Electronic vapour provision device

Technical Field [0001] The description relates to electronic devices that generate steam.

Background [0002] Electronic vapor generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, are typically sized for a cigarette and typically operate by allowing the user to inhale the nicotine vapors from the fluid reservoir by applying suction to the mouthpiece. Some electronic steam generating devices have an air flow sensor that activates when the user applies suction power and causes heating of the heating coil and evaporation of the fluid.

[0003] An electronic cigarette is known from EP 2 022 349 A1.

Summary [0004] In an embodiment, an electronic vapor generating device is provided comprising a battery and a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heating element and a heating element base, wherein a gap is between the heating element and the base of the heating element. The heating element may be outside the base of the heating element. In addition, the base of the heating element may have an outer surface of the base and there may be a gap between the heating element and the outer surface of the base. In addition, the heating element and the base of the heating element can form a heating rod.

[0005] In a further embodiment, a vaporizer is provided for use in a steam generating device comprising a heating element and a heating element base, with a gap between the heating element and the base of the heating element.

[0006] In a further embodiment, an electronic vapor generating device is provided including a fluid container; a carrier for transporting fluid from the fluid container to the heating element to evaporate the fluid; an outlet of air on the vaporized liquid produced by the heating element; and the base of the heating element, wherein there is a gap between the heating element and the base of the heating element.

[0007] The electronic vapor generating device may comprise a battery for feeding the heating element.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0008] For a better understanding of the disclosure and to show how to implement embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an electronic cigarette;

-2fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a perpendicular coil;

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an electronic cigarette having a parallel coil;

Fig. 3A shows a section through the mouthpiece on the coil.

Fig. 4 is a perspective side view of a heating element coil;

Fig. 5 is a perspective side view of a cylindrical base of a heating element having a perforated surface;

Fig. 6 is a perspective side view of a heating element coil and a heating element base having a perforated surface;

Fig. 7 is a perspective side view of a heating element base having grooves;

Fig. 8 is a perspective side view of a heating element coil and a heating element base having grooves;

Fig. 9 is a rear view of the base of the heating element of Fig. 7;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the heating element coil and the base of Figure 8;

Fig. 11 is a rear view of the coil and the base of the heating element having a groove;

Figure 12 is a rear view of the coil and base of the heating element having a circular section in cross section;

Figure 13 is a rear view of the coil and base of the heating element having an oval cross-section;

Fig. 14 is a rear view of the coil and the base of the heating element having a rectangular cross-section;

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the coil and base of the heating element having a cross-shaped cross-sectional view;

Figure 16 is a rear view of the coil and the base of the heating element having an 8-arm cross section;

Figure 17 is a rear view of the coil and the base of the heating element having an octagonal cross-section;

Figure 18 is a rear view of the coil and triangle;

Figure 19 is a rear view of the coil and square;

Fig. 20 is a rear view of a coil and a hexagon;

Fig. 21 is a rear view of a coil and pentagon;

a heating element base having a shaped cross-section of a heating element having a cross-sectional shape with a base of a heating element having a shaped cross-section of a heating element having a cross-sectional shape

-3fig. 22 is a rear view of the coil and the base of the heating element having a three-wheel cross section joined together;

Figure 23 is a front view of the base of the heater element and the heating element; and Fig. 24 is a front view of a base of the heater element with an interlaced heating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0009] In an embodiment, an electronic vapor generating device is provided comprising a battery and a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heating element and a heating element base, wherein a gap is provided between the heating element and the base of the heating element.

[0010] The use of a separate heating element and a base allows the construction of a thinner heating element. This is an advantage because a thinner heating element can heat up more effectively. The placement of the gap between the heating element and the base of the heating element allows the accumulation and storage of fluid in the area of ​​the evaporation gap. The break may also serve as a fluid carrier for the heating element. Placing the gap between the heating element and the base also means that the larger surface of the heating element is exposed, thus providing a larger surface for heating and evaporation.

[0011] The heating element may be arranged outside the base of the heating element. In addition, the base of the heating element may comprise an outer surface of the base, and there may be a gap between the heating element and the outer surface of the base.

[0012] The heating element and the base of the heating element may form a heating rod. The base of the heating element may, for example, be a rigid base and / or the base of the heating element may be solid. The advantage is that the rigid or solid base allows the use of a more delicate, more effective heating element. The combination of the base and heating element creates a more solid heating rod.

