U.S. patent application number 17/329639 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-09 for electronic vapor provision device.
The applicant listed for this patent is NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED. Invention is credited to Christopher Lord.
Application Number | 20210274845 17/329639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005608514 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210274845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lord; Christopher |
September 9, 2021 |
ELECTRONIC VAPOR PROVISION DEVICE
Abstract
An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell and
a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heater and a heater
support, wherein one or more gaps are provided between the heater
and the heater support.
Inventors: |
Lord; Christopher; (London,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005608514 |
Appl. No.: |
17/329639 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14415524 |
Jan 16, 2015 |
11039643 |
|
|
PCT/EP2013/064922 |
Jul 15, 2013 |
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17329639 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/10 20200101;
A24F 40/46 20200101; H05B 2203/021 20130101; A24F 40/00 20200101;
H05B 3/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/46 20060101
A24F040/46; H05B 3/16 20060101 H05B003/16; A24F 40/00 20060101
A24F040/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2012 |
GB |
1212599.3 |
Claims
1. An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell and
a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heating element and
a heating element support, wherein the heating element support
defines a flat substrate surface, wherein the heating element
support is a rigid support made from porous ceramic so as to allow
liquid storage within the heating element support.
2. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein one or
more gaps are provided between the heating element and the heating
element support.
3. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element is on the outside of the heating element
support.
4. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element has a zig-zag shape which is coplanar with the
substrate.
5. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 4, wherein the
heating element support has a rectangular shape, and wherein
opposing corners of the zig-zag shape are aligned along respective
edges of the rectangular shape.
6. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 4, wherein the
heating element passes through the flat planar substrate.
7. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element is a wire.
8. The electronic vapor provision device claim 1, wherein the
vaporizer further comprises a vaporization cavity, and wherein at
least part of the heating element is inside the vaporization
cavity.
9. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 8, wherein the
vaporizer is configured such that in use the vaporization cavity is
a negative pressure region.
10. The electronic vapor provision device claim 1, wherein the
electronic vapor provision device comprises a mouthpiece section
and the vaporizer is part of the mouthpiece section.
11. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element support is elongated in a lengthwise direction.
12. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 11, wherein the
heating element support has one or more side channels running
lengthwise along the support.
13. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element support has a pitted surface.
14. The electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, wherein the
heating element support comprises a substrate having holes.
15. An electronic vapor provision device of claim 1, further
comprising: a liquid store; a wicking element configured to wick
liquid from the liquid store to the heating element for vaporizing
the liquid; and an air outlet for vaporized liquid from the heating
element.
16. A vaporizer for use in an electronic vapor provision device
comprising: a power cell; and a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer
comprises a heating element and a heating element support, wherein
the heating element support defines a flat substrate surface,
wherein the heating element support is a rigid support made from
porous ceramic so as to allow liquid storage within the heating
element support.
17. The vaporizer of claim 16, wherein one or more gaps are
provided between the heating element and the heating element
support.
18. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein the heating element has a
zig-zag shape that is coplanar with the substrate.
Description
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/415,524 filed Jan. 16, 2015, which in turn is a National
Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2013/064922, filed
Jul. 15, 2013, which in turn claims priority to and benefit of
United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB1212599.3, filed Jul. 16,
2012. The entire contents of the aforementioned applications are
expressly incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The specification relates to electronic vapour provision
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic vapour provision devices, such as electronic
cigarettes, are typically cigarette-sized and typically function by
allowing a user to inhale a nicotine vapour from a liquid store by
applying a suction force to a mouthpiece. Some electronic vapour
provision devices have an airflow sensor that activates when a user
applies the suction force and causes a heater coil to heat up and
vaporize the liquid.
SUMMARY
[0004] In an embodiment there is provided an electronic vapour
provision device comprising a power cell and a vaporizer, where the
vaporizer comprises a heating element and a heating element
support, wherein a gap is provided between the heating element and
the heating element support. The heating element may be on the
outside of the heating element support. Moreover, the heating
element support can have a support outer surface and the gap may be
provided between the heating element and the support outer surface.
Furthermore, the heating element and heating element support may
form a heating rod.
[0005] In another embodiment there is provided a vaporizer for use
in the vapour provision device that comprises a heating element and
a heating element support, wherein a gap is provided between the
heating element and the heating element support.
[0006] In another embodiment there is provided an electronic vapour
provision device comprising a liquid store; a wicking element
configured to wick liquid from the liquid store to a heating
element for vaporizing liquid; an air outlet for vaporized liquid
produced by the heating element; and a heating element support,
wherein a gap is provided between the heating element and the
heating element support.
[0007] The electronic vapour provision device may include a power
cell for powering the heating element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a better understanding of the disclosure, and to show
how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an electronic
cigarette;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an electronic
cigarette having a perpendicular coil;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an electronic
cigarette having a parallel coil;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view through a mouthpiece of an
electronic cigarette;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a heating element
coil;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a cylindrical heating
element support having a pitted surface;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a heating element coil
and heating element support having a pitted surface;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a heating element
support having channels;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a heating element coil
and heating element support having channels;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an end view of the heating element support of FIG.
