JP2022524909A - Electronic cigarette vaporizer with compressible core - Google Patents

Abstract

A vaporizer (102) for electronic cigarettes is provided. The vaporizer (102) has a fluid transfer element (104) and a heater (105). The fluid transfer element (104) is compressible and is configured to transfer a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir (106) to the heater (105). The contact surface of the fluid transfer element (104) allows liquid to be discharged from the fluid transfer element (104) and absorbed onto the heater (105) when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element (104) is compressed. As such, it is configured to move relative to the heater (105).

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, and more particularly to a vaporizer for an electronic cigarette.

In e-cigarette products, aerosol-forming or vaporizable substances are stored in tanks in liquid form. The tank typically has an outlet connected to a core or fluid transfer element that feeds the aerosol or vapor-forming material to the atomizer. In addition to the fluid transfer element, the atomizer also includes a heating configuration that vaporizes a liquid aerosol or vapor-forming material.

E-cigarettes rely on the power stored locally in the battery and need to provide increased battery life for such devices. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to address such a problem.

The aforementioned object and other problems of the present invention are addressed by the claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vaporizer for electronic tobacco is provided, the vaporizer including a fluid transfer element and a heater, the fluid transfer element being compressible, from a liquid reservoir to a heater. A fluid transfer is configured to transfer a portion of the liquid so that when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is compressed, the liquid can be released from the fluid transfer element and absorbed onto a heater. The contact surfaces of the element and the heater are configured to move relative to each other.

In this way, the controlled portion of the liquid may be transferred to a heater for heating, and the heat does not spread to and within the liquid reservoir, thereby the liquid to be vaporized. Only heats up, improving energy efficiency. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a dose of steam by the user.

Preferably, when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is compressed, the liquid can be discharged from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element and can be absorbed from the contact surface onto the heater.

Preferably, the vaporizer further comprises a compression element arranged to move from a first position away from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element to a second position closer to the contact surface of the fluid transfer element.

Preferably, the heater is placed on the compression element so that when the compression element is in the second position, the heater moves relative to the contact surface and is pressed against the contact surface of the fluid transfer element. , Thereby, a portion of the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element and absorbed onto the heater, which is the portion absorbed when the compression element moves from the second position to the first position. Is arranged to vaporize the liquid.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is transferred directly onto the heater by the movement of the heater. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unwanted heating of the liquid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the liquid reservoir are suppressed, thereby heating only a predetermined amount. Improve the energy efficiency of electronic cigarettes.

Alternatively, the heater is stationary and located within the e-cigarette, located proximal to the contact surface of the fluid transfer element, where the compression element is in the first and second positions of the compression element. It is configured to move the contact surface with respect to the heater as it moves between. The compression element in the second position is configured to compress the contact surface so that the liquid is discharged from the contact surface, and the heater is the portion absorbed when the compression element is in the first position. Is arranged to vaporize the liquid.

Preferably, when the compression element is in the second position, a fluid bridge is created between the contact surface and the heater so that some of the liquid that can be released from the fluid transfer element is in the second position. Can be absorbed on the heater in.

Alternatively, the compression element in the second position is configured to compress the contact surface and create a distance between the contact surface and the heater, and the compression element in the first position is in contact. The surface is released from the contact surface so that it contacts the heater in the first position and transfers the liquid.

In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. .. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also suppressed. This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined amount, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the e-cigarette.

Alternatively, in the first position, the heater is proximal to but separated from the fluid transfer element, compressing the contact surface by moving the compression element from the first position to the second position. When doing so, the contact surface moves relative to the heater. When the compression element compresses the contact surface, some of the liquid that can be released from the fluid transfer element can be absorbed onto the heater, which moves the compression element from the second position to the first position. When it is done, it is arranged so as to vaporize the liquid in the absorbed portion.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element comprises a compressible core.

In this way, the wick can capillarically carry and store the liquid from the liquid reservoir and can be compressed to release the liquid absorbed onto the heater.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh arranged on the surface of the core towards the heater, the compression element being the fluid transfer element so that some of the liquid in the core passes through the mesh during use. When pressing the contact surface of, the mesh and core are compressed.

In this way, the mesh helps prevent the liquid from leaking out of the core, thereby forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer element is not deformed by the compression element, thereby causing the liquid to flow. Does not leak from electronic cigarettes.

Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.

In this way, not only absorption onto the heater, but also suppression of liquid leakage from the core through the mesh is enhanced. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a liquid buffer arranged to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the core by capillary action.

In this way, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by the buffering of the liquid flow.

Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates arranged to extend from the wick towards the liquid vault so that the liquid is capillarically drawn from the wick into the wick during use, with channels between the plates. Is placed in.

In this way, the liquid is buffered by capillary action, so that the liquid reaches the core in a controlled manner.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element has an intrusive member extending from the fluid transfer element such that it penetrates the cartridge containing the liquid reservoir and transports the liquid from the cartridge towards the core through the intrusive member.

In this way, the fluid transfer element has dual functionality in that it is used both for penetrating the cartridge and for transferring the liquid in it to the heater. This is beneficial because the cartridge is opened in a single action and the liquid in it is interlocked with the fluid transfer element for transfer to the heater. Additionally, the user does not have to manually open the cartridge, thereby avoiding potential spills. Preferably, the intrusive member is a tube with a tip. Preferably, the intrusive member has a hole narrow enough for the liquid to be transported from the cartridge by capillary action. Preferably, the cartridge is a disposable consumable and the component is placed in the reusable part of the e-cigarette. Preferably, the reusable portion of the e-cigarette is the battery portion.

Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure.

Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure and a printed or embedded heating track connected to the ceramic structure, the ceramic structure being a non-porous ceramic having a porous ceramic disposed on its first surface. Including, the heating track is placed on the second surface of the non-porous ceramic.