[0013] The base of the heating element may be porous. The base of the heating element may, for example, consist of a porous ceramic material. The porous base allows the storage of liquid in a porous base. Thus, the fluid can be easily transferred to the heating element in contact with the base for evaporation by the heating element. In addition, the gap between the heating element and the base allows fluid to be transported both from the porous base to the heating element and to the porous base for storage.

[0014] The heating element may be formed around the base of the heating element. For example, the heating element may be a heating coil. Moreover, the heating coil can be wrapped around the base of the heating element. The heating coil can for example be a wire coil. The gap may be between the coil winding and the base of the heating element. The breaks may be between the coil turns and the base of the heating element.

[0015] The use of a heating element wrapped around the base gives a more robust structure. The base also facilitates the creation of a coil, allowing the wire to be wound around

-4podstawy. The creation of a gap between the coil winding and the base allows the fluid to be transported to a break and kept in a break for evaporation. In particular, the fluid can be transported through the spaces between the turns of the coil and the gap between the coil winding and the base.

[0016] The evaporator may further comprise a vaporization chamber constructed such that, when used, the evaporation chamber is a vacuum area. At least a portion of the heating element may be inside the vaporization chamber. Additionally, the electronic vapor generating device may include a mouthpiece section and the vaporizer may be part of the mouthpiece section.

[0017] By placing the heating element in the vaporization chamber, which, in turn, is a vacuum area, when the user inhales with the aid of an electronic vapor generating device, the fluid is directly evaporated and inhaled by the user.

[0018] The base of the heating element may be extended in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the base of the heating element may have a side groove extending along the base in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the base of the heating element may comprise at least two lateral grooves extending along the base in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the side grooves can be arranged substantially evenly around the base of the heating element.

[0019] The groove in the base forms a natural gap between the base and the heating element. This is particularly the case when the heating element is wrapped by a coil around the base. Thus, the groove forms a break for transporting and storing the fluid. The exposed surface of the heating element is also increased along the groove, resulting in increased evaporation in this area.

[0020] The base of the heating element may be non-cylindrical. The base of the heating element may be cylindrical-like but not cylindrical. The base of the heating element may have a non-circular cross-section. In addition, the base of the heating element may have a perforated surface.

[0021] Because the molding is naturally cylindrical due to the stiffness of the wire, the non-cylindrical base has the advantage that there will be natural gaps between the coil and the base. These breaks lead to more efficient transport, storage and evaporation of the fluid. A cylindrical-like base with a perforated surface creates gaps between the base and the coil in the areas of the recesses. Cross sections are cross-sections perpendicular to the elongated longitudinal direction.

[0022] The cross-sectional shape of the base of the heating element may be a polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the heating element's base may, for example, have 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, 6 sides or 8 sides.

[0023] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the heating element base may be a rectangle. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the heating element's base

-5 it can be an ellipse. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the base of the heating element may correspond to three overlapping wheels connected together.

[0024] Alternatively, the cross-sectional shape of the base of the heating element may be a cross. The cross-sectional shape of the heating element may be a cross having 4 arms or a cross having 8 arms.

[0025] Again, these various base shapes form natural gaps between the base and the coil of the heating element that is wrapped around the base. These breaks lead to more efficient transport, storage and evaporation of the fluid.

[0026] Alternatively, the base of the heating element may be a flat substrate. In addition, the heating element can be arranged on one surface of the base of the heating element. In addition, the heating element may be interlaced in and out of the base of the heating element. The heating element may be wrapped around the base of the heating element. In addition, the base of the heating element may comprise a substrate having openings.

[0027] In a further embodiment, an electronic vapor generating device is provided including a fluid container; a carrier for transporting fluid from the fluid container to the heating element to evaporate the fluid; the air outlet through which the evaporated liquid escapes; and the base of the heating element, wherein there is a gap between the heating element and the base of the heating element. The electronic vapor generating device may comprise a battery for supplying the heating element.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 1, an embodiment of the electronic device 1 producing a pair in the form of an electronic cigarette 1 comprising a mouthpiece 2 and a body 3 is shown. The electronic cigarette 1 has the shape of a traditional cigarette with a cylindrical shape. The mouthpiece 2 has an air outlet 4 and the electronic cigarette 1 operates when the user places the mouthpiece 2 of the electronic cigarette 1 in the mouth and inhales, drawing air through the air outlet 4. Both the mouthpiece 2 and the body 3 are cylindrical and are configured to be connected coaxially to form the shape of a conventional cigarette.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows an example of an electronic cigarette 1 of Fig. 1. The body 3 comprises two fold-out parts comprising a battery assembly element 5 and a vaporizer element 6, and the mouthpiece 2 comprises a liquid container 7. The electronic cigarette 1 is shown in a folded state, where the fold-out parts 2, 5, 6 are connected in the following order: mouthpiece 2, vaporizer 6, battery assembly 5. The fluid is transported from the liquid container 7 to the vaporizer 6. The battery assembly 5 supplies electric current to the vaporizer 6 through the two-sided electrical contacts of the assembly Battery 5 and vaporizer 6. The evaporator 6 evaporates the transported liquid and steam is discharged through the air outlet 4. The fluid may, for example, contain a nicotine solution.