7;
[0019] FIG. 10 is an end view of the heating element coil and
support of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 11 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a channel;
[0021] FIG. 12 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a circular segment cross-section;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having an oval cross-section;
[0023] FIG. 14 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a flat rectangular cross-section;
[0024] FIG. 15 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a 4 arm cross, cross-section;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having an 8 arm cross, cross-section;
[0026] FIG. 17 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having an octagonal cross-section;
[0027] FIG. 18 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a triangular cross-section;
[0028] FIG. 19 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a square cross-section;
[0029] FIG. 20 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a hexagonal cross-section;
[0030] FIG. 21 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having a pentagonal cross-section;
[0031] FIG. 22 is an end view of a coil and a heating element
support having cross-sectional shape of three circles joined
together;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a front view of a heating element support
substrate and heating element; and
[0033] FIG. 24 is a front view of a heating element support
substrate and with a threaded heating element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] In an embodiment there is provided an electronic vapour
provision device comprising a power cell and a vaporizer, where the
vaporizer comprises a heating element and a heating element
support, wherein a gap is provided between the heating element and
the heating element support.
[0035] Having a separate heating element and support allows a finer
heating element to be constructed. This is advantageous because a
finer heating element can be more efficiently heated. Providing a
gap between the heating element and the heating element support
allows liquid to be gathered and stored in the gap region for
vaporization. The gap can also act to wick liquid onto the heating
element. Also, providing a gap between the heating element and
support means that a greater surface area of the heating element is
exposed thereby giving a greater surface area for heating and
vaporization.
[0036] The heating element may be on the outside of the heating
element support. Moreover, the heating element support can comprise
a support outer surface and the gap may be provided between the
heating element and the support outer surface.
[0037] The heating element and heating element support may form a
heating rod. The heating element support may for example be a rigid
support and/or the heating element support may be solid. This has
the advantage that a rigid or solid support enables a more fragile,
more efficient heating element to be used. The combination of the
support and the heating element provides a more robust heating
rod.
[0038] The heating element support may be porous. For example, the
heating element support may comprise a porous ceramic material.
Having a porous support enables liquid to be stored in the porous
support. Thus the liquid can be easily transferred to the heating
element in contact with the support for vaporization by the heating
element. Also, the gap between the heating element and the support
allows for wicking of liquid both from the porous support onto the
heating element and into the porous support for storage.
[0039] The heating element can be formed around the heating element
support. For example, the heating element may be a heating coil.
Moreover, the heating coil may be coiled around the heating element
support. The heating coil may for instance be a wire coil. The gap
may be between a coil turn and the heating element support. Gaps
may be between coil turns and the heating element support.
[0040] Having a heating element that wraps around the support
provides a more sturdy construction. The support also facilitates
the creation of a coil by enabling wire to be wrapped around the
support. By providing a gap between a coil turn and the support,
liquid can be wicked into the gap and held in the gap for
vaporization. In particular, liquid can be wicked by the spaces
between coil turns and into the gap between a coil turn and the
support.
[0041] The vaporizer can further comprise a vaporization cavity
configured such that in use the vaporization cavity is a negative
pressure region. At least part of the heating element may be inside
the vaporization cavity. Furthermore, the electronic vapour
provision device can comprise a mouthpiece section and the
vaporizer can be part of the mouthpiece section.
[0042] By having the heating element in the vaporization cavity,
which in turn is a negative pressure region when a user inhales
through the electronic vapour provision device, the liquid is
directly vaporized and inhaled by the user.
[0043] The heating element support may be elongated in a lengthwise
direction. Furthermore, the heating element support may have a side
channel running lengthwise along the support. Alternatively or
additionally, the heating element support may comprise two or more
side channels running lengthwise along the support. Moreover, the
side channels may be distributed substantially evenly around the
heating element support.
[0044] A channel in the support provides a natural gap between the
support and the heating element. This is particularly the case when
the heating element is a coil wound around the support. The channel
therefore provides the necessary gap to wick and store liquid. The
area of the heating element exposed is also increased along the
channel leading to increased vaporization in this region.
[0045] The heating element support may be non-cylindrical. The
heating element support may be cylinder-like but non-cylindrical.
The heating element support may have a non-circular cross-section.
Moreover, the heating element support may have a pitted
surface.
[0046] Since a coil is naturally cylindrical when formed due to the
rigidity of the wire, a non-cylindrical support has the advantage
that there will naturally be gaps between the coil and the support.
These gaps lead to increased wicking, liquid storage and
vaporization. A cylinder-like support with a pitted surface
provides gaps between the support and the coil in the pit regions.
Cross-sections are sections perpendicular to the elongated
lengthwise direction.
[0047] The cross-sectional shape of the heating element support can
be a polygon. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the heating
element support may have 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, 6 sides or 8
sides.
[0048] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the heating
element support can be a flat rectangle. Alternatively, the
cross-sectional shape of the heating element support can be an
ellipse. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the heating
element support can be equivalent to three overlapping circles
joined together.
