Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
1
Electronic Cigarette Vaporiser with Compressible Wick
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to electronic cigarettes, and more specifically
vaporisers for electronic cigarettes.
Background
In electronic cigarette products, an aerosol-forming, or vaporisable,
substance is
stored in a tank in liquid form. The tank typically has an outlet connected to
a
wicking or fluid transfer element which supplies the aerosol or vapour forming
substance to an atomiser. In addition to the fluid transfer element, the
atomiser
also includes a heating arrangement that vaporises the liquid aerosol or
vapour
forming substance.
Electronic cigarettes rely on the power stored locally in batteries, and there
is a
need to provide increased battery life for such devices. An object of the
present
invention is, therefore, to address such a challenge.
Summary
The foregoing object of the invention, as well as other problems, is addressed
by
the claims.
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a vaporizer
for an
electronic cigarette, the vaporizer comprising a fluid transfer element and a
heater, wherein the fluid transfer element is compressible and configured to
transfer a portion of liquid from a liquid store to the heater, and wherein a
contact
surface of the fluid transfer element and the heater are configured to move
relative each other such that when the contact surface of the fluid transfer
element is compressed, liquid is releasable from the fluid transfer element
and
adsorbable on the heater.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
2
In this way, a controlled portion of liquid can be transferred to the heater
to be
heated, and heat does not spread to and within a liquid store, thereby
improving
the energy efficiency as only liquid to be vaporised is heated. Preferably the
portion of liquid corresponds to one vaporization puff by a user.
Preferably when the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is
compressed,
liquid is releasable from the contact surface of the fluid transfer element
and
adsorbable from the contact surface onto the heater.
Preferably the vaporiser further comprises a compressing element arranged to
move from a first position separated from the contact surface of the fluid
transfer
element to a second position closer to the contact surface of the fluid
transfer
element.
Preferably the heater is arranged on the compressing element such that the
heater moves relative to the contact surface and is pressed against the
contact
surface of the fluid transfer element when the compressing element is in the
second position, whereby a portion of liquid is released from the fluid
transfer
element and adsorbed on the heater, and wherein the heater is arranged to
vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid when the compressing element has
moved from the second position to the first position.
In this way, the controlled portion of liquid is transferred directly onto the
heater
by movement of the heater. By moving the heater away from the fluid transfer
element the unnecessary heating of liquid held in the fluid transfer element,
and
heat transfer to the liquid store, is inhibited; only a predetermined dose is
heated, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.
Alternatively, the heater is stationary arranged inside the electronic
cigarette and
located proximal to the contact surface of the fluid transfer element, and the
compressing element is configured to move the contact surface relative to the
heater as the compressing element moves between the first position and the
second position, and the compressing element in the second position is
configured to compress the contact surface such that liquid is released from
the
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
3
contact surface, and the heater is arranged to vaporise the adsorbed portion
of
liquid when the compressing element is in the first position.
Preferably, a fluidic bridge is created between the contact surface and the
heater
when the compressing element is in the second position, whereby a portion of
liquid releasable from the fluid transfer element is adsorbable on the heater
in
the second position.
Alternatively, the compressing element in the second position is configured to
compress the contact surface and create a distance between the contact surface
and the heater, and the compressing element in the first position is released
from the contact surface such that the contact surface contacts the heater in
the
first position and transfers liquid.
In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer
element,
thereby inhibiting the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer
element
and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid store is also
inhibited. This prevents unnecessary heating of liquid beyond the
predetermined
dose thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.
Alternatively, in the first position the heater is proximal to but separated
from the
fluid transfer element and the contact surface moves relative to the heater
when
the compressing element compresses the contact surface by moving from the
first position to the second position. When
the compressing element
compresses the contact surface a portion of liquid releasable from the fluid
transfer element is adsorbable on the heater, and the heater is arranged to
vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid when the compressing element has
moved from the second position to the first position.
Preferably, the fluid transfer element comprises a compressible wick.
In this way, the wick can wick and store liquid from the liquid store, and can
be
compressed to release liquid to be adsorbed on the heater.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
4
Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh disposed on a
surface of the wick toward the heater, wherein the mesh and wick are
compressed when the compressing element presses against the contact surface
of the fluid transfer element, such that in use a portion of liquid in the
wick
passes through the mesh.
In this way, the mesh contributes to inhibiting liquid escaping from the wick,
so
that liquid does not leak through an electronic cigarette, by forming a liquid
seal
when the fluid transfer element is not being deformed by the compressing
element.
Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.
In this way, the inhibiting of liquid escaping the wick through the mesh is
enhanced, as well as the adsorption onto the heater. Preferably the
hydrophobic
properties are provided by a hydrophobic coating on the mesh.
Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a liquid buffer
arranged
to transport liquid from a liquid store to the wick by capillary action.
In this way, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by buffering
the
liquid flow.
Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates arranged to
extend
from the wick toward a liquid store, with channels arranged between the plates
such that in use liquid is drawn from a liquid store to the wick by capillary
action.
In this way, the liquid is buffered by capillary action so that liquid reaches
the
wick in a controlled manner.
Preferably, the fluid transfer element has a piercing member extending
therefrom
so as to pierce a cartridge comprising the liquid store and transport liquid
from
the cartridge toward the wick through the piercing member.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
In this way, the fluid transfer element has dual functionality in that it is
used to
both pierce the cartridge and transfer liquid therein to the heater. This is
beneficial as in a single action the cartridge is both opened and the liquid
therein
engaged with the fluid transfer element for transfer to the heater.
Additionally,
5 the user does not have to manually open the cartridge, thereby avoiding
potential spillage. Preferably the piercing member is a tube with a pointed
end.
Preferably the piercing member has a sufficiently narrow bore for liquid to be
transported from the cartridge by capillary action. Preferably the cartridge
is a
disposable consumable whilst the component is arranged in a reusable portion
of an electronic cigarette. Preferably the reusable portion of the electronic
cigarette is the battery portion.
Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure.
Preferably, the heater comprises a ceramic structure and a printed or embedded
heating track connected to the ceramic structure, wherein the ceramic
structure
comprises a non-porous ceramic with a porous ceramic arranged on a first
surface thereof, and wherein the heating track is arranged on a second surface
of the non-porous ceramic
In this way, the liquid adsorption properties of the heater are enhanced.