[0030] The battery assembly 5 comprises a housing 8 of the battery assembly, a battery 9, electrical contacts 10 and a control circuit 11.

[0031] The housing 8 of the battery assembly includes a hollow cylinder that is open at the first end 12. The housing 8 of the battery assembly can be, for example, a plastic

-6sztucznego. The electrical contacts 10 are arranged at the first end 12 of the housing 8, and the battery 9 and the control circuit 11 are arranged in the hollow of the housing 8. The battery 9 can be, for example, a lithium cell.

The control circuit 11 includes an air pressure sensor 13 and a controller 14 and is powered by a battery 9. The controller 14 is configured to be connected to the air pressure sensor 13 and to control the supply of electric current from the battery 9 to the vaporizer 6.

[0033] The evaporator 6 comprises a vaporiser housing, electrical contacts 16, heating element 17, a carrier 18, a vaporization chamber 19 and a base 20 for a heating element.

[0034] The vaporizer housing 15 includes a hollow cylinder that is open at both ends with an air outlet 21. The vaporizer housing 15 can be, for example, an aluminum alloy. The air outlet 21 includes an opening in the vaporizer housing at the first end 22 of the vaporizer housing 15. The electrical contacts 16 are arranged at the first end 22 of the vaporizer housing 15.

[0035] The first end 22 of the vaporizer housing 15 is releasably connected to the first end 12 of the housing 8 of the battery assembly such that the electrical contacts 16 of the vaporizer are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 10 of the battery assembly. The device 1 may be configured, for example, such that the vaporizer housing 15 is connected to the housing 8 of the battery assembly by a threaded connection.

[0036] The heating element 17 is formed of a single wire and comprises a coil 23 of the heating element and two conduits 24, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. The heating element may for example be made of chromonielelin. The coil 23 comprises a wire section where the wire is formed into a helix around the axis A. At both ends of the coil 23, the wire extends from the shape of the helix to form wires 24. The wires 24 are connected to the electrical contacts 16 and are thus configured to conduct the electric current supplied by the battery 9, for coil 23.

[0037] The coil wire 23 has a diameter of about 0.12 mm. The coil 23 has a length of about 25 mm, has an internal diameter of about 1 mm and a helix pitch of about 420 micrometers. Thus, the interval between consecutive turns of the coil is about 300 micrometers.

[0038] The heating element 17 is located closer to the second end 25 of the evaporator housing 15 and is directed such that the axis A of the coil 23 is perpendicular to the cylindrical axis B of the evaporator housing 15. The heating element 17 is thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the electronic cigarette 1. Furthermore, the device 1 is configured such that the axis A of the coil is substantially perpendicular to the air flow through the device when the user puffs through the device. The use of the device 1 by the user is further described in more detail.

The carrier 18 extends from the vaporizer housing 15 to contact with the fluid container 7 in the mouthpiece 2. The carrier 18 is configured to transport the fluid in the direction W from the liquid container 7 in the mouthpiece 2 to the heating element 17. More particularly, the carrier 18

Comprises an arc of porous material extending from the first end of the coil 23, through the other end of the vaporizer housing 15 and back to the other end of the coil. The porous material may, for example, be a nickel foam, where the porosity of the foam is such that the described transport takes place.

[0040] The evaporation chamber 19 comprises an area in the hollow of the vaporizer housing 15 in which the liquid is vaporized. The heating element 17, the base 20 of the heating element and the portion 26 of the carrier 18 are located inside the vaporization chamber 19.

The base 20 of the heating element is designed to support the heating element 17 and to facilitate the evaporation of the liquid by the heating element 17. The base 20 of the heating element is the inner base and is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The base 20 comprises a rigid cylinder of ceramic material. The base 20 is coaxially located within the helix of the coil 23 and is slightly longer than the coil 23 such that the ends of the base 20 protrude beyond the ends of the coil 23. The diameter of the cylindrical base 20 is similar to the inner diameter of the helix. As a result, the coil wire 23 substantially contacts the base 20 and is therefore supported to facilitate the shape of the coil 23. The coil 23 of the heater element is therefore wound or wrapped around the base 20 of the heater element.

