Electronic vaporization device

The electronic vaporization device uses in-place sensors to prevent accidental activation and enhance heating efficiency by automatically initiating and stopping heating based on substrate presence, addressing the issue of dry burning in conventional devices.

EP4646944A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-11-12SHENZHEN GEEKVAPE TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025174186
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-06
Filing Date
2025-05-05
Publication Date
2025-11-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional electronic vaporization devices suffer from accidental activation due to physical buttons, leading to dry burning when no tobacco stick is inserted.

Method used

An electronic vaporization device equipped with in-place sensors on the vaporization chamber to detect the presence of a vaporization substrate, triggering heating upon insertion and stopping heating upon removal, thereby preventing accidental activation.

Benefits of technology

Prevents accidental activation, improves heating efficiency, and conserves energy by ensuring automatic activation and deactivation based on substrate presence.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of vaporization technology, and specifically discloses an electronic vaporization device. The device includes a vaporization assembly (1), an in-place sensor (2), and a circuit board (3) electrically connected to both the vaporization assembly (1) and the in-place sensor (2). The vaporization assembly has a vaporization chamber (10) configured to receive and heat a vaporization substrate (6). The in-place sensor (2) is disposed on either the outer or inner side of the vaporization chamber and configured to detect whether the vaporization substrate is inserted into the vaporization chamber (10). The in-place sensor (2) triggers the start or stop of heating based on whether it detects the insertion of vaporization substrate in the vaporization chamber, which may prevent accidental heating caused by physical buttons.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vaporization technology, specifically to an electronic vaporization device.BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently, electronic vaporization devices that utilize a heating-not-burning method are designed for use with inserted tobacco sticks for inhalation. These devices contain heating components that heat the tobacco segment of the inserted stick, resulting in the generation of vapor from the heated tobacco. Conventional electronic vaporization devices typically employ physical buttons, which the user presses to control the heating component of the tobacco stick. However, the use of physical buttons can lead to accidental activation; pressing the button can initiate heating even when no tobacco stick is inserted, potentially causing dry burning and damaging the electronic vaporization device.SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is defined by the independent claims as appended. Developments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an electronic vaporization device configured to address the problem of dry burning caused by accidental activation.

[0005] In an embodiment, the electronic vaporization device includes: a vaporization assembly, which includes a vaporization chamber configured to receive and heat a vaporization substrate; at least one in-place sensor, located on an outer side or an inner side of the vaporization chamber, which is configured to detect whether the vaporization substrate received is present in the vaporization chamber; and a circuit board, which is electrically connected to both the vaporization assembly and the in-place sensor; wherein the in-place sensor triggers the vaporization assembly to start heating in response to detecting that the vaporization substrate received is present in the vaporization chamber; and the in-place sensor triggers the vaporization assembly to stop heating in response to detecting that the vaporization substrate received is not present in the vaporization chamber.

[0006] In an embodiment, the number of the at least one in-place sensor is at least two, and the two in-place sensors are distributed at different axial positions of the vaporization chamber; where the two in-place sensors trigger the vaporization assembly to start heating in response to simultaneously detecting that the vaporization substrate received is present in the vaporization chamber, and the two in-place sensors trigger the vaporization assembly to stop heating in response to at least one of the in-place sensors detecting that the vaporization substrate received is not present in the vaporization chamber.

[0007] In an embodiment, the vaporization chamber has a first end and a second end opposite to each other; the first end is provided with an opening for receiving the vaporization substrate , and the second end is provided with an air inlet for introducing air; and one of the in-place sensors is arranged at the first end, and another one of the in-place sensors is arranged at the second end.

[0008] In an embodiment, the vaporization assembly includes a first mounting seat , a heating tube, and a second mounting seat; one end of the heating tube is connected to the first mounting seat, and another end of the heating tube is connected to the second mounting seat; the first mounting seat, the heating tube, and the second mounting seat together define the vaporization chamber; and the first mounting seat is connected to one of the in-place sensors, and the second mounting seat is connected to another one of the in-place sensors.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat are each provided with a radial through-hole; and the in-place sensors are arranged outside the through-hole and configured to detect whether the vaporization substrate received is present in the vaporization chamber through the through-hole.

