Electronic vapor section and electronic vapor device and their manufacturing method

Abstract

An electronic vaporizer (70) includes a housing (22), a supply reservoir (314), an inner tube (362), and a heater (319) capable of vaporizing a pre-mixed vapor. The electronic vaporizer (70) includes an internally threaded connector (74) at an end of the electronic vaporizer (70) defining an air inlet positioned adjacent to the thread (74a) of the connector (74). A power supply section (72) includes a housing and a power source (12), and an externally threaded connector (76) defining an exhaust port. An assembled electronic vaporizer device (60) connects two electronic vaporizer sections via the externally threaded connector (76) and the internally threaded connector (74), such that the air inlet and exhaust port are in fluid communication with each other. A method of manufacturing an electronic vaporizer device (60) includes adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet defined by the internally threaded connector (74) to adjust the suction resistance (RTD) value of the device (60).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Electronic vapor section and electronic vapor device and method of manufacturing thereof", with an international application date of November 11, 2016, international application number PCT / EP2016 / 077504, and national application number 201680061838.9. Technical Field

[0002] This invention generally relates to an electronic vaporizer that can be used to deliver a pre-prepared vapor from a supply reservoir to a heater. The heater can cause the pre-prepared vapor to evaporate to form vapor. Background Technology

[0003] Electronic vaporizers (“e-vaporizers”) can be used as portable vaporizers by adult e-cigarette users. An e-vaporizer may include several components, including a supply reservoir for holding pre-prepared vapor, a heater for vaporizing the pre-prepared vapor, a power source for powering the heater, and sensors and control circuitry for determining whether the adult e-cigarette user is operating the e-vaporizer so that the power source can power the heater.

[0004] An electronic vaporizer may comprise two distinct sections: a first section, which may be a cartridge and may include a supply reservoir and a heater; and a second section, which may include a power source (which may be a battery) as well as sensors and control circuitry. The first section may be a single-use section, or alternatively, the first section may be a non-single-use section. The second section may be non-single-use (therefore the power source may be rechargeable), or alternatively, the second section may be a single-use section. Depending on the need, an electronic vaporizer may comprise only one section (where all components of the device may be contained within said one section), or the components of the electronic vaporizer may be contained within more than two sections (especially where connectors and / or couplings are included in the connection section of the device).

[0005] Electronic vaping devices may include exhaust ports that allow air to be drawn into (and through) the device, and to be drawn in along with the vapor formed from the pre-mixed vapor after evaporation. These exhaust ports, essentially vents, may be located at the end of the section of the device containing the power source. These exhaust ports can become clogged due to dust and other environmental conditions. Once clogged, electronic vaping devices may experience problems associated with increased draw resistance (RTD). This increased RTD can lead to decreased satisfaction among adult e-cigarette users. Increased RTD can also necessitate premature power source replacement, even if the power source and associated electronics are still usable and have not yet reached the end of their lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic vaporizer.

[0007] In one embodiment, the electronic vaporizer includes a longitudinally extending outer housing and a supply reservoir configured within the outer housing to receive a pre-prepared vapor. The electronic vaporizer further includes: an inner tube extending longitudinally within the outer housing, the inner tube defining a passage; and a heater exposed to a portion of the passage, the heater being configured to heat the pre-prepared vapor to form vapor. The electronic vaporizer also includes an internally threaded connector with a first thread at an end of the electronic vaporizer, the internally threaded connector defining at least a portion of at least one air inlet positioned adjacent to the first thread through a sidewall of the internally threaded connector.

[0008] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is located near the distal end of the internally threaded connector and the housing, and the first thread is located on the internally threaded connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the connector.

[0009] In one embodiment, the distal end of the internally threaded connector is located near the farthest end of the electronic vaporizer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with a passage defined by an inner tube.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first thread of the internal thread connector is configured to mate with an external thread connector at the end of the power supply section of the electronic vaporizer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heater is configured to receive current from a power supply section to heat the steam premix to form steam.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one air inlet at the end of the power section of the electronic vaporizer when the e-vapor canister is connected to the power section of the e-vaporizer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a passage defined by an inner tube when the e-vapor canister is connected to the power supply section of the e-vapor device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing also defines a portion of the at least one air inlet.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention relates to a power supply section.