[0042] The surface 28 of the base 20 forms a path for fluid from the carrier 18, transporting further, facilitating the delivery of fluid to the vicinity of the heating element 17 for evaporation. The surface 28 of the base 20 also forms a surface that exposes the transported liquid to heat from the heating element 17.

[0043] The mouthpiece 2 comprises a mouthpiece housing 29. The mouthpiece housing 29 includes a hollow cylinder that is open at the first end 30, with an air outlet 4 comprising an opening at the second end 31 of the housing. The mouthpiece housing can, for example, be made of plastic.

[0044] The liquid container 7 is located inside the hollow of the mouthpiece housing 29. The fluid container may, for example, comprise foam, the foam being substantially soaked with the fluid to be evaporated. The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid container 7 is smaller than the light in the mouthpiece housing so as to form an air flow path 32 between the first end 30 of the mouthpiece housing 29 and the air outlet 4.

[0045] The first end 30 of the mouthpiece housing 29 is removably connected to the second end 25 of the vaporizer housing 15 such that the liquid container 7 contacts the carrier portion 18 which projects beyond the vaporizer 6.

The fluid from the liquid container 7 is absorbed by the carrier 18 and transported along the road W through the carrier 18. The fluid is then transported from the carrier 18 through the coil 23 of the heating element 17 and through the base 20.

[0047] In the electronic cigarette 1, there is a continuous inner chamber 34 formed by adjoining hollow interiors of the mouthpiece housing 29, the vaporizer housing 15 and the housing 8 of the battery assembly.

[0048] In use, the user pushes through the second end 31 of the mouthpiece 2. This causes a pressure drop in the inner chamber 34 of the electronic cigarette 1, in particular at the air outlet 4.

[0049] The pressure drop in the inner chamber 34 is detected by the pressure sensor 13. In response to the pressure sensor being detected by the pressure sensor, the controller 14 starts supplying power from the battery 9 to the heating element 17 via the electrical contacts 10, 16. Thus, the coil of the heating element 17 is heated. As the coil 17 heats up, the fluid in the evaporation chamber 19 evaporates. More specifically, the fluid on the heating element 17 evaporates, the liquid based on the heating element 20 evaporates and the fluid in the parts 26 of the carrier 18, which are in the immediate vicinity of the heating element 17, can evaporate.

[0050] The pressure drop in the inner chamber 34 also causes the air to be drawn from behind the electronic cigarette 1 along the road F through the inner chamber from the air inlet 21 to the air outlet. When the air is drawn along the road F, it passes through the evaporation chamber 19 and the air flow path 32. The evaporated liquid is thus transmitted by the air movement along the air flow path 32 and escapes through the air outlet 4 and is inhaled by the user.

[0051] When the air containing the vaporized liquid is transferred to the air outlet 4, some of the vapor may condense, forming fine suspensions of liquid droplets in the air flow. In addition, the air movement through the vaporizer 6 when the user enters through the mouthpiece 2, can lift small droplets of fluid from the carrier 18, the heater 17 and / or the base of the heating element 20. The air leaving the outlet may thus contain an aerosol of fine fluid droplets and vaporized liquid .

[0052] The pressure drop in the evaporation chamber 19 also promotes the further transport of fluid from the liquid container 7, via the carrier 18, to the vaporization chamber 19.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows an additional example of electronic cigarette 1 from Fig. 1. Body 3 is from one part, referred to herein as battery assembly 50, and mouthpiece 2 comprises a liquid container 51 and a vaporizer 52. Electronic cigarette 1 is shown in a folded condition. where the fold-out parts 2, 50 are connected. The fluid is transported from the vaporizer container 51 to the vaporizer fluid 52. The battery assembly 50 supplies electrical current to the vaporizer 52 through the two-way electrical contacts of the battery assembly 50 and the mouthpiece 2. The vaporizer 52 evaporates the transported liquid and steam is discharged through the air outlet 4. The fluid may, for example, contain a nicotine solution.

[0054] The battery assembly 50 includes a housing for the battery assembly 53, a battery 54, electrical contacts 55, and a control circuit 56.

[0055] The housing 53 of the battery assembly includes a hollow cylinder that is open at the first end 57. The housing of the battery assembly can be, for example, plastic. The electrical contacts 55 are located at the first end 57 of the housing 53, and the battery 54 and control circuit 56 are arranged in the lumen 53. The battery 54 can be, for example, a lithium cell.

