Vaporizing unit comprising a ceramic and electronic cigarette with removable cartridge incorporating such a vaporizing unit

Abstract

The invention relates primarily to a vaporization unit for an electronic cigarette, characterized in that it comprises a heating element (12a) intended to be electrically powered and a porous (14a) or non-porous ceramic in surface contact with the heating element (12a), the vaporization unit (11a) being devoid of any fibrous material. The invention also relates to an electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body (2) and a cartridge (3) containing the liquid to be vaporized and removably mounted on said fixed body (2), and essentially characterized in that the fixed body (2) comprises a cartridge receiving recess (7), a power supply battery (4), and a vaporization unit (11a) as previously indicated, located in the cartridge receiving recess (7) and comprising a heating element (12) electrically powered by the battery (4) and a fluid transfer element (14).in that the cartridge (3) comprises an air outlet (21) opening onto a suction channel (20) and a liquid reservoir (16) surrounding the suction channel (20), and in that the removable cartridge (3) and the fixed body (2) are configured so that the liquid reservoir (15) is arranged in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer element (14) of the vaporization unit (11) of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (3), and so that the suction channel (20) of the cartridge (3) is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit (11) of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention falls within the field of electronic cigarettes.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a vaporization unit that makes it possible to substantially increase its lifespan while improving the user experience. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0003] Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Instead of producing combustion smoke, these devices vaporize a liquid that can be inhaled by the user. The liquid typically contains an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, which creates the vapor. Other common substances in the liquid may include nicotine and / or various flavorings.

[0004] Typically, an electronic cigarette consists of a mouthpiece, a liquid reservoir, and a power supply, most often a battery. Vaporization is generated by a vaporization unit, which generally includes a heating element such as a coil. This coil may be a thin wire surrounding a fluid transfer element, usually made of a fibrous material, or it may extend throughout the thickness of the fluid transfer element. Vaporization occurs when the heating element heats the liquid within the fluid transfer element until it turns into vapor.

[0005] Three types of electronic cigarettes are defined: Open systems that have a refillable liquid reservoir and a replaceable coil, the lifespan of these e-cigarettes depending solely on the battery life, single-use cigarettes that are discarded once all the liquid in the reservoir has been vaporized, and cartridge cigarettes that have a fixed body containing the power battery, and a removable and replaceable cartridge containing a liquid reservoir and the vaporization unit.

[0006] In all these configurations, the heating element is supplied with liquid by capillary action resulting from the presence of the fibrous fluid transfer element.

[0007] Traditionally, fibrous fluid transfer elements are made of cotton which soaks up liquid, ensuring the transfer of liquid from the liquid reservoir to the heating element.

[0008] However, fibrous elements, such as cotton, are susceptible to deterioration from burning or clogging by the liquid or residue from the heated liquid, which substantially reduces the lifespan of the vaporizer. Furthermore, when the flavor is changed, it takes some time for the liquid in the cotton to be completely replaced by the new liquid, so the user may still experience the effects of the previous flavor.

[0009] In addition to these problems related to the vaporization unit, there is the question of the recyclability of electronic cigarettes. Indeed, single-use cigarettes with removable cartridges present a major drawback in terms of recycling, since the discarded components contain both electronic elements and fibrous and liquid elements. Furthermore, the cartridges are expensive to manufacture due to the complex arrangement required between the vaporization unit and the liquid reservoir. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by offering a vaporization unit with increased lifespan and improved user experience, as well as an electronic cigarette including such a vaporization unit enabling the development of a new generation of electronic cigarettes that are less expensive to manufacture, simple to use, recyclable and have an improved lifespan and user experience. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a vaporization unit for electronic cigarettes, which is essentially characterized in that it comprises a heating element intended to be electrically powered and a porous or non-porous ceramic in surface contact with the heating element, the vaporization unit being devoid of any fibrous material.

