Three-piece electronic vaporizer with flat heater

Abstract

An electronic vaporizer (5) includes a power supply section (105), a heater assembly section (200), and a cylinder (10). The power supply section (105) contains a power source. The cylinder (10) includes a reservoir (50) configured to store a vapor pre-mixed substance, and a core (85) in communication with the vapor pre-mixed substance. The heater assembly section (200) is connected to the power supply section (105) and the cylinder (10). The heater assembly section (200) includes at least one plate heater (115) in physical contact with a portion of the core (85). The at least one plate heater (115) can be selectively electrically connected to the power source.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Three-piece electronic vaporizer with planar heater", with an international filing date of March 13, 2018, international application number PCT / EP2018 / 056250, and national application number 201880012744.1. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an electronic vaporizer or e-vaporizer device configured to deliver a vapor pre-prepared substance to a vaporizer. Background Technology

[0003] The electronic vaporizer includes a heater element that vaporizes a vapor pre-mixing to produce vapor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] At least one example embodiment relates to the cylinder of an electronic vaporizer.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, an electronic vaporizer includes a power supply section, a cylinder, and a heater assembly section. The power supply section includes a power source. The cylinder includes a reservoir configured to store a vapor pre-preparation and a core in communication with the vapor pre-preparation stream. The heater assembly section is connected to the power supply section and the cylinder. The heater assembly section includes at least one plate heater in physical contact with a portion of the core. The at least one plate heater is selectively electrically connected to the power source.

[0006] In at least one example embodiment, the heater assembly section includes a first plate heater and a second plate heater. The first plate heater is arranged at an angle of about 25 degrees to about 65 degrees with respect to the second plate heater.

[0007] In at least one example embodiment, the first plate heater and the second plate heater are connected in series.

[0008] In at least one example embodiment, the first plate heater and the second plate heater are electrically connected in parallel.

[0009] In at least one example embodiment, at least one plate heater has a length from about 2.0 mm to about 64.0 mm, a width from about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, and a thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0010] In at least one example embodiment, at least one plate heater is formed of a platinum alloy. The platinum alloy contains up to about 10% by weight of rhodium. In at least one example embodiment, the platinum alloy contains up to about 30% by weight of iridium.

[0011] In at least one example embodiment, the heater assembly section further includes a heater support configured to support at least one plate heater.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the heater support has a wedge shape. The wedge shape is formed by a first surface and a second surface. The first surface supports a first plate heater, and the second surface supports a second plate heater.

[0013] In at least one example embodiment, the heater support includes a base support that defines an air passage therethrough.

[0014] In at least one example embodiment, the base support includes a sidewall. The heater support is annular and arranged around at least a portion of the sidewall.

[0015] In at least one example embodiment, the plate heater support includes a support ring. At least one plate heater extends from at least one side of the support ring.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one plate heater includes two electrical leads extending therefrom. The electrical leads extend from the same side of the at least one plate heater. The electrical leads are attached to a support ring, such that the at least one plate heater is cantilevered.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one plate heater includes four electrical leads extending therefrom. The four electrical leads include two electrical leads extending from opposite sides of the at least one plate heater. The two electrical leads are attached to opposite sides of a support ring.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one plate heater includes two electrical leads extending therefrom. The electrical leads extend from opposite sides of the at least one plate heater. The electrical leads are attached to opposite sides of a support ring.

[0019] In at least one example embodiment, when assembling the electronic vaporizer, a portion of the core extends into the heater assembly section.

[0020] In at least one example embodiment, the core is formed of paper.

[0021] In at least one example embodiment, at least one heater comprises three electrical leads.

[0022] In at least one example embodiment, at least one heater does not include electrical leads, and at least one plate heater is electrically connected to a power source via a conductive material.

[0023] At least one example embodiment relates to a method for cleaning a plate heater of an electronic vaporizer.

[0024] In at least one example embodiment, a method for cleaning a plate heater of an electronic vaporizer includes removing at least one plate heater from contact with at least one core of the electronic device and heating the at least one plate heater to a temperature of about 350 degrees Celsius.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, at least a plate heater is heated for about 10 seconds to about 60 seconds.

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, at least one plate heater is heated for about 30 seconds.

[0027] At least one example embodiment relates to a battery component section of an electronic vaporizer.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the battery assembly section of the electronic vaporizer includes a first plate heater and a second plate heater arranged at an angle of about 25 degrees to about 65 degrees relative to the second plate heater.

