EP3247234B1 - Unité de distribution électronique et cartouche, cigarette électronique comprenant l'unité et la cartouche et procédé de distribution d'un fluide de distribution - Google Patents

Unité de distribution électronique et cartouche, cigarette électronique comprenant l'unité et la cartouche et procédé de distribution d'un fluide de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3247234B1
EP3247234B1 EP16710020.5A EP16710020A EP3247234B1 EP 3247234 B1 EP3247234 B1 EP 3247234B1 EP 16710020 A EP16710020 A EP 16710020A EP 3247234 B1 EP3247234 B1 EP 3247234B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
heater
fluid
delivery
ceramic layer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP16710020.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3247234A1 (fr
Inventor
Ray STORY
Gerhard Hendrik MULDER
Sybrandus Jacobus METZ
Johannes Kuipers
Hans Hendrik Wolters
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Utvg Global Ip BV
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Utvg Global Ip BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NL2014460A external-priority patent/NL2014460B1/en
Application filed by Utvg Global Ip BV filed Critical Utvg Global Ip BV
Priority claimed from PCT/NL2016/050038 external-priority patent/WO2016118005A1/fr
Publication of EP3247234A1 publication Critical patent/EP3247234A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3247234B1 publication Critical patent/EP3247234B1/fr
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/70—Manufacture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a personal electronic delivery unit capable of receiving a cartridge with a delivery fluid.
  • Such unit with a cartridge includes so-called E-cigarettes.
  • E-cigarettes Delivery systems, such as E-cigarettes, are known and comprise an inhaling device with an inlet and an outlet that is shaped as a mouth piece. E-cigarettes further comprise a battery and a heater that is provided with energy from the battery. The heater is winded around a so-called wicking material that acts as a buffer, wherein the heater is switched on and off with a flow detector located in the inlet, for example.
  • a buffer comprises the delivery fluid, such as a so-called E-liquid, usually being a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotine, and flavourings. The heater vaporises and/or atomises the E-liquid to enable inhaling of the liquid.
  • E-cigarettes often comprise a first part with a battery and an air inlet, and a second part with the E-liquid and a heater element for atomizing and/or vaporizing the E-liquid.
  • This second part is often disposable, such that a user is required to provide a new second part after having used substantially all the E-liquid.
  • EP 2 810 570 A1 discloses a personal delivery with a primary housing, a fluid path and a heater element.
  • Document WO 2016/108694 A1 discloses a personal electronic delivery system with a heater comprising a metal conductor that is provided with a porous ceramic layer.
  • the porous ceramic layer is configured to control the atomizing and/or vaporization.
  • a buffer substantially surrounds the heater, wherein the buffer is provided with openings configured for transferring delivery fluid to the heater.
  • the ceramic layer is provided on or at the conductor with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide a personal electronic delivery unit, specifically capable of receiving a cartridge and to be used as personal electronic delivery system, including E-cigarettes, that provides a more efficient unit.
  • Providing a fluid path from the inlet towards the outlet, preferably embodied as a mouth piece, of the secondary housing enables inhaling at the outlet to draw/suck in ambient air, for example.
  • a personal electronic delivery system such as an E-cigarette that also include so-called E-cigars.
  • the heater or heater element that is included in and/or attached to the primary housing of the unit atomises and/or vaporizes the delivery fluid when the heater is switched on. Switching on the heater can be achieved with the use of a flow controller close to the inlet, for example.
  • Energy is provided to the heater, by an energy source, for example a (rechargeable) battery.
  • the delivery fluid can relate to a mixture of liquids and/or solids, including so-called E-liquids that may comprise a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. It will be understood that other ingredients can also be applied and/or nicotine can be omitted from the mixture.
  • the delivery fluid is contained in a cartridge that can be refilled or is disposable. The cartridge is optionally integrated in the secondary housing and can be refilled or be disposes as a unit.
  • the heater element is provided in the primary housing of the unit. Therefore, the heater element is not provided in a disposable cartridge. This obviates the need for providing a heater element in every (disposable) cartridge and enable re-use of the heater element with a further (disposable) cartridge. This contributes to a more sustainable unit.
  • the heater element By providing the heater element together with the energy source, such as a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, in the primary housing a robust connection and energy supply can be achieved. This prevents malfunctioning of the unit due to an incorrect connection of the different parts of the system, such as an E-cigarette. Such malfunction due to non-optimal coupling of circuit parts is a problem in conventional systems.
  • the energy source such as a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery
  • a further advantage of providing the heater element in the primary housing instead of in a secondary housing with the cartridge is that the production process of the cartridges can be performed more efficiently. In fact, filling the cartridges with delivery fluid can be performed much faster when the heater element is provided in the primary housing. This renders the overall production process more efficient.
  • the heater element according to the invention preferably comprises a conductor that can be shaped as a plate, wire, foil, tube, foam, rod or any other suitable shape, preferably of a so-called resistance heating material that can be heated by applying an electric current to the conductor of the heater element.
  • the conductor can be of a suitable material, including aluminium, FeAl, NiC, FeCrAl (Kanthal), titanium, and their alloys. Especially the use of the metal titanium provides good results.
  • the heater comprises a spiralled metal wire as the conductor with the wire being provided with the ceramic layer. Providing the heater with a spiralled metal wire an effective atomisation and/or vaporisation of delivery fluid can be achieved.
  • the spiralled metal wire is preferably provided in the fluid path. This achieves an effective heating of the E-fluid.