[0017] In one embodiment, the power supply section includes a longitudinally extending housing, a power source within the housing, and an externally threaded connector with a first thread at an end of the power supply section. The externally threaded connector defines at least one vent hole through a sidewall of the externally threaded connector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first thread is positioned near the distal end of the external thread connector, and the at least one vent is positioned on the external thread connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the external thread connector.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distal end of the external threaded connector is located near the farthest end of the power supply section.

[0020] In one embodiment, a first thread on the external threaded connector is configured to mate with an internal threaded connector on the end of the cylinder of the electronic vaporizer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the power supply section further includes a cylindrical member near one end of the power supply section, the cylindrical member being electrically connected to a power source, wherein the cylindrical member defines a central channel extending entirely through the longitudinal length of the cylindrical member, and the at least one vent is in fluid communication with the central channel defined by the cylindrical member.

[0022] In one embodiment, the power supply section further includes: a blow sensor in fluid communication with a central channel defined by a cylindrical member, the blow sensor being configured to detect a voltage drop within the power supply section; and control circuitry configured to supply current to the heater of the cylinder when the power supply section is connected to the cylinder and the blow sensor detects a voltage drop within the power supply section.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one vent is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one air inlet at the end of the cylinder when the power section is connected to the cylinder.

[0024] In one embodiment, when the power supply section is connected to the cylinder, it is in fluid communication with at least one air inlet on the end of the cylinder via the at least one vent hole, the at least one vent hole being configured to be in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0025] In one embodiment, apart from at least one vent defined by the external threaded connector, there are no additional vents in the power section that are in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere when the power section is connected to the cylinder.

[0026] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an electronic vaporizer.

[0027] The electronic vaporizer may include a power supply section connected to the electronic vaporizer cartridge. The electronic vaporizer cartridge may be any of the embodiments described herein according to the first aspect of the invention. The power supply section may be any of the power supply sections described herein according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electronic vaporizer includes a first section comprising a longitudinally extending first housing and a supply reservoir configured within the first housing to receive a vapor pre-preparation. The first section further includes: an inner tube extending longitudinally within the first housing, the inner tube defining a passage; and a heater exposed to a portion of the passage, the heater being configured to heat the vapor pre-preparation to form vapor. The first section also includes an internally threaded connector with a first thread at an end of the first section, the internally threaded connector defining at least a portion of at least one air inlet located adjacent to the first thread through a sidewall of the internally threaded connector. The electronic vaporizer further includes a second section comprising a second housing and a power source within the second housing. The second section further includes an externally threaded connector with a second thread at an end of the second section, which is mating with the internally threaded connector of the first section. The externally threaded connector defines at least one vent through a sidewall of the externally threaded connector, wherein, when the first section is connected to the second section via the externally threaded connector and the internally threaded connector, the at least one air inlet and the at least one vent are in fluid communication with each other and with the surrounding atmosphere and the passage.

[0029] In one embodiment, apart from at least one air inlet defined by the internal threaded connector, there are no additional air inlets in the first and second sections that communicate with the surrounding atmosphere when the first section is connected to the second section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the total cross-sectional area of ​​at least one exhaust port is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air inlet.

[0031] In one embodiment, when the first section is connected to the second section, the electronic vaporizer has a suction resistance (RTD) value between approximately 70 mm water and approximately 140 mm water.

[0032] In one embodiment, when the first section is connected to the second section, the electronic vaporizer has a suction resistance (RTD) value between approximately 94 mm water and approximately 135 mm water.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is located near the distal end of the internal threaded connector, and a first thread is located on the internal threaded connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the internal threaded connector. A second thread is located near the distal end of the external threaded connector, and the at least one vent is located on the external threaded connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the external threaded connector.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first housing also defines a portion of the at least one air inlet.

[0035] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electronic vaporizer. The electronic vaporizer may be any of the embodiments described herein according to a third aspect of the invention.