Preferably the heater adsorbs the liquid by capillary action into the pores of
the
porous ceramic. The heater may be selected from a group comprising a spiral-
shaped coil, a mesh, or a printed or embedded surface heater. The heater may
comprise a ceramic disc. Preferably the non-porous ceramic is quartz.
Preferably the second surface of the non-porous ceramic is a surface opposite
the first surface of the non-porous ceramic. The heating track may be a
resistive
heating element.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a cartridge
for
an electronic cigarette, the cartridge comprising a vaporiser according to the
first
aspect and further comprising the liquid store.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
6
In this way, the component can be arranged in a reusable portion, such as a
battery portion, of the electronic cigarette whilst the disposable cartridge
can be
removed and replaced when spent.
According to a third aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of
operating the vaporizer of the first aspect, the method comprising compressing
the contact surface of the fluid transfer element such that liquid is released
from
the fluid transfer element, establishing a fluidic bridge between the released
liquid and the heater such that a portion of the released liquid is adsorbed
onto
the heater, and heating the adsorbed liquid by the heater to generate a vapour
when the fluidic bridge is broken.
In this way, a controlled portion of liquid is heated, and heat does not
spread to
and within the liquid store, thereby improving the energy efficiency as only
liquid
to be vaporised is heated.
Preferably compressing the contact surface of the fluid transfer element such
that liquid is released from the fluid transfer element comprises compressing
the
contact surface of the fluid transfer element such that liquid is released
from the
contact surface of the fluid transfer element.
Preferably establishing a fluidic bridge between the released liquid and the
heater such that a portion of the released liquid is adsorbed onto the heater
comprises establishing a fluidic bridge between the released liquid from the
contact surface and the heater such that a portion of the released liquid is
adsorbed onto the heater.
According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure there is provided an electronic
cigarette cartridge comprising a liquid store and a fluid transfer element,
the fluid
transfer element comprising a compressible wick and a flexible contact
surface,
wherein the fluid transfer element is configured to receive liquid from the
liquid
store and wherein the flexible contact surface is configured to release liquid
held
in the compressible wick from the electronic cigarette cartridge when the
fluid
transfer element is compressed.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
7
In this way, the release of liquid from the liquid store is inhibited when the
fluid
transfer element is not compressed.
Preferably, the liquid store is fluidically connected to the compressible wick
by an
opening between the liquid store and the fluid transfer element.
In this way, the liquid store and the compressible wick can be contained in
separate portions of the electronic cigarette cartridge. The liquid stores can
be
simple and economical to produce consumable, while the fluid transfer element
can be a re-usable part.
Alternatively, the compressible wick is located inside the liquid store.
In this way, the compressible wick and the liquid store can be contained in
the
same portion of the cartridge such that liquid in the liquid store can be
readily
taken up by the wick.
Alternatively, the fluid transfer element further comprises a plug in which
the
compressible wick is housed, the plug being receivable in the liquid store and
having a first end arranged to face liquid in the liquid store and wherein a
buffer
is arranged on the first end to transport liquid from the liquid store to the
wick by
capillary action.
In this way, a controlled flow of liquid to the wick is provided by the
buffering of
the liquid flow.
Preferably, the liquid buffer comprises a plurality of plates arranged to
extend
from the compressible wick into the liquid store, with channels arranged
between
the plates such that in use liquid is drawn from the liquid store to the
compressible wick by capillary action.
In this way, the liquid is buffered by the channels between the plates via
capillary
action so liquid reaches the wick in a controlled manner.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
8
Alternatively, the fluid transfer element is located outside the liquid store,
and the
liquid store is engageable by the fluid transfer element such that, in
operation,
the fluid transfer element transfers a portion of liquid from the liquid store
to a
heater in an electronic cigarette.
In this way, the liquid store can be replaced and the fluid transfer element
can be
re-used.
Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh arranged on a
surface of the compressible wick such that the mesh forms the flexible contact
surface, and wherein the mesh is arranged to allow liquid to pass there
through
when a compression is applied to the compressible wick.
In this way, the mesh contributes to inhibiting liquid escaping from the wick
by
forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer element is not being deformed or
compressed.
Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.
In this way, the inhibiting of liquid escaping the wick through the mesh is
enhanced. Preferably the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic
coating on the mesh.
According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure there is provided an electronic
cigarette for use with the electronic cigarette cartridge of the fourth
aspect, the
electronic cigarette comprising a compressing element and a heater, wherein
the
compressing element is arranged to move relative to the fluid transfer element
from a first position separated from the fluid transfer element to a second
position pressing against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer
element
to compress the compressible wick such that liquid is releasable from the wick
and adsorbable on the heater.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
9
In this way, a controlled portion of liquid can be transferred to the heater
to be
heated, and heat does not spread to and within a liquid store, thereby
improving
the energy efficiency as only liquid to be vaporised is heated. Preferably the
portion of liquid corresponds to one vaporization puff by a user.
Preferably, the heater is arranged on the compressing element such that the
heater is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer
element
when the compressing element is in the second position and a portion of liquid
releasable from the compressible wick is adsorbable on the heater, and the
heater is arranged to vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid when the
compressing element is released from the contact surface.
In this way, the controlled portion of liquid is transferred directly onto the
heater
by movement of the compressing element. By moving the heater away from the
fluid transfer element the unnecessary heating of liquid held in the fluid
transfer
element, and heat transfer to the liquid store, is inhibited; only a
predetermined
dose is heated, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic
cigarette.
Alternatively, the heater is proximal to but separated from the fluid transfer
element and arranged such that when the compressing element is pressed
against flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element when the
compressing element is in the second position, and whereby a portion of liquid
is
released from the compressible wick and is adsorbed on the heater, and the
heater is arranged to vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid when the
compressing element is has moved from the second position to the first
position.