  • Alternative configurations for the heater in a wire configuration include a straight wire, single or multiple layer solenoid wire, toroid single or multiple layer, and flat coil.
  • Alternative configurations for the heater in a foil or plate configuration include a flat, round, rectangular shape, spiral wound, and folded configuration.
  • Further alternative configuration for the heater in a tube configuration include a metallic tube with coated porous ceramic layer and optionally provided with a (static) mixing structure or helix structure, tube shape of foil/plate, and spiral wound foil/plate.
  • An even further alternative configuration of the heater in a foam configuration includes a sponge structure.
  • the central axis, or longitudinal direction of the spiralled metal wire is positioned substantially transversally to the main fluid flow direction in the fluid path.
  • the spiralled heater element has a central axis that is provided substantially transversely to the fluid path.
  • the fluid path is designed such that the inhaled fluid passes through the spiralled wire in a direction transverse to the central axis of the heater element. This enhances the atomisation and/or vaporisation of the delivery fluid, thereby improving control of these processes and/or reducing the amount of the required energy to perform these processes. This improves the lifetime of the unit according to the invention.
  • air guides are provided in the primary housing to direct the air in a substantially transverse direction towards the heater element.
  • the heater element comprises a conductor and a porous ceramic layer that is configured to control the atomizing and/or vaporization.
  • the ceramic layer that is provided on or adjacent the conductor enables effective control of heater temperature, thereby preventing burning of components in the delivery fluid and/or other elements of the system, such as buffer material. This improves the quality of the inhaled fluid by preventing undesirable components being present therein.
  • the ceramic layer does have a positive effect on the heating of the delivery fluid.
  • the inventors found that the ceramic layer is able to even out spikes in the temperature of the conductor, thereby preventing burning of the delivery fluid.
  • the pores of the ceramic layer allow the delivery fluid to come close to the electrical conductor, i.e. the pores can be said to reduce the effective thickness of the layer from a thermal point of view. Therefore, the pores mitigate the negative effect on the heat transfer of the normally poorly conducting ceramic.
  • the pores increase the contact surface between the ceramic and the delivery fluid, thereby further enhancing the heat transfer from the heater to the fluid. Therefore, the porous ceramic layer achieves an effective heating of the delivery fluid for vaporizing and/or atomising thereof, even though the ceramic material in itself is a poor thermal conductor.
  • the ceramic layer provides structure and stability to the conductor thereby increasing the strength and stability of the heater as a whole. This is especially relevant in case the system is applied as an E-cigarette. Such E-cigarette is subjected to many movements, vibrations and/or other impacts.
  • the increased stability prevents malfunctioning and/or prevents contact of the heater with other components of the system, including buffer material such as a cloth that is drenched in delivery fluid such as E-liquid. This prevents undesired burning of components.
  • the ceramic layer prevents the release of heavy metals.
  • the heater element with a conductor and a ceramic layer enhances the possibilities for re-use of the heater element for further (disposable) cartridges. It was shown that such heater element was less sensitive to fouling as compared to convention heater elements, for example.
  • the ceramic layer enables adsorption and/or absorption of the delivery fluid, such as the E-liquid, in the pores of the ceramic layer. This enables an effective transfer of energy from the conductor to the delivery fluid, including the E-liquid.
  • the ceramic layer has a thickness in the range of 5-300 ⁇ m, preferably 10-200 ⁇ m, more preferably 15-150 ⁇ m and most preferably a thickness is about 100 ⁇ m.
  • the ceramic layer By providing the ceramic layer with a sufficient thickness the stability and strength of the heater is improved. Furthermore, the insulation is increased, enabling control of heat transfer and/or heat production.
  • the thickness of the ceramic layer can be adapted to the type of E-liquid and/or the specific system and/or the desired characteristics. This flexibility during production provides a further advantage of the system according to the invention.
  • the ceramic layer is provided on or at the conductor with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
  • the heater element is preferably made from a titanium material and/or another suitable material, on which a porous metal oxide layer, such as titanium oxide, is grown with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
  • Plasma electrolytic oxidation enables that a relatively thick titanium oxide layer is grown from the titanium (>130 ⁇ m) by oxidizing (part of) the titanium to titanium oxide. Especially the use of titanium provides good results.
  • the resulting layer is a porous, flexible and elastic titanium oxide ceramic.
  • Plasma electrolytic oxidation (>350 - 550 V) requires much higher voltage compared to standard anodizing (15-21 V). At this high voltage, micro discharge arcs appear on the surface of the titanium, or other material, and cause the growth of the thick (titanium) oxide layer.
  • Other metals, such as aluminium or nichrome, may also be used for the heater element of the system according to the present invention.
  • results have shown that a ceramic layer can be achieved on an aluminium foil of about 13 ⁇ m thickness, resulting in a flexible and elastic ceramic layer.
  • One of the advantageous effects of using plasma electrolytic oxidation to provide the ceramic layer is that due of the growth of the layer from the metal during oxidation the adherence of the ceramic layer to the metal is excellent.
  • the structure of the heating element comprises a thin wire of titanium, aluminium, or any other valve metal, such as magnesium, zirconium, zinc, niobium, vanadium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, antimony, bismuth, or an alloy of one or more of the preceding metals.
  • valve metal is capable of forming an oxide layer which forms a protective layer on its surface and then stops it to oxidize further.
  • titanium is used for the heating element considering its relatively high resistance achieving a relatively fast heating process.