[0036] In one embodiment, the method of manufacturing an electronic vaporizer includes coupling a first segment of the electronic vaporizer to a second segment of the electronic vaporizer. The first segment has a first end and a second end, and includes a first housing extending longitudinally. The first segment further includes a supply reservoir configured within the first housing to receive a vapor pre-mixed substance, and an inner tube extending longitudinally within the first housing, the inner tube defining a passage. The first segment also includes: a heater exposed to a portion of the passage, the heater being configured to heat the vapor pre-mixed substance to form vapor; and an internally threaded connector with a first thread at a first end of the first segment. The internally threaded connector defines at least one air inlet positioned adjacent to the first thread through a sidewall of the internally threaded connector. The second segment includes a second housing, a power source within the second housing, and an externally threaded connector with a second thread at an end of the second segment that mates with the internally threaded connector of the first segment. The externally threaded connector defines at least one vent through a sidewall of the externally threaded connector, wherein the at least one air inlet and the at least one vent are in fluid communication with each other and with the surrounding atmosphere and the passage. The method further includes connecting a pressure drop sensing device to a second end of the first section, using the pressure drop sensing device to measure the suction resistance (RTD) value, adjusting the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet in the first section, and repeating the measurement and adjustment steps to obtain the desired RTD value.

[0037] In one embodiment, apart from at least one air inlet defined by an internally threaded connector, there are no additional air inlets in the first and second sections of the electronic vapor device that are in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere.

[0038] In one embodiment, the total cross-sectional area of ​​at least one exhaust port is greater than the total cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air inlet.

[0039] In one embodiment, the electronic vaporizer has a desired RTD value between approximately 70 mm water and approximately 140 mm water.

[0040] In one embodiment, the electronic vaporizer has an RTD value between approximately 94 mm water and approximately 135 mm water.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one air inlet is located near the distal end of the internal threaded connector, and a first thread is located on the internal threaded connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the internal threaded connector. A second thread is located near the distal end of the external threaded connector, and the at least one vent is located on the external threaded connector at a proximal position relative to the distal end of the external threaded connector.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first housing also defines a portion of the at least one air inlet. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The above and other features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the intended scope of the claims. The drawings should not be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0044] Figure 1A The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the first section of an electronic vaporizer according to an example embodiment;

[0045] Figure 1B The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the end section of the electronic vaporizer according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the second section of an electronic vaporizer according to an example embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled electronic vaporizer according to an example embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled electronic vaporizer according to an example embodiment, depicting the air intake flow path.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing an electronic vaporizer according to an example embodiment to control the draw resistance (RTD) value; and

[0050] Figure 6 It is an electronic vaporizer connected to a pressure sensing device, which is capable of measuring the draw resistance (RTD) value of the electronic vaporizer. Detailed Implementation

[0051] This document discloses some detailed example embodiments. However, for the purpose of describing the example embodiments, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. Furthermore, the example embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0052] Therefore, while various modifications and alternatives are possible to the exemplary embodiments, these embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, the exemplary embodiments will encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0053] It should be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as "on another component or layer," "connected to another component or layer," "attached to another component or layer," or "covering another component or layer," it may be directly on, connected to, attached to, or cover another component or layer, or there may be intermediate components or layers. In contrast, when a component is referred to as "directly on another component or layer," "directly connected to another component or layer," or "directly attached to another component or layer," there are no intermediate components or layers. Throughout this specification, similar numerals refer to similar components.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, or segments, these elements, regions, layers, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, region, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, region, layer, or segment.

[0055] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature, as illustrated in the figures, to one or more other elements or features. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented "above" those elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can encompass both "above" and "below." The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “described” are intended to also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising” and “including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, or groups thereof.

[0057] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrated by cross-sectional diagrams of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) as exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the shapes of the diagrams are expected to vary due to, for example, manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Thus, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but should include, for example, shape variations caused by manufacturing processes. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0058] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments pertain. It should be further understood that terms including those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0059] Figure 1A The figure shows an electronic vaporizer 60 according to an example embodiment (see Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the first section 70 of the electronic vaporizer 60. The first section 70 may be a "tube" section of the electronic vaporizer 60.

