Vaporizer cartridge and inhaler with such a vaporizer cartridge

Abstract

The present invention relates to an evaporator cartridge as a component of an inhaler, comprising at least one storage tank for accommodating and storing a liquid and at least one hollow body with a continuous air flow channel, wherein the storage tank has at least one inlet to the air flow channel, and an evaporator unit is arranged in the region of each inlet, extending across the entire inlet, the evaporator unit having a wick mechanism facing the storage tank and a heating mechanism facing the air flow channel, wherein the evaporator unit is designed to be liquid-permeable so that liquid can at least initially be transported by capillary action from the storage tank through the evaporator unit in the direction of the air flow channel, and wherein the storage tank is structurally divided internally into a main volume and at least one auxiliary volume, wherein the main volume and the auxiliary volume are liquid-coupled to one another and only the auxiliary volume is in direct contact with the evaporator unit, so that liquid from the main volume can only and necessarily come into contact with the wick mechanism via the auxiliary volume. The present invention also relates to an inhaler having such an evaporator cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an evaporator cartridge as a component of an inhaler, comprising at least one storage tank for receiving and storing a liquid and at least one hollow body with a continuous air flow channel, wherein the storage tank has at least one inlet to the air flow channel and an evaporator unit is arranged in the region of each inlet, extending across the entire inlet, the evaporator unit having a wick mechanism facing the storage tank and a heating mechanism facing the air flow channel, wherein the evaporator unit is designed to be permeable to liquid so that the liquid can be transported from the storage tank through the evaporator unit in the direction of the air flow channel, at least initially, by capillary action.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an inhaler which is designed and arranged for inhaling a vapor enriched with an active substance, comprising a cartridge holder which includes at least one electronic control unit and an energy source, and a vaporizer cartridge. Background Art

[0003] These vaporizer cartridges and inhalers are used, in particular, in conjunction with electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, in the luxury goods industry and in the medical field to allow the inhalation of fluid luxury goods and / or fluid medicinal products in vapor form and / or as an aerosol. During consumption, the person typically inhales at the mouthpiece of the inhaler, thereby generating suction pressure in the air flow channel, which generates an air flow through the air flow channel. However, the air flow can also be generated mechanically, for example by a pump. In the air flow channel, evaporated liquid provided by the vaporizer unit is added to the air flow to administer an aerosol or an aerosol-vapor mixture to the consumer. The liquid is stored at or in the vaporizer cartridge. Different mixtures of various components with the same or different vapor densities are used as the liquid. Typical mixtures used in e-cigarettes include, for example, glycerol and propylene glycol, optionally enriched with nicotine and / or almost any flavoring. For use in the medical field or therapeutic field, for example for inhaled asthma preparations, the mixture can also contain medicinal ingredients and active substances.

[0004] The individual components of the evaporator cartridge, i.e., the storage tank, the hollow body, and the evaporator unit, can be combined into a common component, wherein this component can then be a disposable item designed for a limited number of inhalations by the consumer and, together with the cartridge holder, a reusable, multiple-use item containing at least one electronic control unit and an energy source, forms an inhaler. However, the evaporator cartridge can also be initially formed by joining together a plurality of components, wherein the individual components, i.e., in particular the hollow body and the evaporator unit, are arranged in the cartridge holder as multiple-use items, and the storage tank forms a disposable item as a separate component. Finally, the inhaler can be used variably by replacing the disposable item, which usually contains the liquid.

[0005] Disposable articles and reusable articles are connected to each other in a detachable manner accordingly. As a reusable article, the cartridge holder usually includes at least one electronic control unit and an energy source. The energy source can be, for example, an electrochemical disposable battery or a rechargeable electrochemical storage battery, such as a lithium-ion storage battery, which supplies energy to the heating mechanism through the electrical contacts of the evaporator unit. An electronic and / or electrical control unit is used to control the evaporator unit in the evaporator cartridge. But the cartridge holder can also include an integral part of the evaporator cartridge. The disposable article can be configured as a plug connector and can be plugged into the reusable article or can be configured as an insert and can be inserted into the reusable article. It is also possible to replace plug-in connection and use a screw connection, a snap-on connection or other quick connection. Along with the connection of the disposable article and the reusable article, a mechanical and electrical coupling has been set up to form a ready-to-use inhaler.

[0006] The component that primarily and ultimately determines the intended use (e.g., as an electronic cigarette or as a medical inhaler) is the storage tank, which is part of the vaporizer cartridge. This component typically comprises a storage tank containing a liquid or liquid mixture (hereinafter also referred to as a fluid) selected, desired, and / or required by the user, as well as a hollow body and an evaporator unit that form a flow channel. The fluid is stored in the storage tank of the evaporator cartridge. The fluid is conveyed from the storage tank through the wick mechanism and the heating mechanism by means of the liquid-permeable evaporator unit, at least initially by capillary action. A voltage generated by an energy source and applied to the heating mechanism causes an electric current to flow within the heating mechanism, which is preferably a planar and flat MEMS component (micro-electromechanical system component) composed essentially of silicon or comprising silicon or p-doped or n-doped silicon. Due to the thermal resistance of the heating mechanism, preferably an ohmic resistance, this current causes the heating mechanism to heat up and ultimately evaporates the fluid in the evaporator unit. The vapor and / or aerosol generated in this manner escapes from the vaporizer unit toward the air flow channel and mixes with the air flow as a vapor additive. The fluid thus follows a predetermined path with a predetermined flow direction, flowing as a fluid through the wick mechanism to the heating mechanism, flowing through the heating mechanism, and then flowing from the heating mechanism into the air flow channel in a vaporous state. In the air flow channel, the evaporated fluid is entrained in the air flow. When the air flow channel is subjected to pressure / negative pressure, for example, by a consumer drawing air through the air flow channel or by a pump conveying air through the air flow channel, vapor / mist and / or aerosol is formed.