The control circuit 56 includes an air pressure sensor 58 and a controller 49 and is powered by a battery 54. The controller 49 is configured to be connected to the air pressure sensor 58 and to control the supply of electric current from the battery 54 to the vaporizer 52 by electrical contacts 55.

[0057] The mouthpiece 2 additionally comprises a mouthpiece housing 59 and electrical contacts 60. The mouthpiece housing 59 includes a hollow cylinder that is open at the first end 61 with an air outlet 4 having an opening at the second end 62 of the housing 59. The mouthpiece housing 59 also includes an outlet 63 air, including an opening near the first end 61 of the housing 59. The mouthpiece housing can for example be made of aluminum.

[0058] The electrical contacts 60 are arranged at the first end of the housing 59. In addition, the first end 61 of the housing 59 is releasably connected to the first end 57 of the housing 53 of the battery assembly 53 so that the electrical contacts 60 of the mouthpiece are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 55 of the battery assembly. . The device 1 may be configured, for example, such that the mouthpiece housing 59 is connected to the housing of the battery assembly 53 by a threaded connection.

[0059] The liquid container 51 is positioned within the hollow cavity 59 of the mouthpiece closer to the second end 62 of the housing 59. The liquid container 51 includes a cylindrical tube of porous fluid soaked with fluid. The outer periphery of the fluid container 51 is the same as the inner circumference of the mouthpiece housing 59. The light of the liquid container 51 forms the air flow path 64. The porous material of the liquid container 51 may, for example, comprise a foam, wherein the foam is substantially soaked with the fluid to be evaporated.

[0060] The vaporizer 52 includes a heating element 17, a carrier 65, a base 20 for the heating element and a vaporization chamber 66.

[0061] The carrier 65 includes a cylindrical tube of porous material and is housed within the mouthpiece housing 59, closer to the first end 61 of the housing 59, such that it contacts the fluid container 51. The outer perimeter of the carrier 65 is the same as the inner circumference of the housing 59 of the mouthpiece. The carrier 65 is configured to transport the fluid in the direction W from the container 51 for the fluid in the mouthpiece 2 to the heating element 17. The porous support material 65 can be, for example, nickel foam, where the porosity of the foam is such that the described transport takes place. When the fluid is transported by the path W from the container 6 to the carrier fluid 65, it can be stored in the porous carrier material 65. Thus, the carrier 65 is an extension of the fluid container 51.

[0062] The heating element 17 is formed of a single wire and comprises a coil of the heating element 23 and two conduits 24 as shown in Figs. 4 and 6. The heating element may be

- for example, made of a chrome-nickel. The coil 23 comprises a wire section where the wire is formed into a helix around the axis A. At both ends of the coil 23, the wire moves away from the shape of the helix to form lines 24. The wires 24 are connected to the electrical contacts 60 and are therefore configured to conduct the electrical current supplied through battery 54, to coil 23.

[0063] The coil wire 23 has a diameter of about 0.12 mm. The coil 23 has a length of about 25 mm, has an internal diameter of about 1 mm and a helix pitch of about 420 micrometers. Thus, the interval between consecutive turns of the coil is about 300 micrometers.

The heating element 17 is arranged inside the carrier tube 65 and is directed such that the coil axis 23 is in alignment with the cylindrical axis B of the mouthpiece housing 59. The coil axis of the heating element 23 is thus parallel to the longitudinal axis C of the electronic cigarette 1. In addition, the device 1 is configured such that the axis A of the coil 23 is substantially parallel to the air flow F through the device when the user puffs through the device. The use of the device 1 by the user is further described in more detail.

[0065] Fig. 3a shows a section through the mouthpiece 2 on the coil 23. As shown in Fig. 3a, the section profile of the carrier 65 is configured such that the portions 65a of the inner surface 65b of the carrier 65 are in contact with the coil 23. This creates a path for the fluid being transported. via a carrier 65 to the coil 23.

[0066] The evaporation chamber 66 comprises an area in the hollow of the mouthpiece housing 59 in which the liquid is vaporized. The heating element 17, the base of the heating element 20 and the portion 67 of the carrier 65 are located inside the evaporation chamber 66.