[0060] The first section 70 may extend longitudinally together with an inner tube (or chimney) 362 coaxially positioned within the outer casing 22 of the first section 70. The first section 70 may include an end insert 20 at its end 70b, wherein the outlet 21 located at the end of the off-axis channel is angled outward relative to the longitudinal direction of the electronic vaporizer 60. In embodiments, there may be only a single, centrally located outlet 21.

[0061] The nose portion 361 of the gasket (or seal) 320 can be inserted into the end portion 365 of the inner tube 362, wherein the outer periphery 367 of the gasket 320 can provide a liquid-proof seal for the inner surface 397 of the housing 22. The gasket 320 may also include a central longitudinal air passage 315 that leads to the interior of the inner tube 362 defining the central air passage 321. A transverse passage 333 at a portion of the gasket 320 may intersect and communicate with the central longitudinal air passage 315 of the gasket 320. This passage 333 ensures communication between the central longitudinal air passage 315 and the gap 335 defined between the gasket 320 and the internally threaded connector 74.

[0062] The nose portion 393 of the gasket 310 can be inserted into the end portion 381 of the inner tube 362. The outer periphery 382 of the gasket 310 provides a generally liquid-impermeable seal to the inner surface 397 of the outer casing 22. The gasket 310 may include a central passage 384 disposed between the central air passage 321 of the inner tube 362 and the port insertion 20.

[0063] The reservoir 314 may be housed within the annular region between the inner tube 362 and the outer casing 22 and between the first gasket 320 and the second gasket 310. Therefore, the reservoir 314 may at least partially surround the central air passage 321. The reservoir 314 may contain a pre-vaporized material. The reservoir 314 may also, if desired, contain a storage medium (not shown) capable of suspending the pre-vaporized material, such as a fibrous structure, a mesh structure, or both. The pre-vaporized material may contain one or more vaporizing agents, water, one or more "flavoring agents" (compounds providing at least one of flavoring and aroma), and nicotine. For example, the pre-vaporized material may contain tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavoring compounds that are released from the pre-vaporized material upon heating. The pre-vaporized material may also be a tobacco flavoring material or a nicotine-containing material. Alternatively, the pre-vaporized material may contain one or more non-tobacco materials. For example, the pre-vaporized material may contain water, solvents, active ingredients, alcohols, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. The steam pre-formulated material may further contain a steam forming agent. Due to the diversity of suitable steam pre-formulated materials, it should be understood that these various steam pre-formulated materials may contain different physical properties, such as different densities, viscosities, surface tensions, and vapor pressures.

[0064] Heater 319 may extend through the central air passage 321 of inner tube 362, or heater 319 may otherwise be exposed to the central air passage 321. Heater 319 may contact filament 328, which may extend between opposing sections of reservoir 314 to deliver vapor pre-mixed material from reservoir 314 to heater 319. Heater 319 may vaporize the vapor pre-mixed material to generate vapor that can be entrained in central air passage 321. Electrical lead 26 may be electrically connected to heater to power heater when electronic vaporizer 60 is actively used by an adult electronic vaporizer. Electrical lead 26 may also be electrically connected to column 77, which is configured to connect first section 70 to second section 72 to form electronic vaporizer 60 (see...). Figure 3 When the assembled electronic vapor device 60 shown is provided with the cylindrical member 78 ( Figure 2 Electrical contact. The cylindrical member 77 may include a central channel 77a extending longitudinally through the central portion of the cylindrical member 77, the central channel 77a being in fluid communication with the air channel 315. Alternatively, the cylindrical member 77 may close at its distal end and effectively have a side vent in fluid communication with the central channel 77a (therefore the central channel 77a does not completely penetrate the longitudinal length of the cylindrical member 77, but actually only intersects the proximal end of the cylindrical member 77). One or more air inlets 440 may be located near the end of the first segment 70.

[0065] The end 70a of the first segment 70 may include an internal thread connector 74, which may engage with the thread 76a of the second segment 72. Figure 2 Pairing. In an embodiment, the first segment 70 may include an internal thread connector 74 having a thread 74a positioned on the inner surface of the internal thread connector 74, which can be paired with an external thread connector 76 of the second segment 72.