In this way, the liquid absorption characteristics of the heater are enhanced. Preferably, the heater absorbs the liquid into the pores of the porous ceramic by capillarity. The heater can be selected from the group including spiral coils, meshes, or printed or embedded surface heaters. The heater may include a ceramic disc. Preferably, the non-porous ceramic is quartz. Preferably, the second surface of the non-porous ceramic is the opposite surface of the first surface of the non-porous ceramic. The heating track may be a resistant heating element.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge for electronic cigarettes is provided, the cartridge comprising a vaporizer according to the first aspect, further including a liquid reservoir.

In this way, the components may be placed in reusable parts such as the battery part of the e-cigarette, and the disposable cartridges may be removed and replaced when used.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating the vaporizer of the first aspect is provided, in which the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is compressed so that the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element. And to establish a fluid bridge between the discharged liquid and the heater so that some of the discharged liquid is absorbed on the heater, and to generate steam when the fluid bridge breaks. As such, including heating the absorbed liquid with a heater.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is heated and the heat does not spread to and in the liquid reservoir, thereby heating only the liquid to be vaporized, thus increasing energy efficiency. Improve.

Preferably, compressing the contact surface of the fluid transfer element so that the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element compresses the contact surface of the fluid transfer element so that the liquid is discharged from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element. Including doing.

Preferably, establishing a fluid bridge between the discharged liquid and the heater so that some of the discharged liquid is absorbed onto the heater is such that some of the discharged liquid is in the heater. Includes establishing a fluid bridge between the heater and the liquid discharged from the contact surface so that it can be absorbed above.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic tobacco cartridge comprising a liquid reservoir and a fluid transfer element is provided, the fluid transfer element includes a compressible core and a flexible contact surface, and the fluid transfer element is a liquid. It is configured to receive liquid from the reservoir and the flexible contact surface is configured to expel the liquid retained in the compressible core from the electronic tobacco cartridge as the fluid transfer element is compressed.

In this way, the discharge of liquid from the liquid reservoir is suppressed when the fluid transfer element is not compressed.

Preferably, the liquid reservoir is fluid connected to the compressible core by an opening between the liquid reservoir and the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the liquid reservoir and compressible wick can be contained in separate parts of the e-cigarette cartridge. The liquid reservoir may be simple and economical to manufacture consumables, and the fluid transfer element may be a reusable part.

Alternatively, the compressible core is located inside the liquid reservoir.

In this way, the compressible wick and the liquid vault may be included in the same portion of the cartridge so that the liquid in the liquid vault can be easily sucked up by the wick.

Alternatively, the fluid transfer element further comprises a plug in which the compressible core is housed, the plug being receivable in the liquid reservoir and the liquid in the liquid reservoir being arranged facing the first. Having one end, the buffer is placed on the first end to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the core by capillary action.

In this way, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by the buffering of the liquid flow.

Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates arranged to extend from the compressible wick into the liquid wick so that the liquid is capillarically sucked from the liquid wick into the compressible wick during use. Is placed between the plates.

In this way, the liquid is buffered by the channels between the plates by capillary action, and thus the liquid reaches the core in a controlled manner.

Alternatively, the fluid reservoir is located outside the liquid reservoir, and during operation, the liquid reservoir transfers some of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater in the e-cigarette. It can be linked by a fluid transfer element.

In this way, the liquid reservoir may be replaced and the fluid transfer element may be reused.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh that is placed on the surface of the compressible core so that the mesh forms a flexible contact surface, the mesh containing the liquid when compression is applied to the compressible core. Arranged to allow passage.

In this way, the mesh contributes to preventing the liquid from leaking out of the core by forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer element is not deformed or compressed.

Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.

In this way, it is enhanced to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the core through the mesh. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette for use with the electronic cigarette cartridge of the fourth aspect is provided, the electronic cigarette comprising a compression element and a heater, the compression element being separated from the fluid transfer element. From the first position to the second position where the compressible core is compressed by pressing the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element so that the liquid can be discharged from the core and absorbed onto the heater. , Arranged to move relative to the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the controlled portion of the liquid may be transferred to a heater for heating, and the heat does not spread to and within the liquid reservoir, thereby the liquid to be vaporized. Only heats up, improving energy efficiency. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a dose of steam by the user.

Preferably, the heater is flexible when the compression element is in the second position and some of the liquid that can be discharged from the compressible core can be absorbed onto the heater. Placed on the compression element to be pressed against the contact surface, the heater is arranged to vaporize the absorbed portion of the liquid as the compression element is released from the contact surface.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is transferred directly onto the heater by the movement of the compression element. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unwanted heating of the liquid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the liquid reservoir are suppressed, thereby heating only a predetermined amount. Improve the energy efficiency of electronic cigarettes.

Alternatively, the heater is proximal to the fluid transfer element so that when the compression element is in the second position, the compression element is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element. Are placed separately so that a portion of the liquid is expelled from the compressible core and absorbed onto the heater, which allows the heater to move from the second position to the first position. Is arranged to vaporize the absorbed portion of the liquid.

In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. .. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also suppressed. This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined amount, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the e-cigarette.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating the electronic tobacco of the fifth aspect is provided, wherein the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element is such that the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element. To move the compression element to press, and to establish a fluid bridge between the discharged liquid and the heater so that some of the discharged liquid is absorbed onto the heater. It involves heating the absorbed liquid with a heater so that vapors are generated when the fluid bridge breaks.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is heated and the heat does not spread to and in the liquid reservoir, thereby heating only the liquid to be vaporized, thus increasing energy efficiency. Improve.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid transfer component for an electronic cigarette is provided, the fluid transfer component being configured to establish a fluid connection between the liquid reservoir and the heater in the electronic cigarette. By the capillary action, the fluid transfer component is configured to connect to the housing of the liquid reservoir, and the chamber is configured to receive the liquid from the liquid reservoir by the liquid capture member. A fluid transfer element that includes a compressible core configured to transport the liquid from the chamber to the vicinity of the heater, and a flexible contact surface configured to deform axially in the fluid transfer component. The flexible contact surface comprises a fluid transfer element, which is configured to discharge the liquid from the compressible core for transfer to the heater as the fluid transfer element is compressed.