  • the wire is coated on the other side through plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is done by placing the titanium wire in an electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte comprises 15 g/l (NaPO 3 ) 6 and 8 g/l Na 2 SiO 3 .5H 2 O.
  • the electrolyte is maintained at a temperature of 25°C through cooling.
  • the wire is used as an anode and placed in a container containing the electrolyte.
  • Around the wire a stainless steel cathode is positioned.
  • a current density is maintained between the wire and cathode of about 0.15 A/cm 2 .
  • the current is applied in a pulsed mode of about 1000 Hz.
  • the potential increases rapidly to about 500 Volt between the wire and the cathode. This creates a plasma electrolytic oxidation process on the anode wire and creates a ceramic layer.
  • the wire As the wire is small sized (100 micron) it has a relative high electrical resistance 61 Ohm/m. By applying a current to the wire during use of the personal electronic delivery system, the wire heats up. It will be understood that process parameters may depend on the structure of the heating element and/or the dimensions thereof.
  • a plate of metal for example aluminium, titanium or other valve metal
  • a ceramic layer using plasma electrolytic oxidation, for example. Due to metal plate resistance its temperature increases when a current is applied.
  • a structure can be etched into the metal providing metal strips of metal having a relatively high resistance. The etching can be performed using electrochemical machining, for example.
  • Alternative manufacturing methods for the heater element include sintering or spark plasma sintering, oxidation of the surface layer of the metal by heating in oxygen rich environment, anodizing, and plasma spraying. Also, it would be possible to deposit an aluminium, or other material, coating on the conductor of the heater element, for example with arc spraying, and to oxidize the deposited material to an oxide with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
  • the heater element includes chemical vapour deposition, physical vapour deposition, electrochemical machining (ECM), chemical and/or electrochemical oxidation, thermo-treatment involving high temperatures of above 200°C or 300°C and exposure to oxygen, and coating or dipping involving a slurry with titanium particles, for example, followed by a sintering step.
  • the core of the heater element can be provided with a layer of titanium or aluminium or similar material (plating) where after one or more of the foregoing manufacturing methods is performed.
  • the ceramic layer is provided with porosity such that the delivery fluid is transferred from the buffer to the vicinity of the conductor.
  • the ceramic layer has a porosity in the range of 10-80%, preferably 15-50%, more preferably 20-30% and most preferably the porosity is about 25%. It was shown that especially the porosity in a range of 20-30% provides an optimum in the performance of specifically the ceramic layer and the heater as a whole. Furthermore, it is shown that using plasma electrolytic oxidation to provide the ceramic layer is beneficial in that it enables control of the porosity of the produced layer.
  • the delivery fluid transfer element comprises the porous ceramic layer of the heater element that is configured to control the atomizing and/or vaporizing of the delivery fluid.
  • the delivery fluid transfer element comprise a cartridge penetrating element.
  • the transfer means By providing the transfer means with a penetrating element the transfer means extend from the housing of the unit in the (disposable) cartridge.
  • the penetrating element penetrates a seal or sealing element of the cartridge when inserting the cartridge and/or connecting the primary and secondary housings.
  • the unit further comprises a power and/or current increasing circuit configured for providing a power increase when the heater is switched on.
  • Such circuit may comprise one or more capacitors and/or one or more coils. The circuit enhances the effect of the heater and/or reduces the requirements for the power supply.
  • a capacitor preferably a so-called super-capacitor, is included in a circuit that provides a peak current, preferably when a user of an E-cigarette starts to inhale.
  • the heater temperature has to be increased.
  • this temperature increase can be performed faster and almost instantaneously.
  • the current increase/peak when activating the heater element leads to heat development in het heater element that is used to atomize and/or vaporize the delivery fluid.
  • the heater element according to the invention comprises a porous ceramic layer that is preferably capable of absorbing and/or adsorbing delivery fluid. This enables the heater element to start directly with the atomizing and/or vaporizing. As a further advantageous effect the battery is not required to provide the peak current when activating the heater element. This enables providing a smaller battery, thereby enabling dimensioning an E-cigarette in conformity with the size of a conventional cigarette, for example. Furthermore, with the additional circuit comprising a (super) capacitor the battery is not subjected to peak demands and can, therefore, be operated at a more constant level. This improves the lifetime of the battery. The capacitor can be charged by the battery after the heater element is deactivated.
  • the heater element is made from a titanium material that has a relatively low resistance at low temperature (e.g. 20°C) and a high resistance at a higher temperature. This enables providing a higher current to the heater element when activating the heater element, while after the heater element reached its optimal operating temperature the applied current is lower.
  • the resistance of titanium at the vaporisation and/or atomisation temperature is optimal for the battery.
  • the battery With the use of the (super) capacitor the battery is no longer limiting the (minimum) resistance of the heater element, thereby enabling an improved design of the heater element and the device comprising this heater element.
  • a super capacitor with titanium wire conductor appears beneficial.
  • the super capacitor is connected to a charge-connector configured for connecting the super capacitor to an external power source for charging the super capacitor.
  • a charge-connector configured for connecting the super capacitor to an external power source for charging the super capacitor.
  • the super capacitor supplies all required energy and is charged from an external power supply.
  • the super capacitor has a capacity of 12 Farad, or more. This reduces the number of components of the system, reduces system weight, and immediately provides energy for vaporization/atomization.
  • the system is charged in the cigarette box, for example using a rechargeable battery.