In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer
element,
thereby inhibiting the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer
element
and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid store is also
inhibited. This prevents unnecessary heating of liquid beyond the
predetermined
dose thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
According to a sixth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of
operating the electronic cigarette of the fifth aspect, the method comprising
moving the compressing element to press against the flexible contact surface
of
the fluid transfer element such that liquid is released from the fluid
transfer
5 element, establishing a fluidic bridge between the released liquid and
the heater
such that a portion of the released liquid is adsorbed onto the heater, and
heating the adsorbed liquid by the heater to generate a vapour when the
fluidic
bridge is broken.
10 In this way a controlled portion of liquid is heated, and heat does not
spread to
and within the liquid store, thereby improving the energy efficiency as only
liquid
to be vaporised is heated.
According to a seventh aspect of the disclosure there is provided a fluid
transfer
component for an electronic cigarette, the fluid transfer component being
configured to establish a fluidic connection between a liquid store and a
heater in
an electronic cigarette, wherein the fluid transfer component comprises: a
liquid
uptake member configured to connect with a housing of the liquid store, a
chamber configured to receive liquid from the liquid store by the liquid
uptake
member, and a fluid transfer element comprising a compressible wick configured
to transport liquid from the chamber to the proximity of the heater by
capillary
action and a flexible contact surface configured to deform in the axial
direction of
the fluid transfer component wherein the flexible contact surface is
configured to
release liquid from the compressible wick for transfer to the heater when the
fluid
transfer element is compressed.
In this way, the fluid transfer component can be used to connect a liquid
store,
such as a cartridge, to the heater of an electronic cigarette in a simple and
efficient manner.
Preferably, the fluid transfer component is releasably connectable to the
liquid
store by the liquid uptake member.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
11
In this way, an expired liquid store can be released from the fluid transfer
component and replaced in a simple and efficient manner. The fluid transfer
component can be connected to a generic liquid store to create a liquid store
with fluid transfer capabilities.
Preferably, the liquid uptake member is an elongated tube extending from the
chamber and provided with a tip configured to be received in the liquid store
such that liquid can enter the elongated tube at the tip for transfer to the
chamber.
In this way, the liquid uptake member transfers liquid from the liquid store
to the
compressible wick. Preferably the elongated tube has a sufficiently narrow
bore
for liquid to be transported from the liquid store by capillary action.
Preferably, the liquid uptake member is arranged to form a friction fit with
an
opening in the liquid store.
In this way, the liquid uptake member forms a secure and snug connection with
the opening in the liquid store with a sealed connection such that liquid
leakage
from the liquid store is inhibited.
Preferably, the tip comprises a pointed end of the elongated tube arranged to
pierce a housing of the liquid store.
In this way, the fluid transfer component can be used to pierce a liquid store
or
cartridge and transfer liquid from the liquid store to the fluid transfer
element.
This is beneficial as in a single action the liquid store can be both opened
and
the liquid therein engaged with the fluid transfer element for transfer from
the
liquid store.
Preferably, the fluid transfer element further comprises a mesh arranged on a
surface of the compressible wick such that the mesh forms the flexible contact
surface, and wherein the mesh is arranged to allow liquid to pass there
through
when a compression is applied to the compressible wick.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
12
In this way, the mesh contributes to inhibiting liquid escaping from the wick
by
forming a liquid seal when the fluid transfer element is not being deformed or
compressed.
Preferably, the mesh is hydrophobic.
In this way, the inhibiting of liquid escaping the wick through the mesh is
enhanced. Preferably the hydrophobic properties are provided by a hydrophobic
coating on the mesh.
Preferably, the fluid transfer component is removably attachable to the
electronic
cigarette.
In this way, the fluid transfer component can be a consumable component that
can be replaced at the end of its working life. This obviates the need to
replace
the entire electronic cigarette when, for example, the compressible wick needs
to
be replaced.
In another aspect, the fluid transfer component is fluidically coupled to a
liquid
store of a cartridge by the liquid uptake member.
According to an eighth aspect of the disclosure there is provided an
electronic
cigarette for use with the fluid transfer component of the seventh aspect,
there
electronic cigarette comprising a wick compressor and a heater, wherein the
wick compressor is arranged to move relative to the fluid transfer element
from a
first position separated from the fluid transfer element to a second position
pressing against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element to
compress the compressible wick such that liquid is releasable from the wick
and
adsorbable on the heater.
In this way, a controlled portion of liquid can be transferred to the heater
to be
heated, and heat does not spread to and within a liquid store, thereby
improving
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
13
the energy efficiency as only liquid to be vaporised is heated. Preferably the
portion of liquid corresponds to one vaporization puff by a user.
Preferably, the heater is arranged on the wick compressor such that the heater
is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid transfer element
when
the wick compressor moves from the first position to the second position and a
portion of liquid releasable from the compressible wick is adsorbable on the
heater, and the heater is arranged to vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid
when the wick compressor has moved from the second position to the first
position.
In this way, the controlled portion of liquid is transferred directly onto the
heater
by movement of the wick compressor. By moving the heater away from the fluid
transfer element the unnecessary heating of liquid held in the fluid transfer
element, and heat transfer to the liquid store, is inhibited; only a
predetermined
dose is heated, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic
cigarette.
Alternatively, the heater is proximal to but separated from the fluid transfer
element and the wick compressor, and arranged such that when the wick
compressor is pressed against the flexible contact surface of the fluid
transfer
element when moving from the first position to the second position a portion
of
liquid releasable from the compressible wick is adsorbable on the heater, and
the heater is arranged to vaporise an adsorbed portion of liquid when the wick
compressor has moved from the second position to the first position.
In this way, the heater is maintained at a distance from the fluid transfer
element,
thereby inhibiting the heater from transferring heat to the fluid transfer
element
and heating the liquid held therein. Heat transfer to the liquid store is also
inhibited. This prevents unnecessary heating of liquid beyond the
predetermined
dose thereby improving the energy efficiency of the electronic cigarette.
According to a ninth aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of
operating the electronic cigarette of the eighth aspect, the method
comprising:
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
14
moving the wick compressor to press against the flexible contact surface of
the
fluid transfer element such that liquid is released from the fluid transfer
element,
establishing a fluidic bridge between the released liquid and the heater such
that
a portion of the released liquid is adsorbed onto the heater, and heating the
adsorbed liquid by the heater to generate a vapour when the fluidic bridge is
broken.