In this way, the fluid transfer component can be used to connect a liquid reservoir, such as a cartridge, to an e-cigarette heater in a simple and efficient manner.

Preferably, the fluid transfer component is releasably connectable to the liquid reservoir by a liquid take-up member.

In this way, the expired liquid reservoir may be freed from the fluid transfer component or replaced in a simple and efficient manner. The fluid transfer component may be connected to a general purpose liquid reservoir to produce a liquid reservoir with fluid transfer capabilities.

Preferably, the liquid take-up member is provided with a tip that extends from the chamber and is configured to be received in the liquid reservoir such that the liquid can enter the elongated tube at the tip for transfer to the chamber. It is an elongated tube.

In this way, the liquid take-in member transfers the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the compressible core. Preferably, the elongated tube has a hole narrow enough for the liquid to be transported from the liquid reservoir by capillarity.

Preferably, the liquid take-in member is arranged to form a frictional fit with the opening of the liquid reservoir.

In this way, the liquid intake member forms a secure and snug connection with the opening of the liquid reservoir in a sealed connection so that liquid leakage from the liquid reservoir is suppressed.

Preferably, the tip comprises the tip of an elongated tube arranged to penetrate the housing of the liquid reservoir.

In this way, the fluid transfer component can be used to penetrate the liquid reservoir or cartridge and to transfer the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the fluid transfer element. This is beneficial because the liquid reservoir can be opened with a single action and the liquid in it can be interlocked with the fluid transfer element for transfer from the liquid reservoir.

Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh that is placed on the surface of the compressible core such that the mesh forms a flexible contact surface, the mesh being liquid when compression is applied to the compressible core. Is arranged so that it can pass through.

In this way, the mesh contributes to preventing the liquid from leaking out of the core by forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer element is not deformed or compressed.

Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.

In this way, it is enhanced to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the core through the mesh. Preferably, the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.

Preferably, the fluid transfer component is removable and attachable to the e-cigarette.

In this way, the fluid transfer component may be a consumable component that can be replaced at the end of its operating life. This prevents, for example, the need to replace the entire e-cigarette when the compressible core needs to be replaced.

In another embodiment, the fluid transfer component is fluid-coupled to the liquid reservoir of the cartridge by a liquid take-up member.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic cigarette for use with the fluid transfer component of the seventh aspect is provided, the electronic cigarette comprising a core compressor and a heater, the core compressor being from a fluid transfer element. A second position that compresses the compressible wick by pressing the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element so that the liquid can be discharged from the wick and absorbed onto the heater from a distant first position. Positioned to move relative to the fluid transfer element.

In this way, the controlled portion of the liquid may be transferred to a heater for heating, and the heat does not spread to and within the liquid reservoir, thereby the liquid to be vaporized. Only heats up, improving energy efficiency. Preferably, a portion of the liquid corresponds to a dose of steam by the user.

Preferably, the heater is a heater when the core compressor has moved from a first position to a second position and some of the liquid that can be discharged from the compressible core can be absorbed onto the heater. Placed on the core compressor so that it is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element, the heater is absorbed as the core compressor moves from the second position to the first position. It is arranged so as to vaporize the liquid in the part.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is transferred directly onto the heater by the movement of the core compressor. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer element, unwanted heating of the liquid held in the fluid transfer element and heat transfer to the liquid reservoir are suppressed, thereby heating only a predetermined amount. Improve the energy efficiency of electronic cigarettes.

Alternatively, the liquid that can be discharged from the compressible core when the core compressor is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element as it moves from the first position to the second position. The heater is located proximal to the fluid transfer element and core compressor but is separated so that a portion of the heater can be absorbed onto the heater. When moving from to the first position, it is arranged to vaporize the absorbed portion of the liquid.

In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer element, thereby preventing the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer element and heating the liquid held therein. .. Heat transfer to the liquid reservoir is also suppressed. This prevents unnecessary heating of the liquid in excess of a predetermined amount, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the e-cigarette.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating the electronic cigarette of the eighth aspect is provided, in which the fluid transfer is performed by moving the core compressor so that the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element. Pressing on the flexible contact surface of the element and establishing a fluid bridge between the discharged liquid and the heater so that some of the discharged liquid is absorbed onto the heater. It involves heating the absorbed liquid with a heater so that vapors are generated when the fluid bridge breaks.

In this way, the liquid in the controlled portion is heated and the heat does not spread to and in the liquid reservoir, thereby heating only the liquid to be vaporized, thus increasing energy efficiency. Improve.

Here, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example with reference to the drawings.

The cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette cartridge in the electronic cigarette is shown. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a compressible core in an electronic cigarette cartridge compressed by a heater. A cross-sectional view of the operation of the heater compressing the core is shown. The figure of the droplet on a hydrophobic mesh is shown. The figure which shows that the liquid absorbed on the heater is vaporized is shown. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a compressible wick in an electronic cigarette cartridge compressed by a wick compressor. A cross-sectional view of a cartridge having a compressible core is shown. An exploded view of a cartridge having a compressible core is shown. A cross-sectional view of a vaporizer that engages a cartridge is shown. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative configuration of a vaporizer that engages a cartridge.

