Abstract:
An electronic vapour provision device comprising a power cell and a computer, where the computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means; wherein the device further comprises a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The specification relates to electronic vapour provision devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present specification concerns electronic vapour provision devices such as electronic cigarettes. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Electronic vapour provision devices are typically cigarette-sized and function by allowing a user to inhale a nicotine vapour from a liquid store by applying a suction force to a mouthpiece. Some electronic vapour provision devices have a pressure sensor that activates when a user applies the suction force and causes a heater coil to heat up and vaporise the liquid. Electronic vapour provision devices include electronic cigarettes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    An electronic vapour provision device comprising a power cell and a computer, where the computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means; wherein the device further comprises a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. 
         [0004]    Having a temperature sensor has the advantage that the device can use temperature readings to provide a more sophisticated device, implementing operations for both control and safety. 
         [0005]    Suitably, the electronic vapour provision device is an electronic cigarette. 
         [0006]    Suitably, the computer is a microprocessor. 
         [0007]    Suitably, the electronic vapour provision device comprises a first end and a second end, where the first end is a mouthpiece end, the second end is a tip end and the temperature sensor is located towards the tip end. Suitably, the computer is located towards the tip end. Suitably, the pressure sensor is located towards the tip end. 
         [0008]    By locating the temperature sensor towards the tip end of the device ensures that the sensor is the furthest distance from the mouthpiece end. Typically a vaporiser comprising a heating element is located towards the mouthpiece end so it is advantageous to keep the temperature sensor far away. This ensures that the temperature sensor is not significantly affected by the heat from the heating element, and the temperature sensor can therefore measure ambient environmental temperature more reliably. Also, a liquid store is typically located near the mouthpiece end. So locating the temperature sensor, pressure sensor and computer towards the tip end minimizes the risk of liquid interfering with these components. 
         [0009]    Suitably, the temperature sensor is configured in use to measure ambient temperature. Suitably, pressure sensor is configured in use to measure ambient pressure. Suitably, the computer is configured in use to read both pressure and temperature at substantially the same time. 
         [0010]    By measuring both the temperature and pressure at substantially the same time, the computer is therefore able to gain a snapshot of these values and allow for any required physical adjustments or compensations. 
         [0011]    Suitably, the pressure sensor and temperature sensor form a combined sensor. 
         [0012]    Suitably, the combined sensor is a calibrated sensor. Suitably, the calibrated sensor is calibrated for pressure and temperature. Suitably, the calibrated sensor is calibrated for use in atmospheric conditions. 
         [0013]    Suitably, the combined sensor is constructed as a single electronic component. 
         [0014]    A combined sensor ensures not only that the temperature and pressure are measured at the same time, but also at the same location. This gives a much more accurate determination of these values. A combined unit also has the advantage that only a single unit is needed leading to easier fabrication and a smaller component. Also, by using a sensor that is purposely designed to measure both temperature and pressure at the same time and location, a calibrated sensor can be used that is calibrated especially for this purpose and therefore provides a more accurate reading. 
         [0015]    Suitably, the combined sensor is configured in use to determine the temperature and the pressure and provide a pressure reading that is dependent on the temperature. the pressure and provide a substantially linear relationship between a voltage output and the measured pressure. 
         [0016]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and pressure reading from the pressure sensor and adjust the pressure reading to compensate for the temperature reading. 
         [0017]    Since pressure and temperature are related and affect one another, the combined sensor can be used to compensate for changes to pressure for a given temperature. Advantageously, this can be achieved by the combined sensor itself or by the computer. 
         [0018]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to deliver an electrical current to the heating element when a pressure measured by the pressure sensor is reduced below a threshold pressure. Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and adjust the threshold pressure based on the temperature reading. 
         [0019]    Given that the device is activated by a user sucking on the device and reducing the pressure past a threshold pressure, a correct pressure measurement is essential for accurate use. Thus, allowing for changes to this threshold pressure value allows for a more accurate device. 
         [0020]    Suitably, the electronic vapour provision device comprises a control unit and a vaporiser, where the control unit comprises the power cell, the computer, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor, and the vaporiser comprises a heating element. 
         [0021]    Suitably, the device further comprises a liquid store, configured in use to supply liquid to the vaporiser heating element. 
         [0022]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use such that the vaporiser vaporises a predetermined amount of liquid. 