[0007] In order to prevent the fluid from the storage tank from flowing directly into the air flow channel, the evaporator unit covers the inlet from the storage tank to the air flow channel completely. Covering completely means in this context that liquid is forcibly guided through the evaporator unit, thereby fluid can not directly enter the air flow channel from the storage tank, but must " bypass " wick mechanism and heating mechanism. The wick mechanism is used for temporary storage of fluid on the one hand, so that particularly when the storage tank is almost empty, it also fully provides fluid for sucking a few mouthfuls in the inhaler place on a small scale. The wick mechanism is then particularly used for transporting fluid from the storage tank towards the direction of the heating mechanism and is used as a non-return protection simultaneously, so that fluid and / or gas or steam are forbade to flow back towards the direction of the storage tank and prevent the enrichment of each component of fluid at higher temperatures.

[0008] A disadvantage of known evaporator cartridges is that the volume of temporarily stored liquid is limited by the extremely limited volume of the wick mechanism. This means that the liquid can only be evaporated by the heating mechanism when there is liquid in the wick mechanism. When the liquid temporarily stored in the wick mechanism is completely evaporated, the heating mechanism abutting the wick mechanism becomes hot and no longer wetted by the liquid, resulting in a so-called "dry blow." This "dry blow" can increase the level of pollutants in the air flow through the air flow channel and significantly reduce the functionality and service life of the heating mechanism. Furthermore, this "dry blow" can cause undesirable flavor changes due to "burned" liquid.

[0009] Accordingly, the wick mechanism needs to be continuously supplied with liquid from the storage tank or permanently moistened. However, in known evaporator cartridges, the process of supplying the wick mechanism with liquid from the storage tank is highly dependent on the spatial orientation of the evaporator cartridge, and in particular, the storage tank. The wick mechanism is spatially designed and oriented relative to the storage tank such that it only comes into direct contact with liquid when the storage tank is completely filled. Conversely, this means that, for example, when the wick mechanism is above the liquid level in the storage tank, it is not in contact with liquid in all spatial positions of the evaporator cartridge, and in particular, the storage tank, when the storage tank is at least partially empty. This at least temporarily interrupts the continuous supply of liquid to the wick mechanism, and in particular, the heating mechanism can only be supplied with liquid from the wick mechanism to a very limited extent due to its small temporary storage volume, resulting in the disadvantageous effect of the aforementioned "dry blow." In short, the supply of liquid from the storage tank to the wick mechanism is position-dependent and therefore discontinuous. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose an evaporator cartridge that can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively and that ensures a continuous and reliable supply of liquid to the wick means, to be more precise, independent of the spatial orientation of the evaporator cartridge, in order to prevent so-called "dry blow" events. The object is also to create a corresponding inhaler.

[0011] This object is achieved by an evaporator cartridge of the type described at the outset, wherein the storage tank is structurally divided internally into a main volume and at least one auxiliary volume, wherein the main and auxiliary volumes are fluidically coupled to each other, and only the auxiliary volume is in direct contact with the evaporator unit, so that liquid from the main volume can only and necessarily come into contact with the wick means via the auxiliary volume. The main volume is a spatially confined storage space. The auxiliary volume is a spatially confined storage space, except for the fluid coupling, and is preferably smaller than the main volume. Fluid coupling, according to the invention, means that liquid can be exchanged between the main and auxiliary volumes. Direct contact, according to the invention, means that the wick means, as a component of the evaporator unit, is somewhat shielded from the main volume by the auxiliary volume, so that liquid from the main volume can only reach the wick means via the auxiliary volume. Correspondingly, the main volume is only in indirect contact with the wick means. Finally, the wick means is located in the auxiliary volume, so that it is uniformly and continuously supplied with liquid, regardless of the location / position / orientation (spatial orientation) of the storage tank and, in particular, the main volume. Even in a spatial orientation of the evaporator cartridge in which the wick means is above the liquid level of the main volume, the wick means is supplied with liquid from the auxiliary volume, thereby preventing the heating means from drying out. By having only the auxiliary volume in direct contact with the wick means, the wick means is supplied independently of the spatial orientation of the main volume of the storage tank, thereby effectively preventing "dry-blow" events. Furthermore, the auxiliary volume expands the only very limited storage volume of the wick means, thereby ensuring a better and longer supply of liquid to the wick means for additional suction cycles, even when the main volume is empty.

[0012] The storage tank is preferably divided internally into a main volume and at least one auxiliary volume by a partition or the like, wherein the auxiliary volume is in liquid communication with the main volume in order to accommodate liquid from the main volume. According to the present invention, the partition is an arbitrary structural component that is suitable for dividing the internal volume of the storage tank into two separate chambers. The chambers are interconnected by at least one opening, so that liquid can flow from the main volume into the auxiliary volume facing the wick mechanism and can be temporarily stored in the auxiliary volume in order to continuously supply liquid to the wick mechanism. This also ensures that liquid is reliably supplied to the heating mechanism and is independent of the main volume and its spatial orientation. When filling the evaporator cartridge and in common operations of the evaporator cartridge, particularly as a component of an inhaler, such as by flipping, swinging or rotating, liquid enters the auxiliary volume from the main volume via the or each opening, and the wick mechanism is supplied from the auxiliary volume.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the evaporator cartridge is characterized in that the auxiliary volume forms a buffer and establishes a liquid connection between the main volume and the wick structure of the evaporator unit. The buffer stores a liquid reserve in close proximity to the wick structure, thereby ensuring that the wick structure can be supplied with liquid or moistened independently of the filling level of the main volume. The auxiliary volume forms a through-chamber for the liquid, so that the wick structure is in liquid communication with the liquid from the main volume via the auxiliary volume.

[0014] The intermediate reservoir is expediently shielded from the core structure relative to the main volume, except for at least one inlet for establishing a fluid connection between the auxiliary volume and the main volume. Shielding, according to the invention, means that the liquid from the main volume has no direct access to the core structure but must instead be forced to pass through the auxiliary volume.