FIG. 1A shows the electronic cigarette 100 having a vaporizer configuration, and FIGS. 1B to 1D show the vaporizer configuration 102 used in the electronic cigarette in more detail. The vaporizer configuration 102 includes a compressible fluid transfer element 104 and a heater 105 that is movable with respect to the flexible contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104. In an example, the heater 105 has a ceramic structure with a printed or embedded heating track. The ceramic structure may be a non-porous ceramic having a porous ceramic layer on its surface. The fluid transfer element 104 includes a compressible core 109 that can be saturated with a vaporizable liquid. In the example of FIG. 1A, the compressible fluid transfer element 104 is located in a releasable cartridge 111 configured to be connected to a cartridge pedestal 190 in the housing 129 of the body of the e-cigarette, with the heater 105 , Is placed as part of the body of the electronic cigarette. The compressible wick 109 is arranged to absorb the liquid 121 from the liquid reservoir 106 in the cartridge 111, and the liquid 121 then spreads into the wick 109 so that the wick 109 is saturated. The wick can be composed of a compressible porous or fibrous material such as cotton or silica. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may be a refillable liquid reservoir integrated with an electronic cigarette having a fluid transfer element.

The heater 105 is connected by a compression element 103 to a motor or solenoid 137 in the housing 127 of the body of the electronic cigarette. The cartridge may be housed in either the same or different housing portion as the heater, compression element, and motor in the e-cigarette. The heater 105 is moved to come into contact with the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104, deforming the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104, thereby compressing the core 109 and releasing the liquid held in the core 109. It is discharged from the contact surface 110. The liquid held in the core 109 is absorbed on the surface of the heater 105. A porous ceramic layer on the surface of the heater can assist in the transfer of liquid to the heater by capillarity. The heater 105 then recedes from the contact surface 110, and the heater is configured to heat the absorbed liquid to generate vapor as the heater 105 moves away from the contact surface 110. This process is described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 1B-1D and 2A-2E. The electronic cigarette 100 has a mouthpiece 131 that can be inhaled by the user of the electronic cigarette 100 to inhale the generated vapor. When the user sucks the mouthpiece 131, the steam is sucked into the mouthpiece 131 by the steam tube 135. Steam enters the steam tube 135 at the first end of the steam tube proximal to the heater and exits the steam tube 135 at the second end of the steam tube connected to the mouthpiece 131.

FIGS. 1B-1D show the release and vaporization of the liquid from the cartridge in more detail.

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

From a location away from the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 (shown in FIG. 1B), the driver is in contact with the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104 by the heater 105, thereby deforming the contact surface 110. The heater 105 is arranged to move the heater 105 relative to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 to a position where the fluid transfer element 104 is compressed (shown in FIG. 1C).

By applying compression to the fluid transfer element 104, the liquid retained in the fluid transfer element 104 is released from the fluid transfer element 104 at the contact surface 110 (similar to squeezing a saturated sponge). The discharged liquid 113 is absorbed on the surface of the heater 105.

The driver is in a position where the heater 105 is in contact with the fluid transfer element 104 and away from the position where the heater 105 is compressed (shown in FIG. 1C) and away from the fluid transfer element 104 (FIG. 1D). By moving the heater 105 back to (shown in), the heater 105 is further positioned to move it relative to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104. Therefore, following the absorption of the liquid 115 on the surface of the heater 105, the driver retracts the heater 105 from the fluid transfer element 104 along with the liquid 115 absorbed on the surface of the heater 105. The retreat of the heater 105 releases the compression applied to the fluid transfer element 104, so that the wick 109 draws liquid from the liquid reservoir to replace the liquid absorbed on the heater 105. That is, the driver drives the heater 105 to the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 and retracts the heater 105 from the surface of the fluid transfer element 104 together with the liquid from the fluid transfer element 104 absorbed on the heater 105. Upon retreating from the fluid transfer element 104, the heater 105 applies thermal energy to the absorbed liquid 115, thereby heating and vaporizing the absorbed liquid 115 to generate vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled by the user of the e-cigarette through the mouthpiece.

The surface of the core 109 facing the heater 105 may form the flexible contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104. That is, the core 109 itself may be the fluid transfer element 104. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 104 may further include a hydrophobic mesh 107 disposed on the surface of the wick 109 between the wick 109 and the heater 105. When a hydrophobic mesh is included, the hydrophobic mesh 107 may be configured as a contact surface 110 with respect to the heater 105. That is, the fluid transfer element 104 may be both the core 109 and the mesh 107. Therefore, when the heater 105 contacts the contact surface 110 and compresses the fluid transfer element 104, the heater 105 deforms both the hydrophobic mesh 107 and the core 109. As a result of compression, the liquid retained in the core 109 passes through the mesh 107. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the mesh 107, the liquid that has passed through the mesh 107 is repelled and instead of penetrating into the core 109 through the mesh 107, it forms droplets on the surface of the mesh 107 (as shown in FIG. 3). do. This helps absorb the liquid 115 onto the heater 105. Additionally, the hydrophobic mesh 107 prevents the liquid 121 from leaking out of the cartridge 111 when compression is not applied. Air can pass through the mesh 107, providing breathability. In embodiments, the mesh 107 has a metallic structure and can provide a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively, the mesh 107 may itself be made of a hydrophobic material such as a non-woven material. The hydrophobic material or coating may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon®. Hydrophobic meshes may have material properties that make them elastically flexible to allow deformation. Hydrophobic meshes may also have structural properties that provide flexibility, such as a convex dome shape or a bulge shape, to allow deformation. The heater 105 may be hydrophobic in order to further improve the proficiency for the liquid 115 to be absorbed onto the heater 105. The properties of the hydrophobic heater 105 also help to help the surface of the heater 105 get wet so that a uniform distribution of the liquid 115 over the heater 105 is achieved. This enhances the heating efficiency.

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

2A-2E show diagrams of the operation steps of the vaporizer 102 described with reference to FIG.