[0049] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the heating
element support can be a cross. The cross-sectional shape of the
heating element support may be a cross having 4 arms, or a cross
having 8 arms.
[0050] Again, these various shapes of support provide natural gaps
between the support and a heating element coil that is wound around
the support. These gaps lead to increased wicking, liquid storage
and vaporization.
[0051] Alternatively, the heating element support may be a flat
planar substrate. Moreover, the heating element can be on one
surface of the heating element support. Furthermore, the heating
element may be threaded in and out of the heating element support.
The heating element may be wrapped around the heating element
support. Moreover, the heating element support may comprise a
substrate having holes.
[0052] In another embodiment there is provided an electronic vapour
provision device comprising a liquid store; a wicking element
configured to wick liquid from the liquid store to a heating
element for vaporizing liquid; an air outlet for vaporized liquid
to pass out of; and a heating element support, wherein a gap is
provided between the heating element and the heating element
support. The electronic vapour provision device may comprise a
power cell for powering the heating element.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment of the
electronic vapour provision device 1 in the form of an electronic
cigarette 1 comprising a mouthpiece 2 and a body 3. The electronic
cigarette 1 is shaped like a conventional cigarette having a
cylindrical shape. The mouthpiece 2 has an air outlet 4 and the
electronic cigarette 1 is operated when a user places the
mouthpiece 2 of the electronic cigarette 1 in their mouth and
inhales, drawing air through the air outlet 4. Both the mouthpiece
2 and body 3 are cylindrical and are configured to connect to each
other coaxially so as to form the conventional cigarette shape.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows an example of the electronic cigarette 1 of
FIG. 1. The body 3 comprises two detachable parts, comprising a
battery assembly 5 part and a vaporizer 6 part, and the mouthpiece
2 comprises a liquid store 7. The electronic cigarette 1 is shown
in its assembled state, wherein the detachable parts 2, 5, 6 are
connected in the following order: mouthpiece 2, vaporizer 6,
battery assembly 5. Liquid wicks from the liquid store 7 to the
vaporizer 6. The battery assembly 5 provides electrical power to
the vaporizer 6 via mutual electrical contacts of the battery
assembly 5 and the vaporizer 6. The vaporizer 6 vaporizes the
wicked liquid and the vapour passes out of the air outlet 4. The
liquid may for example comprise a nicotine solution.
[0055] The battery assembly 5 comprises a battery assembly casing
8, a power cell 9, electrical contacts 10 and a control circuit
11.
[0056] The battery assembly casing 8 comprises a hollow cylinder
which is open at a first end 12. For example, the battery assembly
casing 8 may be plastic. The electrical contacts 10 are located at
the first end 12 of the casing 8, and the power cell 9 and control
circuit 11 are located within the hollow of the casing 8. The power
cell 9 may for example be a Lithium Cell.
[0057] The control circuit 11 includes an air pressure sensor 13
and a controller 14 and is powered by the power cell 9. The
controller 14 is configured to interface with the air pressure
sensor 13 and to control provision of electrical power from the
power cell 9 to the vaporizer 6.
[0058] The vaporizer 6 comprises a vaporizer casing 15, electrical
contacts 16, a heating element 17, a wicking element 18, a
vaporization cavity 19 and a heating element support 20.
[0059] The vaporizer casing 15 comprises a hollow cylinder which is
open at both ends with an air inlet 21. For example, the vaporizer
casing 15 may be formed of an aluminum alloy. The air inlet 21
comprises a hole in the vaporizer casing 15 at a first end 22 of
the vaporizer casing 15. The electrical contacts 16 are located at
the first end 22 of the vaporizer casing 15.
[0060] The first end 22 of the vaporizer casing 15 is releasably
connected to the first end 12 of the battery assembly casing 8,
such that the electrical contacts 16 of the vaporizer are
electrically connected to the electrical contacts 10 of the battery
assembly. For example, the device 1 may be configured such that the
vaporizer casing 15 connects to the battery assembly casing 8 by a
threaded connection.
[0061] The heating element 17 is formed of a single wire and
comprises a heating element coil 23 and two leads 24, as is
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6. For example, the heating element may
be formed of Nichrome. The coil 23 comprises a section of the wire
where the wire is formed into a helix about an axis A. At either
end of the coil 23, the wire departs from its helical form to
provide the leads 24. The leads 24 are connected to the electrical
contacts 16 and are thereby configured to route electrical power,
provided by the power cell 9, to the coil 23.
[0062] The wire of the coil 23 is approximately 0.12 mm in
diameter. The coil 23 is approximately 25 mm in length, has an
internal diameter of approximately 1 mm and a helix pitch of
approximately 420 micrometers. The void between the successive
turns of the coil is therefore approximately 300 micrometers.
[0063] The heating element 17 is located towards the second end 25
of the vaporizer casing 15 and is orientated such that the axis A
of the coil 23 is perpendicular to the cylindrical axis B of the
vaporizer casing 15. The heating element 17 is thus perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis C of the electronic cigarette 1. Moreover,
the device 1 is configured such that the axis A of the coil is
substantially perpendicular to airflow through the device when a
user sucks on the device. Use of the device 1 by a user is later
described in more detail.