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the evaporator cartridge is characterized in that it comprises a tank casing for forming a main volume of the storage tank; an adapter forming a receiving space for forming an auxiliary volume of the storage tank as a temporary reservoir within the main volume; and a channel element as a hollow body forming the air flow channel or parts of the air flow channel. The tank casing, adapter, and channel element can be manufactured and formed integrally, for example, using an injection molding process or a similar process. This one-piece design allows for particularly simple and cost-effective production. However, the components can also be constructed separately, whereby they are then connected to each other, for example, by means of a press fit.

[0016] The evaporator cartridge advantageously includes a support element having, on the one hand, a through-channel for forming the air flow channel or parts of the air flow channel, and, on the other hand, a recess for accommodating the evaporator unit. The support element and the evaporator unit form a structural unit that is arranged within the receiving space of the adapter so as to be sealed from the surrounding environment. This preferably prefabricated structural unit can be easily installed as an insert. The structural unit, together with the adapter, can be inserted into the tank cover, in particular before the storage tank is filled with liquid. The storage tank is thus at least partially closed even before filling, so that the storage tank is protected from dirt.

[0017] The auxiliary volume forming the temporary reservoir is preferably bounded by the inner surface of the adapter's receiving space, facing away from the main volume of the storage tank, and the outer surface of the structural unit formed by the evaporator unit and the support element. The inner surface of the adapter's receiving space is designed and arranged to be at least partially spaced apart from the outer surface of the structural unit to form the auxiliary volume. This creates an intermediate space in which the liquid can be stored. The adapter can, for example, have a can-shaped design, with the structural unit located within the adapter, so that the wick is permanently and directly in contact with the liquid in the temporary reservoir.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the support element and the channel element form a flue with an air flow channel that extends through the entire evaporator cartridge, wherein the support element and the channel element are sealed to each other. The sealed connection can be established, for example, by an integrated construction. However, the support element and the channel element are preferably separate components that are nested or plugged into each other. The channel-shaped section of the support element is inserted into the channel element, wherein a sealing element is arranged between the channel-shaped section of the support element and the channel element. The channel-shaped section of the support element can also optionally be plugged into the channel element or otherwise sealed to it.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that at least one riser is constructed and arranged from the auxiliary volume, extending into the main volume for liquid communication. Liquid communication between the main volume and the auxiliary volume can be established by means of the riser. The riser can be the only liquid communication. However, in addition to other openings, boreholes, gaps, etc., the riser can also optimize the liquid communication, so that the intermediate reservoir is reliably supplied with liquid from the main volume.

[0020] The free end of the ascending line, which has at least one flow channel, is expediently designed to receive liquid from the main volume at a distance from the tank casing of the storage tank, which delimits the main volume. The distance between the free end of the ascending line and the tank casing or other boundaries of the storage tank creates a gap or access opening for filling the ascending line. It is also possible to provide multiple ascending lines, which open into the temporary reservoir in different areas. Each ascending line can also have more than one flow channel in order to maintain a constant high flow rate of liquid from the main volume into the auxiliary volume.

[0021] It is particularly preferred to arrange a valve element in the flow channel of the ascending line, which valve element, on the one hand, enables the inflow of liquid from the main volume into the auxiliary volume and, on the other hand, at least hinders or completely prevents the outflow of liquid from the auxiliary volume into the main volume. For example, a ball valve can be arranged in the flow channel, which holds a ball in a closed position, for example solely by gravity or by means of a spring element, in order to prevent a backflow of liquid from the auxiliary volume into the main volume. The ball is pushed out of the closed position by gravity and / or by liquid flowing out of the main volume, so that liquid can flow from the main volume into the auxiliary volume or into the intermediate reservoir.

[0022] Each ascending line is advantageously oriented substantially parallel to the air flow channel. This orientation ensures a particularly effective conveying of the liquid into the temporary reservoir.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment of the evaporator cartridge is characterized in that the tubular tank covering has a nozzle-side end and a bottom-side end, wherein both end sides are sealed by a cover element, wherein at least one cover element is detachably fastened to the tank covering for filling the storage tank. This ensures, on the one hand, pre-assembly of the evaporator cartridge and, on the other hand, simple filling of the storage tank with liquid. The sealed connection between the cover element and the tank covering can be achieved by a one-piece design / manufacture or by a sealing element such as a simple O-ring or the like.

[0024] The cover element arranged on the bottom side is particularly preferably detachably connected to the tank casing. This design makes it particularly easy to fill the storage tank with liquid from the bottom side. A separate cover can be used as the cover element. In other embodiments, the cover element can also be formed by a flange-like section of the support element and / or the adapter. Finally, the nozzle-side cover element, or both the bottom-side and nozzle-side cover elements, can also be detachably fastened to the tank casing.

[0025] The nozzle-side cover element is advantageously formed integrally with the cartridge casing, the nozzle-side cover element being formed as the nozzle. This eliminates gaps, connecting seams, adhesive connections, or the like, which results in improved usability, particularly when the nozzle is placed in the mouth of the user using the evaporator cartridge for inhalation. However, a multi-part design is also possible, in which the components are, for example, adhesively bonded or laser-connected.

[0026] The adapter particularly preferably has micro-bores and / or micro-openings and / or is formed together with the tank jacket and / or the channel element and / or the cover element, through which the liquid can be conveyed from the main volume into the auxiliary volume. This ensures an optimized conveying of the liquid into the auxiliary volume. The micro-openings / micro-gaps, etc., can be produced without additional effort during the manufacture / production of the individual components. On the contrary, they can even be manufactured more cost-effectively, since the components can be manufactured with greater tolerances and thus more cost-effectively. These gaps then create gap dimensions through which the liquid can flow / permeate into the auxiliary volume.

[0027] The auxiliary volume is advantageously at least partially filled with a liquid-storing material, preferably granular particles. This optimizes the storage volume immediately adjacent to the core structure. Finally, the auxiliary volume, partially or completely filled with nonwoven material and / or foam material and / or fiber material and / or granular particles and / or a material or material mixture for storing other liquids, forms a kind of expansion / enlargement of the core structure, thereby achieving greater independence in supplying the core structure from the main volume, more precisely without limiting or hindering the fillability of the tank volume.