[0066] One or more vents 440a may be located near the end 70a of the first segment 70, and the vents 440a may be in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere (around the first segment 70). In an embodiment, one or more vents 440a may pass through the housing 22 and the internal thread connector 74, so that the vents 440a may be located adjacent to the thread 74a (at a more distal position relative to the position of the thread 74a, so that the thread 74a may be "located inside the internal thread connector 74"). Specifically, relative to the thread 74a, which may be located at a more proximal position on the inner surface of the internal thread connector 74, the vents 440a may pass through the distal position of the internal thread connector 74 and the housing 22 of the first segment 70 (this distal end of the internal thread connector 74 may be close to the farthest end of the first segment 70).

[0067] In alternative embodiments (such as) Figure 1B As shown), the vent 440a can pass through the internal thread connector 74 without passing through the housing 22, because relative to Figure 1A In the embodiment shown, the internal thread connector 74 may form a longer portion of the outer surface of the end 70a of the first segment 70.

[0068] The vent 440a may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the vent 440a may have a square cross-section, or the cross-section may be of another shape. When the vent 440a has a circular cross-section, the relative diameter of the vent 440a may be less than [a certain value]. Figure 2 The relative diameter of the exhaust port 440b (discussed below) depicted is because the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70 can be considered a “bottleneck” in the flow path of air entering through the exhaust port 440a and filtering into the exhaust port 440b (in the second section 72), which is described in more detail below. The purpose of having a smaller relative diameter than the exhaust port 440b is to ensure that the flow path of air entering the e-vaping device 60 is constrained by these exhaust ports 440a of the e-vaping device 60 (compared to being constrained by the exhaust ports 440b of the second section 72), so that the exhaust ports 440a of the first section 70 can substantially screen out or filter out any debris that may unintentionally enter the environment and may clog the exhaust ports 440a. When this "bottleneck" effect occurs at the first section 70 instead of the second section 72, and debris does indeed enter and clog the vent 440a, the first section 70 can ultimately be discarded (because the first section 70 can be a single-use section), while the second section 72 can remain actively operational throughout its entire service life (especially if the second section 72 is a non-single-use section). When the cross-sectional shape of the vent 440a is not circular, the relative cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 440a can be smaller than the relative cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 440b.

[0069] Figure 2 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the second segment 72 of an electronic vaporizer 60 according to an exemplary embodiment. The second segment 72 may include a power source 12, which may be a disposable or rechargeable battery. The power source 12 can be used for (… Figure 1AA voltage is applied to the heater 319 in the first section 70 shown. Therefore, the heater 319 can cause the steam pre-mixing to evaporate according to a power cycle of, for example, a time period of 2 to 10 seconds. The second section 72 may include a blow sensor 16 having control circuitry 11 that can be on a printed circuit board. The control circuitry 11 may also include a heater activation lamp 27 that can illuminate when the heater 319 is activated. The housing 22 may be made of metal, and furthermore, the housing 22 may serve as a grounding terminal for the circuitry including the power supply 12, the blow sensor 16, the control circuitry 11, the electrical leads 26, and the heater 319.

[0070] The cylindrical member 78 may be located at the end 72a of the second section 72. The cylindrical member 78 may be electrically connected to the power supply 12, so that the control circuit 11 may be able to send current from the power supply 12 through the cylindrical member 78 to the electrical lead 26 and the heater 319 (as described in more detail below).

[0071] The end 72a of the second section 72 may include a threaded connector, which can be connected to the thread 74a of the first section 70. Figure 1A In an embodiment, the end 72a of the second segment 72 may include an external thread connector 76 having a thread 76a that can mate with the thread 74a of the internal thread connector 74 of the first segment 70.

[0072] One or more vent holes 440b may be located near the end 72a of the second segment 72. In an embodiment, one or more vent holes 440b may pass through the external thread connector 76, wherein the vent hole 440b may be adjacent to the external thread 76a of the external thread connector 76. The vent hole 440b may pass entirely through the sidewall of the external thread connector 76 to form an air path in fluid communication with the side vent 78b of the column member 78 and the central channel 78a. The vent hole 440b may be located at a proximal position on the external thread connector 76, relative to the external thread 76a at the distal end of the external thread connector 76 (where the distal end of the external thread connector 76 may be the furthest end of the second segment 72).