In this way a controlled portion of liquid is heated, and heat does not spread
to
and within the liquid store, thereby improving the energy efficiency as only
liquid
to be vaporised is heated.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with
reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional diagram of an electronic cigarette cartridge
in
an electronic cigarette;
Figures 1B to 1D show cross-sectional diagrams of a compressible wick in an
electronic cigarette cartridge being compressed by a heater;
Figures 2A to 2E show cross-sectional diagrams of the operation of a heater
compressing a wick;
Figure 3 shows a diagram of liquid drops on a hydrophobic mesh;
Figures 4A to 4D show diagrams representing liquid adsorbed on a heater being
vaporised;
Figures 5A to 50 show cross-sectional diagrams of a compressible wick being in
an electronic cigarette cartridge being compressed by a wick compressor;
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
Figures 6A and 6B show cross-sectional diagrams of a cartridge with a
compressible wick;
Figures 7A and 7B show exploded views of a cartridge with a compressible wick;
5 and
Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional diagram of a vaporiser engaging a cartridge.
Figure 8B shows a cross-sectional diagram of an alternate arrangement of a
10 vaporiser engaging a cartridge.
Detailed Description
Figure 1A shows an electronic cigarette 100 with a vaporiser arrangement, and
15 Figures 1B to 1D show the vaporiser arrangement 102 for use in the
electronic
cigarette in more detail. The vaporiser arrangement 102 includes a
compressible fluid transfer element 104 and a heater 105 which is moveable
relative to a flexible contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104.
In an
example, the heater 105 has a ceramic structure with a printed or embedded
heating track. The ceramic structure may be a non-porous ceramic with a
porous ceramic layer on its surface. The fluid transfer element 104 comprises
a
compressible wick 109 capable of being saturated with a vaporisable liquid. In
the example of Figure 1A, the compressible fluid transfer element 104 is
arranged in a releasable cartridge 111 configured to be connected to a
cartridge
seating 190 in a housing 129 of the main body of the electronic cigarette, and
the heater 105 is arranged as part of the main body of the electronic
cigarette.
The compressible wick 109 is arranged to absorb liquid 121 from a liquid store
106 in the cartridge 111; the liquid 121 then spreads through the wick 109
such
that the wick 109 becomes saturated. The wick may consist of a compressible
porous or fibrous material, such as cotton or silica. Alternatively the liquid
store
can be a refillable liquid store integral to the electronic cigarette with the
fluid
transfer element.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
16
The heater 105 is connected by a compressing element 103 to a motor or
solenoid 137 in a housing 127 the main body of the electronic cigarette. The
cartridge may be housed in either the same or a different housing part as the
heater, compressing element and motor in the electronic cigarette. The heater
105 is moved into contact with the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer
element 104 and deforms the contact surface 110 of the fluid transfer element
104, thereby compressing the wick 109 and releasing liquid held in the wick
109
from the contact surface 110. Liquid held in the wick 109 is adsorbed onto the
surface of the heater 105. A porous ceramic layer at the surface of the heater
can aid the transfer of liquid to the heater by capillary action. The heater
105 is
then retracted from the contact surface 110 and the heater is configured to
heat
the adsorbed liquid to generate a vapour as the heater 105 is separated from
the
contact surface 110. This process is described in more detail with respect to
Figures 1B to 1D, and 2A to 2E. The electronic cigarette 100 has a mouthpiece
131 upon which a user of the electronic cigarette 100 can draw to inhale the
generated vapour. When the user draws on the mouthpiece 131, the vapour is
drawn to the mouthpiece 131 by a vapour tube 135. The vapour enters the
vapour tube 135 at a first end of the vapour tube proximal to the heater and
exits
the vapour tube 135 at a second end of the vapour tube connected to the
mouthpiece 131.
Figures 1B to 1D show the release and vaporisation of liquid from the
cartridge
in more detail.
In Figure 1B the heater 105 is separated from the compressible surface of the
fluid transfer element 104. The heater 105 is connected by an compressing
element 103 to a driver such as a motor or solenoid (as described with
reference
to Figure 1A, but not shown in Figures 1B to 1D). The heater 105 and the
driver
are powered by a power supply, such as a battery, within the main body of the
electronic cigarette.
The driver is arranged to move the heater 105 relative to the surface of the
fluid
transfer element 104, from a position separated from the surface of the fluid
transfer element 104 (as shown in Figure 1B) to a position wherein the heater
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
17
105 is in contact with and is deforming the contact surface 110 of the fluid
transfer element 104 thereby compressing the fluid transfer element 104 (as
shown in Figure 1C).
The compression applied to the fluid transfer element 104 causes liquid held
in
the fluid transfer element 104 to be released from the fluid transfer element
104
(akin to squeezing a saturated sponge) at the contact surface 110. This
released liquid 113 is adsorbed onto the surface of the heater 105.
The driver is further arranged to move the heater 105 relative to the surface
of
the fluid transfer element 104 by moving the heater 105 from the position
wherein it is in contact with and compressing the fluid transfer element 104
(as
shown in Figure 1C), back to the position wherein the heater 105 is separated
from the fluid transfer element 104 (as shown in Figure 1D). As such,
following
the adsorption of liquid 115 onto the heater 105 surface, the driver retracts
the
heater 105 from the fluid transfer element 104 with the adsorbed liquid 115 on
the surface of the heater 105. The retraction of the heater 105 releases the
compression applied to the fluid transfer element 104, consequently the wick
109 draws in liquid from the liquid store to replace the liquid adsorbed onto
the
heater 105. That is, the driver drives the heater 105 into the surface of the
fluid
transfer element 104 and retracts it from the surface of the fluid transfer
element
104 with liquid from the fluid transfer element 104 adsorbed on the heater
105.
When retracted from the fluid transfer element 104, the heater 105 applies
thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115, thereby heating and vaporising the
adsorbed liquid 115 to generate a vapour. This vapour can then be inhaled by
the user of the electronic cigarette through a mouthpiece.