[0029] In at least one example embodiment, two plate heaters are electrically connected in series.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, two plate heaters are electrically connected in parallel.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, each of the at least two plate heaters has a length from about 2.0 mm to about 64.0 mm, a width from about 1.0 mm to about 5.0 mm, and a thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, at least two plate heaters are formed of platinum alloy.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the platinum alloy contains up to about 10% by weight of rhodium.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, the platinum alloy contains up to about 30% by weight of iridium.

[0035] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater assembly section further includes a heater support configured to support at least one plate heater. The heater support includes a base support defining a channel therethrough. The base support includes a sidewall and a generally conical portion extending from the sidewall. The heater support is annular and arranged around a portion of the generally conical portion and at least a portion of the sidewall. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein will be more readily understood by examining the specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Various dimensions of the figures may have been exaggerated for clarity.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a side view of a three-piece electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the second end of a cylinder including an end cap according to at least one example embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the end cap and tube according to at least one example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 4 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 2 The exploded cross-section of the cylinder along line IV-IV.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the first end of the cylinder according to at least one example embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a heater assembly section coupled to a power supply section according to at least one example embodiment, the housing of which is transparent.

[0043] Figure 7 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 6 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the heater assembly section.

[0044] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a four-piece electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9A and 9B This is an exploded view of the cylinder of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0046] Figure 10A , 10B 10C and 10D are descriptions of the heating components of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11A and 11B This is a description of the heating component of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12This is a description of a heating assembly based on at least one example embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13A and 13B This is a description of a heating assembly based on at least one example embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a description of a heating assembly based on at least one example embodiment. 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 implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

[0052] Therefore, while various modifications and alternatives are possible to the exemplary embodiments, they are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments to the specific forms disclosed; on the contrary, the exemplary embodiments will encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall 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 an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," "attached to," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, attached to, or cover the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers. Throughout this specification, similar designations refer to similar elements.

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

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

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

[0057] The exemplary embodiments described herein are illustrated by cross-sectional descriptions of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) as exemplary examples. Therefore, the shapes described 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 areas described herein, but should include, for example, shape variations caused by manufacturing processes.

[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] At least one example embodiment relates to the cylinder of an electronic vaporizer.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the electronic vaporizer 5 includes a cylinder 10, a heater assembly section 200, and a power supply section 105. The cylinder 10, the heater assembly section 200, and the power supply section 105 each include a housing 15a, 15b, and 15c, respectively.

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, at least one air inlet 300 may be located at the power supply end cap 145, positioned along the housing 15c of the power supply section 105, or located at the end cap along the housing. In other example embodiments, at least one air inlet 300 may be positioned along the housing 15b of the heater assembly section 200 or along the connector 700 (described below).

[0063] In at least one example embodiment, the air inlet 300 can be precision machined into the housing 140 such that its diameter is closely controlled during manufacturing and copied from one e-vaping device 5 to the next, in order to control the suction resistance of each e-vaping device 5.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaporizer 5 may be from about 80 mm to about 200 mm in length and from about 7 mm to about 15 mm in diameter. For example, in one example embodiment, the electronic vaporizer 5 may be about 84 mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm.

[0065] Figure 2 It is a perspective view from the second end of the cylinder including the end cap, according to at least one example embodiment.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cylinder 10 includes a housing 15a extending in the longitudinal direction and includes the features described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 095,505, filed April 11, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the housing 15a includes a side wall 20. The housing 15a has a first end 25 and a second end 30. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the cylinder 10 is a single piece, which may be molded, 3D printed, or both.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the housing 15a may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other example embodiments, the housing 15a may have at least one of a generally triangular cross-section, an inner diameter varying along the length of the housing 15a, and an outer diameter varying along the length of the housing 15a. In some example embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the diameter of the housing 15a at the first end 25 can be larger than the diameter at the second end 30.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, the cylinder 10 further includes an end cap 55. The end cap 55 includes an end cap lateral wall 60 and an end wall 65. The end cap lateral wall 60 is generally cylindrical and has a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the second end 30 of the housing 15a.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, the end cap 55 includes at least one inlet 70. The at least one inlet 70 is connected to the inner tube 45 (as described below). Figure 3 The air passage 47 (as discussed) is connected.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, the end cap 55 further includes a first orifice 165 and a second orifice 170 extending through the end cap end wall 65.