[0064] The wicking element 18 extends from the vaporizer casing 15
into contact with the liquid store 7 of the mouthpiece 2. The
wicking element 18 is configured to wick liquid in the direction W
from the liquid store 7 of the mouthpiece 2 to the heating element
17. In more detail, the wick 18 comprises an arc of porous material
extending from a first end of the coil 23, out past the second end
25 of the vaporizer casing 15 and back to a second end of the coil.
For example, the porous material may be nickel foam, wherein the
porosity of the foam is such that the described wicking occurs.
[0065] The vaporization cavity 19 comprises a region within the
hollow of the vaporizer casing 15 in which liquid is vaporized. The
heating element 17, heating element support 20 and portions 26 of
the wicking element 18 are situated within the vaporization cavity
19.
[0066] The heating element support 20 is configured to support the
heating element 17 and to facilitate vaporization of liquid by the
heating element 17. The heating element support 20 is an inner
support and is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The support 20
comprises a rigid cylinder of ceramic material. The support 20 is
situated coaxially within the helix of the heating element coil 23
and is slightly longer than the coil 23, such that the ends of the
support 20 protrude from the ends of the coil 23. The diameter of
the cylindrical support 20 is similar to the inner diameter of the
helix. As a result, the wire of the coil 23 is substantially in
contact with the support 20 and is thereby supported, facilitating
maintenance of the shape of the coil 23. The heating element coil
23 is thus coiled, or wrapped, around the heating element support
20. The combination of the support 20 and the coil 23 of the
heating element 17 provides a heating rod 27, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6. The heating rod is later described in more detail
with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0067] The surface 28 of the support 20 provides a route for liquid
from the wick element 18 to wick onto and along, improving the
provision of liquid to the vicinity of the heating element 17 for
vaporization. The surface 28 of the support 20 also provides
surface area for exposing wicked liquid to the heat of the heating
element 17.
[0068] The mouthpiece 2 comprises a mouthpiece casing 29. The
mouthpiece casing 29 comprises a hollow cylinder which is open at a
first end 30, with the air outlet 4 comprising a hole in the second
end 31 of the casing. For example, the mouthpiece casing may be
formed of plastic.
[0069] The liquid store 7 is situated within the hollow of the
mouthpiece casing 29. For example, the liquid store may comprise
foam, wherein the foam is substantially saturated in the liquid
intended for vaporization. The cross-sectional area of the liquid
store 7 is less than that of the hollow of the mouthpiece casing so
as to form an air passageway 32 between the first end 30 of the
mouthpiece casing 29 and the air outlet 4.
[0070] The first end 30 of the mouthpiece casing 29 is releasably
connected to the second end 25 of the vaporizer casing 15, such
that the liquid store 7 is in contact with a portion 33 of the
wicking element 18 which protrudes from the vaporizer 6.
[0071] Liquid from the liquid store 7 is absorbed by the wicking
element 18 and wicks along route W throughout the wicking element
18. Liquid then wicks from the wicking element 18 onto and along
the coil 23 of the heating element 17, and onto and along the
support 20.
[0072] There exists a continuous inner cavity 34 within the
electronic cigarette 1 formed by the adjacent hollow interiors' of
the mouthpiece casing 29, the vaporizer casing 15 and the battery
assembly casing 8.
[0073] In use, a user sucks on the second end 31 of the mouthpiece
2. This causes a drop in the air pressure throughout the inner
cavity 34 of the electronic cigarette 1, particularly at the air
outlet 4.
[0074] The pressure drop within the inner cavity 34 is detected by
the pressure sensor 13. In response to detection of the pressure
drop by the pressure sensor, the controller 14 triggers the
provision of power from the power cell 9 to the heating element 17
via the electrical contacts 10, 16. The coil of the heating element
17 therefore heats up. Once the coil 17 heats up, liquid in the
vaporization cavity 19 is vaporized. In more detail, liquid on the
heating element 17 is vaporized, liquid on the heating element
support 20 is vaporized and liquid in portions 26 of the wicking
element 18 which are in the immediate vicinity of the heating
element 17 may be vaporized.
[0075] The pressure drop within the inner cavity 34 also causes air
from outside of the electronic cigarette 1 to be drawn, along route
F, through the inner cavity from the air inlet 21 to the air outlet
4. As air is drawn along route F, it passes through the
vaporization cavity 19 and the air passageway 32. The vaporized
liquid is therefore conveyed by the air movement along the air
passageway 32 and out of the air outlet 4 to be inhaled by the
user.
[0076] As the air containing the vaporized liquid is conveyed to
the air outlet 4, some of the vapour may condense, producing a fine
suspension of liquid droplets in the airflow. Moreover, movement of
air through the vaporizer 6 as the user sucks on the mouthpiece 2
can lift fine droplets of liquid off of the wicking element 18, the
heating element 17 and/or the heating element support 20. The air
passing out of the outlet may therefore comprise an aerosol of fine
liquid droplets as well as vaporized liquid.
[0077] The pressure drop within the vaporization cavity 19 also
encourages further wicking of liquid from the liquid store 7, along
the wicking element 18, to the vaporization cavity 19.