[0012] The vaporization unit of the invention may also include the following optional features, considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: The vaporization unit comprises a central heating element, surrounded at least partially by a porous or non-porous ceramic. The vaporization unit is cylindrical in shape, the heating element extends longitudinally, defining a central hollow channel, and the ceramic is a porous, tubular ceramic surrounding the heating element. The porous ceramic has a porosity greater than 20% by mass, preferably between 50 and 60% by mass. Alternatively, the vaporization unit is cylindrical in shape, the heating element extends longitudinally, defining a central hollow channel, and the ceramic is a non-porous, tubular ceramic surrounding the heating element and having at least one through-hole in its longitudinal wall. The tubular non-porous ceramic has multiple through-holes in its wall.Alternatively, the heating element is a resistive circuit printed on the ceramic. In this latter configuration, the ceramic is advantageously non-porous. In another embodiment, the ceramic is tubular in shape, the resistive circuit is printed on its outer face, and it has at least one translucent opening. In yet another embodiment, the ceramic is flat, and the resistive circuit is printed on at least one of its main faces.

[0013] The invention also relates to an electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body and a cartridge containing the liquid to be vaporized and which is removably mounted on said fixed body, and which is characterized in that the fixed body has a cartridge receiving recess, a power battery and a vaporization unit as previously defined, located in the cartridge receiving recess and comprising a heating element electrically powered by the battery and a fluid transfer element, in that the cartridge includes an air outlet opening onto a suction channel, and a reservoir of liquid to be vaporized surrounding the suction channel, and in that the removable cartridge and the fixed body are configured so that the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized is arranged in fluidic connection with the fluid transfer element of the vaporization unit of the fixed body when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body,and to ensure that the cartridge's suction channel is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit of the fixed body when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body.

[0014] The electronic cigarette of the invention may also include the following optional features, considered individually or in all possible technical combinations: At least a portion of the vaporizing unit of the fixed body opens at a receiving port for the vaporizing liquid reservoir. The cartridge receiving port has a central channel defining the receiving port for the vaporizing liquid reservoir, and the vaporizing unit is arranged within this central channel, with a portion of the vaporizing unit opening at the receiving port for the vaporizing liquid reservoir. The upper portion of the central channel is aligned with the suction channel of the removable cartridge when the cartridge is mounted on the fixed body. At least a portion of the vaporizing unit opens to or at the receiving port for the vaporizing liquid reservoir by means of at least one orifice in the central channel. The vaporizing unit extends coaxially within the central channel. The vaporizing liquid reservoir is made of a fibrous or porous material impregnated with the vaporizing liquid.The vaporization unit is removablely mounted on the fixed body. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figure: There figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to a first alternative where the cartridge is housed in the fixed body by defining a position of use, the fixed body comprising a vaporization unit according to a first embodiment; The figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to the first alternative where the cartridge is disconnected from the fixed body for replacement; The figure 3is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to a second alternative where the cartridge is housed in the fixed body, defining a position of use, the fixed body comprising a vaporization unit according to a second embodiment; The figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic cigarette of the invention according to the second alternative, where the cartridge is disconnected from the fixed body for replacement; The figure 5 is a perspective view of the vaporization unit of the invention according to the second embodiment in which the heating element is spirally mounted and surrounded by a tubular porous ceramic; The figure 6 is a perspective view of the vaporization unit of the invention according to a third embodiment in which the heating element is mounted at the core of a tubular non-porous ceramic; The figure 7is a perspective view of the vaporization unit of the invention according to a fourth embodiment in which the resistance is a resistive circuit printed on a preferably non-porous and flat ceramic; and The figure 8 is a perspective view of the vaporization unit of the invention according to a fifth embodiment in which the resistance is a resistive circuit printed on a preferably non-porous and tubular ceramic; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is first clarified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form in which those elements are represented. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.

[0017] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent one embodiment of the object of the invention, but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0018] We first describe the removable cartridge cigarette of the invention incorporating the vaporization unit of the invention, before describing in more detail several variants of the embodiment of the vaporization unit usable in any type of electronic cigarette.