The base 20 of the heating element is designed to support the heating element 17 and to facilitate the evaporation of the liquid by the heating element 17. The heating element base is an inner base and is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The base 20 comprises a rigid cylinder of ceramic material. The base 20 is coaxially located within the helix of the coil 23 and is slightly longer than the coil 23 such that the ends of the base 20 protrude beyond the ends of the coil 23. The diameter of the cylindrical base 20 is similar to the inner diameter of the helix. As a result, the coil wire 23 substantially contacts the base 20 and is therefore supported to facilitate the shape of the coil 23. The coil 23 is therefore wound or wrapped around the base 20 of the heater element.

[0068] The surface 28 of the base 20 forms a surface for fluid from the carrier 65, transporting further, facilitating the delivery of fluid to the vicinity of the heating element 17 for evaporation. The surface 28 of the base 20 also forms a surface that exposes the transported liquid to heat from the heating element 17.

[0069] In the electronic cigarette 1, there is a continuous inner chamber 68 formed by the adjacent hollow cavities of the mouthpiece housing 59 and housing 53 of the battery assembly.

During use, the user is dragged through the second end 62 of the housing 59 of the mouthpiece. This causes a pressure drop in the inner chamber 68 of the electronic cigarette 1, especially at the air outlet 4.

The pressure drop in the internal chamber 68 is detected by the pressure sensor 58. In response to the pressure sensor 58 detecting the pressure drop, the controller 49 energizes the power supply 54 from the battery 54 to the heating element 17 through the electrical contacts 55, 60. Thus, the heating element coil 17 heats up. As the coil 17 heats up, the fluid in the evaporation chamber 66 evaporates. More specifically, the liquid on the heating element 17 evaporates, the liquid on the heating element base evaporates and the fluid in the carrier parts 65, which are in the immediate vicinity of the heating element 17, can evaporate.

[0072] The pressure drop in the inner chamber 68 also draws air from outside the electronic cigarette 1 along the path F through the inner chamber from the air inlet 63 to the outlet 4. When air is drawn along the road F, it passes through the evaporation chamber 66, raising the evaporated liquid and through the air flow path 64. The evaporated fluid is then transported along the air flow path 64 and escapes through the air outlet 4 and is inhaled by the user.

[0073] When the air containing the vaporized liquid is transferred to the air outlet 4, some of the vapor may condense, forming fine suspensions of liquid droplets in the air flow. In addition, the air movement through the vaporizer 52, when the user enters through the mouthpiece 2, can lift small liquid droplets from the carrier 65, the heater 17 and / or the base 20 of the heating element. The air coming out of the air outlet may thus contain an aerosol of fine fluid droplets and a vaporized liquid.

[0074] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the outer surface 28 of the base circumference of the heating element 20 is perforated so that several recesses 70 or cavities exist in the surface 28. Considering the presence of several recesses 70, the base 20 is substantially cylindrical.

[0075] Breaks 80 are formed between the heater element base 20 and the coil 23, where the coil 23 overlies the recesses 70 in the surface 28. More specifically, where the coil wire 23 passes over the recess 70 in the surface 28, the gap 80 is formed between the wire and the wire area 28 directly under the wire because the wire essentially retains its helix shape. The gaps 80 are thus arranged radially from the axis A of the coil, between the surface 28 of the base 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 transport of fluid through the length of the base 20 by the capillary effect at breaks 80.

[0076] The recesses 70 in the circumferential surface 28 and / or the gaps 80 create areas in which fluid can accumulate on the surface 28 of the base 20 prior to evaporation and thus form areas in which the fluid can be stored prior to evaporation.

The cavities 70 also increase the surface of the base 20, thereby increasing the additional surface of exposure of the fluid to the coil 23 for evaporation, formed by the base 20. The recesses 70 also reveal more coil 23 for increased evaporation in these areas.

[0077] Numerous alternatives and variants of the embodiments described above are possible. For example, Figs. 7 to 24 show various configurations of the heating element 17 and the base 20 of the heating element. In either case, the gap 80 or gap 80 is formed between the outer surface 28 of the base 20 and the wire of the coil 23. These holes 80 provide advantages that have already been discussed. Figures 7 to 22 illustrate how the gaps 80 can be formed by at least one inward bias 81 in the cross-sectional profile of the base 20, wherein the profile completely represents the internal section profile of the coil 23.

[0078] Figs. 7 to 10 show different examples of the base 20 of the heating element. Figures 7 and 9 show different views of the sole base 20 of the heating element. Fig. 8 and 10 show different views of a heating rod 29 comprising a coil 23 wrapped around the base 20. Here, the base 20 of the heating element has a substantially cylindrical shape and has grooves 82 or elongated grooves 82 in the outer surface 28 of the base 20 extending along its length. Each groove 82 is a recess 70, 81 in the surface of the heating element base 20 extending along the length of the base 20. Four grooves 82 are equally spaced around the circumference of the base 20 of the heating element.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, when the coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heater element, the gaps 80 are formed between the base surface 28 on the grooves 82 and the sections of the coil wire 23 overlapping the grooves 82.