The heater 105 is connected to a compression element 103 operably connected to the driver. The driver is arranged to drive the heater 105 towards and away from the fluid transfer element 104, a motor or solenoid (described with reference to FIG. 1A, but FIGS. 2A-. It may not be shown in 2E). The fluid transfer element 104 includes a contact surface 110 facing the liquid in the liquid reservoir 111 and a compressible core 109 having a contact surface opposite the first surface. The contact surface 110 may be a component of the same material as the fluid transfer element. Alternatively, as described above, the hydrophobic mesh 107 may be configured as a contact surface 110.

First, as shown in FIG. 2A, the heater 105 is separated from the fluid transfer element 104. The compression element 103 moves the heater 105 with respect to the contact surface 110 and compresses the fluid transfer element 104 as shown in FIG. 2B. As a result, a part of the liquid held in the core 109 is discharged from the core 109, and it passes through the mesh 107 in contact with the heater 105. The liquid is absorbed on the surface of the heater 105. The surface of the heater 105 may include a porous ceramic, and the capillary action provided by this material may help transfer the released liquid 113 to the heater 105.

The compression element 103 then retracts the heater 105 from the fluid transfer element. A portion of the absorbed liquid 115 also recedes from the mesh 107 on the heater 105, as shown in FIG. 2C. This leads to the configuration of FIG. 2D, where the heater 105 and the absorbed liquid 115 are separated from the fluid transfer element. FIG. 4A shows a heater 105 having a layer of liquid 115 that is absorbed on the surface and wets the surface. The retreat of the heater 105 results in the removal of the compression applied to the fluid transfer element, which returns the fluid transfer element to the uncompressed state, so that the wick 109 has more liquid from the liquid reservoir 111. Inhale.

When the heater 105 leaves the fluid transfer element 104, power is supplied to the heater 105 from a power source such as a battery in the electronic cigarette. The supplied electric power heats the heater 105 so that the heater 105 transfers heat energy to the absorbed liquid 115. As shown in FIG. 2E, the transfer of this thermal energy to the absorbed liquid 115 raises the temperature of the absorbed liquid 115 so that the absorbed liquid 115 is vaporized to generate vapor 117. do. The vapor 117 can then be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette 100.

In this way, only a portion of the liquid absorbed on the heater 105 need only be heated to its vaporization point. It requires less energy than, for example, heating a larger amount of liquid held in a liquid tank to its vaporization point. Therefore, these power savings in heating lead to a longer battery life of the e-cigarette 100. Further, the separation of the heater 105 and the liquid reservoir 106 prevents heat from diffusing into the liquid reservoir 106, which further wastes energy.

4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show the progress of vaporization from the heater 105 over a period of time. As the vaporization time elapses, the amount of absorbed liquid 115 remaining on the heater 105 begins in FIG. 4A before the vaporization begins, with some liquid vaporized in FIG. 4B, most of the liquid. It decreases as the liquid 115 is converted to steam 117 until FIG. 4C, which is vaporized, and finally, FIG. 4D, where all of the liquid is vaporized.

When the absorbed liquid 115 is vaporized, the operation returns to the state as described with reference to FIG. 2A.

In some examples, the position of the heater 105 fluctuates from a position in contact with the contact surface 110 to a position away from the fluid transfer element by compressing the fluid transfer element. In this way, the operation of the vaporizer repeats the cycle of compression-absorption-retreat-vaporization, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the configuration of an alternative vaporizer 502 for the configuration described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. This embodiment also allows the contact surfaces of the heater and fluid transfer element to move relative to each other, thereby transferring heat only to the absorbed liquid when the heater is away from the contact surface. Based on the configuration.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, only the contact surface (or fluid transfer surface) 510 of the cartridge 511 is movable, and the heater 505 is stationary. The heater 505 is held in a fixed position from the cartridge 511, and the separation compression element 503 deforms the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504, thereby compressing the fluid transfer element 504.

In this configuration, the vaporizer 502 comprises a compressible fluid transfer element 504, a heater 505 held in a fixed displacement from the cartridge 511, and a flexible contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 facing the heater 505. Includes a compression element 503, such as a piston or elongated rod, configured to compress the fluid transfer element 504 by deforming. The piston is configured to move towards the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 and away from the contact surface 510. This deformation of the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 results in the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 moving relative to the fixed position of the heater 505.

The fluid transfer element 504 is housed in a cartridge 511 and includes a compressible core 509 that can be saturated with a vaporizable liquid. In the example of FIG. 5, the compressible fluid transfer element 504 is placed in a cartridge 511 suitable for mounting inside the e-cigarette cartridge pedestal 190, and the heater 505 and the compression element 503 are the body of the e-cigarette. Placed as part. The compressible wick 509 is arranged to absorb the liquid 521 from the liquid reservoir 506 in the cartridge 511, and the liquid 521 then spreads into the wick 509 so that the wick 509 is saturated. The surface of the core 509 facing the heater 505 may form the flexible contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504. That is, the core 509 itself may be the fluid transfer element 504. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 504 is a hydrophobic mesh (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1) disposed on the surface of the wick 509 between the wick 509 and the heater 505. 507 may be further included. When a hydrophobic mesh is included, the hydrophobic mesh 507 can be configured as a contact surface 510. That is, the fluid transfer element may be both the core 109 and the mesh 107. Similar to the previous embodiment, the fluid transfer element 504 may optionally further include a hydrophobic mesh 507 covering the surface of the core 509 opposite the surface facing the liquid 521 in the liquid reservoir 506. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the mesh 507, the liquid that has passed through the mesh 507 is repelled, forming droplets on the surface of the mesh 507 (as shown in FIG. 3) rather than penetrating into the core 509 through the mesh 507. do.

