Abstract
A liquid storage is provided that includes a sintered body made of glass or glass ceramic. The sintered body has an open porosity in a range from 10 to 90%. The sintered body is a shaped body having at least two channels that are completely or partially enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic. The sintered body is provided as a vaporizer for use in an electronic cigarette and/or in medication administration devices and/or in thermally heated vaporizers for fragrances. Here, the sintered body is a liquid storage and is used with a heating element.
Claims
1. A liquid storage comprising a sintered body made of glass or glass ceramic, wherein the sintered body has an open porosity in a range from 10 to 90%, and wherein the sintered body has two channels, wherein the two channels are at least partially enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body.
2. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the two channels are completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body.
3. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the two channels comprise at least one channel having a shape selected from a group consisting of a circular bore, an ellipsoidal bore, a polygonal hole, and a slit.
4. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the sintered body has a length, and wherein the two channels extend over an entirety of the length of the sintered body.
5. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the sintered body is a cylinder having a length, and wherein a first channel of the two channels extends parallel to the length.
6. The liquid storage of claim 5, wherein the first channel is completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body and is located in a center of the cylinder.
7. The liquid storage of claim 5, wherein a second channel of two channels is completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body has a cross sectional shape selected from a group consisting of a circular, ellipsoidal, and polygonal.
8. The liquid storage of claim 5, wherein a second channel of the two channels is only partially enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body so that the second channel has an open longitudinal side along the length.
9. The liquid storage of claim 8, wherein the second channel has a V-shaped cross section having an angle between centerlines of the V in a range of less than or equal to 180.
10. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the sintered body is a cuboid, wherein the two channels extend parallel to an edge of the cuboid.
11. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the two channels comprise a first channel and at least two second channels, and wherein the at least two second channels are arranged symmetrically with respect to a location of the first channel.
12. The liquid storage of claim 1, wherein the sintered body has pores with a size in a range from 1 to 5000 m.
13. A vaporizer configured for use in an electronic cigarette, a medication administration device, and thermally heated vaporizers, comprising: a heating element; and a sintered body as a liquid storage, the sintered body being made of glass or glass ceramic, wherein the sintered body has an open porosity in a range from 10 to 90%, and wherein the sintered body has two channels, wherein the two channels are at least partially enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body.
14. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the heating element is disposed directly on a surface of the sintered body.
15. The vaporizer of claim 14, wherein the heating element is selected from the group consisting of a metal foil, a metal wire, and an electrically conductive coating.
16. The vaporizer of claim 15, wherein the sintered body has a length, and wherein the two channels extend parallel to the length.
17. The vaporizer of claim 16, wherein a first channel of the two channels is completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body, wherein the sintered body is a cylinder with the first channel is located in a center of the cylinder.
18. The vaporizer of claim 17, wherein a second channel of the two channels comprises at least two second channels that are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first channel.
19. The vaporizer of claim 18, wherein the electrically conductive coating is bonded to the surface area of the sintered body defined by the open pores so that when the sintered body is electrically contacted and powered, a current flows at least partially through an interior of the sintered body thereby heating the interior.
20. The vaporizer of claim 19, wherein the first channel has a surface that forms a first electrical terminal of the heating element and an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder forms a second electrical terminal of the heating element.
21. The vaporizer of claim 20, wherein the first electrical terminal is a positive terminal and the second electrical terminal is a negative terminal.
22. The vaporizer of claim 21, further comprising a third channel completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body, the third channel extending perpendicular across the cylinder, wherein the second and third channels serve as an inflow opening for fluid into the liquid storage.
23. The vaporizer of claim 22, wherein the third channel has a smaller diameter than the first channel.
24. The vaporizer of claim 21, further comprising an electrical connection of a second electrically conductive coating.
25. The vaporizer of claim 15, wherein the sintered body has a cuboid shape, wherein the two channels extend parallel to one edge of the cuboid, and wherein the two channels are completely enclosed by the glass or glass ceramic of the sintered body.