  • the conductor of the heater element is made of NiCr and preferably of Titanium.
  • the resistance of Titanium increases more rapidly with temperature as compared to NiCr.
  • the power and/or current increasing circuit can be provided, together with the heater element, in the primary housing. This guarantees an effective coupling of the circuit elements that are not hindered by connecting manoeuvres with the cartridge, for example. This provides a robust unit. Furthermore, by providing the circuit and the heater element in the primary unit re-use is made possible, thereby enabling the use of stronger en more sustainable materials, for example.
  • the present invention further also relates to an E-cigarette assembly comprising a personal electronic delivery unit and a cartridge as described earlier.
  • the E-cigarette assembly provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit.
  • the cartridge comprises a cartridge fluid transfer element configured for transferring delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
  • cartridge fluid transfer element may comprise a wick.
  • the delivery fluid is transferred with this wick towards the heater element that is provided in the housing, preferably in the primary housing, to enable re-use of the heater element with a further (disposable) cartridge.
  • the cartridge fluid transfer element comprises a swelling wick that swells when in contact with the delivery fluid. More preferably, the swelling wick is brought in contact with the fluid when inserting the cartridge in the secondary housing and/or connecting the secondary housing to the primary housing. When swelled the swelling wick is capable of transferring delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
  • the cartridge container is configured such that the swelling brings the wick closer to the heater element.
  • the wick comprises a seal.
  • the seal preferably seals the container before inserting and/or connecting the cartridge in the unit.
  • the seal is penetrated when connecting the cartridge to a housing of the unit, for example by the cartridge penetrating element mentioned earlier.
  • the seal is melted when connecting the cartridge to a housing of the unit. Melting can be achieved by supplying current from the battery and/or a circuit that may comprise a (super) capacitor to the seal. This provides an efficient means to remove the seal after inserting and/or connecting the cartridge to the unit and enabling transfer of delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
  • the present invention further also relates to the use of a personal electronic delivery unit and/or cartridge as described herein for delivering the delivery fluid to a person, comprising the steps of:
  • Said use provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit, cartridge and/or assembly thereof.
  • the use preferably involves the use of an E-cigarette assembly.
  • Said use provides effective means to deliver a delivery fluid to a person, for example to provide the feel of tobacco smoking, without increasing health problems by burning components of the delivery fluid and/or system.
  • the heater comprises a conductor with a ceramic layer.
  • the ceramic layer is provided using plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably used as it enables control of the porosity and/or thickness of the ceramic layer.
  • the heater reaches a temperature in the range of 50-300°C, preferably 100-200 °C, and more preferably 120-180°C. As shown, at these temperatures a good atomisation and/or vaporisation of the delivery fluid can be achieved.
  • the use further comprises the step of providing the delivery fluid from the cartridge container to the heater element in the housing.
  • the delivery fluid is brought from the (disposable) cartridge to the heater element that is provided in the unit and can be used also for future cartridges.
  • the transfer can be achieved using a wick, for example. Examples of such wick have been described earlier in relation to the cartridge.
  • the use further comprises the step of providing a power and/or current increasing circuit comprising a super-capacitor.
  • a power and/or current increasing circuit comprising a super-capacitor.
  • the invention further relates to a method for producing a personal electronic delivery system and/or cartridge as described herein, the method comprising:
  • the production method may include the steps as described herein with respect to the personal delivery system and/or the atomizing assembly.
  • the production method further comprises providing an energy source configured for providing energy to the heater.
  • the heater is provided as a conductor with a ceramic layer. More preferably, the ceramic layer is provided using plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably used as it enables control of the porosity and/or thickness of the ceramic layer.
  • the ceramic layer produced has a thickness in the range of 5-300 ⁇ m, preferably 10-200 ⁇ m, more preferably 50-150 ⁇ m, and most preferably the thickness is about 100 ⁇ m.
  • the thickness of the ceramic layer is controlled by controlling the voltage, duration of the process, current density, electrolyte concentration and composition.
  • the conductor of the heater is provided as a valve metal, preferably titanium.
  • the conductor is provided as a spiralled metal wire, wherein the wire is provided with the ceramic layer.
  • the spiralled heater may be provided with its central axis substantially in the longitudinal direction of the fluid path.
  • the ceramic layer is provided with a porosity such that the delivery fluid is transferred from the buffer to the vicinity of the conductor by the ceramic layer.
  • the porosity of the ceramic layer is controlled by controlling the voltage and the duration of the process.
  • the ceramic layer is provided with a porosity in the range of 10-80%, preferably 15-50%, more preferably 20-30%, and most preferably the porosity is about 25%.
  • the buffer is provided substantially surrounding the heater, wherein the buffer is provided with openings configured for transferring delivery fluid to the heater.
  • the buffer may be formed by a tubular container, wherein the openings are provided in the wall of said container for transferring delivery fluid from the buffer to the fluid path, and to the heater.
  • the openings are configured to enable a venturi effect for transferring delivery fluid to the heater.
  • the openings may be provided in a groove.
  • the openings or holes may be formed by laser cutting, drilling, machining, electrochemical machining, punchen, stamping, pressing, die cutting, puncturing or otherwise.
  • the buffer may be produced including the opening by moulding.
  • the production method may optionally comprise providing a power and/or current increasing circuit configured for providing a power and/or current increase when the heater is switched on.
  • the circuit comprises a super-capacitor.