[0073] The vent 440b can have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the vent 440b can have a square cross-section, or the cross-section can be of another shape. As mentioned above, when the vents 440a and 440b are circular, the diameter of the vent 440b can be relatively larger than the diameter of the vent 440a in the first segment 70 (otherwise, when the vents 440a and 440b are not circular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 440b can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vent 440a in the first segment 70). This relative size of the vents 440a and 440b ensures the durability and service life of the second segment 72 (because the relatively smaller vent 440a can filter debris and prevent it from entering the larger vent 440b, as described above).

[0074] Figure 3 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled electronic vaporizer 60 according to an example embodiment. The electronic vaporizer 60 may comprise two main sections (a first section 70 and a second section 72, described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2), wherein the first section 70 may be a disposable (replaceable) section and the second section 72 may be a reusable device. Optionally, both the first section 70 and the second section 72 may also be disposable sections.

[0075] The first segment 70 and the second segment 72 may be enclosed by a housing 22 that extends along the longitudinal length of the electronic vaporizer 60. The housing 22 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. The housing 22 may be cylindrical, may be at least partially formed of metal, and may be part of the circuitry (as described in more detail herein). While the housing 22 is described herein as cylindrical, other forms and shapes are envisioned.

[0076] The first section 70 and the second section 72 can be connected together via an internal thread connector 74 and an external thread connector 76. In doing so, the coupled first section 70 and second section 72 allow fluid communication between the exhaust port 440a of the first section 70 and the exhaust port 440b of the second section 72. This, in turn, creates a flow path for drawing air into the electronic vaporizer 60, as described in detail below.

[0077] In operation, the air drawn from outlet 21 creates a pressure drop within the central channel of the e-vaping device 60 (which may include air channel 315, central air channel 321, and passage 384). This pressure drop, in turn, draws ambient air into the e-vaping device 60 via the exhaust ports 440a and 440b described above. In doing so, the intake air follows an airflow path through one or more exhaust ports 440a in the first section 70 and one or more exhaust ports 440b in the second section. The intake air then flows along the outer surface of the cylindrical member 78 and into the passage 78c (in the second section 72) of the cylindrical member 78. The passage 78c is in fluid communication with the central channel 77a (in the first section 70) of the cylindrical member 77, which is in fluid communication with air channel 315, central air channel 321, passage 384, and outlet 21. Figure 4 The image depicts the complete flow path of the intake airflow 100, showing the intake air entering the exhaust port 440a and finally being discharged through the outlet 21.

[0078] Within the second section 72 of the device, the blow sensor 16 can be used to detect the pressure drop caused by the suction of air within the e-vaping device 60. For this purpose, the central channel 78a (completely penetrating the cylindrical member 78) can be in fluid communication with the intake airflow 100, which enters the e-vaping device 60 via exhaust ports 440a, 440b and the side exhaust port 78b. That is, due to the intake airflow 100, a vacuum pressure 101 can be formed within the second section 72, which can exist from the blow sensor 16 through the central channel 78a of the cylindrical member 78 and the side exhaust port 78b. In this regard, when the second section 72 is connected to the first section 70, the blow sensor 16 can therefore be in fluid communication with the air inlet path existing between the exhaust port 440a of the first section 70 and the outlet 21 of the mouthpiece insert 20. Alternatively, the passage 78c may be disposed on the surface of the column 77 of the first section 70 rather than on the surface of the column 78 of the second section 72.

[0079] It should be noted that, apart from at least one vent 440b defined by the external threaded connector 76 and the cylindrical member 78, and apart from the central channel 78a in the cylindrical member 78 (which is closed when the second section 72 is connected to the first section 70), there are no additional vents (in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere) at the other end 72b of the second section 72, nor are there any vents (in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere) located at different positions on the second section 72.

[0080] Once the jet sensor 16 senses a decrease in pressure drop (i.e., vacuum force), the control circuit of the sensor 16 can close the circuit that includes the housing 22 (acting as a ground terminal), the battery 12 (acting as a power source), the cylindrical member 78, the electrical leads 26, and the heater 319, thus supplying electrical energy to the heater 319. The energized heater 319 can vaporize the pre-mixed vapor drawn from the reservoir 314 into the central air passage 321 through the filament 328. The vapor formed by the energized heater 319 can be entrained in the air flowing through the central air passage 321, so that the air and the entrained vapor then pass through the outlet 21.

