposed around the top of the wick housing on the top rim of the socket of the cartridge and / or the top rim of the first portion of the body of the vaporizer device. 23. The vaporizer device of claim 23, which is configured to receive a portion of the wick housing so as to extend over at least a portion. The vaporizer device according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the depth of the socket is about 4.5 mm.

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