[0028] The object is also achieved by an inhaler of the type mentioned at the outset, in that an evaporator cartridge is constructed and arranged as follows: the evaporator cartridge as a component of the inhaler comprises at least one storage tank for accommodating and storing a liquid and at least one hollow body with a continuous air flow channel, wherein the storage tank has at least one inlet facing the air flow channel, and in the region of each inlet an evaporator unit is arranged, which extends over the entire first inlet, the evaporator unit having a wick means facing the storage tank and a heating means facing the air flow channel, wherein the evaporator unit is designed to be liquid-permeable, so that the liquid can at least initially be drawn out of the storage tank by capillary action. The material box is conveyed in the direction of the air flow channel through the evaporator unit, wherein the storage material box is internally divided into a main volume and at least one auxiliary volume in terms of structural design, wherein the main volume and the auxiliary volume are liquid-coupled to each other and only the auxiliary volume is in direct contact with the evaporator unit, so that the liquid from the main volume can only and forcibly come into contact with the wick mechanism through the auxiliary volume; the storage material box is internally divided into the main volume and at least one auxiliary volume by a partition or the like, wherein the auxiliary volume is in liquid communication with the main volume in order to accommodate the liquid from the main volume; the auxiliary volume forms a temporary reservoir and establishes a temporary storage between the main volume and the evaporator unit. and a tube connecting the discharging opening of the second container and the collecting box, wherein the tube has a check valve in it and is connected with the collecting box by the user's finger to form the collecting box; the tube having a check valve in it and a check valve in it, and the like. The air duct is connected to the collecting box by a hole in the collecting box so that the collecting box can flow freely. The air duct is connected to the collecting box by a hole in the collecting box. and a tube connecting the discharging opening of the second end of the vehicle and the storage tank to form a through-hole, wherein the first end of the vehicle is connected to the outlet of the vehicle and the outlet to form a through-hole, wherein the first end of the vehicle is connected to the outlet of the vehicle and the outlet to form a through-hole.At least one ascending pipe is constructed and arranged from the auxiliary volume, which extends into the main volume to form a liquid connection; the free end of the ascending pipe having at least one flow channel is constructed to be spaced apart from the tank sleeve of the storage tank that defines the boundary of the main volume in order to accommodate the liquid from the main volume; a valve element is arranged in the flow channel of the ascending pipe, which, on the one hand, enables the inflow of liquid from the main volume into the auxiliary volume and, on the other hand, at least makes it difficult for the liquid to flow out of the auxiliary volume into the main volume; each ascending pipe is oriented substantially parallel to the air flow channel; the tubular tank sleeve has an end side on the suction nozzle side and an end side on the bottom side side, wherein both end sides are sealed by cover elements, wherein at least one cover element is detachably fixed to the tank casing for filling the storage tank; the cover element arranged on the bottom side is detachably connected to the tank casing; the cover element on the suction nozzle side is integrally formed with the tank casing, wherein the cover element on the suction nozzle side is formed as a suction nozzle; the adapter has micro-bores and / or micro-openings and / or is formed together with the tank casing and / or the cover element, through which liquid can be conveyed from the main volume into the auxiliary volume; the auxiliary volume is at least partially filled with a material for storing liquid; the auxiliary volume is at least partially filled with granular particles.;

[0029] The advantages achieved thereby have already been described in conjunction with the evaporator cartridge, so that reference is made to this previous discussion to avoid repetition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further suitable and / or advantageous features and further developments for the evaporator cartridge and the inhaler are described in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the evaporator cartridge and the inhaler are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the inhaler according to the invention with a cartridge holder and an evaporator cartridge is schematically shown in partial section;

[0032] Figure 2 A first embodiment of the evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown in cross section;

[0033] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 Another embodiment of an adapter for an evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 7 Another embodiment of an adapter for an evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown; and

[0038] Figure 8 A further embodiment of an adapter for an evaporator cartridge according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The vaporizer cartridge shown in the figures is used as a component of an inhaler for inhaling an aerosol consisting of vapor and / or liquid enriched with active substances, such as nicotine, and is accordingly described in conjunction with an electronic cigarette. The vaporizer cartridge and the inhaler can be used in the same manner for inhaling vapor enriched with medicinal active substances, which consist of pharmaceutical and / or nutritional products.

[0040] The vaporizer cartridge 10 shown forms an integral part of an inhaler 11. For this purpose, the vaporizer cartridge 10 is designed and arranged for mechanical and electrical connection to a cartridge holder 14 comprising at least one electronic control unit 12 and an energy source 13, wherein electrical contacts 15 of the vaporizer cartridge 10 lead to the cartridge holder 14 for electrical contact with the energy source 13 (see in particular Figure 1 The inhaler 11 can be activated by the inhaling person, for example by drawing in the mouthpiece 16, when used as an electronic cigarette, or can be activated by a pump, for example, when used as a medical device, when the person can no longer draw in air or cannot draw in air sufficiently.

[0041] exist Figures 2 to 5 The evaporator cartridge 10 shown in the figure as a component of the inhaler 11 comprises at least one storage tank 17 for accommodating and storing a liquid 18 and at least one hollow body 19 with a continuous air flow channel 20, wherein the storage tank 17 has at least one first inlet 21 leading to the air flow channel 20 and an evaporator unit 22 is arranged in the region of each first inlet 21 and extends across the entire first inlet 21, the evaporator unit having a wick means (Dochtorgan) 23 facing the storage tank 17 and a heating means 24 facing the air flow channel 20, wherein the evaporator unit 22 is designed to be permeable to liquid, so that the liquid 18 can be transported from the storage tank 17 through the evaporator unit 22 in the direction of the air flow channel 20 at least initially by capillary action.