[0080] Each of Figs. 11 to 22 shows an example of an elongate base 20 of a heating element with a coil 23 wrapped around it and a gap 80 or gaps 80 formed between coil 23 and base 20 of a heater element through the cross-sectional shape of base 20. Each of the examples has a different shape of the section, as will be described. Cross sections are cross-sections perpendicular to the elongated direction of the longitudinal base 20.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 11, the base 20 of the heating element is substantially cylindrical with a recess 70 comprising a single groove 82 extending along its length. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the heating element base 20 is a small cut-off wheel 81 on the groove 82. The breaks 80 are formed where the coil 23 overlaps the groove 82.

[0082] In the example shown in Figure 12, the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape that is the major part of the wheel. This corresponds to a globally cylindrical shape with an elongated recess 70, 81 and results in a flat surface running along the length of the base 20 of the heating element. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element, but the stiffness of the coil wire 23 suppresses the coil 23 before mapping the shape of the base 20 of the heater in a flat area. Thus, the gap 80 is formed between the base 20 of the heating element and the coil 23 within a flat area.

[0083] In the example shown in Fig. 13, the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape that is an ellipse. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element, but the stiffness of the coil wire 23 causes the coil 23 to form a more rounded shape than the ellipse, thereby forming gaps 80 between the base 20 of the heater element and the coil 23.

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the base 20 of the heating element is a flat rod with a cross-sectional shape being a rectangle. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element, but the stiffness of the coil wire 23 causes the coil 23 to form a more rounded shape than the rectangle, thus creating gaps 80 between the base 20 of the heater element and the coil 23.

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 15, the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape being a 4-arm cross, where the gaps between the arms are evenly distributed. Coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element, and gaps 80 are formed between adjacent shoulder sections and coil 23.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 16, the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape that is an 8-arm cross, where the gaps between the arms are distributed uniformly. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heater element and the gaps 80 are formed between adjacent shoulder sections and the coil 23. Figures 17 to 21 show examples where the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape that is a regular polygon. Each of them has a different number of sides, Figure 17 is an octagon, Figure 18 is a triangle, Figure 19 is a square, Figure 20 is a hexagon, and Figure 21 is a pentagon. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element and contacts the base 20 of the heating element at the edges of the base 20 corresponding to the tops of the cross-sectional shapes. Thus, polygons with a larger number of sides have more contact with the coil 23 and form a larger number of smaller gaps 80 between the coil and the base 20 of the heater element. This allows the selection of a cross-sectional shape that ensures optimal contact between the base 20 of the heating element and the coil 23 and the optimal formation of breaks 80.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 22, the base 20 of the heating element has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to three overlapping wheels joined together. The coil 23 is wrapped around the base 20 of the heating element and the gaps 80 are formed between adjacent wheel sections and the coil 23.

[0088] 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 micrometres. However, other break sizes 80 are also possible.

[0089] Coil wire 23 has been described above as having a thickness of about 0.12 mm. However, other wire diameters are also possible. For example, the diameter of the coil wire 23 may be in the range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. In addition, the length of the coil 23 can be different from that described above. For example, the length of the coil 23 can be in the range of 20 mm to 40 mm.

[0090] The inner diameter of the coil 23 may be different than described above. For example, the inner diameter of the coil 23 may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0091] The helix travel of the coil 23 may be different than described above. The pitch may be, for example, between 120 micrometers and 600 micrometres.

[0092] Moreover, although the spacing of the gaps between the turns of the coil is described as being about 300, other gap distances are possible. For example, the gap may be from 20 microns to 500 microns.

[0093] The size of the gaps 80 may be different than described above.

[0094] Where grooves 82 are formed in the base 20 of the heating element, a number other than one or four may be used.

[0095] The grooves 82 are described as longitudinal grooves along the surfaces 28 of the cylindrical bases 20. However, the grooves 82 can, alternatively or additionally, comprise a helical-shaped groove in the surface 28 of the cylindrical base 20, extending in a spiral about a base axis. Alternatively or additionally, the grooves 82 may include circumferential rings around the surface 28 of the base 20.

[0096] In embodiments, the base 20 is described as being slightly longer than the coil 23, such that it projects beyond each end of the coil 23. Alternatively, the base 20 may be shorter than the coil 23 and may thus rest fully within the coil.