[0072] In at least one example embodiment, the cylinder 10 further includes a core 85. The core 85 includes a first end 90, a second end 95, and a central portion 100. The first end 90 and the second end 95 extend through a first opening 165 and a second opening 175 of the end cap 55, respectively. The first end 90 and the second end 95 are configured to contact the reservoir 50 (e.g., Figure 3 The core 85 contains a steam pre-mixing agent (shown and discussed below). The central portion 100 of the core 85 extends above at least one inlet 70. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the core 85 is formed of at least one of cellulose material, glass material, glass fiber, and cotton.

[0073] In at least one example embodiment, the core is formed of cellulose filter paper having a thickness from about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0074] In at least one example embodiment, the core 85 is a paper core with a density of about 180 g / m³ to about 190 g / m³. The paper is about 0.80 mm to about 0.85 mm thick. The paper may be 100% cotton and may have a length of about 5.5 mm and a width of about 3.5 mm.

[0075] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the core 85 may comprise filaments (or threads) capable of drawing in pre-prepared vapors. For example, the core 85 may be a glass (or ceramic) filament bundle, a bundle comprising a set of glass filament windings, etc., all arrangements of which may be capable of drawing in pre-prepared vapors via capillary action through the gaps between the filaments. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the core 85 may comprise one to eight filamentous cores, each comprising multiple glass filaments twisted together. The filaments may have a generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0076] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the core 85 may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, glass, ceramic-based, or graphite-based materials. The core 85 may have any suitable capillary action to accommodate vapor premixes with different physical properties, such as density, viscosity, surface tension, and vapor pressure.

[0077] In at least one example embodiment, the core 85 is generally U-shaped.

[0078] In at least one example embodiment, the housing 15a and the end cap 55 are formed of plastic. The housing 15a and the end cap 55 may be injection molded or 3D printed. The plastic may be at least one of transparent, colored, or colored plastics.

[0079] In at least one example embodiment, the end cap 55 is formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In other example embodiments, the end cap 55 may be formed of stainless steel or moldable plastic (e.g., high-density polypropylene).

[0080] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the end cap and tube according to at least one example embodiment.

[0081] In at least one example embodiment, the cylinder and Figure 2 The same as in the diagram, but shown in an exploded view to illustrate additional parts of end cap 55. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the end cap lateral wall 60 includes a portion 160 ( Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the portion has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 15a at the second end 30. Therefore, a portion of the end cap lateral wall 60 can be received within the second end 30 of the housing 15a. The portion 160 of the end cap lateral wall 60 can be held in place within the second end 30 of the housing 15a by a friction fit, snap-fit ​​fit, or any other suitable connection. For example, an adhesive can be used to hold the portion 160 of the end cap lateral wall 60 within the housing 15a. Alternatively, the portion 160 of the end cap lateral wall 60 and the second end 30 of the housing 15a can comprise a threaded portion providing a threaded connection between the end cap 55 and the housing 15a.

[0082] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inner tube 45 is integrally formed with and coaxially positioned within the housing 15a. A reservoir 50 is defined between the outer surface of the inner tube 45 and the inner surface of the housing 15a. The reservoir 50 is sized and configured to contain a steam pre-conditioning.

[0083] In at least one example embodiment, the inner tube 45 extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner tube 45 is connected to at least one outlet 40 ( Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram) connected.

[0084] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the vapor preformulation is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into vapor. For example, the vapor preformulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, comprising, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, alcohols, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavorings, vaporizing agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0085] In at least one example embodiment, cylinder 10 may be replaceable. In other words, after the steam pre-conditioning in cylinder 10 is depleted, cylinder 10 may be discarded and replaced with a new cylinder. In another example embodiment, the reservoir 50 in cylinder 10 may be refilled, making cylinder 10 reusable.

[0086] In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir 50 may optionally contain a storage medium (not shown). The storage medium is configured to store a pre-prepared vapor mixture therein. The storage medium 210 may comprise a winding of cotton yarn or other fibrous material.

[0087] In at least one example embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrous material comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The diameter of the fibers may range from about 6 micrometers to about 15 micrometers (e.g., about 8 micrometers to about 12 micrometers or about 9 micrometers to about 11 micrometers). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous, or foamed material. Furthermore, the fiber size may be set to be non-inhalable and may have a Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0088] Figure 4 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 3 The exploded cross-section of the cylinder along line IV-IV.