[0078] FIG. 3 shows a further example of the electronic cigarette 1
of FIG. 1. The body 3 is a single part, referred to herein as a
battery assembly 50, and the mouthpiece 2 comprises a liquid store
51 and a vaporizer 52. The electronic cigarette 1 is shown in its
assembled state, wherein the detachable parts 2, 50 are connected.
Liquid wicks from the liquid store 51 to the vaporizer 52. The
battery assembly 50 provides electrical power to the vaporizer 52
via mutual electrical contacts of the battery assembly 50 and the
mouthpiece 2. The vaporizer 52 vaporizes the wicked liquid and the
vapour passes out of the air outlet 4. The liquid may for example
comprise a nicotine solution.
[0079] The battery assembly 50 comprises a battery assembly casing
53, a power cell 54, electrical contacts 55 and a control circuit
56.
[0080] The battery assembly casing 53 comprises a hollow cylinder
which is open at a first end 57. For example, the battery assembly
casing may be plastic. The electrical contacts 55 are located at
the first end 57 of the casing 53, and the power cell 54 and
control circuit 56 are located within the hollow of the casing 53.
The power cell 54 may for example be a Lithium Cell.
[0081] The control circuit 56 includes an air pressure sensor 58
and a controller 49 and is powered by the power cell 54. The
controller 49 is configured to interface with the air pressure
sensor 58 and to control provision of electrical power from the
power cell 54 to the vaporizer 52, via the electrical contacts
55.
[0082] The mouthpiece 2 further comprises a mouthpiece casing 59
and electrical contacts 60. The mouthpiece casing 59 comprises a
hollow cylinder which is open at a first end 61, with the air
outlet 4 comprising a hole in the second end 62 of the casing 59.
The mouthpiece casing 59 also comprises an air inlet 63, comprising
a hole near the first end 61 of the casing 59. For example, the
mouthpiece casing may be formed of aluminum.
[0083] The electrical contacts 60 are located at the first end of
the casing 59. Moreover, the first end 61 of the mouthpiece casing
59 is releasably connected to the first end 57 of the battery
assembly casing 53, such that the electrical contacts 60 of the
mouthpiece are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 55
of the battery assembly. For example, the device 1 may be
configured such that the mouthpiece casing 59 connects to the
battery assembly casing 53 by a threaded connection.
[0084] The liquid store 51 is situated within the hollow mouthpiece
casing 59 towards the second end 62 of the casing 59. The liquid
store 51 comprises a cylindrical tube of porous material saturated
in liquid. The outer circumference of the liquid store 51 matches
the inner circumference of the mouthpiece casing 59. The hollow of
the liquid store 51 provides an air passageway 64. For example, the
porous material of the liquid store 51 may comprise foam, wherein
the foam is substantially saturated in the liquid intended for
vaporization.
[0085] The vaporizer 52 comprises a heating element 17, a wicking
element 65, a heating element support 20 and a vaporization cavity
66.
[0086] The wicking element 65 comprises a cylindrical tube of
porous material and is situated within the mouthpiece casing 59,
towards the first end 61 of the casing 59, such that it abuts the
liquid store 51. The outer circumference of the wicking element 65
matches the inner circumference of the mouthpiece casing 59. The
wicking element 65 is configured to wick liquid in the direction W
from the liquid store 51 of the mouthpiece 2 to the heating element
17. For example, the porous material of the wicking element 65 may
be nickel foam, wherein the porosity of the foam is such that the
described wicking occurs. Once liquid wicks W from the liquid store
6 to the wicking element 65, it can be stored in the porous
material of the wicking element 65. Thus, the wicking element 65 is
an extension of the liquid store 51.
[0087] The heating element 17 is formed of a single wire and
comprises a heating element coil 23 and two leads 24, as is
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6. For example, the heating element may
be formed of Nichrome. The coil 23 comprises a section of the wire
where the wire is formed into a helix about an axis A. At either
end of the coil 23, the wire departs from its helical form to
provide the leads 24. The leads 24 are connected to the electrical
contacts 60 and are thereby configured to route electrical power,
provided by the power cell 54, to the coil 23.
[0088] The wire of the coil 23 is approximately 0.12 mm in
diameter. The coil 23 is approximately 25 mm in length, has an
internal diameter of approximately 1 mm and a helix pitch of
approximately 420 micrometers. The void between the successive
turns of the coil is therefore approximately 300 micrometers
[0089] The heating element 17 is located inside the tube of the
wicking element 65 and is orientated such that the axis of the coil
23 is aligned with the cylindrical axis B of the mouthpiece casing
59. The axis A of the heating element coil 23 is thus parallel to
the longitudinal axis C of the electronic cigarette 1. Moreover,
the device 1 is configured such that the axis A of the coil 23 is
substantially parallel to airflow F through the device when a user
sucks on the device. Use of the device 1 by a user is later
described in more detail.