[0042] It is also possible to provide a hollow body 19 with at least one air flow channel 20, two or more air flow channels 20, which forms an intake channel / smoke duct. The shape of the hollow body 19 can also be almost arbitrary, just like the direction of the air flow channels 20. It is very important that the inlet side E of each air flow channel 20 is S Open to the surroundings, so that air can be sucked in, for example, and the outlet side A S is open so that a negative pressure can be generated, for example, in particular by suction by a person consuming. Open in this context means that the inlet side E S and outlet side A S In the region of the first inlet 21 between the storage tank 17 and the air flow channel 20, the evaporator unit 22 forms a liquid-blocking structure that prevents the liquid 18 from flowing directly from the storage tank 17 into the air flow channel 20 as liquid 18. Regardless of the shape and design of the storage tank 17 (two or more storage tanks 17 may also be provided) and the hollow body 19, as well as the arrangement / positioning of the storage tank 17 relative to the hollow body 19, the evaporator unit 22 ensures that the liquid 18 is compulsorily guided from the storage tank 17 toward the air flow channel 20 and, at the latest, discharged into the air flow channel 20 as gas or vapor upon exiting the evaporator unit 22.

[0043] According to the invention, such an evaporator cartridge 10 is characterized in that the storage tank 17 is internally divided into a main volume 25 and at least one auxiliary volume 26 in terms of structural design, wherein the main volume 25 and the auxiliary volume 26 are fluidically coupled to one another and only the auxiliary volume 26 is in direct contact with the evaporator unit 22, so that the liquid 18 from the main volume 25 can only and necessarily come into contact with the wick arrangement 23 through the auxiliary volume 26.

[0044] During operation of the evaporator cartridge 10, liquid 18 in the storage tank 17 forms vapor and / or aerosol into the air flow channel 20 while passing through the evaporator unit 22, which includes a wick member 23 and a heating member 24. The porous structure of the wick member 23, which has microchannels and / or microopenings (the wick member 23 can be configured, for example, as a fiber wick composed of a plurality of interwoven / twisted threads / fibers, such as cotton or glass fiber, as a monolithic wick block made of a ceramic material, or as a wick member composed of granular particles), forms a storage medium for the liquid 18 and, on the other hand, represents a flow resistance. The flow direction of the liquid 18 is from the storage tank 17 through the evaporator unit 22 in the direction of the air flow channel 20.

[0045] The evaporator cartridge 10 according to the present invention can be a disposable article and can be a structural unit comprising the components, namely, the storage container 17 and the evaporator unit 22. However, the evaporator cartridge 10 can also be constructed from multiple parts, wherein the components of the evaporator cartridge 10 are distributed between the disposable article and the reusable article. Thus, for example, the storage container 17 is a disposable article that only forms the structural unit of the evaporator cartridge 10 when combined with the cartridge holder 14. The cartridge holder can be a reusable article and can also include components of the evaporator cartridge 10, such as the hollow body 19 and the evaporator unit 22, in addition to the electronic control unit 12 and the energy source 13. Accordingly, the evaporator cartridge 10 is defined by its components, namely, the storage container 17, the hollow body 19 with the air flow channel 20, and the evaporator unit 22, and not by the structural / structural distribution of the components to the reusable article or the disposable article.

[0046] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments considered individually or in combination. It is expressly noted that the features outlined in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawings, or described in common embodiments, can also functionally independently extend the evaporator cartridge 10 described above.

[0047] If you press Figures 2 to 5 As shown in all preferred embodiments of the evaporator cartridge 10, the storage tank 17 is internally divided by a partition 27 or the like into a main volume 25 and at least one auxiliary volume 26, wherein the auxiliary volume 26 is in fluid communication with the main volume 25 to accommodate the liquid 18 from the main volume 25. A pot-shaped element is preferably used as the partition 27, which is connected to the hollow body 19 and completely surrounds the evaporator unit 22 at least radially. However, differently designed elements or components can also be used as the partition 27, which prevent the liquid 18 from the main volume 25 from being directly supplied to the evaporator unit 22, and more specifically, to the wick arrangement 23, and which, in turn, form a receiving space for the liquid 18. The auxiliary volume 26 forms a temporary reservoir for the liquid 18 and establishes a fluid connection between the main volume 25 and the wick arrangement 23 of the evaporator unit 22. The intermediate reservoir shields the core structure 23 from the main volume 25 except for at least one second inlet 28 for establishing a fluid connection between the auxiliary volume 26 and the main volume 25 (see for example Figure 2 In various embodiments, a single second inlet 28 may be configured. However, it is preferred that a plurality of second inlets 28 be provided. For this purpose, further examples will be described in detail below.

[0048] The evaporator cartridge 10 optionally and preferably comprises a tank casing 29 for forming the main volume 25 of the storage tank 17; an adapter 31 forming a receiving space 30 for forming the auxiliary volume 26 of the storage tank 17 within the main volume 25 as a buffer; and a channel element 32 as a hollow body 19, forming the air flow channel 20 or parts of the air flow channel. The tank casing 29 particularly preferably forms a cylindrical, tubular body, wherein the outer and inner shapes of the body can also be designed differently from its cross-sectional shape. The body formed by the tank casing 29 has two end sides, namely a bottom-side end side B and a nozzle-side end side M, which are sealed tightly by a cover element 33 or the like, so that the liquid 18 is safely stored in the storage tank 17. The adapter 31 can be designed as a separate component as a partition 27 for forming the buffer in terms of structural design. In this case, the adapter 31 is plugged onto or into the channel element 32 (see, for example, Figure 2 、 4 and 5). However, the adapter 31 can also be constructed integrally with the channel element 32 (see, for example Figure 3 The adapter 31 extends the channel element 32 in the direction of the bottom-side end wall B, which allows a higher filling level to be achieved inside the storage box 17, especially when filling the storage box 17 from the bottom-side end wall B. The channel element 32 itself, which can extend through the entire storage box 17, in a preferred embodiment only extends through a portion of the storage box 17 from the nozzle-side end M. The channel element 32, whose course and cross-section can be changed, is, for example, a simple tube.