The surface of the wick 109 facing the heater 105 can form the flexible
contact
surface 110 of the fluid transfer element 104. That is, the wick 109 itself
can be
the fluid transfer element 104. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer
element
104 may further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 107 arranged on a surface of the
wick 109 between the wick 109 and the heater 105. When the hydrophobic
mesh is included, the hydrophobic mesh 107 may be configured as the contact
surface 110 for the heater 105. That is, the fluid transfer element 104 can be
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
18
both the wick 109 and the mesh 107. As such, when the heater 105 contacts
the contact surface 110 and compresses the fluid transfer element 104, it
deforms both the hydrophobic mesh 107 and the wick 109. As a result of the
compression, the liquid held in the wick 109 passes through the mesh 107. The
hydrophobic nature of the mesh 107 causes the liquid that has passed through
the mesh 107 to be repelled and form droplets on the surface of the mesh 107
(as illustrated in Figure 3) rather than soaking back through the mesh 107
into
the wick 109. This benefits the adsorption of liquid 115 onto the heater 105.
Additionally, the hydrophobic mesh 107 prevents liquid 121 from escaping the
cartridge 111 when a compression is not applied. Air can pass through the
mesh 107 providing breathability. In an embodiment, the mesh 107 can have a
metallic structure and be provided with a hydrophobic coating. Alternatively,
the
mesh 107 can itself be made from a hydrophobic material, such as a nonwoven
material. The hydrophobic material or coating may be polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) or Teflon. The hydrophobic mesh can have material properties that
make resiliently flexible so as to allow for a deformation; the hydrophobic
mesh
can also have structural properties providing flexibility such as being
convexly
dome-shaped or bulging to allow for deformation. To further increase the
proficiency for liquid 115 to be adsorbed onto the heater 105, the heater 105
can
be hydrophilic. Hydrophilic heater 105 properties are also beneficial in
aiding the
wetting of the heater 105 surface such that an even distribution of liquid 115
across the heater 105 is achieved. This enhances the efficiency of the
heating.
In some examples, the cartridge 111 has a barrier 123 provided between the
wick 109 and the liquid 121 in the liquid store 106. An aperture 125 is
provided
in the barrier 123 between the wick 109 and the liquid 121 in the liquid store
106
so that liquid 121 can flow from the liquid store 106 to the wick 109 in a
controlled manner. The barrier 123 also holds the wick 109 in position at the
end of the cartridge 111, against the mesh 107, for interaction with the
heater
105.
Figures 2A to 2E show diagrams of operational steps of the vaporiser 102
described with reference to Figure 1.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
19
The heater 105 is connected to a compressing element 103 operationally
connected to a driver. The driver can be a motor or solenoid (as described
with
reference to Figure 1A, but not shown in Figures 2A to 2E) which is arranged
to
drive the heater 105 toward and away from the fluid transfer element 104. The
fluid transfer element 104 comprises a compressible wick 109 with a contact
surface 110 facing liquid in the liquid store 111, and a contact surface
opposite
the first surface. The contact surface 110 can be part of the same material as
the fluid transfer element. Alternatively, as previously described, a
hydrophobic
mesh 107 may be configured as the contact surface 110.
Initially, as shown in Figure 2A, the heater 105 is separated from the fluid
transfer element 104. The compressing element 103 moves the heater 105
against the contact surface 110 and compresses and the fluid transfer element
104, as shown in Figure 2B. This causes a portion of the liquid held in the
wick
109 to be released 113 from the wick 109 and to pass through the mesh 107
where it comes into contact with the heater 105. The liquid adsorbs onto the
surface of the heater 105. The surface of the heater 105 can include a porous
ceramic; capillary action provided by this material can aid the transfer of
the
released liquid 113 to the heater 105.
The compressing element 103 then retracts the heater 105 from the fluid
transfer
element. The portion of adsorbed liquid 115 also retracts from the mesh 107 on
the heater 105, as shown in Figure 20. This leads to the arrangement of Figure
2D, wherein the heater 105 and adsorbed liquid 115 are separated from the
fluid
transfer element. Figure 4A shows a heater 105 with a layer of liquid 115
adsorbed onto and wetting the surface. The retraction of the heater 105
results
in a removal of the compression applied to the fluid transfer element, this
causes
the fluid transfer element to return to its non-compressed state and in doing
so
the wick 109 draws in more liquid from the liquid store 111.
When the heater 105 is separated from the fluid transfer element 104, power is
supplied to the heater 105 from a power supply such as a battery in the
electronic cigarette. The supplied power heats the heater 105 such that the
heater 105 transfers thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115. This transfer
of
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 115 elevates the temperature of the
adsorbed liquid 115 such that the adsorbed liquid 115 is vaporised and a
vapour
117 is generated, as shown in Figure 2E. This vapour 117 can then be inhaled
by a user through the mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette 100.
5
In this way, only the portion of liquid absorbed on the heater 105 need be
heated
to its vaporisation point. This requires less energy than heating a larger
volume
of liquid, for example held in a liquid tank, to its vaporisation point. As
such,
these power savings in heating lead to a longer battery life in the electronic
10 cigarette 100. Furthermore, the separation of the heater 105 and the
liquid store
106 prevents heat spreading through the liquid store 106 which would further
waste energy.
Figures 4A, 4B, 40 and 4D show the progression of the vaporisation from the
15 heater 105 over a period of time. As the vaporisation time elapses, the
amount
of adsorbed liquid 115 remaining on the heater 105 decreases as it is
converted
to vapour 117, starting from Figure 4A, before the vaporisation begins, to
Figure
4B where some of the liquid has been vaporised, to Figure 40 where most of the
liquid has been vaporised, and finally Figure 4D where all of the liquid has
been
20 vaporised.
When the adsorbed liquid 115 has been vaporised, the operation returns to the
state as described with reference to Figure 2A.
In some examples, the heater 105 position oscillates back and forth from being
in contact with the contact surface 110 and compressing the fluid transfer
element to being separated from the fluid transfer element. In this way, the
vaporiser operation repeatedly cycles through the compression-adsorption-
retraction-vaporisation cycle as described with reference to Figures 2A to 2E.