[0010] In an embodiment, a light-transmitting element is mounted in the through-hole; and the in-place sensors are photoelectric sensors each configured to detect, through the light-transmitting element, whether the vaporization substrate received is presented in the vaporization chamber.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat are each provided with a radial through-hole, and at least part of the in-place sensors is installed within the through-hole; and the in-place sensors each is configured to detect, through the through-hole, whether the vaporization substrate received is present in the vaporization chamber.

[0012] In an embodiment, one of the in-place sensors is a photoelectric sensor or a contact-type sensor.

[0013] In an embodiment, the vaporization assembly further includes an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder located on a circumferential outer side of the heating tube and spaced apart from the heating tube, a thermal insulation chamber being formed between the outer cylinder and the heating tube; one end of the outer cylinder is connected to the first mounting seat, and another end of the outer cylinder is connected to the second mounting seat.

[0014] In an embodiment, the outer cylinder is integrated with at least one of the first mounting seat and the second mounting seat.

[0015] In an embodiment, the heating tube includes a metal tube and a heating element, the heating element is attached to a circumferential outer side or an axial inner surface of the metal tube, and the heating plate is configured to heat the metal tube.

[0016] In an embodiment, the vaporization assembly further includes a vaporization housing, and the vaporization assembly, the at least one in-place sensor, and the circuit board are located in the vaporization housing.

[0017] In an embodiment, a side surface at one end of the vaporization housing is provided with an insertion port, and the opening is axially aligned and in communication with the insertion port.

[0018] In an embodiment, the vaporization housing includes an accommodation cavity, and the in-place sensors are located inside the accommodation cavity and are located outside the vaporization chamber.

[0019] In an embodiment, the vaporization assembly further includes a vaporization housing and a battery; the vaporization assembly, the at least one in-place sensor, the circuit board, and the battery are housed within the vaporization housing, and the battery is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0020] According to the electronic vaporization device described in the above embodiments, the presence of in-place sensors on the outer or inner side of the vaporization chamber allows for the detection of whether a vaporization substrate is inserted. The in-place sensors act as triggering switches; when a vaporization substrate is detected, heating is initiated, and when no substrate is detected, heating is stopped. This design enables automatic heating activation upon insertion of the vaporization substrate and automatic heating deactivation upon removal, effectively preventing accidental activation caused by physical buttons, while also improving heating efficiency and conserving energy by promptly shutting off the heating.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an electronic vaporization device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Reference Numerals in the Drawings: 1, vaporization assembly; 10, vaporization chamber; 11, first mounting seat; 12, heating tube; 13, second mounting seat; 14, light-transmitting element; 15, outer cylinder; 2, in-place sensor; 3, circuit board; 4, vaporization housing; 41, accommodation cavity; 42, insertion port; 5, battery; 6, vaporization substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. In the various embodiments, similar elements are denoted by corresponding and similar reference numerals. In the following embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that certain features may be omitted under different circumstances, or replaced with other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in detail in the specification, in order to avoid obscuring the core aspects of the invention with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to elaborate on such operations, as they can be fully understood based on the disclosure herein and general knowledge in the field.

[0024] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification may be combined in any appropriate manner to form various embodiments. The steps or actions in the described methods may also be rearranged or adjusted in sequence in a manner that would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences presented in the specification and drawings are intended merely to describe particular embodiments clearly, and are not to be construed as limiting unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0025] The ordinal terms used herein for components, such as "first," "second," etc., are merely for distinguishing the described objects and do not imply any order or technical significance. Additionally, the terms "connected" or "coupled" unless otherwise specified, encompass both direct and indirect connections (or couplings).

[0026] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 5, in an embodiment, an electronic vaporization device is provided. The electronic vaporization device mainly includes a vaporization assembly 1, an in-place sensor 2, and a circuit board 3. The electronic vaporization device further includes a vaporization housing 4, within which the vaporization assembly 1, the in-place sensor 2, and the circuit board 3 are installed.

[0027] The vaporization housing 4 may be an integrated structure or may be formed by assembling multiple housing components. A portion of the vaporization housing 4 may be configured as a detachable structure, allowing the vaporization housing 4 to be opened by removing the detachable portion, so that internal components such as the vaporization assembly 1, the in-place sensor 2, and the circuit board 3 may be replaced or maintained.