[0049] The evaporator cartridge 10 preferably also includes a support element 34, which, on the one hand, has a through-channel 35 for forming the air flow channel 20 or portions thereof, and, on the other hand, has a recess 36 for accommodating the evaporator unit 22. The support element 34 and the evaporator unit 22 form a structural unit that is arranged within the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, sealed from the surrounding environment. This element, also referred to as the internal evaporator unit, is, on the one hand, at least partially, but in any case together with the entire evaporator unit 22, arranged within the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, and, on the other hand, is connected to the channel element 32. The support element 34 and the channel element 32 form a flue 37 extending through the entire evaporator cartridge 10 and carrying the air flow channel 20. The support element 34 and the channel element 32 are sealingly connected to one another. This sealing connection can be established, for example, by a one-piece construction. However, the support element 34 and the channel element 32 can alternatively be separate components that are nested or plugged into one another. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 is inserted into the channel element 32, wherein a sealing element 39, for example in the form of a simple O-ring, is arranged between the channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 and the channel element 32. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 can optionally also be plugged onto the channel element 32 or otherwise connected to it.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary volume 26 forming the buffer is delimited by the inner surface I of the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, which faces away from the main volume 25 of the storage tank 17, and the outer surface A of the structural unit formed by the evaporator unit 22 and the support element 34, wherein the inner surface I of the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31 for forming the auxiliary volume 26 is designed and arranged to be at least partially spaced apart from the outer surface A of the structural unit. The liquid 18 from the main volume 25 enters the auxiliary volume 26 through the or each second inlet 28 and is temporarily stored therein. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the second inlet 28 is formed in the wall of the adapter 31. In addition, the liquid 18 can also enter the auxiliary volume 26 by means of a fit / press fit, for example in the contact area between the free edge area 40 of the adapter 31 and the support element 34 and / or in the plug-in area 41 between the adapter 31 and the channel element 32 (see for example Figure 2 In other embodiments (see for example Figure 5 ), at least one inlet 42 can be formed in a free edge region 40 that can be arranged at a distance from the end-side cover element 33. For example, alternatively or cumulatively, micro-openings 43 or the like can also be formed in the peripheral wall of the adapter 31, which support the conveying of the liquid 18 into the auxiliary volume 26.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the evaporator cartridge 10, at least one ascending line 44 is also designed and arranged, alternatively or cumulatively, from the auxiliary volume 26, which extends into the main volume 25 for liquid communication (see, for example, Figure 3 ). The free end 45 of the riser 44, which has at least one flow channel 46, is configured to be spaced apart from the tank jacket 29 or the cover element 33 of the storage tank 17, which delimits the main volume 25, in order to accommodate the liquid 18 from the main volume 25. Two or more flow channels 46 may also be configured in the riser 44. Two or more riser lines 44 may also be arranged, which establish a liquid connection between the main volume 25 and the auxiliary volume 26. Optionally, a valve element 47 or the like may be arranged in the flow channel 46 of the riser 44, which valve element, on the one hand, enables the inflow of liquid 18 from the main volume 25 into the auxiliary volume 26 and, on the other hand, at least hinders the outflow of liquid 18 from the auxiliary volume 26 into the main volume 25. The direction and / or orientation of the riser 44 or the flow channels 46 configured therein may vary. Each riser 44 or flow channel 46 is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the air flow channel 20.

[0052] In press Figure 2 In the embodiment of the invention, the cartridge casing 29 and the nozzle-side cover element 33 are constructed in one piece. The adapter 31, the channel element 32 and the support element 34 are separate components. The adapter 31 is plugged and fixed to the free end of the channel element 32 pointing in the direction of the bottom-side end side B, forming a mounting fit / press fit. The support element 34 with the evaporator unit 22 is partially positioned in the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, that is, with the section with the evaporator unit 22, so that the wick arrangement 23 is located in the area of ​​the second inlet 28. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 is connected to the channel element 32 in a sealing manner, for example by means of a simple O-ring, and is fixed thereto. The support element 34 also includes a flange-shaped clip 48, so that the support element 34 forms a removable cover element 33 on the bottom-side end side B. The flange-shaped clip 48 of the support element 34 is connected to the cartridge casing 29 in a sealing manner, for example by means of a simple O-ring. Electrical contacts 15 for connection to the energy source 13 are associated with the heating device 24 .

[0053] according to Figure 3The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an evaporator cartridge 10 in which the tank casing 29, adapter 31, channel element 32, and ascending line 44 are integrally formed and manufactured, for example, in an injection molding process. The support element 34 with the evaporator unit 22 is completely situated within the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, which is open toward the bottom-side end wall B. The core arrangement 23 is thus positioned in the region of the second inlet 28. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 is sealingly connected to the channel element 32, for example, by means of a simple O-ring, and is fixed thereto. The support element 34 is also sealed against the surroundings relative to the inner surface I of the receiving space 30, for example, by means of a simple O-ring, and thus, to a certain extent, forms a cover element 33 at the bottom-side end B. At the nozzle-side end M, the storage tank 17 is closed by a removable cover element 33, wherein the cover element 33 is sealed against both the tank casing 29 and the channel element 32, for example, by means of a simple O-ring.

[0054] In press Figure 4 In the evaporator cartridge 10, the tank sleeve 29 and the cover element 33 on the suction nozzle side are constructed in one piece. The adapter 31, the channel element 32 and the support element 34 are separate components. The adapter 31 is plugged and fixed to the free end of the channel element 32 pointing in the direction of the end side B on the bottom side, forming an installation fit / press fit. The support element 34 with the evaporator unit 22 is partially positioned in the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, that is, with the section with the evaporator unit 22, so that the core mechanism 23 is located in the second inlet 28. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 is sealingly connected to the channel element 32, for example by means of a simple O-ring, and is fixed thereto. The storage tank 17 is closed on the end side B on the bottom side by a removably fixed cover element 33, wherein the cover element 33 is sealed relative to the support element 34 on the one hand, for example by means of a simple O-ring, and is sealed relative to the tank sleeve 29 on the other hand, for example by means of a simple O-ring. In the press Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cover element 33 on the suction nozzle side is not only constructed integrally with the magazine cover 29, but the cover element 33 on the suction nozzle side is also formed as a suction nozzle 16 for suction by a person.