[0089] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, cylinder 10 and Figure 2 and 3 The same as shown, but housing 15a is shown having a transverse end wall 35 at a first end 25. The transverse end wall 35 is integrally formed with the lateral wall 20 and the inner tube 45. The transverse end wall 35 includes at least one outlet 40. The at least one outlet 40 communicates with an air passage 47 defined by the inner tube 45.

[0090] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the other end of the cylinder according to at least one example embodiment.

[0091] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, cylinder 10 and Figure 2 , 3Similar to 4, but the transverse end wall 35 is shown as a generally planar surface having at least one outlet 40 therein. In other example embodiments, the transverse end wall 35 may be convex or recessed.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a power supply section and a heater assembly section according to at least one example embodiment, with the housing of the section shown as transparent to show the interior portions of the power supply section and the heater assembly section.

[0093] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the power supply section 105 includes a housing 15c extending in the longitudinal direction. For illustrative purposes only, the housing 15c is shown as transparent. The housing 15c has a first housing end 225 and a second housing end 230. The first housing end 225 is configured to connect to the heater assembly section 200.

[0094] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the power supply section 105 and the heater assembly section 200 may be connected via a connector 700. The connector 700 may be at least one of a threaded connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, a friction-fit connector, and any other suitable connector. The connector 700 may be formed at least partially of a conductive material as described in U.S. Application No. 15 / 224,608, filed July 31, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Because the connector 700 does not contact the cylinder 10, there is no physical contact between the connector 700 and the reservoir, the pre-conditioning of the steam contained in the reservoir, or both.

[0095] In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section 105 includes a battery 110.

[0096] In at least one example embodiment, the heater assembly section 200 includes a housing 15b containing a support 120 configured to support a heater 115 thereon.

[0097] In at least one exemplary embodiment, heater 115 may be a planar heater, such as a plate heater as described herein. Support 120 may be generally cylindrical, annular, or both. Support 120 defines an airflow passage 600 therethrough. Heater 115 is suspended on support 120 and supported thereon by leads 125a, 125b. Leads 125a, 125b extend through support 120 and extend to (or through) connector 700. Connector 700 may be formed of a conductive material and includes at least one air passage therethrough.

[0098] In at least one exemplary embodiment, heater 115 may be formed of any suitable resistive material. Examples of suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-titanium-zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel. For example, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and desired external physicochemical properties, heater 115 may be formed of nickel aluminide, materials with an alumina layer on the surface, iron aluminide, and other composite materials, and the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa. Heater 115 may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In exemplary embodiments, heater 115 may be formed of a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. In another embodiment, heater 115 may comprise a ceramic or alumina layer having a resistive layer, such as a platinum layer, on its outer surface. In at least one embodiment, heater 115 may comprise at least one of ceramic, alumina, or zirconium oxide. In at least one embodiment, heater 115 is formed of platinum-alumina or platinum-zirconia, and the dimensions of heater may be approximately 1.6 mm by approximately 3.5 mm by approximately 0.25 mm.

[0099] In at least one example embodiment, the heater 115 is formed of a platinum alloy. The platinum alloy may contain up to about 10% by weight of rhodium. The platinum alloy may contain up to about 30% by weight of iridium. This alloy can have a lower temperature coefficient of resistance, so that the resistance of the heater does not increase as much as that of a pure platinum heater. This allows for a larger initial resistance, thereby reducing the initial current. The lower current allows a wider range of batteries and power circuits to be used with the heater.

[0100] In at least one example embodiment, heater assembly section 200 includes two or more heaters 115 electrically connected in parallel or series. When connected in parallel, the total starting resistance can be about 0.86 ohms, while when connected in series, the total starting resistance increases so that a lower starting current is required for heater operation.

[0101] In at least one example embodiment, the heater 115 has a length from about 2.0 mm to about 64.0 mm, a width from about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, and a thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0102] At least two electrical leads 125a and 125b extend from heater 115 and electrically connect heater 115 to battery 110. Leads 125a and 125b may be made of nickel or stainless steel. Heater 115 may have a resistance of approximately 2.6 ohms at 25 degrees Celsius and approximately 5.6 ohms at 350 degrees Celsius. Leads 125a and 125b may be approximately 10 mm long and can support temperatures up to approximately 400 degrees Celsius.