In the example of FIG. 5, the compression element 503 is an elongated rod or piston arranged to pass through the ring-shaped heater 505. From a position away from the fluid transfer element 504 (shown in FIG. 5A), the slender rod contacts the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 and deforms the contact surface 510, thereby causing the fluid transfer element 504. Is connected to a driver (not shown) such as a solenoid or motor that drives the slender bar to the position where it is compressed (shown in FIG. 5B). That is, the driver drives the compression element 503 toward the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 and retracts the compression element 503 from the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504.

The heater 505 and the driver are powered by a power source such as a battery inside the main body of the electronic cigarette. In another example, the compression element 503 is in the vicinity of the heater 505, but in any other shape suitable for moving towards the fluid transfer element 504 and away from contact with the fluid transfer element 504. It may be made.

When the compression element 503 pushes the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504, it is added to the core 509 of the fluid transfer element 504 due to the deformation applied to the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504, as shown in FIG. 5B. The applied compression releases the liquid 513 held in the wick 509. In embodiments that include the hydrophobic mesh 507 as the contact surface 510, the liquid held in the core 509 is discharged through the hydrophobic mesh 507. The heater 505 is arranged such that the surface of the heater 505 is within the vicinity of the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504, whereby these droplets 515 are fluid, as shown in FIG. 5C. It is absorbed onto the heater 505 as a bridge, thereby wetting the surface of the heater 505. Optionally, the heater 505 may have hydrophobic properties to facilitate the transfer of liquid from the contact surface of the mesh 507 to the surface of the heater 505. The surface of the heater 505 may include a porous ceramic, and the capillary action provided by this material may help transfer the released liquid 513 to the heater 505.

The compression element 503 then recedes from the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504. With the removal of compression, the fluid transfer element 504 returns to its uncompressed state, so that the wick 509 draws more liquid from the liquid reservoir 506.

The electric power is supplied to the heater 505 by a power source such as a battery in the electronic cigarette. When the liquid 515 is absorbed onto the surface of the heater 505, the heater 505 applies thermal energy to the absorbed liquid 515. The transfer of this thermal energy to the absorbed liquid 515 raises the temperature of the absorbed liquid 515, which vaporizes the absorbed liquid 515 and produces vapor. This vapor can then be inhaled by the user of the e-cigarette through the mouthpiece.

Similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2E, the compression element 503 fluctuates back and forth from the side that contacts and deforms the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 to the direction away from the fluid transfer element 504. obtain. In this way, the operation of the vaporizer 502 repeats the cycle of compression-absorption-regression-vaporization.

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

The example described with reference to FIG. 5 is that when the vapor is generated, only a small portion of the liquid absorbed on the heater needs to be heated, not the larger amount of liquid in the liquid tank. Provides the same power saving benefits as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In an alternative configuration similar to and closely related to that described with reference to FIG. 5, the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is in contact with the heater when the compression element is in the first position. .. The compression element moves to a second position to deform the contact surface and compresses the core so that the contact surface moves away from the heater, thereby reducing the distance between the contact surface and the heater. Generate. This compression causes the liquid held in the core to be discharged through the contact surface, whereby the discharged liquid forms a fluid bridge and the liquid is absorbed onto the surface of the heater. The heater then heats and vaporizes the absorbed liquid. The compression element recedes from the contact surface and returns to the first position. Deformation of the contact surface and compression to the core are released so that the contact surface comes into contact with the heater again. As the compression element moves between the first and second positions, pumping action is provided by applying and releasing compression to the wick. The pumping action can draw more liquid from the liquid reservoir into the wick. Where appropriate, all features described with reference to Fifth may be used with this configuration.

6A and 6B show another embodiment of the cartridge 611 suitable for use with a heater, as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. 7A and 7B show an exploded view of such a cartridge 611. Cartridge 611 includes a carburetor core component. The cartridge 611 is configured to be inserted into the e-cigarette, whereby the fluid transfer element 604 of the cartridge is placed with the e-cigarette heater and is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. Form a vaporizer such as a thing.

The cartridge 611 has a housing 641 that partitions the liquid reservoir 606. The housing 641 is a substantially cylindrical shape having one open end. The example is described as a cylinder, but any other suitable shape may be used.

The plug 627 is located at the open end of the housing 641, and the plug 627 has an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the housing 641 so that a captive fit is achieved. The plug 627 has a cavity 649 partitioned by a side wall 645 adjacent to the wall of the housing 641 and a bottom wall 647 located at the end of the plug inside the housing 641 of the cartridge 611 perpendicular to the side wall. At the end of the plug 627 facing the bottom wall 647 of the plug 627 is an outwardly extending flange portion 643 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the housing 641. This provides an abutment to the open end of the housing 641 that forms a stop point for the plug 627 as the plug 627 slides into the housing 641 and the plug 627 further crosses the stop point into the housing 641. Prevent sliding. The wick 609 is contained within the cavity 649 and is dimensioned to substantially fill the cavity. The bottom wall 647 of the plug 627 has a series of openings to allow the liquid held in the liquid reservoir 606 of the cartridge 611 to enter the cavity 649 of the plug 627 where the liquid is absorbed by the wick 609. ..

Optionally, the opening of the bottom wall 647 of the plug 627 is partitioned by a series of plates 629 arranged side by side to partition the flow channel 631 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. The plate 629 thereby partitions a series of channels 631 from the liquid reservoir 606 into the cavity 649 of the plug 627. The plate 629 extends outward from the plug 627 and into the liquid reservoir 606. These channels 631 are sized to act as a liquid buffer for absorption by the wick 609, providing a capillary action of drawing liquid from the liquid reservoir 606 into the cavity 649. In this example, the coupling between the channel 631 and the shaft 609 between the plate-like extensions 629 constitutes the fluid transfer element 604. As described below, the fluid transfer element 604 may further include a hydrophobic mesh 607 (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1). During use, the liquid is sucked into channel 631 as the fluid transfer element 604 is compressed and then released. This provides pumping action and transports the liquid from the liquid reservoir 606 to the space partitioned between the plates 629 forming the channel 631. The space between them thus provides a storage place or buffer for the liquid to be held in the vicinity of the fluid transfer element. This ensures the supply of liquid to the fluid transfer element 604 and reduces the risk of running out of liquid in the fluid transfer element 604.