[0081] The arrangement and size design of the exhaust ports 440a and 440b can help maintain the required suction resistance (RTD) parameters for the e-vaping device. The RTD value can be used to quantify the resistance associated with the air drawn through the e-vaping device 60. In one embodiment, by appropriately arranging and designing the size of the exhaust ports 440a and 440b, the overall RTD of the e-vaping device 60 can range from approximately 40 mm of water to approximately 150 mm of water. In another embodiment, the overall RTD of the e-vaping device 60 can range from approximately 70 mm of water to approximately 140 mm of water. In yet another embodiment, the overall RTD of the e-vaping device 60 can range from approximately 94 mm of water to approximately 135 mm of water.

[0082] In an embodiment, the size of the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70 can be set smaller than that of the exhaust port 440b in the second section 72, thereby creating a "bottleneck" effect on the air intake into the e-vaping device 60 due to the defined size design of the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70. This "bottleneck" effect allows the size design of the exhaust port 440a to be an effective control parameter for finely adjusting the overall RTD value of the e-vaping device 60. The "bottleneck" effect provided by the size design of the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70 also allows the exhaust port 440a to filter or sieve out debris that may otherwise enter and clog the exhaust port 440b in the second section 72. For this purpose, in an embodiment, the first section 70 may include two exhaust ports 440a with diameters (in the case that the exhaust ports 440a and 440b are circular) ranging from approximately 0.59 mm to approximately 0.61 mm, or other port diameters may be used. Alternatively, if the vent 440a is not circular, or if the vent 440a comprises only a single hole or more than two holes (that is, the number of vents 440a is the number other than two holes), the vent 440a can have a total cross-sectional surface area between about 0.5468 square millimeters and about 0.5845 square millimeters. In an embodiment, the plurality of vents 440a in the first segment 70 can be two vents 440a, wherein each vent 440a can have a cross-sectional area between about 0.2734 square millimeters and about 0.2922 square millimeters. However, the number of vents 440a can also be one or more, and therefore the sizes of these vents 440a can also be different.

[0083] In an embodiment, the diameter of the vent 440b on the second segment 72 may be approximately 1.0 mm (in the case that the vent 440b is circular), or each vent 440b may have a cross-sectional surface area of ​​approximately 0.7854 square millimeters. This ensures that the vent 440b in the second segment 72 can be larger than the vent 440a in the first segment 70. In an embodiment, the plurality of vents 440b in the second segment 72 may be four vents 440b (where each vent 440b may have a cross-sectional area of ​​approximately 0.7854 square millimeters). However, the number of vents 440b may also be one, two, three, or more than four. In an embodiment, the total cross-sectional surface area of ​​the vents 440b in the second segment 72 may be between three and four times the total cross-sectional surface area of ​​the vents 440a in the first segment 70.

[0084] In an embodiment, for a first section 70 having a total length of approximately 37 mm, the total straight-line distance of the air intake flow path (from the exhaust port 440a in the first section to the outlet 21 in the inlet insert 20) can be approximately 45 mm to approximately 50 mm.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing an electronic vaporizer 60 according to an example embodiment to precisely control the suction resistance (RTD) value. Figure 5 As shown, in step S600, the first segment 70 and the second segment 72 can be connected together (via the internal thread connector 74 and the external thread connector 76) to form the assembled electronic vapor device 60.