Figure 5 shows a diagram of an alternative vaporiser 502 arrangement to that
described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This embodiment is also based
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
21
upon an arrangement in which the heater and the contact surface of the fluid
transfer element are movable in relation to each other and whereby heat is
only
transferred to the adsorbed liquid when the heater is separated from the
contact
surface.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, only the contact surface (or fluid
transfer surface) 510 of the cartridge 511 is movable, while the heater 505 is
stationary. The heater 505 is held at a fixed position from the cartridge 511
and a
separate compressing element 503 deforms the contact surface 510 of the fluid
transfer element 504 thereby compressing the fluid transfer element 504.
In this arrangement, the vaporiser 502 includes a compressible fluid transfer
element 504, a heater 505 which held at a fixed displacement from the
cartridge
511, and a compressing element 503 such as a piston or elongate rod
configured to compress the fluid transfer element 504 by deforming the
flexible
contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 facing the heater 505.
The
piston is configured to move into and away from the contact surface 510 of the
fluid transfer element 504; this deforming of the contact surface 510 of the
fluid
transfer element 504 results in the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer
element 504 moving relative to the fixed position of the heater 505.
The fluid transfer element 504 is housed within a cartridge 511 and comprises
a
compressible wick 509 capable of being saturated with a vaporisable liquid. In
the example of Figure 5, the compressible fluid transfer element 504 is
arranged
in a cartridge 511 suitable for being seated inside the cartridge seating 190
of
an electronic cigarette, and the heater 505 and the compressing element 503
are arranged as part of the main body of the electronic cigarette. The
compressible wick 509 is arranged to absorb liquid 521 from a liquid store 506
in
the cartridge 511; the liquid 521 then spreads through the wick 509 such that
the
wick 509 becomes saturated. The surface of the wick 509 facing the heater 505
can form the flexible contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504.
That
is, the wick 509 itself can be the fluid transfer element 504. In
some
embodiments, the fluid transfer element 504 may further comprise a hydrophobic
mesh 507 (corresponding to that described with reference to Figure 1) arranged
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
22
on a surface of the wick 509 between the wick 509 and the heater 505. When
the hydrophobic mesh is included, the hydrophobic mesh 507 may be configured
as the contact surface 510. That is, the fluid transfer element can be both
the
wick 109 and the mesh 107. Similar to the previous embodiments, the fluid
transfer element 504 may optionally further comprise a hydrophobic mesh 507
covering a surface of the wick 509 opposite the surface facing the liquid 521
in
the liquid store 506. The hydrophobic nature of the mesh 507 causes the liquid
that has passed through the mesh 507 to be repelled and form droplets on the
surface of the mesh 507 (as illustrated in Figure 3) rather than soaking back
through the mesh 507 into the wick 509.
In the example of Figure 5, the compressing element 503 is an elongate rod or
piston arranged to pass through a ring-shaped heater 505. The elongate rod is
connected to a driver (not shown) such as a solenoid or motor which drives the
elongate rod from a position separated from the fluid transfer element 504 (as
shown in Figure 5A) to a position wherein the elongate rod is in contact with
and
is deforming the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504,
thereby
compressing the fluid transfer element 504 (as shown in Figure 5B). That is,
the
driver drives the compressing element 503 into the contact surface 510 of the
fluid transfer element 504 and retracts it from the contact surface 510 of the
fluid
transfer element 504.
The heater 505 and the driver are powered by a power supply, such as a
battery, within the main body of the electronic cigarette. In other examples,
the
compressing element 503 can be of any other shape suitable for movement into
and out of contact with the fluid transfer element 504 whilst being in close
proximity to the heater 505.
When the compressing element 503 pushes against the contact surface 510 of
the fluid transfer element 504, the applied compression to the wick 509 of the
fluid transfer element 504 due to the deformation applied to the contact
surface
510 of the fluid transfer element 504 causes liquid 513 held in the wick 509
to be
released, as shown in Figure 5B. In embodiments including the hydrophobic
mesh 507 as the contact surface 510, the liquid held in the wick 509 is
released
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
23
through the hydrophobic mesh 507. The heater 505 is arranged such that a
surface of the heater 505 is within a close proximity to the contact surface
510 of
the fluid transfer element 504 such that these droplets 515 are adsorbed onto
the heater 505 by way of a fluid bridge thereby wetting the heater 505
surface,
as shown in Figure 50. Optionally, the heater 505 can have hydrophilic
properties to encourage the transfer of the liquid from the contact surface of
the
mesh 507 to the surface of the heater 505. The surface of the heater 505 can
include a porous ceramic; capillary action provided by this material can aid
the
transfer of the released liquid 513 to the heater 505.
The compressing element 503 then retracts from the contact surface 510 of the
fluid transfer element 504. The removal of the compression causes the fluid
transfer element 504 to return to its non-compressed state and in doing so the
wick 509 draws in more liquid from the liquid store 506.
Power is supplied to the heater 505 by a power supply such as a battery in the
electronic cigarette. When the liquid 515 is adsorbed on the heater 505
surface,
the heater 505 applies thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 515; this
transfer of
thermal energy to the adsorbed liquid 515 elevates the temperature of the
adsorbed liquid 515 such that the adsorbed liquid 515 is vaporised and a
vapour
is generated. This vapour can then be inhaled by the user of the electronic
cigarette through a mouthpiece.
Similarly to that described with reference to Figures 2A to 2E, the
compressing
element 503 can oscillate back and forth from being in contact with and
deforming the contact surface 510 of the fluid transfer element 504 to being
separated from the fluid transfer element 504. In this way, the vaporiser 502
operation repeatedly cycles through the compression-adsorption-retraction-
vaporisation cycle.
In some examples, similar to those described with reference to Figure 1, a
barrier 523 is provided in the cartridge 511 between the wick 509 and the
liquid
521 in the liquid store 506. An aperture 525 is provided in the barrier 523
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
24
between the wick 509 and the liquid 521 in the liquid store 506 so that liquid
521
can flow from the liquid store 506 to the wick 509 in a controlled manner. The
barrier also holds the wick 509 in position at the end of the cartridge 511,
against
the mesh 507, for interaction with the heater 505.
The example described with reference to Figure 5 provides the same power
saving advantages as that described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in that
only a small portion of liquid adsorbed on the heater need be heated, rather
than
a larger volume of liquid in a liquid tank when generating a vapour.