[0103] In at least one example embodiment, the heater 115 has at least one of a width and a length smaller than at least one of the width and length of the core 85 when the heater 115 contacts the core 85. Therefore, when the heater 115 contacts the core 85, the surface of the heater 115 is in complete contact with the core 85 and a portion of the core 85 extends beyond the boundary of the heater 115. The heater 115 can heat the vapor pre-mixed material in the core 85 by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater 115 can be conducted to the vapor pre-mixed material by means of a heat-conducting element, or the heater 115 can transfer heat to the ambient air drawn in during vaporization through the electronic vaporizer 5, which in turn heats the vapor pre-mixed material by convection.

[0104] In at least one example embodiment, battery 110 may be a lithium-ion battery or a variant thereof, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, battery 110 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell.

[0105] In at least one example embodiment, the power supply 110 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery 110 to be charged by an external charging device.

[0106] In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section 105 may also include control circuitry 135 and sensor 130.

[0107] In at least one example embodiment, sensor 130 is configured to generate an output indicating the magnitude and direction of airflow in the electronic vaporizer 5. Control circuit 135 receives the output from sensor 130 and determines (1) whether the direction of the airflow indicates suction (contrast blowing) at outlet 40 and (2) whether the magnitude of suction exceeds a threshold level. If these suction vaporizer conditions are met, control circuit 135 electrically connects power supply 110 to heating element 115; thus, heating element 115 is activated. That is, control circuit 135 electrically connects first lead 125a and second lead 125b (e.g., by activating a heater power control transistor forming part of control circuit 135) such that heating element 115 is electrically connected to power supply 110. In an alternative embodiment, sensor 130 may indicate a voltage drop, and control circuit 135 may activate heating element 115 in response to this.

[0108] In at least one embodiment, the power supply section 105 may be contained in, adjacent to, or within an end cap 145 of the power supply section 105, or in and adjacent to a lamp 48. Control circuitry 135 may be configured to initiate illumination of the lamp 48 when the heater 115 is activated. The lamp 48 may contain one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may contain one or more colors (e.g., white, yellow, red, green, blue, etc.). Furthermore, the heater activation lamp 48 may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper. Additionally, the lamp 48 may be used for e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that recharging is in progress. The lamp 48 may also be configured to allow an adult vaper to activate, deactivate, or both activate and deactivate the heater activation lamp 48 for privacy.

[0109] In at least one embodiment, the control circuit 135 may include a time period limiter. In another embodiment, the control circuit 135 may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaporizer to initiate heating. The time period for supplying current to the heating element 115 may be set or preset depending on the amount of vapor pre-mixed material to be vaporized.

[0110] In at least one embodiment, at least one air inlet 300 may be positioned adjacent to the power supply end cap 145. At least one air inlet 300 may extend through the housing 15c. In other embodiments, at least one air inlet 300 may extend through a portion of the housing 15b of the heater assembly section 200.

[0111] Next, the operation of the e-vapor device 5 in generating steam will be described. For example, in response to suction at outlet 40, air is primarily drawn into cylinder 10 through at least one air inlet 300. The air passes through air inlet 300, enters the space around the battery, passes through the air passage in the connector, through the support 120 in the heater assembly section 200, enters the air passage 47 in cylinder 10, and passes through outlet 40 of cylinder 10. If the control circuit 135 detects the above-described steam suction conditions, the control circuit 135 initiates power supply to the heating element 115, causing the heating element 115 to heat the steam premix in the core 85.

[0112] When activated, the heating element 115 can heat a portion of the core 85 for less than about 10 seconds.

[0113] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of a heater assembly according to at least one example embodiment.

[0114] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, as about Figure 6 As described, leads 125a and 125b are supported by support 120, such that heater 115 is suspended over air passage 600 extending through support 120. Leads 125a and 125b may extend through holes in support 120. Leads 125a and 125b may be arranged such that no part of heater 115 contacts support 120. In other exemplary embodiments, portions of heater 115 directly contact support 120.

[0115] The support 120 may be formed of MACOR material, which is a machinable glass-ceramic available from Corning, Inc.

[0116] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a four-piece electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0117] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cylinder 10 and heater assembly section 200 are... Figures 1 to 7The electronic vaporizer 5 is identical to the one described above, but instead of the power supply section, it includes an adapter 800 and a commercially available battery section 805. The adapter 800 may include a housing 15d, a first connector 700a, and a second connector 700b. The first connector 700a connects the adapter to the heater assembly section 200, while the second connector 700b connects the heater assembly section 200 to the battery section 805. The battery section can be any readily available battery section, such as the iTaste VVV3.0 battery section available from Innokin® Technology. Such a battery section can power the heater 115 until the button actuator is pressed.