[0019] In the electronic cigarette of the invention, the removable cartridge does not include the vaporization unit and therefore consists exclusively of the liquid reservoir (in the example shown, filled with liquid-soaked cotton), the mouthpiece, and its outer casing, which may be made of polymer, for example, polyester, which is more easily recyclable. According to the invention, the removable cartridge may include other components, but in no case the vaporization unit.

[0020] Thus, the removable cartridge is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, but above all, it has a greater recyclability than the cartridges usually used since it contains no metallic or electronic elements.

[0021] According to the invention, the vaporization unit usable in the electronic cigarette of figures 1 to 4or any other type of electronic cigarette includes a heating element, a porous or non-porous ceramic, and is free of any fibrous elements such as cotton. Thus, the vaporization unit of the invention has a lifespan significantly longer than vaporization units of the prior art and is not subject to the flavor persistence problem of a prior art liquid.

[0022] When the vaporization unit of the invention is used with an electronic cigarette featuring a removable cartridge, where the cartridge does not contain the vaporization unit, the overall environmental friendliness is further enhanced. This is because not only is the cartridge recyclable, but the increased lifespan of the vaporization unit also extends the lifespan of the electronic cigarette's main body, which then depends almost entirely on the battery life. Furthermore, in this configuration, the user experience is significantly improved, as changing the cartridge and e-liquid flavor immediately activates the new flavor.

[0023] We refer to figures 1 to 4to describe the electronic cigarette of the invention 1,1a according to a first alternative which comprises a fixed body 2 and a removable cartridge 3, as well as the vaporization unit 11 of the invention according respectively to the first and second embodiment variants.

[0024] The fixed body 2 includes a battery 4 forming a power supply unit. The fixed body 2 is composed of two parts. A first part 5 houses the battery 4 and the second part 6 has a receiving recess 7 for the removable cartridge 3 above an area 18 for electrical connection with the cartridge 4.

[0025] The receiving recess 7 of the removable cartridge 3 has a central channel 13 which delimits a receiving seat 15 of the reservoir of liquid to be vaporized 16. The channel 13 is open at its upper and lower extremes, and extends from an orifice 10 formed in the lower wall 9 of the receiving recess 7. The central channel 13 is thus in communication with the second part 6 of the fixed body 2 but also at the top with the surrounding air.

[0026] According to the invention, the fixed body 2 comprises the vaporization unit 11 which is arranged within the central channel 13 in the receiving recess 7 of the removable cartridge 3.

[0027] According to these two embodiment variants, the vaporization unit 11,11a includes a resistance 12,12a forming a heating element which is located at the heart of the vaporization unit 11,11a and which is surrounded by a porous ceramic 14,14a.

[0028] When the removable cartridge 3 is in position in the receiving seat, the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir 16 or the liquid-soaked fibrous element contained in the reservoir 16 ensures the role of transferring liquid by capillary action to the vaporization unit 11 and more specifically to the porous ceramic 14,14a.

[0029] Depending on the embodiment variant of the figures 1 and 2 The vaporization unit 11 extends transversely to the channel 13, with the ceramic 14 in contact with the liquid to be vaporized via, where applicable, the fibrous material contained in the liquid reservoir 16. Depending on the embodiment of the figures 3 and 4 , the vaporization unit 11a extends coaxially in and along the channel 13, the ceramic 14a also being in contact with the liquid to be vaporized via, where appropriate, the fibrous material contained in the liquid reservoir 16.

[0030] The contact between the ceramic 14, 14a and the liquid or fibrous material of the liquid reservoir 16 can occur in various ways. As shown in the figures 1 and 2 , through orifices 17 may be provided in the central channel 13 allowing the ceramic 14 to be in contact with the liquid to be vaporized or the fibrous material contained in the liquid reservoir 16 when the removable cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body 2. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the vaporization unit 11 extends transversely to the channel 13.