In a similar and closely related alternative arrangement to that described
with
reference to Figure 5, the contact surface of the fluid transfer element is in
contact with the heater when the compressing element is in the first position.
The compressing element moves to the second position, deforming the contact
surface and compressing the wick such that the contact surface moves away
from the heater, thus creating a distance between the contact surface and the
heater. This compression releases liquid held in the wick through the contact
surface such that a fluid bridge is formed by the released liquid and the
liquid is
adsorbed onto the surface of the heater. The heater then heats and vaporises
the adsorbed liquid. The compressing element retracts from the contact surface
and returns to the first position. The deformation of the contact surface and
compression to the wick is released such that the contact surface again
contacts
the heater. The application and release of the compression to the wick as the
compressing element moves between the first and second positions provides a
pumping action which can draw further liquid into the wick from the liquid
store.
Where suitable, all features described with reference to Figure 5 can be used
with this arrangement.
Figures 6A and 6B show another embodiment of a cartridge 611 suitable for use
with the heater as described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5; Figures 7A
and 7B show exploded diagrams of such a cartridge 611. The cartridge 611
includes the wick components of the vaporiser. The cartridge 611 is configured
to be inserted into the electronic cigarette such that the fluid transfer
element
604 of the cartridge is arranged with the heater of the electronic cigarette
to form
a vaporiser, such as that described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
The cartridge 611 has a housing 641 defining a liquid store 606; the housing
641
is substantially cylindrical in shape with one open end. Whilst the example is
described as cylindrical, any other suitable shaped can be used.
5
A plug 627 is positioned in the open end of the housing 641; the plug 627
having
an outer diameter approximately equal to the inner diameter of the housing 641
such that a snug fit is achieved. The plug 627 has a cavity 649 defined by
sidewalls 645 adjacent to the walls of the housing 641 and a bottom wall 647,
10 perpendicular to the sidewalls, arranged at an end of the plug inward to
the
housing 641 of the cartridge 611. The end of the plug 627 opposite the bottom
wall 647 of the plug 627 has an outwardly extending flange portion 643 with an
outer diameter greater than then inner diameter of the housing 641. This
provides an abutment against the open end of the housing 641 forming a
15 stopping point for the plug 627 as it slides into the housing 641, and
prevents the
plug 627 sliding beyond the stopping point further into the housing 641. A
wick
609 is contained within the cavity 649 and dimensioned to substantially fill
the
cavity 649. The bottom wall 647 of the plug 627 has a series of openings such
that liquid held within the liquid store 606 of the cartridge 611 can enter
the
20 cavity 649 of the plug 627 where it is absorbed by the wick 609.
Optionally, the openings in the bottom wall 647 of the plug 627 are defined by
a
series of plates 629 arranged side by side and defining flow channels 631 in
the
longitudinal direction of the cartridge. The plates 629 thus define a series
of
25 channels 631 running from the liquid store 606 into the cavity 649 of
the plug
627. The plates 629 extend outwardly from the plug 627 and into the liquid
store
606. These channels 631 are dimensioned such that they provide a capillary
action drawing liquid from the liquid store 606 into the cavity 649, acting as
a
liquid buffer, for absorption by the wick 609. In this example, the
combination of
the channels 631 between the plate-like extensions 629 and the wick 609
constitute the fluid transfer element 604. As will be described subsequently,
the
fluid transfer element 604 can further include a hydrophobic mesh 607
(corresponding to that described with reference to Figure 1). In use, when the
fluid transfer element 604 is compressed and subsequently released, liquid is
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
26
drawn into the channels 631. This provides a pumping action, transporting
liquid
from the liquid store 606 to the space defined between the plates 629 forming
the channels 631. The space between the thus provides a reservoir of liquid or
buffer that is held in the proximity of the fluid transfer element. This
ensures the
supply of liquid to the fluid transfer element 604 and reduces the risk that
the
fluid transfer element 604 would become short of liquid.
The wick 609 is compressed by deforming a contact surface 610 that faces
outwardly to the cartridge such that when compressed a portion of liquid held
in
the wick 609 is released from the contact surface 610. That is, the fluid
transfer
element 604 has a flexible contact surface.
A surface of the wick 609 facing outwardly from the cartridge 611 can form the
flexible contact surface 610 of the fluid transfer element 604. In
some
embodiments, the fluid transfer element 604 may further comprise a hydrophobic
mesh 607 arranged on the surface of the wick 609 facing outwardly from the
cartridge 611. When the hydrophobic mesh 609 is included, the hydrophobic
mesh 507 may be configured as the contact surface 510. The hydrophobic
properties of the mesh 607 provide two main functions. Firstly, the
hydrophobic
properties prevent liquid stored in the wick 609 escaping through the mesh 607
when the wick 609 and mesh 607 are not being compressed. Secondly, when
liquid passes through the mesh 607 following compression, the hydrophobic
properties cause liquid to form into droplets on the surface of the mesh 607,
rather than passing back through the mesh 607. In this way, the droplets can
be
adsorbed onto a heater.
In some examples, the cartridge 611 is a disposable consumable, to be replaced
following the depletion of the liquid stored in the cartridge. The expired
cartridge
611 is removed from the electronic cigarette, and a fresh cartridge 611 filled
with
liquid is inserted to the electronic cigarette.
The use of the cartridge 611 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7
provides similar power saving advantages to those described with respect to
Figures 1 and 2 in that it provides for a smaller portion of liquid to be
extracted
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
27
for heating, rather than heating a larger volume of liquid in a liquid tank to
generate a vapour.
In other examples, the cartridge 611 is reusable and can be refilled. For
example, the plug 627 can be removed from the housing 641 so that additional
liquid can be added. The plug can then be refitted and the cartridge can be
reconnected to the electronic cigarette.
Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional diagrams of other embodiments of a
vaporiser system 800 for an electronic cigarette. Similar to the previously
described embodiments, the system in Figures 8a and 8b is configured to
provide dosing capabilities and to avoid that the heater 805 transfers heat to
the
liquid store or cartridge 811. As illustrated, the vaporiser system 800
comprises
a liquid store or cartridge 811 in a seating 890 in a housing 829 of the main
body
of the electronic cigarette, a fluid transfer component 804 and a heater 805.