  • the super-capacitor is connected to a charge-connector configured for connecting the super-capacitor to an external power source for charging.
  • E-cigarette 2 ( Figure 1 ) comprises primary housing 4 and secondary housing 6 with cartridge 8.
  • secondary housing 6 is re-usable and cartridge 8 can be changed by opening and/or removing mouth piece 10.
  • the invention can also be applied to units with other configurations and that the illustrated embodiments is for exemplary purposes only.
  • secondary housing 6 can be disposable, preferably together with cartridge 8.
  • Primary housing 4 comprises (LED) indicator 12 with air inlet 14, air flow sensor 16, switch 18 and battery 20. Air from inlet 12 is provided along air path 22 to sensor 16. Switch 18 comprises an electronic circuit board that is connected to the relevant components of cigarette 2. From sensor 16 inhaled air follows air path 22 in air gap 24 between battery 20 and the inside of primary housing 4 towards the other end 26 of primary housing 4. Optional air guides 28 guide the air towards heater element 30, preferably such that the air is provided in a substantially transverse direction to the central axis 32 of heater element 30. Connectors 34 connect heater element 30 to battery 20. In the illustrated embodiment current increasing circuit 36 is provided. Connector 38a of primary housing 4 connects primary housing 4 to connectors 38b of secondary housing 6.
  • Fluid transfer element 40 enables transfer of delivery fluid from cartridge 8 towards heater element 30.
  • transfer element 40 is a wick 41 from wicking material such as silica, cotton, etc.
  • Battery 20 can be a rechargeable battery including the required connections to enable recharging.
  • Cartridge 8 comprises the delivery fluid such as the E-liquid (for example a mixture of glycerol, propylene glycol, nicotine).
  • E-liquid for example a mixture of glycerol, propylene glycol, nicotine.
  • heater element 30 comprises a wire of metallic titanium core 30a with ceramic titanium oxide layer 30b around metallic core.
  • the E-liquid is absorbed and/or adsorbed in the porous ceramic layer.
  • Wire 30 is heated by passing an electric current through metallic titanium core.
  • Wire 30 is heated and the E-liquid is evaporated and/or atomized.
  • the mixture is provided to outlet 10b of air path 22 at mouth piece 10.
  • Heater 30 achieves an improved temperature control and the ability to control the amount of E-liquid evaporating in time by varying the characteristics of the porous ceramic layer, such as thickness, size of pores, and porosity.
  • heater 30 has its longitudinal axis 32 substantially transverse to air path 22. It will be understood that other configurations are also possible in accordance with the invention.
  • Heater 42 ( Figure 2A ) comprises a resistance heating material 44a as conductor and porous ceramic layer 44b.
  • Heater 46 ( Figure 2B ) is wound as a solenoid 48 ( Figure 2C ) similar to heater 28 as illustrated in Figure 1 .
  • heater 50 is configured as a toroid ( Figure 2D ), or flat coil 51 ( Figure 2E ), or flat spiral 52 ( Figure 2F ), for example.
  • buffer 30 is provided around air path 28 and heater 32 (see also Figure 2G ).
  • liquid reservoir 54 is provided inside the solenoid of heater 56 ( Figure 2H ).
  • a further alternative configuration includes heater 58 ( Figure 2I ) wound as toroid structure with liquid passing through the inside of the toroid structure and air flow passing around toroid structure.
  • Another alternative configuration includes heater 60 ( Figure 2J ) formed as a flat coil.
  • heater 62 ( Figure 2K ) may comprise a layer of path of resistance heating material 64 as conductor on coated porous ceramic layer 66, or alternatively heater 68 may comprise a conductor layer 70 with coated porous ceramic elements or spots 72 provided thereon ( Figure 2L ).
  • heater 74 comprises conductor layer 76 and ceramic layer 78 ( Figure 2M ), and optionally additional ceramic spots 80 ( Figure 2N ).
  • Another embodiment comprises porous ceramic layer 82 with conductor 84 wound in a spiral configuration ( Figure 2O ).
  • conductor tube 86 with static mixing form 86a coated with ceramic layer 88 ( Figure 2P and 2Q ).
  • conductor 90 is a tube ( Figure 2R ) with a ceramic layer 92.
  • Tube 90a can be filled with liquid on the inside and having air flow on the outside ( Figure 2S ) or tube 90b has air flow on the inside and liquid buffer on the outside ( Figure 2T ).
  • a ceramic layer is provided on the inside and the outside of tube 90.
  • tube 90 may comprise a number of smaller tubes or wires 94 with resistance heating material and ceramic material ( Figure 2U ).
  • a further alternative configuration ( Figure 2V ) involves resistance heating metallic foam or sponge 96 coated with porous ceramic material 98.
  • the disclosed embodiments for heater 32 provide examples of heaters according to the invention that can be applied to systems 2.
  • Heater elements according to the invention are preferably manufactured using plasma electrolytic oxidation. As an example, for illustrative reasons only, below some manufacturing methods for some of the possible configurations for the heater element according to the invention will be disclosed.
  • a plasma electrolytic chamber 102 ( Figure 3 A)
  • Work piece 104 is connected to the anode 106.
  • Work piece 104 is clamped/fixed between two screws or clamps 108 that are connected to the ground/earth (anode 104) of a power supply.
  • cathode 110 comprises stainless steel honeycomb electrode 112 that, in use, is placed at close distance above work piece 104.