26. The vaporizer of claim 25, wherein the cuboid has two opposite side faces that extend parallel to the two channels and serve as electrical terminals.
27. The vaporizer of claim 13, wherein the heating element comprises at least two individual heating zones configured so that current flow in the two individual heating zones can be switched independently of each other.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0093] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures, wherein:
[0094] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vaporizer unit of an electronic cigarette;
[0095] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a sintered body for use as a liquid storage;
[0096] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a vaporizer including a cylindrical sintered body;
[0097] FIGS. 4 and 5 show further exemplary embodiments including star-like sintered bodies;
[0098] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a cuboid vaporizer in an electronic cigarette;
[0099] FIG. 7 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a sintered body;
[0100] FIG. 8 illustrates the use of the sintered body shown in FIG. 7 as part of a vaporization device in an electronic cigarette;
[0101] FIGS. 9 to 12 show cuboid vaporizers with different electronic contacting modes;
[0102] FIGS. 13 and 14 show refinements of the invention comprising a plurality of heating zones;
[0103] FIG. 15 illustrates the opening angle between two points of a star-shaped liquid storage; and
[0104] FIG. 16 shows a variant of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0105] FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of a vaporizer head 22 of an electronic cigarette comprising a vaporizer 1. Here, the vaporizer 1 is in the form of a cylinder that includes a channel 50 and is in contact with the liquid 2 to be vaporized. The channel 50 is in the form of a bore, that is to say an enclosed channel. Electrical contacting to an electrical power source is achieved through abutting contact using two metallic contact plates 3, or by soldering to the wire line. In addition to solder, a thin silver layer, e.g. made of silver paste, on the end face is useful for soldering, for a more stable contact between wire and vaporizer. Since these surfaces 3 lie parallel to each other, current flows uniformly through the cylinder and generates uniform heating power throughout the vaporizer. When the vaporizer 1 is installed in vaporization chamber 5, its diameter should be equal to the length of standard spiral or wick (5-7 mm), so that the vaporizer has good contact to the insulating wool 4. The liquid is sucked into the vaporizer through the contact interface between wool and vaporizer (outer lateral surface of the cylinder) and is transported by suction pressure during inhalation and by capillary force. A wool layer 4 is used as an electrical insulation of the vaporizer 1 to the housing 11. The channel of the vaporizer functions as a vaporization zone. The generated vapor 51 can be inhaled by the user via mouthpiece 6. Each time the vaporizer is switched on, it is heated and the amount of liquid stored in its volume is vaporized, and liquid is resupplied. Vapor dosage can be adjusted through the size and porosity of the vaporizer. Accordingly, as it stores the liquid, the vaporizer 1 defines a liquid storage 100 according to the invention.
[0106] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the sintered body 7 according to the invention, which is designed as a hollow cylinder that includes additional channels. Here, the first channel 8 defines the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder. The second channels 9 are arranged around the first channel 8, preferably symmetrically or uniformly distributed. The channels are closed channels, i.e. they have a closed circumferential surface which is defined by the material of the sintered body. When provided with an electrically conductive coating (not shown), the sintered body can be used as a heating element in a vaporizer. In this case, the channels increase the size of the exit surface and at the same time reduce the transport path for liquid from the outer lateral surface to the channel 9. Suction pressure can be preset as desired through the number and diameter of the bores. Due to the significantly shorter transport path, the amount of released vapor increases and so does effectiveness. Energy consumption is reduced.