The
liquid store or cartridge 811, the fluid transfer component 804 and the heater
are
configured as separable parts. Rather than being housed in the cartridge 811,
the fluid transfer component 804 can be a separate component and comprises a
chamber 855, a fluid transfer element 857, a piercing member 833 and fluid
transfer surface (or heater contact surface) 810. The separate parts of the
vaporiser system enable the liquid store to have a simple structure, which
makes
it easy to produce.
The fluid transfer component 804 has a shape corresponding to the contact area
of the heater 805. The fluid transfer component 804 can be disc shaped with a
piercing member 833 extending from one face arranged to be in a direction
toward the cartridge 811 or cartridge seating 890 in the electronic cigarette.
As
illustrated in Figure 8A, the fluid transfer component 804 can be removably
attached to the housing 839 of the main of the electronic cigarette. As
illustrated
in Figure 8B, the fluid transfer component 804 can be solely attached to the
liquid store or cartridge 811. Optionally, the two parts of the housing 829,
839
can be separated to allow a user of the electronic cigarette to access, and
remove or replace, the fluid transfer component 804.
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
28
The piercing member 833 is preferably in the shape of an elongate tube with a
pointed end 835 and is arranged to pierce into a cartridge or liquid store 811
and
contact liquid within a liquid store of the cartridge 811. A channel 837 runs
through the elongate spike to draw the liquid through to the disc-shaped
portion
of the fluid transfer component. The piercing member 833 connects the
electronic cigarette to the cartridge 811 and provides a fluid connection
between
the main body 839 of the electronic cigarette and the liquid store of the
cartridge
811. The piercing member 833 forms a sealed connection to the cartridge 811
by way a friction fit to prevent leakage. Optionally the cartridge 811 has a
recess
851 in a surface arranged to engage the piercing element such that the
piercing
element is guided to the correct area on the cartridge 811. The cartridge 811
is
preferably made from a plastic material, with suitable rigidity to store a
vaporisable liquid, whilst being suitably thin to be pierced with the piercing
member 833. In an alternate example, the piercing member 833 can be
replaced by a tube arranged to be received in the cartridge 811. In such an
example, the cartridge may have a tear-off seal; when the seal is teared off,
an
opening in the cartridge is exposed into which the tube is received. The tube
can form a sealed connection to the cartridge by way of a friction fit in the
opening to prevent leakage.
The disc shaped portion of the fluid transfer component 804 comprises the
fluid
transfer element 857 and chamber 855. A first side of the fluid transfer
element
857 faces the chamber 855, the chamber being between the fluid transfer
element 857 and the elongate spike, and in fluid connection with the channel
837 running through the elongate spike, and a second side opposite the first
side
being the contact surface 810.
The fluid transfer component 804 is arranged inside the electronic cigarette
800
with a heater 805. The heater 805 can be arranged to deform the fluid transfer
surface 810 by being pushed into the fluid transfer surface 810 by a motor or
solenoid to which it is attached by an compressing element 803, as described
with respect to Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively the heater 805 can be held at a
fixed distance from the fluid transfer surface 810 and deformed with a
separate
compressing element 853, for example a piston or elongate rod, as described
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
29
with reference to Figure 5. In both cases, the deformation applied to the
fluid
transfer surface 810 releases a liquid through the fluid transfer surface 810
which is adsorbed onto the heater 805 and vaporised. The surface of the heater
805 can include a porous ceramic; capillary action provided by this material
can
aid the transfer of the released liquid to the heater 805.
In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element 857 is a wick 809 which wicks
liquid from the chamber 855 received through the channel 837, and the fluid
transfer surface 810 (or contact surface 810) is the surface of the wick 809
arranged to face toward the heater. Optionally, the fluid transfer element can
further include a hydrophobic mesh 807 (corresponding to that described with
reference to Figure 1) covering the surface of the wick 809 arranged to face
toward the heater. When the hydrophobic mesh 807 is included, the
hydrophobic mesh 807 forms the fluid transfer surface 810 (or contact surface
810) of the fluid transfer element 857.
Upon compression of the wick 809, by deforming the fluid transfer surface 810,
liquid stored in the wick 809 is released from the fluid transfer surface 810
and
adsorbed on the heater. When the hydrophobic mesh 807 is included, the
released liquid passes through the hydrophobic mesh 807 forming droplets on
the surface of the hydrophobic mesh 807 which are adsorbed onto the heater.
In use, the cartridge 811 is inserted into the electronic cigarette and
pierced by
the piercing member 833. Liquid in the cartridge 811 is drawn to the wick 809,
through the piercing member 833 by, for example, capillary action and/or a
pumping due to the compression and decompressions of the wick 809. The
heater 805 or compressing element 853 deforms the contact surface 810 (that is
the surface of the wick 809 or the hydrophobic mesh 807 if included) and
compresses the wick 809, releasing liquid stored in the wick 809. If the
hydrophobic mesh 807 is included the liquid is released through hydrophobic
mesh 807, from the wick 809, and the liquid forms droplets on the surface of
the
hydrophobic mesh 807. The liquid is adsorbed onto the surface of the heater
805, where it is heated to generate a vapour. The generated vapour can then be
inhaled by the user through a mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette. When the
CA 03134644 2021-09-22
WO 2020/193655 PCT/EP2020/058419
liquid content in the cartridge 811 has been drained, the cartridge 811 can be
removed from the piercing member 833 and replaced with a new cartridge 811,
or a refilled cartridge, storing a fresh supply of vaporisable liquid.
5 The example described with respect to Figure 8 provides the same
advantages
as those described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 5 in that only the
portion of
liquid absorbed on the heater need be heater to its vaporisation point. This
requires less energy than heating a larger volume of liquid, for example held
in a
liquid tank, to its vaporisation point. As such, these power savings in
heating
10 lead to a longer battery life in the electronic cigarette.
Furthermore, the
separation of the heater and the liquid store prevents heat spreading through
the
liquid store which would further waste energy.
It will be understood to the skilled person that features from the various
15 examples described herein can be readily substituted with one another
throughout the embodiments, where appropriate.