  • Electrolyte 114 flows between electrode 112 and anode 106, and effectively flows upwards through honeycomb electrode 112 together with the produced oxygen and hydrogen.
  • Electrolyte effluent 116, together with the hydrogen and oxygen, is then cooled and optionally returned to chamber 102.
  • the temperature of electrolyte 114 increases from around 11°C entering plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber 102 to 25°C exiting chamber 102 and is then cooled off using a heat exchanger (not shown).
  • two power supplies are connected in series: one of 350 Volt and 40 Ampere and a second of 400 Volt and 7 Ampere resulting in a maximum of 750 Volt and 7 Ampere with resulting maximum power of 5.25 kW.
  • the power supplies can be connected directly to anode 106 and cathode 110 resulting in direct current (DC) operation of the plasma.
  • An optionally added switching circuit provides the option to operate the plasma with DC pulses.
  • the frequency of the pulses can be set between DC and 1 kHz and different waveforms can be chosen (block, sine, or triangle).
  • Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably performed in a pulsed current mode with a frequency (on-off) of about 1000 Hz, preferably with the current set at a fixed value and the voltage increases in time as a result of growing of the porous oxide layer.
  • Current between 1 and 7 Ampere can be used to produce a ceramic layer.
  • titanium wire 202 ( Figure 3 B) is placed as work piece 104 on top of a titanium plate 204 that is connected to the stainless steel anode.
  • the anode is directly connected to wire 202.
  • the electrolyte comprised 8 g/l NaSiO 3 *5H 2 O and 15 g/l (NaPO3) 6 .
  • Titanium wire is used made from titanium grade 1, with a diameter of 0.5 mm and 60 cm in length. The wire is coiled and connected to the anode. A potential higher than 500 volts is applied between the anode and cathode resulting in micro arc discharges on the surface of the titanium wire.
  • the metallic titanium is oxidized to titanium oxide with addition of silicates and phosphates from the electrolyte.
  • the metallic layer is converted to a porous ceramic layer containing titanium oxides, phosphates and silicates. This results in a heater element 302 ( Figure 5 ) according to the invention.
  • Current increasing circuit 402 ( Figure 6A ) comprises battery 404, trafo 406, heater element 408 and (super) capacitor 410.
  • Other components in circuit 402 include diode 412, resistance 414, switch 416 responding to inhaling, transistor 418. It will be understood that components in circuit 402 can be replaced with other components and/or additional components can be applied.
  • alternative circuit 420 ( Figure 6B ) comprises battery 422, heater element 424, capacitor 426, switch 428, resistor 430 and diode 432.
  • the heater element When starting to inhale capacitor 410, 426 supplies additional current to heater element 408, 424 to accelerate the temperature increase of heater element 408, 424 and to start atomizing and/or vaporizing almost immediately.
  • the heater element is of a titanium material that exhibits a relatively low resistance at room temperature and a higher resistance at an increased temperature thereby enabling a fast response time to the activation signal.
  • cartridge 502 ( Figure 7A ) is provided with container 504 filled with E-liquid. Seal 506 seals container 504 before connecting container 504 to primary housing 4. Wick element 508 penetrates seal 506 when connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6.
  • wick element 508 acts as cartridge penetrating element and can be integrated with delivery fluid transfer element/wick 40 that is connected to heater element 30.
  • wick 40 can be provided as an extension to porous layer 30b.
  • edge 510 is provided to support wick element 508 after connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6.
  • cartridge 602 ( Figure 7B ) comprises container 604 filled with E-liquid and wick element 606.
  • Wick element 606 is provided with seal 608 at least at a part of its outer surface. Seal 608 is penetrated when connecting secondary housing 6 to primary housing 8 with a penetrating element, for example provided in combination with wick 40.
  • seal 608 is melted by providing current from battery 20 and/or a (super) capacitor when connecting secondary housing 6 to primary housing 8.
  • cartridge 702 ( Figure 7C ) comprises container 704 filled with E-liquid.
  • Swelling wick 706 is provided above seal 708 and below ball or ball valve 710. After connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6 wick 706 comes into contact with the E-liquid swells and moves towards heater element 30 to transfer E-liquid in that direction.
  • the conductor of the heater element is made of NiCr and preferably of Titanium.
  • heater 32 is supplied with energy through connector 804 from super capacitor 806.
  • Capacitor 806 is charged via external connector 808.
  • Capacitor 806 can be charged (semi)-directly and/or indirectly. Such indirect charging can be performed in connection with cigarette box 810 having cigarette storage compartment 812 and battery compartment 814 with battery 816.
  • charge connector 818 contacts connector 808 and super capacitor 806 is being charged.
  • battery 816 is rechargeable through connector 820.
  • Table 1 Material information Weight (mg) 1 2 3 Before PEO (mg) 525.49 529.82 After PEO (mg) 528.37 539.42 548.71 After heating (mg) 528.09 539.23 547.67 After 5 min in water (mg) 675.7 692.23 705.42 Thickness ( ⁇ m) 36 71 113 Volume geads (ml) 0.15 0.15 0.16 Volume oxide layer (ml) 0.45 0.51 0.59 Porosity (%) 32.71 29.87 26.73
  • Table 4 shows the reproducibility of the process.
  • Table 4 Voltage, current, temperature of electrolyte going in the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Tin) and going out the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Teff) for constant current of 5 A.