The shaft 609 is compressed by deforming the outward-facing contact surface 610 of the cartridge, whereby a portion of the liquid retained in the shaft 609 is expelled from the contact surface 610 during compression. That is, the fluid transfer element 604 has a flexible contact surface.

The outward facing surface of the shaft 609 of the cartridge 611 may form the flexible contact surface 610 of the fluid transfer element 604. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 604 may further include a hydrophobic mesh 607 disposed on the surface of the axis 609 facing outward from the cartridge 611. When the hydrophobic mesh 609 is included, the hydrophobic mesh 507 can be configured as a contact surface 510. The hydrophobic properties of mesh 607 provide two main functions. First, the hydrophobicity property prevents the liquid stored in the shaft 609 from leaking through the mesh 607 when the core 609 and the mesh 607 are not compressed. Second, as the liquid passes through the mesh 607 after compression, due to its hydrophobic properties, the liquid forms droplets on the surface of the mesh 607 rather than returning through the mesh 607. In this way, the droplets can be absorbed onto the heater.

In some examples, the cartridge 611 is a disposable consumable that will be replaced after the liquid stored in the cartridge has been depleted. The expired cartridge 611 is removed from the e-cigarette and a new liquid-filled cartridge 611 is inserted into the e-cigarette.

The use of cartridge 611, described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, is that it is extracted for heating rather than heating a larger amount of liquid in a liquid tank to generate vapors. It provides a power saving advantage similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it provides a small amount of liquid.

In another example, the cartridge 611 is reusable and refillable. For example, the plug 627 may be removed from the housing 641, whereby additional liquid may be added. The plug may then be refitted and the cartridge may be reconnected to the e-cigarette.

8A and 8B show cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the vaporizer system 800 for electronic cigarettes. Similar to the embodiments described above, the system in FIGS. 8a and 8b is configured to provide injection capabilities and prevent the heater 805 from transferring heat to the liquid reservoir or cartridge 811. As exemplified, the vaporizer system 800 includes a liquid reservoir or cartridge 811 in a pedestal 890 in a housing 829 of the body of an electronic cigarette, a fluid transfer component 804, and a heater 805. The liquid reservoir or cartridge 811, the fluid transfer component 804, and the heater are configured as separate parts. Rather than being housed in the cartridge 811, the fluid transfer component 804 may be a separate component, the chamber 855, the fluid transfer element 857, the penetration member 833, and the fluid transfer surface (or heater contact surface) 810. including. A separate part of the vaporizer system allows the liquid reservoir to have a simple structure, which facilitates manufacturing.

The fluid transfer component 804 has a shape corresponding to the contact area of the heater 805. The fluid transfer component 804 can be in the form of a disc with an intrusive member 833 extending from one surface arranged so as to be oriented towards the cartridge 811 or cartridge pedestal 890 in the e-cigarette. As shown in FIG. 8A, the fluid transfer component 804 may be detachably attached to the housing 839 of the body of the e-cigarette. As shown in FIG. 8B, the fluid transfer component 804 can be attached alone to the liquid reservoir or cartridge 811. Optionally, the two parts of the housing 829, 839 may be separated to allow the user of the e-cigarette to access and remove or replace the fluid transfer component 804.

The intrusive member 833 is preferably in the form of an elongated tube with a tip 835 and is configured to penetrate into the cartridge or liquid reservoir 811 and come into contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir of the cartridge 811. Channel 837 extends through elongated spikes to draw liquid into the disc-shaped portion of the fluid transfer component. The penetration member 833 connects the e-cigarette to the cartridge 811 and provides a fluid connection between the e-cigarette body 839 and the liquid reservoir of the cartridge 811. The penetration member 833 forms a sealed connection to the cartridge 811 by frictional fitting to prevent leakage. Optionally, the cartridge 811 has a recess 851 in a surface arranged to engage the intrusive element so that the intrusive element is guided to the correct area on the cartridge 811. The cartridge 811 is preferably made of a plastic material having the appropriate rigidity to store the vaporizable liquid and is thin enough to be penetrated by the intrusive member 833. In an alternative example, the intrusive member 833 can be replaced by a tube arranged to be received in the cartridge 811. In such an example, the cartridge may have a detachment seal, and when the seal is detached, the opening in the cartridge in which the tube is received is exposed. The tube may form a sealed connection to the cartridge by frictional fitting at the opening to prevent leakage.

The disk-shaped portion of the fluid transfer component 804 includes a fluid transfer element 857 and a chamber 855. The first side of the fluid transfer element 857 faces toward the chamber 855, which is between the fluid transfer element 857 and the elongated spike and has a channel 837 extending through the elongated spike in the fluid connection. The second surface opposite the first surface is the contact surface 810.

The fluid transfer component 804 is located inside the electronic cigarette 800 having a heater 805. The heater 805 deforms the fluid transfer surface 810 by being pushed towards the fluid transfer surface 810 by a motor or solenoid mounted by the compression element 803, as described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. Can be placed. Alternatively, the heater 805 may be held at a fixed distance from the fluid transfer surface 810, as described with reference to FIG. 5, and is deformed by a separate compression element 853, such as a piston or oblong bar. You may. In both cases, the deformation applied to the fluid transfer surface 810 causes the liquid absorbed and vaporized onto the heater 805 to be discharged through the fluid transfer surface 810. The surface of the heater 805 may include a porous ceramic, and the capillary action provided by this material may help transfer the liquid released to the heater 805.