[0118] Using a cylinder, heater assembly section, and adapter allows for the use of battery sections containing larger batteries, thereby extending battery life in the charging compartment.

[0119] Figure 9A and 9B This is an exploded view of the cylinder of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0120] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 9A and 9B As shown, cylinder 10 and Figures 1 to 5 The inner tube 45 is identical to that in the case of the end cap 55, but is integrally formed with the end cap 55 instead of the housing 15a, and the tube includes a gasket 900 and an end insert 905 containing a plurality of outlets 910. The gasket 900, end insert 905, and outlets 910 may be identical to those described in U.S. Patent No. 9,282,772 to Tucker et al., filed March 15, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0121] Figure 10A , 10B 10C and 10D are descriptions of the heating components of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0122] In at least one example embodiment, heater assembly segment 200 and Figure 1 , 6 Similar to 8, but heater assembly section 200 includes two plate heaters 115 and a support ring 123. The support ring 123 surrounds at least a portion of the support member 120.

[0123] In at least one example embodiment, the support ring 123 is formed of PEEK or polyethylene terephthalate (PETG).

[0124] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 10AAs shown, the cylinder 200 includes a housing 15b, which is shown as transparent for illustrative purposes only. A heater support 120 supports two heater plates 115. A support ring 123 surrounds at least a portion of the support 120. Two leads 125a and 125b extend from each heater plate 115. The leads 125a and 125b are located between the support 120 and the ring 123. One lead 125a from each heater 115 contacts a conductive post 715 of the battery, while a second lead 125b from each heater 115 contacts a conductive connector body 705.

[0125] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 10B As shown, the insulating shell 710 insulates the connector body 705 from the conductive post 715.

[0126] In at least one example embodiment, the first plate heater is arranged at an angle of about 25 degrees to about 65 degrees with respect to the second plate heater. For example, the first plate heater may be arranged at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the second plate heater.

[0127] In at least one example embodiment, each plate heater has a length from about 2.0 mm to about 64.0 mm, a width from about 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, and a thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.

[0128] Two plate heaters 115 are electrically connected in parallel or in series. As mentioned above, when connected in parallel, the total starting resistance can be about 0.86 ohms, while when connected in series, the total starting resistance increases so that a lower starting current is required for heater operation.

[0129] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 10C As shown, the support 120 has a generally wedge-shaped shape. The wedge shape is formed by a first surface 1000 and a second surface 1005. The first surface 1000 supports a first plate heater, and the second surface supports a second plate heater, as shown. Figure 10D As shown below, the first surface 1000 may be angled relative to the second surface 1005 at the same angle as the desired angle from the first heater to the second heater.

[0130] In at least one example embodiment, the heater support 120 includes a base 1010 defining an air passage 1020 therethrough. The air passage 1020 extends between a first surface 1000 and a second surface 1005. Therefore, air can pass through at least one air inlet 300 (as described above relative to...). Figure 6 (as described), and flows toward heater 115 through air passage 1020 in support 120.

[0131] In at least one example embodiment, the base 1010 includes a side wall 1020.

[0132] In at least one example embodiment, a plurality of holes 1030 may be defined through the base 1010. Leads 125a, 125b from the heater 115 extend through the holes 1030 in the base 1010 and extend to the connector 700.

[0133] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 10D As shown, the angle of heater 115 is such that when cylinder 10 engages with heater assembly section 200, heater 115 is pressed into the central portion of core 85. Therefore, the contact between heater 115 and core 85 is enhanced to increase steam quality.

[0134] Figure 11A and 11B This is a description of the heating component of an electronic vaporizer according to at least one example embodiment.

[0135] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 11A As shown, heater 115 and Figure 7 The leads 125a and 125b are the same as those in the support 120, but they are on the same side of the heater 115. Therefore, the heater 115 is cantilevered above the opening in the support 120. Since part of the heater 115 is supported by the support 120, the heater 115 does not bend when positioned to contact the core 85. Furthermore, the heater 115 is hottest at its end extending above the channel 600 in the support 120.

[0136] In embodiments that include two or more heaters 115, the heaters 115 may be larger than the heaters 115.

[0137] Figure 12 This is a description of a heating assembly based on at least one example embodiment.

[0138] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, heater 115 and Figure 11A and 11B The same as that in the heater 115, but including a third lead 125c. The three leads 125a, 125b, and 125c extend from the same side of the heater 115, but may extend from different sides.