  • t min. Voltage V Current A Tin °C Teff °C 0,167 435 5 0,5 448 5 1 460 5 2 474 5 11.3 19.7 4 488 5 6 495 5 8 505 5
  • Table 5 shows the voltage and current for plasma electrolytic oxidation of aluminium foil at constant current of 2 A. Result was a 13 ⁇ m thick aluminium oxide layer. Table 5: Voltage and current of plasma electrolytic oxidation with constant current of 2A. t min. Voltage V Current A 1 380 2 2 415 2 3 429 2 4 437 2 5 443 2 6 448 2 7 452 2
  • Table 6 shows the voltage and current of the plasma electrolytic oxidation of aluminium foil with pulsed constant current of 1 kHz at 5 Ampere.
  • Table 6 Voltage and current of pulsed constant current of 1 kHz T min. Voltage V Current A 0.167 470 5 0.5 485 5 1 491 5 2 502 5 4 514 5 6 523 5
  • plasma electrolytic oxidation was used to provide a porous, flexible and elastic ceramic layer of >70 ⁇ m on titanium foil.
  • Plasma electrolytic oxidation grows a titanium oxide layer which is known to be ceramic (TiO 2 ).
  • Electrolyte was used with 8 g/l Na 2 SiO 3 *5H 2 O (Natrium metasilicate pentahydrate) and 15 g/l (NaPO 3 ) 6 , (Natrium hexametaphosphate). The electrolyte is pumped into the reaction chamber to act as the electrolyte and as a coolant.
  • Titanium foil was used from titanium grade 2 with a thickness of 124 ⁇ m. In the manufacturing process the voltage increases as a function of time.
  • the resulting foil structure can be processed further involving electrochemical machining.
  • electrochemical machining ECM
  • Titanium grade 2 is locally dissolved in a very controlled manner until the ceramic layer is reached.
  • the finished result has to be well defined channels with squared edges and no residue on top of the ceramic layer.
  • the ECM process is used with a cathode with the inverse shape of the product placed on top of a Titanium plate that serves as the anode. A potential is placed between the cathode and anode causing the anode to dissolve.
  • Electrolyte concentration is 5 MNaNO 3 . Current density can be varied from 20-150 A/cm 2 .
  • the heater element is made from a titanium wire, or less preferably from NiCr wire.
  • Figure 8 shows the resistance of electric heater elements in relation to temperature for both materials. As mentioned earlier the use of titanium for the heater element is beneficial.
  • the system may be provided with a solar panel on its outer surface, e.g. the outer surface of the housing.
  • the solar panel may be configured for charging the battery or capacitor.

Landscapes

  • Resistance Heating (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle, comprenant :
    - un logement primaire (4) comprenant une source d'énergie (20) et ayant une première extrémité avec une entrée d'air (12) et une seconde extrémité avec un raccord primaire configuré pour se raccorder à un logement secondaire (6) configuré pour contenir une cartouche (8) avec un fluide de distribution et ayant une sortie ou un embout buccal (10) ;
    - un passage de fluide s'étendant sensiblement entre l'entrée d'air (12) et la sortie ou l'embout buccal (10) ;
    - un élément chauffant (30) qui est fourni dans, au niveau ou à proximité du passage de fluide configuré pour chauffer le fluide de distribution de sorte qu'au moins une partie d'un fluide de distribution s'atomise et/ou se vaporise dans le passage de fluide, dans laquelle l'élément chauffant (30) est raccordé en utilisation à la source d'énergie (20) configurée pour fournir de l'énergie à l'élément chauffant (30), et dans laquelle l'élément chauffant (30) est fourni dans le et/ou fixé au logement primaire (4) ; et
    - un élément de transfert de fluide de distribution (40) qui est configuré pour transférer un fluide de distribution depuis la cartouche (8) au passage de fluide ; et
    dans lequel l'élément chauffant (30) comprend un conducteur (30a) et une couche céramique poreuse (30b) qui est configurée pour commander l'atomisation et/ou la vaporisation, caractérisée en ce que la couche céramique est fournie sur ou au niveau du conducteur (30a) avec une oxydation électrolytique au plasma.
  2. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la couche céramique a une épaisseur dans la plage de 5 à 300 µm, de préférence de 10 à 200 µm, avec plus de préférence de 50 à 150 µm, et avec le plus de préférence l'épaisseur est d'environ 100 µm.
  3. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la couche céramique est dotée d'une porosité telle qu'elle soit capable d'absorber et/ou d'adsorber le fluide de distribution, et dans laquelle de préférence la couche céramique a une porosité dans la plage de 10 à 80 %, de préférence de 15 à 50 %, avec plus de préférence de 20 à 30 %, et avec le plus de préférence la porosité est d'environ 25 %.
  4. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément chauffant (30) comprend un métal valve, de préférence du titane.
  5. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de transfert de fluide de distribution (40) comprend la couche céramique poreuse.
  6. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'élément de transfert de fluide de distribution (40) comprend un élément de pénétration de cartouche.
  7. Unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un circuit d'augmentation de puissance et/ou de courant configuré pour fournir une augmentation de puissance et/ou de courant lorsque l'élément chauffant est activé, dans lequel le circuit comprend de préférence un supercondensateur, et dans laquelle le supercondensateur est de préférence raccordé à un connecteur de charge configuré pour raccorder le supercondensateur à une source d'énergie externe pour un chargement.
  8. Ensemble de cigarette électronique comprenant une unité de distribution électronique personnelle selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes et une cartouche.