[0090] FIG. 3a shows a cross-section through the mouthpiece 2 at
the coil 23. As is illustrated in FIG. 3a, the cross-sectional
profile of the wicking element 65 is configured such that parts 65a
of the inner surface 65b of the wicking element 65 are in contact
with the coil 23. This provides a route for liquid to wick from the
wicking element 65 to the coil 23.
[0091] The vaporization cavity 66 comprises a region within the
hollow of the mouthpiece casing 59 in which liquid is vaporized.
The heating element 17, heating element support 20 and a portion 67
of the wicking element 65 are situated within the vaporization
cavity 66.
[0092] The heating element support 20 is configured to support the
heating element 17 and to facilitate vaporization of liquid by the
heating element 17. The heating element support is an inner support
and is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The support 20 comprises a
rigid cylinder of ceramic material. The support 20 is situated
coaxially within the helix of the heating element coil 23 and is
slightly longer than the coil 23, such that the ends of the support
20 protrude from the ends of the coil 23. The diameter of the
cylindrical support 20 is similar to the inner diameter of the
helix. As a result, the wire of the coil 23 is substantially in
contact with the support 20 and is thereby supported, facilitating
maintenance of the shape of the coil 23. The heating element coil
23 is thus coiled, or wrapped, around the heating element support
20. The combination of the support 20 and the coil 23 of the
heating element 17 provides a heating rod 27, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 6. The heating rod 27 is later described in more detail
with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0093] The surface 28 of the support 20 provides a surface for
liquid from the wicking element 65 to wick onto and along,
improving the provision of liquid to the vicinity of the heating
element 17 for vaporization. The surface 28 of the support 20 also
provides surface area for exposing wicked liquid to the heat of the
heating element 17.
[0094] There exists a continuous inner cavity 68 within the
electronic cigarette 1 formed by the adjacent hollow interiors' of
the mouthpiece casing 59 and the battery assembly casing 53.
[0095] In use, a user sucks on the second end 62 of the mouthpiece
casing 59. This causes a drop in the air pressure throughout the
inner cavity 68 of the electronic cigarette 1, particularly at the
air outlet 4.
[0096] The pressure drop within the inner cavity 68 is detected by
the pressure sensor 58. In response to detection of the pressure
drop by the pressure sensor 58, the controller 49 triggers the
provision of power from the power cell 54 to the heating element 17
via the electrical contacts 55, 60. The coil of the heating element
17 therefore heats up. Once the coil 17 heats up, liquid in the
vaporization cavity 66 is vaporized. In more detail, liquid on the
heating element 17 is vaporized, liquid on the heating element
support 20 is vaporized and liquid in the portions 67 of the
wicking element 65 which are in the immediate vicinity of the
heating element 17 may be vaporized.
[0097] The pressure drop within the inner cavity 68 also causes air
from outside of the electronic cigarette 1 to be drawn, along route
F, through the inner cavity from the air inlet 63 to the air outlet
4. As air is drawn along route F, it passes through the
vaporization cavity 66, picking up vaporized liquid, and the air
passageway 64. The vaporized liquid is therefore conveyed along the
air passageway 64 and out of the air outlet 4 to be inhaled by the
user.
[0098] As the air containing the vaporized liquid is conveyed to
the air outlet 4, some of the vapour may condense, producing a fine
suspension of liquid droplets in the airflow. Moreover, movement of
air through the vaporizer 52 as the user sucks on the mouthpiece 2
can lift fine droplets of liquid off of the wicking element 65, the
heating element 17 and/or the heating element support 20. The air
passing out of the air outlet may therefore comprise an aerosol of
fine liquid droplets as well as vaporized liquid.
[0099] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the circumferential outer
surface 28 of the heating element support 20 is pitted, such that a
plurality of depressions 70, or recesses, exists in the surface 28.
When considering the presence of the plurality of depressions 70,
the support 20 is substantially cylindrical.
[0100] Gaps 80 are formed between the heating element support 20
and the coil 23 where the coil 23 overlaps depressions 70 in the
surface 28. In more detail, where the wire of the coil 23 passes
over a depression 70 in the surface 28, a gap 80 is provided
between the wire and the area of the surface 28 immediately under
the wire due to the wire substantially maintaining its helical
form. The gaps 80 are therefore disposed in a radial direction from
the axis A of the coil, between the surface 28 of the support 20
and the wire of the coil 23. The distance between the wire and the
surface 28 at each gap 80 is in the range of 10 micrometers to 500
micrometers. The gaps 80 are configured to facilitate the wicking
of liquid onto and along the length of the support 20 through
capillary action at the gaps 80.
[0101] The depressions 70 in the circumferential surface 28 and/or
the gaps 80 provide areas in which liquid can gather on the surface
28 of the support 20 prior to vaporization, and thereby provide
areas for liquid to be stored prior to vaporization. The
depressions 70 also increase the surface area of the support 20,
thus increasing the additional surface area for exposing liquid to
the coil 23 for vaporization provided by the support 20. The
depressions 70 also expose more of the coil 23 for increased
vaporization in these areas.
[0102] Many alternatives and variations to the embodiments
described above are possible. For example, FIGS. 7 to 24 show
different configurations of heating element 17 and heating element
support 20. In each case, a gap 80 or gaps 80 are provided between
the outer surface 28 of the support 20 and the wire of the coil 23.