[0031] Alternatively, and with reference to figures 3 and 4, taking into account the mechanical strength of the ceramic 14a, it can be provided that the vaporization unit 11a protrudes coaxially from the channel 13, the protruding part comprising the resistance, surrounded by the porous ceramic 14a, in contact with the liquid to be vaporized or the fibrous material contained in the liquid reservoir 16 when the removable cartridge 3 is in place on the fixed body 2.

[0032] The resistor 12 is configured to heat the ceramic 14,14a by resistive heating. For this purpose, the material of the resistor 12 can be titanium, stainless steel, nickel, chromium, aluminum, or their alloys.

[0033] The porous ceramic 14,14a has a porosity greater than 20% by mass and preferably between 50 and 60% by mass. The porous ceramic can, for example, be made of aluminum oxide Al₂O₃, which exhibits high hardness, strong thermal stability, and resistance to high temperatures and abrasion, or of any other porous ceramic known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In both configurations, the capillary effect is obtained by the contact of the liquid to be vaporized or of the fibrous or porous material soaked in liquid 16 with the porous ceramic 14,14a when the cartridge 3 is placed on the fixed body 2.

[0035] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the receiving enclave 7 does not have a central channel 13, only the vaporization unit, for example the coaxial vaporization unit 14a of the figures 3 and 4emerges from the lower wall 9 of the receiving enclave 7, acting as a central channel in addition to a vaporization unit.

[0036] It should be specified that whatever the nature or geometry of the vaporization unit 11,11a, what is essential in the context of the invention is that a fluidic connection is established between the liquid to be vaporized or the material impregnated with liquid to be vaporized contained in the reservoir 16 and the porous ceramic 14,14a.

[0037] With reference to figures 1 and 2 18 means of electrical connection are provided between the resistor 12 and the battery 4.

[0038] In an embodiment not shown, the vaporization unit 11,11a can be mounted removably relative to the fixed body 2. In this alternative, the vaporization unit 11,11a is not part of the removable cartridge 3 but constitutes an independent removable element of the electronic cigarette of the invention whose lifespan depends only on the battery.

[0039] The removable cartridge 3 of the electronic cigarette of invention 1 has an air outlet 21 surmounted by a mouthpiece 19, which air outlet 21 extends into a central suction channel 20 through which the vaporized liquid is inhaled by the user. Alternatively, the removable cartridge does not have a mouthpiece 19, which may be a removable part relative to the cartridge 3 or remote. The removable cartridge 3 has a liquid reservoir 16 surrounding and located on either side of the suction channel 20.

[0040] The liquid reservoir 16 can contain liquid to be vaporized, but preferably the liquid reservoir 16 is filled with a fibrous or porous material, for example cotton, which is soaked with liquid to be vaporized.

[0041] The central suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 has cooperating dimensions, preferably dimensions that ensure the central suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 fits around the central channel 13 of the receiving recess 7 of the fixed body 2. Thus, and as illustrated in the Figures 1 And 3 , when the cartridge 3 is inserted into the receiving recess 7, the liquid reservoir 16 fits around and along the central channel 13 in which the vaporization unit 11,11a is located.

[0042] Furthermore, the suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 is arranged in continuity with the central channel 13 of the receiving recess 7, and more particularly with the upper part of this channel 13 located above the vaporization unit 11,11a, with the result that the vaporized liquid rises, by suction, along the central channel 13 to the suction channel 20 opening at the mouthpiece 19. In other words, the suction channel 20 of the removable cartridge 2 is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit 11,11a to ensure, by the user, the aspiration of the vaporized liquid.

[0043] The removable capsule 3 can be held securely in the receiving recess 7 by means of suitable snap-fit ​​devices (not shown). However, this secure hold can also be achieved by precisely adjusting the dimensions of the removable cartridge 3, and in particular its outer wall relative to the wall of the receiving recess 7.