  9. Ensemble de cigarette électronique selon la revendication 8, la cartouche (8, 502) comprenant :
    - un récipient (504) configuré pour contenir un fluide de distribution ;
    - un joint (506) configuré pour sceller le récipient (504), dans lequel le joint (506) est configuré pour être pénétré ou retiré lors de l'insertion de la cartouche (502) dans le logement secondaire (6) de l'unité de distribution électronique personnelle ; et
    - un passage de fluide de distribution agencé pour transférer le fluide de distribution depuis la cartouche à un élément chauffant qui est fourni dans l'unité de distribution électronique personnelle.
  10. Ensemble de cigarette électronique selon la revendication 9, la cartouche comprenant en outre un élément de transfert de fluide de cartouche (508) configuré pour transférer un fluide de distribution depuis le récipient de cartouche vers l'élément chauffant, dans lequel l'élément de transfert de fluide de cartouche comprend de préférence une mèche gonflante qui gonfle au contact du fluide de distribution.
  11. Ensemble de cigarette électronique selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la mèche comprend un joint, dans lequel le joint est de préférence pénétré lors du raccordement de la cartouche à un logement de l'unité, et dans lequel de préférence le joint est fondu lors du raccordement de la cartouche à un logement de l'unité.
  12. Procédé de distribution d'un fluide de distribution à une personne, comprenant les étapes de :
    - la fourniture d'un ensemble de cigarette électronique selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 8 à 11 ;
    - l'inhalation à la sortie ou à l'embout buccal pour fournir une pression inférieure à la normale dans le passage de fluide de sorte qu'un air ambiant soit aspiré dans l'entrée ; et
    - l'atomisation et/ou la vaporisation d'au moins une partie du fluide de distribution avec l'élément chauffant qui est fourni dans l'unité et la distribution du fluide de distribution atomisé et/ou vaporisé à la sortie ou à l'embout buccal.
  13. Procédé de production d'une unité de distribution électronique personnelle et/ou d'une cartouche, comprenant les étapes de la fourniture d'un ensemble de cigarette électronique selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 8 à 11, dans lequel de préférence, en utilisation, l'élément chauffant atteint une température dans la plage de 150 à 750 °C, de préférence de 200 à 500 °C, avec plus de préférence de 250 à 400 °C.
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, comprenant en outre l'étape de la fourniture de l'élément chauffant avec un conducteur ayant une couche céramique, dans lequel la fourniture de la couche céramique comprend de préférence la réalisation d'une oxydation électrolytique au plasma, et, après la fourniture de la couche céramique sur un côté du conducteur, de préférence le retrait d'au moins une partie du matériau de conducteur par usinage électrochimique, de préférence dans lequel, en utilisation, l'élément chauffant atteint une température dans la plage de 150 à 750 °C, de préférence de 200 à 500 °C, avec plus de préférence de 250 à 400 °C.
  15. Procédé selon une ou plusieurs des revendications 13 et 14, comprenant en outre une ou plusieurs des étapes de :
    - la fourniture du fluide de distribution depuis le récipient de cartouche à l'élément chauffant dans le logement ; et
    - la fourniture d'un circuit d'augmentation de puissance et/ou de courant comprenant un supercondensateur.
EP16710020.5A 2015-01-22 2016-01-18 Unité de distribution électronique et cartouche, cigarette électronique comprenant l'unité et la cartouche et procédé de distribution d'un fluide de distribution Not-in-force EP3247234B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2014177 2015-01-22
NL2014460A NL2014460B1 (en) 2015-01-22 2015-03-16 Personal electronic delivery unit and cartridge, an e-cigarette comprising the unit and cartridge, and method for delivering a delivery fluid.
NL2015767 2015-11-10
PCT/NL2016/050038 WO2016118005A1 (fr) 2015-01-22 2016-01-18 Unité de distribution électronique et cartouche, cigarette électronique comprenant l'unité et la cartouche et procédé de distribution d'un fluide de distribution

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US10918134B2 (en) * 2015-10-21 2021-02-16 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Power supply for an aerosol delivery device
CN114073337A (zh) * 2020-08-19 2022-02-22 深圳市新宜康创新技术有限公司 加热不燃烧器件的制作方法
US20250072501A1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2025-03-06 Jt International Sa Heating Socket System for Electronic Smoking Devices

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CN201683029U (zh) * 2009-04-15 2010-12-29 中国科学院理化技术研究所 一种采用电容供电的加热雾化电子烟
CN102389167B (zh) * 2011-09-28 2013-05-29 卓尔悦（常州）电子科技有限公司 可更换的通用雾化头
CN102894486A (zh) * 2012-11-07 2013-01-30 修运强 螺旋驱动的滑动刺入式电子烟具
PL2810570T3 (pl) * 2013-06-03 2019-06-28 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. System z elektronicznym urządzeniem do palenia i kapsułką
CN203523811U (zh) * 2013-09-29 2014-04-09 深圳市麦克韦尔科技有限公司 电子烟
CN103653263A (zh) * 2013-12-31 2014-03-26 广东中烟工业有限责任公司 一种烟料加热装置的加热机构
CN104126873A (zh) * 2014-07-07 2014-11-05 深圳市合元科技有限公司 用于电子烟的雾化头、雾化器及电子烟
CN104195616A (zh) * 2014-09-04 2014-12-10 攀钢集团成都钢钒有限公司 钛合金油管接箍表面的微弧氧化处理方法
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