These gaps 80 provide the advantages already described. FIGS. 7 to
22 illustrate how gaps 80 can be provided by one or more inward
deviations 81 in the cross-sectional profile of a support 20, where
that profile otherwise follows the cross-sectional inner profile of
a coil 23.
[0103] FIGS. 7 to 10 show a different example of a heating element
support 20. FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate different views of the heating
element support 20 alone. FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate different views
of the heating rod 29, comprising the coil 23 wrapped around the
support 20. Here, the heating element support 20 is substantially
cylindrical in shape and has channels 82, or longitudinal grooves
82, in the outer surface 28 of the support 20 running along its
length. Each channel 82 is a depression 70, 81 in the surface of
the heating element support 20 running along the length of the
support 20. Four channels 82 are spaced evenly around the
circumference of the heating element support 20.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, when the coil 23 is wound
around the heating element support 20, gaps 80 are provided between
the surface 28 of the support 20 at the channels 82 and the wire of
the coil 23 sections overlapping the channels 82.
[0105] FIGS. 11 to 22 each show an example of an elongated heating
element support 20 with a coil 23 wound around it and a gap 80 or
gaps 80 provided between the coil 23 and the heating element
support 20 by virtue of the cross-sectional shape of the support
20. Each example has a different cross-sectional shape as will be
described. Cross-sections are sections perpendicular to the
elongated lengthwise direction of the support 20.
[0106] In the example shown in Figure ii, the heating element
support 20 is substantially cylindrical with a depression 70
comprising a single channel 82 running along its length. Thus the
cross-sectional shape of the heating element support 20 is a circle
with a small indent 81 for the channel 82. Gaps 80 are provided
where the coil 23 overlaps the channel 82.
[0107] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the heating element support
20 has a cross-sectional shape being a major segment of a circle.
This corresponds to an otherwise cylindrical shape with a
longitudinal depression 70, 81, and results in a flat face running
along the length of the heating element support 20. The coil 23 is
wound around the heating element support 20 but the rigidity of the
coil 23 wire prevents the coil 23 from following the shape of the
heating element support 20 in the flat region. Thus a gap 80 is
provided between the heating element support 20 and the coil 23 in
the area of the flat region.
[0108] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the heating element support
20 has a cross-sectional shape being an ellipse. The coil 23 is
wound around the heating element support 20 but the rigidity of the
coil 23 wire causes the coil 23 to form a more rounded shape than
the ellipse, thereby providing gaps 80 between the heating element
support 20 and the coil 23.
[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the heating element support
20 is a flat bar having a cross-sectional shape being a flat
rectangle. The coil 23 is wound around the heating element support
20 but the rigidity of the coil 23 wire causes the coil 23 to form
a more rounded shape than the rectangle, thereby providing gaps 80
between the heating element support 20 and the coil 23.
[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 15, the heating element support
20 has a cross-sectional shape being a 4-arm cross, where the arms
are spaced evenly apart. The coil 23 is wound around the heating
element support 20 and gaps 80 are provided between adjacent arm
sections and the coil 23.
[0111] In the example shown in FIG. 16, the heating element support
20 has a cross-sectional shape being an 8-arm cross, where the arms
are spaced evenly apart. The coil 23 is wound around the heating
element support 20 and gaps 80 are provided between adjacent arm
sections and the coil 23.
[0112] FIGS. 17 to 21 show examples where the heating element
support 20 has a cross-sectional shape being a regular polygon.
Each of these has a different number of sides, FIG. 17 is an
octagon, FIG. 18 is a triangle, FIG. 19 is a square, FIG. 20 is a
hexagon and FIG. 21 is a pentagon. The coil 23 is wound around the
heating element support 20 and is in contact with the heating
element support 20 at the edges of the support 20 corresponding to
the corners of the cross-sectional shapes. In this way, polygons
with more sides have more contact with the coil 23 and provide a
greater number of smaller gaps 80 between the coil 23 and the
heating element support 20. This enables a cross-sectional shape to
be selected that gives an optimum amount of contact between the
heating element support 20 and the coil 23, and optimum gap 80
formation.
[0113] In the example shown in FIG. 22, the heating element support
20 has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to three overlapping
circles joined together. The coil 23 is wound around the heating
element support 20 and gaps 80 are provided between adjacent circle
sections and the coil 23.
[0114] The distance between the wire and the surface 28 at each gap
80 is described above as being in the range of 10 micrometers to
500 micrometers. However, other gap 80 sizes are possible.
[0115] The wire of the coil 23 is described above as being
approximately 0.12 mm thick. However, other wire diameters are
possible. For example, the diameter of the coil 23 wire may be in
the range of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. Moreover, the coil 23 length may be
different to that described above. For example, the coil 23 length
may be in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.
[0116] The internal diameter of the coil 23 may be different to
that described above. For example, the internal diameter of the
coil 23 may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
[0117] The pitch of the helical coil 23 may be different to that
described above. For example, the pitch may be between 120
micrometers and 600 micrometers.