[0044] We refer to figures 5 to 8 to describe alternative embodiments of the vaporization unit of the invention comprising ceramic. These vaporization units can be advantageously used in the electronic cigarette of the invention as previously described with reference to figures 1 to 4 , or be used in any other type of electronic cigarette, provided that the ceramic is placed, in the position of use, in contact with the liquid to be vaporized or with a material impregnated with liquid to be vaporized.

[0045] There figure 5illustrates the vaporization unit 14a mounted in the electronic cigarette of figures 3 and 4 The vaporization unit 14a includes a heating element 12a at the core of the vaporization unit 11a, which is arranged in a spiral extending longitudinally and defining a central hollow channel 22a. The porous ceramic 14a is in surface contact with the heating element, surrounding it. The porous ceramic 14a is tubular in shape and can be molded around the heating element 12a. In this embodiment, vaporization occurs at the heating element 12a, with the liquid to be vaporized penetrating the porous ceramic 14a, which is in fluidic contact with the liquid to be vaporized as previously described.

[0046] There figure 6This illustrates a third variant of the vaporization unit of the invention in which the heating element 12b is also at the heart of the vaporization unit 14b, taking the form of a mesh tube that defines a hollow central channel 22b. The ceramic 14b is tubular in shape and can be molded around the heating element 12b. In this variant, the ceramic 14b is non-porous. Vaporization occurs at the level of the ceramic 14b, which is heated by the heating element 12b. Preferably, through-holes 23b are provided throughout the thickness of the tubular ceramic 14b to generate the airflow necessary for vaporizing the liquid under the effect of user inhalation. These through-holes extend parallel to each other in an arc along the entire length of the vaporization unit, at least at the level of the heating element 12b.

[0047] In the various implementations of figures 7 and 8The heating element is a resistive circuit 12c,12d printed on the ceramic 14c,14d. Preferably in these configurations, the ceramic is a non-porous ceramic so that, as in the third embodiment of the figure 6 , vaporization takes place at the level of the ceramic 14c,14d which is heated by the resistive circuit 12c,12d.

[0048] In the fourth embodiment of the figure 7 , the ceramic 14c is flat, rectangular in shape, and the resistive circuit 12c is printed on at least one of the main faces of the ceramic 14c, preferably on its two opposite faces.

[0049] In the fifth variant of the implementation of the figure 8The 14d ceramic is tubular, defining a hollow central channel 22d, with the resistive circuit 12d printed on the longitudinal outer face of the tubular ceramic 14d. In this variant, the resistive circuit 12d is sinusoidal in shape around the entire periphery of the tubular ceramic 14d. As with the third variant of the figure 6 Preferably, through-holes 23d are provided throughout the entire thickness of the tubular ceramic 14d to generate the airflow necessary for vaporizing the liquid under the effect of user suction. These through-holes 23d extend in a straight line between two parallel sections of the resistive circuit 12d.

[0050] In the configuration of the fourth and fifth variants, the ceramic 14c,14d presents the function of mechanical support for the resistive circuit.

[0051] In addition, when a non-porous ceramic is used for the fourth and fifth variants, vaporization takes place at the level of the ceramic 14c,14d which is heated by the resistance 12c,12d.

[0052] The non-porous ceramic of the third, fourth and fifth variants can be made of aluminium oxide Al 2 O 3 or of any other ceramic known to a person skilled in the art.

[0053] The vaporization unit of the invention comprising a ceramic and a heating element, and devoid of any fibrous element, has the advantage of not containing any perishable element such as fibrous elements, for example cotton.

[0054] Furthermore, when the vaporization unit of the invention is used in the electronic cigarette as described with reference to the figures 1 to 4The perishable components, such as the fibrous element impregnated with the vaporizing liquid, are housed in the removable cartridge. This results in a recyclable e-cigarette, as the removable cartridge does not contain the vaporizing unit. It is also more environmentally friendly because the vaporizing unit's lifespan is extended, meaning it will be discarded later by the user. The e-cigarette's functionality is not affected, as the liquid-impregnated fibrous element acts as a buffer between the vaporizing liquid and the heating element. Furthermore, the use of ceramic prevents the persistence of previous e-liquid flavors, which is particularly beneficial in e-cigarettes with removable cartridges, where it is easy to change flavors as you change cartridges.