[0028] The vaporization housing 4 includes an accommodation cavity 41 and is provided with an insertion port 42 on a side surface at one end. The vaporization assembly 1 includes a vaporization chamber 10 having a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the vaporization chamber 10 is provided with an opening for insertion of a vaporization substrate 6. The end face or axial side of the second end of the vaporization chamber 10 is provided with an air inlet for introducing air into the vaporization chamber 10. The opening of the vaporization chamber 10 is axially aligned and in communication with the insertion port 42, so that a user may insert the vaporization substrate 6 into the vaporization chamber 10 via the insertion port 42.

[0029] The vaporization assembly 1 mainly includes a first mounting seat 11, a heating tube 12, and a second mounting seat 13. The first mounting seat 11 and the second mounting seat 13 are both cylindrical structures with through-holes. One end of the heating tube 12 is sealingly and fixedly connected to the first mounting seat 11, and the other end is sealingly and fixedly connected to the second mounting seat 13. The first mounting seat 11, the heating tube 12, and the second mounting seat 13 are sequentially connected to form the vaporization chamber 10. The through-hole in the first mounting seat 11 defines the first end of the vaporization chamber 10 and is located near the insertion port 42, forming the opening of the vaporization chamber 10. The through-hole in the second mounting seat 13 defines the second end of the vaporization chamber 10 and is located away from the insertion port 42, forming the air inlet of the vaporization chamber 10.

[0030] The heating tube 12 may include a metal tube and a heating element. The heating element may be attached to the circumferential outer surface or the axial inner surface of the metal tube, and is configured to heat the metal tube. Such a heating tube 12 is a resistive heating structure. In other embodiments, the heating tube 12 may include a metal tube and an electromagnetic induction coil. The electromagnetic induction coil is disposed on the circumferential outer side of the metal tube and is configured to heat the metal tube by electromagnetic induction. Such a heating tube 12 constitutes an electromagnetic heating structure.

[0031] In this embodiment, the in-place sensor 2 is installed within the accommodation cavity 41 of the vaporization housing 4 and located outside the vaporization chamber 10. A through hole is formed in the side wall of the vaporization chamber 10, through which the in-place sensor 2 detects whether a vaporization substrate 6 is inserted.

[0032] In this embodiment, two in-place sensors 2 are provided: one is arranged at the first end of the vaporization chamber 10, and the other at the second end. The in-place sensor 2 at the first end detects whether the vaporization substrate 6 is inserted into the vaporization chamber 10 and whether it has been fully removed. The in-place sensor 2 at the second end detects whether the vaporization substrate 6 is fully inserted into the bottom of the vaporization chamber 10, i.e., whether it is properly positioned, and whether it has been removed from the bottom.

[0033] The two in-place sensors 2 function like two switches connected in series on a control circuit. When both sensors detect the presence of the vaporization substrate 6, the control circuit is closed, triggering the vaporization assembly 1 to begin heating the vaporization substrate 6. If either sensor does not detect the substrate, the circuit remains open, and the vaporization assembly 1 stops heating.

[0034] Using two in-place sensors 2 improves the accuracy of preventing false activation. For example, if the vaporization substrate 6 is inserted but not fully seated, the second-end sensor 2 will not be triggered, and the system will not start heating or will stop heating-thus avoiding activation in cases of partial or improper insertion and further reducing false triggering probability.

[0035] In other embodiments, more in-place sensors 2 can be used. Multiple sensors can be arranged at different axial positions along the vaporization chamber 10 to further reduce the chance of false activation.

[0036] In this embodiment, both the first mounting seat 11 and the second mounting seat 13 are provided with radial through holes. The in-place sensor 2 can be a photoelectric sensor (e.g., laser sensor). Located outside the through holes, the in-place sensor 2 interfaces with them. The sensor has both an emitter and a receiver: the emitter emits a detection beam, and the receiver collects the reflected beam. The circuit board 3 calculates the presence of the vaporization substrate 6 inside the vaporization chamber 10 based on the time delay between emission and reception. When the substrate is not inserted, the beam enters the chamber 10 and reflects off the inner wall. The reflected beam is collected by the receiver, and the time difference is relatively large. When the vaporization substrate 6 is inserted, the beam reflects off the substrate instead, and the time difference is relatively small.

[0037] In this embodiment, the in-place sensor 2 can be directly mounted on the circuit board 3, which is arranged parallel to the axis of the vaporization chamber 10. The two sensors 2 are mounted vertically on the circuit board 3, with their detection direction perpendicular to the axis of the chamber, i.e., they emit light radially into the vaporization chamber 10.