[0055] In press Figure 5In the evaporator cartridge 10, the tank cover 29 and the nozzle-side cover element 33 are also integrally formed, with the channel element 32 also being integrally formed with the tank cover 29 and the cover element 33. The adapter 31 and the support element 34 are separate components. The adapter 31 rests on a projection 50 on the outside of the channel element 32, with the projection 50 determining the position of the adapter 31. The support element 34 with the evaporator unit 22 is partially positioned in the receiving space 30 of the adapter 31, that is, with the section containing the evaporator unit 22. The wick member 23 is radially arranged around the support element 34, so that at least one section of the wick member 23 is positioned at the deepest point of the auxiliary volume 26 in each position of the evaporator cartridge 10. One heating member 24 can be provided. Optionally, two heating members 24 can also be provided. The heating members 24 can also be designed and arranged in a circumferential manner. An overflow is provided as the second inlet 28. One or more micro-openings 43 are also provided in the peripheral surface of the adapter 31. The channel-shaped section 38 of the support element 34 is sealingly connected to the channel element 32, for example, by means of a simple O-ring, and is fixed thereto. The storage tank 17 is closed on the bottom-side end face B by a removably fixed cover element 33, wherein the cover element 33 is formed by a flange-shaped clip 48 of the support element 34. The flange-shaped clip 48 of the support element 34 is sealingly connected to the tank casing 29, for example, by means of a simple O-ring. The free edge region 40 of the adapter 31 is designed to be spaced apart from the cover element 33. On the other hand, at least one gap 58 is formed between the radially oriented outer surface of the adapter 31 and the cover element 33 to create an inlet for the liquid 18 into the auxiliary volume 26.

[0056] The auxiliary volume 26 can be filled at least partially with a material for storing liquid, for example, granular particles. The entire auxiliary volume 26 is preferably filled, for example, with a nonwoven material, a foamed material, a fiber material, or granular particles of the expansion core 23. Instead of the commonly described O-ring as a sealing element, other common sealing structures can also be used. The illustrated embodiment without the riser line 44 can, of course, be supplemented by these.

[0057] exist Figures 6 to 8 , a further embodiment of the adapter 31 is shown, which can be integrated into all of the above-described evaporator cartridges 10. Figure 6 The adapter 31 is constructed integrally with the rising pipe 44. The side S of the adapter 31 on the suction nozzle side M The end face itself forms a stop 52 for the installation position on the channel element 32. The side S on the bottom side BA material reduction structure 53 is formed on the upper portion, which forms an inlet / overflow for the liquid 18 from the riser line 44 into the receiving space 30. Figure 7 The adapter 31 is constructed similarly. However, an inlet 42 is formed at the free edge region 40 of the adapter 31. A valve element 47 is arranged in the ascending line 44 in the transition region to the receiving space. Figure 8 The adapter 31 has a flange-shaped section 54, which forms the bottom-side cover element 33, which can be connected to the magazine sleeve 29 in a removable manner and sealingly, for example, by means of a simple O-ring. A closable filling opening 55 and a closable exhaust opening 56 are formed in the flange-shaped section 54. In addition, the adapter 31 has a side S on the suction nozzle side. M In addition to the through-opening 51 for accommodating the channel element 32, the through-opening 57 for accommodating the ascending line 44 is also provided. Figure 8 The advantage of the adapter 31 is that the entire evaporator cartridge 10 can be preassembled and has an almost completely closed storage tank 17 when the liquid 18 is filled through the filling opening 55 , thus significantly reducing the risk of contamination of the liquid 18 in the storage tank 17 .

[0058] With the help of Figure 5 The installation of an evaporator cartridge 10 is described by way of example, in which the liquid 18 is filled into the storage tank 17 from the bottom end side B. The tank casing 29 is initially manufactured and provided integrally with the channel element 32. The adapter 31 is then introduced into the bottom-side, open end of the storage tank 17 and positioned and then fixed by means of a stop 52 that strikes a boss 50. The positioning ensures that a gap is formed in the free edge region 40 of the adapter 31. The liquid 18 is then filled into the storage tank, more precisely up to the upper edge of the free edge region 40. The adapter 31 can significantly increase the filling height of the liquid 18, since the adapter 31 extends the channel element 32 to a certain extent in the direction of the bottom end side B. The support element 34 is then mounted as a unit with the evaporator unit 22, wherein the flange-shaped collar 48 of the support element 34 serves as a cover element 33 and closes the storage tank 17. If the evaporator cartridge 10 has a press Figure 8 If the adapter 31 is installed, the entire evaporator cartridge 10 is installed before the liquid 18 is introduced.

[0059] With the help of Figure 3The installation of an evaporator cartridge 10 is described as an example, in which liquid 18 is filled from the nozzle-side end M. The components comprising the tank casing 29, the adapter 31, the channel element 32, and the riser line 44 are initially manufactured and provided in one piece. The unit formed by the support element 34 and the evaporator unit 22 is then installed in the adapter 31. The storage tank 17 is then filled with liquid 18 through the nozzle-side end M. After filling, the nozzle-side end M is sealed by means of a cover element 33.

[0060] The operating principle of the inhaler 11 according to the invention, comprising the vaporizer cartridge 10 according to the invention, is explained exemplarily by means of an electronic cigarette as the inhaler 11, in particular with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 To illustrate. A consumer, for example, inhales at the mouthpiece 16 of an inhaler 11, which is formed by a cartridge holder 14 and a vaporizer cartridge 10. A liquid 18, which contains, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and, if necessary, other active ingredients and / or flavorings, is located in a storage tank 17 of the vaporizer cartridge 10. The suction creates a negative pressure in the air flow channel 20, which activates the control unit 12, for example, via a sensor (not shown). The control unit 12 controls a heating mechanism 24, which is supplied with energy by an energy source 13. Liquid 18 from the storage tank 17 is transported, at least initially, by capillary action through microchannels from the storage tank 17, i.e., from the main volume 25, via the auxiliary volume 26, from the wick mechanism 23 toward the heating mechanism 24. At or in the heated heating element 24, the liquid 18 is converted into gas or vapor, wherein the heating element 24 transports the liquid 18 or the gas formed thereby or the vapor formed thereby, due to its structure being permeable to liquid and gas or vapor, toward the air flow channel 20 and outputs it to the air flow channel. The gas coming out of the heating element 24 mixes with the air flow in the air flow channel 20 (at this time, the actual recondensation process / vapor formation process occurs) and is inhaled and inhaled by the person who is consuming.