[0097] The heating element 17 is not limited to the coil 23 and may have a different wire shape, such as a zigzag.

[0098] Heating rods 29 have been described above as comprising an elongated base 20 of a heating element with a coil 23 wrapped around it and a gap 80 or gaps 80 formed between coil 23 and base 20 of a heating element by a cross-sectional shape 20 consisting of a polygon. In this case, the shape of the section of the base 20 of the heating element may, for example, be a polygon having 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, 6 sides or 8 sides.

[0099] The base 20 of the heating element may be cylindro-like but not cylindrical.

[0100] Figures 23 and 24 show examples of additional types of the heater element base 20. Again, in each case, the shape of the base forms a natural gap 80 between the base 20 and the heater 17. The breaks 80 facilitate more efficient transport, fluid storage and evaporation.

[0101] Figure 23 shows the base 20 of the heating element and the heating element 17. The base 20 of the heating element is a substantially flat substrate and the heating element 17 is arranged on the surface of the substrate in a zigzag arrangement to maximize the length of the heating element 17 on a given surface of the substrate. The base 20 of the heating element has slots 83 in the substrate, and gaps 80 are formed between the base 20 of the heating element and the heater 17 when the heater 17 overlaps the slots 83 in the substrate.

[0102] Fig. 24 shows an example similar to that shown in Fig. 23. The base 20 of the heating element is a flat substrate comprising slots 83 in the substrate and a zigzag heating element 17. In this example, the slots 83 in the substrate are arranged in the folds of the zigzag element The heating element 17 and the wire of the heating element 17 are interlaced in and out of the gaps 83 in the substrate at individual bends, so that the heating element 17 lies on both sides of the flat substrate. The gaps 80 are formed between the heating element 17 and the substrate at the locations of the slots 83 in the substrate.

[0103] In embodiments, the base 20 of the heating element may be made of a porous material, such as a porous ceramic, to allow storage of the fluid in the base 20.

[0104] Described herein is an electronic device for producing a pair of electronic cigarette 1 forms. However, other types of electronic steam generating devices are also possible.

[0105] The electronic cigarette 1 is not limited to the sequence of the described components and other sequences may be used, such as a control circuit 11, 56 at the end of the device or a liquid container 7, 51 in the body 3 of the electronic cigarette 1 instead of in mouthpiece 2.

[0106] The vaporizer 6, 52 may be part of the body 3 of the electronic cigarette 1.

[0107] If the base of the heater element 20 is a substrate, the heating element 17 can be wrapped around the substrate. In addition, the heating element 17 can be interlaced in and out of the base 20 of the heating element.

[0108] An air pressure sensor 13, 58 is described herein. In embodiments, an air flow sensor may alternatively or additionally be used to detect that a user is being drawn through the device 1.

[0109] The reference to the evaporation chamber 19, 66 may be replaced by a reference to the evaporation zone.

[0110] The electronic cigarette 1 of Fig. 2 is described as comprising three fold-out parts, a mouthpiece 2, a vaporizer 6 and a battery unit 5. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette 1 may be configured such that the parts 2, 6, 5 are combined into one integrated unit. In other words, the mouthpiece 2, the vaporizer 6 and the battery assembly 5 may not be unfolded. As an additional alternative, the mouthpiece 2 and the vaporizer 6 can form a single integrated unit or vaporizer 6 and the battery unit 5 can form a single integrated unit.

[0111] Electronic cigarette 1 of Fig. 3 is described as including three fold-out parts, a mouthpiece 2 and a body including a battery unit 50. Alternatively, the electronic cigarette 1 may be configured such that the parts 2, 50 are combined into one integrated unit. In other words, the mouthpiece 2 and the body 3 may not be unfolded.

[0112] Although examples have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0113] In order to solve various problems and develop the field, the entire disclosure of the present disclosure shows by way of examples various embodiments in which the invention (s) may be used according to the claims and provide a high quality electronic steam generator. The advantages and features of the disclosure represent only a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are presented only to facilitate understanding and show the characteristics of the reservations. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functionalities, features, structures and / or other objects of the disclosure can not be considered as limiting the disclosure defined by the claims or restrictions of the equivalents of the claims and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made, not going beyond the scope and / or idea of ​​disclosure. The various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of or essentially consist of different combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, methods, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not included in the claims, but which may be claimed in future. Each feature of any embodiment may be used independently or in combination with any other feature.

She prepared and verified

Anna Stenzel Patent attorney