[0038] In other embodiments, the in-place sensor 2 can also be mounted on a support bracket fixed inside the accommodation cavity 41, and electrically connected to the circuit board 3 via cable. This structure allows for more flexible positioning of the circuit board 3 within the accommodation cavity 41.

[0039] The operation logic for using two in-place sensors 2 to control heating activation and deactivation is as follows: As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3: The insertion states of the vaporization substrate 6 include partially and fully inserted states. Initially, the vaporization substrate 6 is in a partially inserted state-at this point, the first-end sensor 2 detects the presence of the substrate at the opening of the chamber 10, but the second-end sensor 2 does not detect the substrate at the bottom. Heating does not start. When the vaporization substrate 6 is fully inserted, both sensors 2 detect it, and heating is triggered.

[0040] As shown in FIGs. 4 and 5: During removal, the vaporization substrate 6 is initially in a partially removed state. The first-end sensor 2 still detects the substrate at the opening, while the second-end sensor 2 no longer detects it at the bottom. Heating is then stopped-thus, partial removal of the vaporization substrate 6 will automatically stop heating, even if it is not completely withdrawn.

[0041] In this embodiment, the electronic vaporization device, by providing an in-place sensor 2 on the exterior of the vaporization chamber 10, detects whether the vaporization substrate 6 is inserted. The in-place sensor 2 acts as a trigger switch-when the substrate is inserted, it triggers heating; when removed, it triggers shutdown. This ensures that heating starts automatically when the substrate is inserted, and stops automatically when removed. It avoids false triggering from physical buttons, improves heating efficiency, and conserves energy.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6: In another embodiment, the device may include only one in-place sensor 2, located at the bottom of the vaporization chamber 10. When the vaporization substrate 6 is fully inserted, the sensor 2 detects it and triggers heating; when removed, the sensor 2 no longer detects it and triggers shutdown. This bottom-mounted sensor 2 also prevents false starts, similar to traditional mechanical buttons.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1: In an embodiment, a light-transmitting element 14 such as a lens or light guide column may be installed within the through holes of the first and second mounting seats (11, 13). The in-place sensor 2 interfaces with the light-transmitting element 14, transmitting and receiving light through it. This setup channels the light more effectively and eliminates gaps between the sensor and mounting seat, reducing light scattering and improving detection accuracy.

[0044] In another embodiment, the emitting and receiving ends of the two sensors 2 are pressed against the outer surfaces of the first and second mounting seats (11, 13), or they are snapped into grooves formed on the outer surfaces, which are connected to the through holes. Alternatively, the sensors 2 may be inserted directly into the through holes. All of these configurations reduce gaps and enhance detection precision.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, the in-place sensor 2 can be a contact sensor. The trigger ends of the two sensors 2 are inserted into the mounting seats (11, 13), with portions extending into the vaporization chamber 10. When the vaporization substrate 6 is inserted, it contacts the trigger end, activating the sensor 2.

[0046] An embodiment may use multiple in-place sensors 2 of different types-for example, one photoelectric and one contact type. Using multiple sensor types ensures redundancy: if one fails, the other maintains detection accuracy.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1: In an embodiment, the vaporization assembly 1 also includes an outer tube 15, with an inner diameter larger than the heating tube 12. The outer tube 15 is coaxially sleeved around the heating tube 12, extending at one end to form a sealed connection with the first mounting seat 11, and at the other end with the second mounting seat 13. The space between them forms a sealed heat insulation chamber, preventing heat from dissipating and improving heating efficiency while saving energy.

[0048] The outer tube 15 may be integrally formed with either or both of the mounting seats (11, 13), e.g., integrated with the first mounting seat 11 and connected to the second via interference fit or sealing element.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7: In an embodiment, the device also includes a battery 5 mounted within the accommodation cavity 41 of the vaporization housing 4. The battery 5 is electrically connected to the circuit board 3, the vaporization assembly 1, and the in-place sensor 2. The circuit board 3 may also be connected to a charging port, which can be located on the side or bottom of the vaporization housing 4, enabling recharging of the battery 5.

[0050] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own focuses. For the parts not elaborated in a certain embodiment, one can refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. In the absence of conflicts, the embodiments can be combined with each other without further elaboration.