[0061] Since the auxiliary volume 26 still temporarily contains residual liquid 18 even in the draining or emptied main volume 25, specifically in the immediate vicinity of and in contact with the wick means 23, it is ensured that the wick means 23 continues to be continuously supplied with liquid 18 at least for some inhalation cycles or evaporation processes.

Claims

1. An evaporator cartridge (10) as a component of an inhaler (11), comprising at least one storage tank (17) for receiving and storing a liquid (18) and at least one hollow body (19) with a continuous air flow channel (20), wherein: The storage tank (17) has at least one first inlet (21) facing the air flow channel (20), and an evaporator unit (22) extending over the entire first inlet (21) is arranged in the region of each first inlet (21), the evaporator unit having a wick mechanism (23) facing the storage tank (17) and a heating mechanism (24) facing the air flow channel (20), wherein the evaporator unit (22) is constructed to be liquid-permeable so that the liquid (18) can at least initially be discharged from the storage tank (17) by capillary action. ) is transported in the direction of the air flow channel (20) through the evaporator unit (22), characterized in that the storage tank (17) is structurally divided internally into a main volume (25) and at least one auxiliary volume (26), wherein the main volume (25) and the auxiliary volume (26) are liquid-coupled to each other and only the auxiliary volume (26) is in direct contact with the evaporator unit (22), so that the liquid (18) from the main volume (25) can only and forcibly come into contact with the core mechanism (23) through the auxiliary volume (26).

2. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The storage tank (17) is internally divided by a partition (27) or the like into the main volume (25) and at least one auxiliary volume (26), wherein the auxiliary volume (26) is in liquid communication with the main volume (25) in order to receive liquid (18) from the main volume (25).

3. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The auxiliary volume (26) forms a buffer and establishes a liquid connection between the main volume (25) and the wick structure (23) of the evaporator unit (22).

4. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The intermediate reservoir shields the core means (23) from the main volume (25) except for at least one second inlet (28) for establishing a fluid connection between the auxiliary volume (26) and the main volume (25).

5. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The evaporator cartridge comprises: a tank sleeve (29) for forming a main volume (25) of the storage tank (17); an adapter (31) forming a receiving space (30) for forming an auxiliary volume (26) of the storage tank (17) as a temporary reservoir within the main volume (25); and a channel element (32) as a hollow body (19) forming the air flow channel (20) or parts of the air flow channel.

6. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The evaporator cartridge comprises a supporting element (34) which, on the one hand, has a through-channel (35) for forming the air flow channel (20) or parts of the air flow channel and, on the other hand, has a recess (36) for accommodating the evaporator unit (22), wherein the supporting element (34) and the evaporator unit (22) form a structural unit which is arranged in a sealed manner relative to the surrounding environment in the accommodating space (30) of the adapter (31).

7. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The auxiliary volume (26) forming the temporary reservoir is bounded by the inner surface (I) of the main volume (25) of the receiving space (30) of the adapter (31) facing away from the storage tank (17) and the outer surface (A) of the structural unit formed by the evaporator unit (22) and the supporting element (34), wherein the inner surface (I) of the receiving space (30) of the adapter (31) is constructed and arranged to be at least partially separated from the outer surface (A) of the structural unit in order to form the auxiliary volume (26).

8. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The support element (34) and the channel element (32) form a flue (37) with the air flow channel (20) that passes through the entire evaporator cartridge (10), wherein the support element (34) and the channel element (32) are connected to each other in a sealing manner.

9. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one ascending line (44) is formed and arranged from the auxiliary volume (26) and extends into the main volume (25) for fluid communication.

10. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that A free end (45) of an ascending line (44) having at least one flow channel (46) is configured to be spaced apart from a tank jacket (29) of the storage tank (17) that delimits the main volume (25) for receiving liquid (18) from the main volume (25).

11. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that A valve element (47) is arranged in the flow channel (46) of the ascending line (44), which valve element, on the one hand, enables the inflow of liquid (18) from the main volume (25) into the auxiliary volume (26) and, on the other hand, at least hinders the outflow of liquid (18) from the auxiliary volume (26) into the main volume (25).

12. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that Each riser conduit (44) is oriented substantially parallel to the air flow passage (20).

13. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The tubular magazine sleeve (29) has an end side (M) on the suction nozzle side and an end side (B) on the bottom side, wherein the two end sides (B, M) are sealed by a cover element (33), wherein at least one cover element (33) is detachably fixed to the magazine sleeve (29) for filling the storage magazine (17).

14. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that A cover element (33) arranged on the bottom side is detachably connected to the tank casing (29).

15. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that A cover element (33) on the suction nozzle side is constructed in one piece with the magazine casing (29), wherein the cover element (33) on the suction nozzle side is formed as a suction nozzle (16).

16. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The adapter (31) has micro-bores and / or micro-openings (43) and / or is formed together with the tank jacket (29) and / or the cover element (33), through which the liquid (18) can be conveyed from the main volume (25) into the auxiliary volume (26).

17. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The auxiliary volume (26) is at least partially filled with material for storing the liquid (18).

18. The evaporator cartridge (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that The auxiliary volume (26) is at least partially filled with granular particles.

19. An inhaler (11) constructed and arranged for inhaling a vapor enriched with an active substance, said inhaler comprising: a cartridge holder (14) comprising at least one electronic control unit (12) and an energy source (13); And an evaporator cartridge (10), characterized in that the evaporator cartridge (10) is designed and arranged according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images