In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 857 is a core 809 that capillarically carries the liquid received from the chamber 855 through the channel 837, with the fluid transfer surface 810 (or contact surface 810) directed towards the heater. It is the surface of the core 809 arranged so as to be. Optionally, the fluid transfer element may further include a hydrophobic mesh 807 (corresponding to that described with reference to FIG. 1) covering the surface of the core 809 arranged to face the heater. .. When the hydrophobic mesh 807 is included, the hydrophobic mesh 807 forms the fluid transfer surface 810 (or contact surface 810) of the fluid transfer element 857.

By deforming the fluid transfer surface 810 when the core 809 is compressed, the liquid stored in the core 809 is discharged from the fluid transfer surface 810 and absorbed on the heater. When the hydrophobic mesh 807 is included, the released liquid passes through the hydrophobic mesh 807 to form droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic mesh 807, which are absorbed onto the heater.

During use, the cartridge 811 is inserted into the electronic cigarette and penetrated by the penetration member 833. The liquid in the cartridge 811 is sucked into the wick 809 through the intrusive member 833, for example by capillarity and / or by pumping due to compression and depressurization of the wick 809. The heater 805 or compression element 853 deforms the contact surface 810 (ie, the surface of the wick 809, or the hydrophobic mesh 807 if included), compresses the wick 809 and releases the liquid stored in the wick 809. do. When the hydrophobic mesh 807 is included, the liquid is discharged from the core 809 through the hydrophobic mesh 807, and the liquid forms droplets on the surface of the hydrophobic mesh 807. The liquid is absorbed onto the surface of the heater 805, where it is heated to generate vapor. The generated vapor can then be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette. When the liquid contents in the cartridge 811 are ejected, the cartridge 811 may be removed from the intrusive member 833 and replaced with a new cartridge 811 or a refilled cartridge that stores a new supply of vaporizable liquid. good.

The example described with respect to FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 in that only a portion of the liquid absorbed on the heater needs to be heated to its vaporization point. Brings the same benefits as being done. It requires less energy than, for example, heating a larger amount of liquid held in a liquid tank to its vaporization point. Therefore, these power savings in heating lead to a longer battery life for e-cigarettes. Further, the separation of the heater and the liquid reservoir prevents further heat diffusion through the energy-wasting liquid reservoir.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that features from the various examples described herein can be readily substituted for each other throughout the embodiments as appropriate.

Claims (15)

A vaporizer for electronic cigarettes, wherein the vaporizer comprises a fluid transfer element and a heater.
The fluid transfer element is compressible and is configured to transfer a portion of the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heater so that the liquid transfers the fluid when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is compressed. The contact surfaces of the fluid transfer element and the heater move relative to each other so that they can be released from the contact surface of the element and can be absorbed from the contact surface onto the heater. A vaporizer that is composed. 1. Vaporizer. The heater compresses so that when the compression element is in the second position, the heater moves with respect to the contact surface and is pressed against the contact surface of the fluid transfer element. Placed on the element, thereby a portion of the liquid is discharged from the fluid transfer element and absorbed onto the heater.
The vaporizer according to claim 2, wherein when the compression element moves from the second position to the first position, the heater is arranged to vaporize the liquid in the absorbed portion. The heater is stationary and located within the e-cigarette and is located proximal to the contact surface of the fluid transfer element.
As the compression element moves between the first position and the second position, the compression element is configured to move its contact surface with respect to the heater.
The compression element in the second position is configured to compress the contact surface so that the liquid is discharged from the contact surface.
The vaporizer according to claim 2, wherein the heater is arranged to vaporize the absorbed portion of the liquid when the compression element is in the first position. When the compression element is in the second position, a fluid bridge is created between the contact surface and the heater, whereby some of the liquid that can be released from the fluid transfer element is the second. The vaporizer according to claim 4, which can be absorbed on the heater at the position 2. The compression element at the second position is configured to compress the contact surface and create a distance between the contact surface and the heater.
4. The fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the compression element at the first position is released from the contact surface so that the contact surface contacts the heater at the first position and transfers the liquid. Vaporizer. The vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid transfer element includes a compressible core. The compression element further comprises a mesh arranged on the surface of the wick towards the heater so that some of the liquid in the wick passes through the mesh during use. The vaporizer according to claim 7, wherein the mesh and the core are compressed when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is pressed. The vaporizer according to claim 8, wherein the mesh is hydrophobic. The vaporizer according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the fluid transfer element further comprises a liquid buffer arranged to transport the liquid from the liquid reservoir to the core by capillary action. The liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates arranged to extend from the wick towards the liquid vault so that the liquid is capillarically drawn from the wick into the wick during use, the channel is the plate. The vaporizer according to claim 10, which is arranged between them. Claimed to have the intrusive member extending from the fluid transfer element such that the fluid transfer element penetrates the cartridge containing the liquid reservoir and transports the liquid from the cartridge towards the core through the intrusive member. Item 5. The vaporizer according to any one of Items 7 to 11. The heater comprises a ceramic structure and a printing or embedded heating track connected to the ceramic structure.
The ceramic structure comprises a non-porous ceramic having a porous ceramic disposed on the first surface.
The vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the heating track is arranged on the second surface of the non-porous ceramic. A cartridge for an electronic cigarette, wherein the cartridge comprises the vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a liquid reservoir. The method for operating the vaporizer according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
Compressing the contact surface of the fluid transfer element so that the liquid is discharged from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element.
Establishing a fluid bridge between the liquid discharged from the contact surface and the heater so that a portion of the discharged liquid is absorbed onto the heater.
Heating the absorbed liquid with the heater so as to generate vapor when the fluid bridge breaks.
Including the method.

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