[0107] FIG. 3 illustrates a vaporizer 1 comprising a sintered body 70 with an electrically conductive coating, with electrical contacting implemented from the inside to the outside. For this purpose, the first channel 8 is used as a positive terminal. The second channels 9 are arranged symmetrically around the first channel 8 and have an ellipsoidal cross section. The negative terminal is spatially limited to the areas around the second channels 9. Current flow is symbolized by arrows 10. Due to the second channels 9 and depending on the position of the negative terminal, current flow is no longer uniform. In case the negative terminal is arranged as shown, the current flow 10 will have maximum strength around the circumferential surface of the second channels 9 and so heating power will be maximal there. With such a geometry and arrangement of the electrical terminals it is possible to selectively influence power distribution and therefore vaporization. The heating power should generally be slightly higher around the second channels 9 than in the other regions of the vaporizer, since more energy is required there due to the high vaporization. The other regions are colder in this design. In addition, the coated sintered body 70 has a third channel 13. It has a slit-like shape and functions as a liquid supply to inner regions of the sintered body. In this way it is possible to increase the uptake of liquid 12 to be vaporized in the liquid storage 100 defined by the vaporizer 1.
[0108] FIGS. 4 and 5 show exemplary embodiments with star-shaped vaporizers 1. Here, the sintered body has a first channel 8 which defines the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder and accommodates the positive terminal. The second channels 9a, 9b have a V-shaped contour and are open channels with respect to the sintered body, i.e. they do not have a continuous circumferential surface defined by the material of the sintered body, but rather have an open longitudinal side or are open laterally. The cross-sectional shape of the second channels gives the coated sintered body 70 a star-like shape comprising star wings 70a. The sectional area of the star wings 70a decreases outward. Every second channel is connected to the negative terminal 14, in an alternating fashion, so that the negative terminal 14 forms part of the circumferential surface of the respective second channel, so that this channel has a closed circumferential surface which is defined partially by the material of the sintered body 70 and partially by the negative terminal 14. Thus, the negative terminal 14 spatially shields the respective channel 9b from the liquid to be vaporized.
[0109] Thus, channel 9b constitutes a vaporization zone. With that arrangement of the electrical terminals in combination with the cross-sectional shape of the second channels 9a it is possible to concentrate the heating power in the wings 70a of the vaporizer.
[0110] Channels 9a have an open V-shaped contour and thus provide for a large contact surface area to the liquid 12. Thus, the vaporizers shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 have both, large contact surfaces areas to the liquid, and also large exit surface areas for vapor. This provides for rapid uptake and rapid release, and hence for a very high efficiency of the vaporizer.
[0111] In the vaporizer shown in FIG. 5, the size of the opening to the liquid container is reduced by the size and position of the negative terminal such that there is minimal liquid pressure in the vaporization chamber and so the risk for leakage of the liquid is minimized.
[0112] FIG. 6 shows a vaporizer head 22 of an electronic cigarette 30 comprising a vaporizer 1 in the form of a cuboid 70. Typical dimensions of cuboid or block-type vaporizers in electronic cigarettes are dimensions of BHL=55(3 to 5) mm.sup.3. The vaporizer shown in FIG. 6 has a greater length L than width B.
[0113] The cuboid vaporizer 1 of the invention can be adapted to the design in terms of shape and size such that it fits exactly in the position of standard wick and thus can replace the previously used wicks with heating coil by simple replacement of the components. In e-cigarettes and in vaporization chambers, the vaporizer 1 is installed such that the lateral surfaces of the vaporizer contact the wool layer (with liquid) 13 and uptake liquid 12 from the wool thereby. Liquid 12 is transported to the center, where it is heated and vaporized when the e-cigarette is switched on.
[0114] The contacting with contacts, or +/terminals, is shown in FIG. 6a. Metal plates or soldered metal wires can be used as terminals 14. For improving the connection it is possible to use solder tin, a thin layer of silver paste, or other metal coatings, for example in the form of a second electrically conductive coating. The exit surfaces for vapor are then circumferential surfaces of the channels 8.
[0115] FIG. 7 shows a coated sintered body 1 in the form of a cuboid 70 that has first and second channels 8, 9. Channels 8, 9 are open channels and have a U-shaped cross-sectional shape. Here, the first channels 8 are orthogonal to the second channels 9. This gives the coated sintered body 7 feet 72 with air channels. When powered, the electric current will concentrate in the feet and generate maximum heating power there. By virtue of channels 8, 9, a large exit surface area is given in this region for the vapor. In addition, the air channels serve as a thermal insulation and retain heat in the vaporizer.