[0118] Furthermore, although the distance of the voids between
turns of the coil is described above as being approximately 300,
different void distances are possible. For example, the void may be
between 20 micrometers and 500 micrometers.
[0119] The size of the gaps 80 may be different to that described
above.
[0120] Where channels 82 are provided in the heating element
support 20, a number other than one or four can be used.
[0121] Channels 82 have been described as longitudinal grooves
along the surface 28 of cylindrical supports 20. However, the
channels 82 may, for example, alternatively or additionally
comprise helical grooves in the surface 28 of a cylindrical support
20, spiralling about the axis of the support. Alternatively or
additionally the channels 82 may comprise circumferential rings
around the surface 28 of the support 20.
[0122] In embodiments, the support 20 is described as being
slightly longer than the coil 23, such that it protrudes from
either end of the coil 23. Alternatively, the support 20 may be
shorter in length than the coil 23 and may therefore reside
entirely within the bounds of the coil.
[0123] The heating element 17 is not restricted to being a coil 23,
and may be another wire form such as a zig-zag shape.
[0124] Heating rods 29 are described above comprising an elongated
heating element support 20 with a coil 23 wound around it and a gap
80 or gaps 80 provided between the coil 23 and the heating element
support 20 by virtue of the cross-sectional shape of the support 20
comprising a polygon. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of
the heating element support 20 may for example be a 3 sided, 4
sided, 5 sided, 6 sided or an 8 sided polygon.
[0125] The heating element support 20 may be cylinder-like but
non-cylindrical.
[0126] FIGS. 23 and 24 show examples of a further type of heating
element support 20. Again, in each case the shape of support 20
provides natural gaps 80 between the support 20 and a heating
element 17. These gaps 80 facilitate increased wicking, liquid
storage and vaporization.
[0127] In FIG. 23, a heating element support 20 and heating element
17 is shown. The heating element support 20 is a substantially flat
substrate and the heating element 17 is arranged on the surface of
the substrate in a zig-zag configuration to maximize the length of
the heating element 17 for a given surface area of substrate. The
heating element support 20 has substrate apertures 83, and gaps 80
are formed between the heating element support 20 and the heating
element 17 when the heating element 17 overlaps the substrate
apertures 83.
[0128] FIG. 24 shows an example similar to that shown in FIG. 23. A
heating element support 20 is a flat substrate comprising substrate
apertures 83 and a zig-zag heating element 17. In this example, the
substrate apertures 83 are located at the turning points of the
zig-zag heating element 17 and the heating element 17 wire is
threaded in and out of the substrate apertures 83 on respective
turns such that the heating element 17 lies of both surfaces of the
flat substrate. Gaps 80 are provided between the heating element 17
and the substrate at the substrate aperture 83 locations.
[0129] In embodiments, the heating element support 20 could be made
from a porous material such as porous ceramic to allow liquid
storage within the support 20.
[0130] An electronic vapour provision device comprising an
electronic cigarette 1 is described herein. However, other types of
electronic vapour provision device are possible.
[0131] The electronic cigarette 1 is not restricted to the sequence
of components described and other sequences could be used such as
the control circuit 11, 56 being in the tip of the device or the
liquid store 7, 51 being in the electronic cigarette 1 body 3
rather than the mouthpiece 2.
[0132] The vaporizer 6, 52 may form part of the electronic
cigarette 1 body 3.
[0133] Where the heating element support 20 is a substrate, the
heating element 17 could be wrapped around the substrate.
Furthermore, the heating element 17 may be threaded in and out of
the heating element support 20.
[0134] An air pressure sensor 13, 58 is described herein. In
embodiments, an airflow sensor may alternatively or additionally be
used to detect that a user is sucking on the device 1.
[0135] Reference herein to a vaporization cavity 19, 66 may be
replaced by reference to a vaporization region.
[0136] The electronic cigarette 1 of FIG. 2 is described as
comprising three detachable parts, the mouthpiece 2, the vaporizer
6 and the battery assembly 5. Alternatively, the electronic
cigarette 1 may be configured such these parts 2, 6, 5 are combined
into a single integrated unit. In other words, the mouthpiece 2,
the vaporizer 6 and the battery assembly 5 may not be detachable.
As a further alternative, the mouthpiece 2 and the vaporizer 6 may
comprise a single integrated unit, or the vaporizer 6 and the
battery assembly 5 may comprise a single integrated unit.
[0137] The electronic cigarette 1 of FIG. 3 is described as
comprising two detachable parts, the mouthpiece 2 and the body
comprising the battery assembly 50. Alternatively, the electronic
cigarette 1 may be configured such these parts 2, 50 are combined
into a single integrated unit. In other words, the mouthpiece 2 and
the body 3 may not be detachable.
[0138] Although examples have been shown and described it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0139] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and
provide for superior electronic vapour provision. The advantages
and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of
embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are
presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed
features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments,
examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of
the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the
disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents
to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or
spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably
comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various
combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features,
parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes
other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in
future. Any feature of any embodiment can be used independently of,
or in combination with, any other feature.
* * * * *