[0086] In step S602, the voltage drop sensing device 300 (see...) can be... Figure 6 The end 70b of the first section 70 of the electronic vaporizer 60 is connected (where the end 70b may include the mouthpiece insert 20). The pressure drop sensing device 300 is well known in the art and can be any pressure drop sensing device 300 (with an associated pressure drop sensor 302), such as a pressure drop tester or other similar stand-alone instrument, capable of effectively measuring the pressure drop on the electronic vaporizer, such as the assembled electronic vaporizer 60. Figure 3 and 6 The pressure drop is shown in the diagram. Specifically, as is well known in the art, the pressure drop sensing device 300 can measure the pressure drop by connecting to and forming an airtight seal with the end 70b of the e-vapor device 60. The pressure drop sensing device 300 can then create a known (quantified) vacuum pressure within itself, which can be further aspirated by the e-vapor device 60. An equilibrium can then be achieved within the pressure drop sensing device 300 due to the pressure drop on the e-vapor device 60, wherein the known (quantified) vacuum force within the pressure drop sensing device 300 can be reduced by airflow over the e-vapor device 60. The resulting equilibrium vacuum within the pressure drop sensing device 300 can be measured by the sensor 302, wherein the resulting equilibrium vacuum in the pressure drop sensing device 300 is equal to the measured RTD value.

[0087] In step S604, the pressure drop sensing device 300 can be used to measure the RTD value of the electronic vaporizer 60, wherein this value constitutes the pressure drop associated with the intake air drawn from the exhaust port 440a of the first section 70 through the exhaust port 440b of the second section and through the assembled electronic vaporizer 60, wherein the intake air is discharged via the outlet 21 at the end 70b of the first section 70 (in conjunction with...). Figure 4 Description, indicating the flow path of the inlet airflow 100.

[0088] In step S606, the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70 can be adjusted to obtain the desired RTD value of the electronic vapor device 60.

[0089] In this embodiment, the desired RTD value range for the electronic vaporizer 60 can be between approximately 94 mm water and approximately 135 mm water. This desired range provides a “balanced” airflow through the electronic vaporizer 60. Specifically, a “loose” airflow (caused by an overly large exhaust port 440a) may result in an excessively low RTD value, leading to a relatively large volume of air lacking sufficient entrainment of vapor. Conversely, a “tight” airflow (caused by an excessively small exhaust port 440a) may result in an excessively high RTD value, leading to a relatively small volume of air that does not provide sufficient airflow. By making the exhaust port 440a of the first section 70 a "bottleneck" for air intake (where the exhaust port 440b of the second section 72 is intentionally too large), and by ensuring that there are no other air intake (i.e., "air inlet") holes in the first section 70 or the second section 72 (except for the exhaust port 440a which communicates with the exhaust port 440b), the size design of the exhaust port 440a in the first section 70 can precisely and accurately specify the RTD value of the overall electronic vaporizer 60.

[0090] The exemplary embodiments have been described thus; it will be apparent that many variations may be made thereto. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the intended scope of the exemplary embodiments, and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power section comprising: an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction; a power source within the outer housing; and a first threaded externally threaded connector on an end of the power section, the externally threaded connector defining at least one exhaust aperture through a sidewall of the externally threaded connector; and a post proximate the end of the power section, the post electrically connected to the power source, wherein the post defines a central passage and at least one side exhaust port in direct fluid communication with the central passage, the at least one exhaust aperture being in direct fluid communication with and at least partially aligned with the at least one side exhaust port.

2. The power section of claim 1, wherein the first thread is positioned proximate a distal end of the externally threaded connector, the at least one exhaust aperture being positioned on the externally threaded connector at a proximal location relative to the distal end of the externally threaded connector.

3. The power section of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the externally threaded connector is proximate a distal-most end of the power section.

4. The power section of claim 1, 2, or 3, further comprising: a puff sensor in fluid communication with the central passage defined by the post, the puff sensor configured to detect a pressure drop within the power section; and a control circuit configured to cause the power source to deliver current to a heater of a cartomizer when the power section is connected to the cartomizer and the puff sensor detects the pressure drop within the power section.

5. The power section of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the at least one exhaust aperture is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one air inlet located on an end of a cartomizer when the power section is connected to the cartomizer.

6. The power section of claim 5, wherein the at least one exhaust aperture is configured to be in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere through the at least one air inlet located on an end of the cartomizer when the power section is connected to the cartomizer.

7. The power section of claim 5, wherein the at least one exhaust aperture is the only aperture in the power section that is in fluid communication with ambient atmosphere when the power section is connected to the cartomizer.

8. An electronic vaping device comprising the power section of any of the preceding claims connected to an electronic cartomizer.

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