[0139] Figure 13A and 13B This is a description of a heating assembly based on at least one example embodiment.

[0140] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 13A and 13BAs shown, at least one plate heater 115 may not include electrical leads but may be attached to a metal sheet 1300, may contact the conductive portion of a connector, or both. Heat is transferred to the metal sheet and then to the heater, both of which may generate steam during heating. In this embodiment, different portions of the heater 115 may contact the conductive post 715 and the conductive connector body 705, which is electrically insulated from the conductive post 715, thereby allowing power / current to flow directly to the heater 115.

[0141] In at least one example embodiment, such as Figure 14 As shown, the plate heater 115 includes four electrical leads 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d. Two electrical leads may extend from one side of the plate heater 115, while the other two electrical leads extend from the other side of the plate heater 115.

[0142] In other example embodiments, electrical leads 125a, 125b, 125c, and 125d may all extend from the same side of the plate heater 115, one lead may extend from each side of the plate heater, or three leads may extend from one side of the plate heater 115 and one lead may extend from the other side (not shown).

[0143] At least one example embodiment relates to a method for cleaning a plate heater of an electronic vaporizer.

[0144] In at least one example embodiment, a method for cleaning a plate heater of an electronic vaping device includes removing at least one plate heater from contact with at least one core of the electronic device, and heating the at least one plate heater to a temperature of about 350 degrees Celsius. Heating burns away any residue on the heater, thus cleaning it.

[0145] In at least one example embodiment, at least one plate heater is heated for about 10 seconds to about 60 seconds. In at least one example embodiment, at least one plate heater is heated for about 30 seconds.

[0146] Because the cylinder 10 is separated from the heater assembly section, the reservoir of the e-vaping device 5 can be larger than that in commercially available e-vaping devices, thereby allowing for the storage of a larger amount of pre-prepared vapor in the e-vaping device 5. Furthermore, the heater 115 is reusable, and only the cylinder 10 can be disposable, in order to reduce at least one of waste and cost.

[0147] While many exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic vaporizer, comprising: Power supply section, the power supply section includes, power supply; A cylinder, the cylinder comprising, A storage container, configured to store pre-prepared steam, and Core, which is in communication with the steam pre-mixed material; and A heater assembly section connected to the power supply section and the cylinder, the heater assembly section comprising, At least one plate heater is physically in contact with a portion of the core, and the at least one plate heater is selectively electrically connected to the power source. The at least one plate heater comprises a first plate heater and a second plate heater; The heater assembly section further includes: A heater support member having a wedge shape is configured to support the at least one plate heater, the wedge shape being formed by a first surface and a second surface, the first surface supporting a first plate heater and the second surface supporting a second plate heater; When the cylinder is engaged with the heater assembly section, at least one plate heater is pressed into the central portion of the core. An air passage is defined in the heater support, extending through the entire heater support.

2. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the first plate heater and the second plate heater are connected in series.

3. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the first plate heater and the second plate heater are electrically connected in parallel.

4. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one plate heater has a length of 2.0 mm to 64.0 mm, a width of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

5. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one plate heater is formed of a platinum alloy.

6. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 5, wherein the platinum alloy contains up to 10% by weight of rhodium.

7. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 5, wherein the platinum alloy contains up to 30% by weight of iridium.

8. The electronic vaporizer device according to claim 1, wherein the heater support comprises a base support.

9. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 8, wherein the base support includes a sidewall, and The heater support includes an annular support arranged around at least a portion of the sidewall.

10. The electronic vaporizer according to claim 1, wherein the heater support includes a support ring, and the at least one plate heater extends from at least one side of the support ring.

11. The electronic vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the at least one plate heater comprises two electrical leads extending therefrom, the electrical leads extending from the same side of the at least one plate heater, the electrical leads being attached to the support ring such that the at least one plate heater is cantilevered.

12. The electronic vaporizer of claim 10, wherein the at least one plate heater comprises two electrical leads extending therefrom, the electrical leads extending from opposite sides of the at least one plate heater, the electrical leads being attached to opposite sides of the support ring.

13. The electronic vaporizer device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein a portion of the core extends into the heater assembly section when the electronic vaporizer device is assembled.

14. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the core is formed of paper.

15. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one plate heater comprises three electrical leads.

16. The electronic vaporizer according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one plate heater does not include electrical leads, and the at least one plate heater is electrically connected to the power source via a conductive material.

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