[0116] The region of the sintered body 7, which is close to the liquid container when used in a vaporizer, has no channels. Therefore, this portion of the sintered body is more solid. This is advantageous, since in this way the sintered body can fulfill a sealing function and can prevent leakage of the liquid. In addition, this region exhibits good thermal insulation, due to the solid construction. Due to its larger cross section, the electric current is distributed and the heating power is accordingly reduced in this region.
[0117] FIG. 8 shows the use of the vaporizer illustrated in FIG. 7 in an electronic cigarette 30. Here, the vaporizer 70 is located directly below the liquid container 12. It serves as a lid of the liquid container 12. Liquid inflow to the vaporizer occurs through small openings in the bottom of the container 23. Due to the sealing function of the vaporizer, an inflow into the vaporizer is promoted, but leakage of the liquid is prevented.
[0118] FIGS. 9 to 12 show for example cuboid or block-type vaporizers with different electronic contacting modes and illustrate control of the current flow within the vaporizer depending on the placement of the terminal contacts.
[0119] The vaporizers shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 have the same electrically conductive coating in all areas. Nevertheless, electrical currents will preferably flow only into the vaporization regions 24. The storage regions 25 remain cold, so that the liquid is not vaporized but can be stored in these regions.
[0120] In the following optimizations, electrical currents are controlled through the placement of the terminal contacts. Although all areas have the same coating, electrical currents will only flow in the vaporization region. The storage region remains cold. Liquid will not be vaporized there and can be buffered there. Hence, liquid storage and vaporization can be achieved in a single porous body. The two regions can be partially separated by vapor exit channels 8.
[0121] FIGS. 11 and 12 show embodiments in which only regions of the sintered body are provided with an electrical coating (region 70). Accordingly, only the regions 70 are electrically conductive and heatable. The outer regions 7 remain cold and serve as liquid storage and thermal insulation.
[0122] FIG. 13 shows a refinement of the invention comprising a plurality of heating zones which are defined by negative terminals 140, 141, and 142. The sintered body 7 has an electrically conductive coating, here, and has the shape of a hollow cylinder. The first channel 8 is defined by the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder. It accommodates the positive terminal 150, while the second channels 9 are provided as vaporization spaces.
[0123] Negative terminals 140, 141, and 142 can be powered separately from each other. Thus, it is possible during operation to initially apply power to only one negative terminal, for example. Accordingly, the respective adjacent region of the sintered body is then heated. If, for example, a higher heating power is required during operation, the additional negative terminals can also be powered.
[0124] Alternatively, it is also possible to power all the negative terminals 140, 141, and 142, and to apply different voltages. In this manner, different heating powers can be generated at the individual negative terminals 140, 141, 142. This can be exploited to generate a gradient in the heating power within the vaporizer, for example.
[0125] FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the refinement according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 13. Here, the vaporizer 7 is provided in the form of a cuboid that includes channels 8. The positive terminals 151 and 152 and negative terminals 143 and 144 are located at opposite sides of the cuboid. Again, the individual terminals can be powered separately, here.
[0126] FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a star-shaped vaporizer having a first channel 8 and a second channel 9. The second channel 9 is an open channel and is defined by the side faces of the adjacent star points. The angle x, 27, is the angle between the center lines 26a, 26b of the respective star points and correlates with the number of star points. Channel 9 may have a sharp corner so as to present a V-shaped contour, as shown in FIG. 15. However, the contour of the second channel may also be rounded.
[0127] FIG. 16 shows a variant of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the first channels 8 are open at one end, or, more generally, the one or more channels 8 have a bottom 80 closing one end of the channel. The bottom 80 may be located at one of the end faces of the sintered body, or, as illustrated by the right-hand channel, between the open ends of the channel 8 at the end faces.