[0051] The above descriptions are provided by way of specific examples to illustrate the present invention and are intended solely to facilitate understanding thereof, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various modifications, alterations, or substitutions may be made based on the inventive concept disclosed herein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic vaporization device, characterized in that the electronic vaporization device comprises: a vaporization assembly (1) comprising a vaporization chamber (10), the vaporization chamber (10) being configured to receive and heat a vaporization substrate (6); at least one in-place sensor (2), located on an outer side or an inner side of the vaporization chamber (10), the in-place sensor (2) being configured to detect whether the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10); and a circuit board (3), electrically connected to the vaporization assembly (1) and the in-place sensor (2); wherein the in-place sensor (2) triggers the vaporization assembly (1) to start heating in response to detecting that the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10); and the in-place sensor (2) triggers the vaporization assembly (1) to stop heating in response to detecting that the vaporization substrate (6) received is not present in the vaporization chamber (10).

2. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of the at least one in-place sensor (2) is at least two, and the two in-place sensors (2) are distributed at different axial positions of the vaporization chamber (10); wherein the two in-place sensors (2) trigger the vaporization assembly (1) to start heating in response to simultaneously detecting that the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10), and the two in-place sensors (2) trigger the vaporization assembly (1) to stop heating in response to at least one of the in-place sensors (2) detecting that the vaporization substrate (6) received is not present in the vaporization chamber (10).

3. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 2, characterized in that the vaporization chamber (10) has a first end and a second end opposite to each other; the first end is provided with an opening for receiving the vaporization substrate (6), and the second end is provided with an air inlet for introducing air; and one of the in-place sensors (2) is arranged at the first end, and another one of the in-place sensors (2) is arranged at the second end.

4. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 3, characterized in that the vaporization assembly (1) comprises a first mounting seat (11), a heating tube (12), and a second mounting seat (13); one end of the heating tube (12) is connected to the first mounting seat (11), and another end of the heating tube (12) is connected to the second mounting seat (13); the first mounting seat (11), the heating tube (12), and the second mounting seat (13) together define the vaporization chamber (10); and the first mounting seat (11) is connected to one of the in-place sensors (2), and the second mounting seat (13) is connected to another one of the in-place sensors (2).

5. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first mounting seat (11) and the second mounting seat (13) are each provided with a radial through-hole; and the in-place sensors (2) are arranged outside the through-hole and configured to detect whether the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10) through the through-hole.

6. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 5, characterized in that a light-transmitting element (14) is mounted in the through-hole; and the in-place sensors (2) are photoelectric sensors each configured to detect, through the light-transmitting element (14), whether the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10).

7. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first mounting seat (11) and the second mounting seat (13) are each provided with a radial through-hole, and at least part of the in-place sensors (2) is installed within the through-hole; and the in-place sensors (2) each is configured to detect, through the through-hole, whether the vaporization substrate (6) received is present in the vaporization chamber (10).

8. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the in-place sensors (2) is a photoelectric sensor or a contact-type sensor.

9. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 4, characterized in that the vaporization assembly (1) further comprises an outer cylinder (15), the outer cylinder (15) located on a circumferential outer side of the heating tube (12) and spaced apart from the heating tube (12), a thermal insulation chamber being formed between the outer cylinder (15) and the heating tube (12); one end of the outer cylinder (15) is connected to the first mounting seat (11), and another end of the outer cylinder (15) is connected to the second mounting seat (13).

10. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer cylinder (15) is integrated with at least one of the first mounting seat (11) and the second mounting seat (13).

11. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 4, characterized in that the heating tube (12) comprises a metal tube and a heating element, the heating element is attached to a circumferential outer side or an axial inner surface of the metal tube, and the heating plate is configured to heat the metal tube.

12. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 3, characterized in that the vaporization assembly (1) further comprises a vaporization housing (4), and the vaporization assembly (1), the in-place sensors (2), and the circuit board (3) are located in the vaporization housing (4).

13. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 12, characterized in that a side surface at one end of the vaporization housing (4) is provided with an insertion port (42), and the opening is axially aligned and in communication with the insertion port (42).

14. The electronic vaporization device according to claim 12, characterized in that the vaporization housing (4) comprises an accommodation cavity (41), and the in-place sensors (2) are located inside the accommodation cavity (41) and are located outside the vaporization chamber (10).

15. The electronic vaporization device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by further comprising a vaporization housing (4) and a battery (5); and the vaporization assembly (1), the at least one in-place sensor (2), the circuit board (3), and the battery (5) are housed within the vaporization housing (4), and the battery (5) is electrically connected to the circuit board (3).

Citation Information

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