[0055] Finally, production costs are reduced due to the vaporization unit being made solely of resistance / printed circuit board and ceramic, and a cartridge containing only the liquid to be vaporized, possibly impregnated in a fibrous element.

Claims

1. Vaporization unit for electronic cigarette, characterized in that it comprises a heating element (12,12a,12b,12c,12d) intended to be electrically powered and a porous (14,14a) or non-porous (14b,14c,14d) ceramic in surface contact with the heating element (12,12a,12b,12c,12d), the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) being devoid of any fibrous material.

2. Vaporization unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a central heating element (12,12a,12b), surrounded at least partially by a porous (14,14a) or non-porous (14c) ceramic.

3. Vaporization unit according to claim 2, characterized in that The vaporization unit (11a) has a cylindrical shape, in that the heating element (12a) extends longitudinally, defining a hollow central channel (22a), and in that the ceramic is a porous ceramic (14a) of tubular shape which surrounds the heating element (12a).

4. Vaporization unit according to claim 3, characterized in that porous ceramic (14a) has a porosity greater than 20% by mass, preferably between 50 and 60% by mass.

5. Vaporization unit according to claim 2, characterized in that The vaporization unit (11b) has a cylindrical shape, in that the heating element (12b) extends longitudinally, defining a hollow central channel (22b), and in that the ceramic is a non-porous ceramic (14b) of tubular shape which surrounds the heating element (12b) and has at least one through-hole (23b) to the heating element (12b) provided at the level of its longitudinal wall.

6. Vaporization unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the non-porous tubular ceramic (14b) has a plurality of lights passing through to the heating element (12b).

7. Vaporization unit according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe heating element is a resistive circuit (12c,12d) printed on the ceramic (14c, 14d).

8. Vaporization unit according to claim 7, characterized in that The ceramic (14c,14d) is non-porous.

9. Vaporization unit according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that The ceramic (14d) is tubular in shape, in that the resistive circuit (12d) is printed on its outer face and in that it presents at least one light through (23d).

10. Vaporization unit according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the ceramic (14c) is flat, and in that the resistive circuit (12d) is printed on at least one of its main faces.

11. Electronic cigarette comprising a fixed body (2) and a cartridge (3) which contains the liquid to be vaporized and which is removably mounted on said fixed body (2), characterized in thatthe fixed body (2) includes a cartridge receiving recess (7), a power supply battery (4) and a vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) according to any one of the preceding claims, located in the cartridge receiving recess (7), in that the cartridge (3) includes an air outlet (21) opening onto a suction channel (20), and a reservoir for the liquid to be vaporized (16) surrounding the suction channel (20), and in that The removable cartridge (3) and the fixed body (2) are configured so that the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (15) is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) of the fixed body (2) when the capsule (3) is mounted on the fixed body (3), and so that the suction channel (20) of the cartridge (3) is arranged in fluidic connection with the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) of the fixed body (2) when the cartridge (3) is mounted on the fixed body (2).

12. Electronic cigarette according to claim 11, characterized in that at least part of the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) of the fixed body (2) opens at the level of a receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16).

13. Electronic cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that the cartridge receiving recess (7) includes a central channel (13) delimiting the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16), and in that the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) is arranged in the central channel (13), a part of the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) opening at the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16).

14. Electronic cigarette according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in thatat least part of the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) opens towards or at the receiving seat (15) of the liquid reservoir to be vaporized (16) by means of at least one orifice (17) made in the central channel (13).

15. Electronic cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vaporization unit (11,11a,11b,11c,11d) is removablely mounted on the fixed body (2).

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