         [0023]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use such that the vaporiser vaporises a predetermined amount of liquid per unit time. 
         [0024]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use such that the vaporiser vaporises substantially the same amount of liquid each time. 
         [0025]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use such that the vaporiser vaporises substantially the same amount of liquid per unit time, each time. 
         [0026]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and adjust the vaporisation such that the vaporiser vaporises substantially the same amount of liquid per unit time, each time. 
         [0027]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a pressure reading from the pressure sensor and adjust the vaporisation such that the vaporiser vaporises substantially the same amount of liquid per unit time, each time. 
         [0028]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and adjust the heating temperature of the heating element based on the temperature reading. 
         [0029]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a pressure reading from the pressure sensor and adjust the heating temperature of the heating element based on the pressure reading. 
         [0030]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and adjust an electrical current delivered to the vaporiser based on the temperature reading. 
         [0031]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to obtain a pressure reading from the pressure sensor and adjust an electrical current delivered to the vaporiser based on the pressure reading. 
         [0032]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to reduce the heating power delivered to the heating element as the ambient temperature increases. 
         [0033]    The heat output of the heating element is dependent on the starting temperature and the heating power. The vaporisation effect also depends on the starting temperature since this affects the viscosity of the liquid being vaporised. By measuring the starting temperature, the heating power can be controlled to provide a consistent heating and vaporisation effect. 
         [0034]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to enter a wait mode when the temperature reading exceeds a first threshold temperature. Suitably, the wait mode is a lower power mode compared to a normal operating mode. 
         [0035]    Suitably, in wait mode a vaporiser cannot be activated. 
         [0036]    Suitably, the computer is configured to remain in wait mode for a predetermined wait time. 
         [0037]    Having a wait mode when the temperature gets too hot provides added safety for the user and ensures that the user cannot be harmed. 
         [0038]    Suitably, prior to leaving wait mode, the computer is configured in use to measure temperature and then remain in wait mode if temperature is above a second threshold temperature, or leave wait mode if temperature is below a second threshold temperature. Suitably, the first threshold temperature is equal to second threshold temperature. 
         [0039]    Suitably, the computer is configured in use to disable the device if temperature measured by the temperature sensor is above a critical threshold temperature. Suitably, the device further comprises a fuse connected to the computer and the device is disabled by blowing the fuse. 
         [0040]    If the device has exceed a safe operating temperature where damage to the device could have occurred then it is advantageous to disable to device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    For a better understanding of the disclosure, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an electronic vapour provision device; 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a side sectional view through the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is an exploded side perspective view of an electronic vapour provision device having separated mouthpiece and control unit; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view through the device of  FIG. 3  with connected mouthpiece and control unit; 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is an exploded side perspective view of an electronic vapour provision device having separated mouthpiece, vaporiser and control unit; 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a side sectional view through the device of  FIG. 5  with connected mouthpiece, vaporiser and control unit; 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of an electronic vapour provision device similar to that of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and that of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , showing the internal components thereof in greater detail; 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the electronic vapour provision device of  FIG. 7  when assembled; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is a schematic circuit diagram of the vapour provision device of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  there is a shown an electronic vapour provision device in the form of a cigarette-shaped electronic cigarette. The electronic vapour provision device has a mouthpiece  2  and a cigarette body  4 . The mouthpiece  2  has an air outlet  6  at a first end and is connected to the cigarette body  4  at a second end. 
         [0052]    Inside the electronic vapour provision device there is a liquid store  8  towards the mouthpiece end and a vaporiser  10  having a heating coil  12 . The vaporiser  10  is arranged next to the liquid store  8  to allow liquid to be transferred onto the vaporiser  10  for vaporising. A circuit board  14  contains a pressure sensor  16 , a temperature sensor  18  and a computer  20 . A power cell  22  provides power to the device. 
         [0053]    The general operation of the electronic vapour provision device is similar to that of known devices. When a user takes a draw on the electronic vapour provision device, a suction force is applied to the mouthpiece  2  and the air outlet  6 . A reduced pressure inside the electronic vapour provision device causes the power cell  22  to provide power to the vaporiser  10  which in turn vaporises the nicotine liquid solution. The resultant vapour is then inhaled by the user. 
         [0054]    In this example the operation of the electronic vapour provision device goes beyond that of a general device. In use, when a user applies a suction force to the electronic vapour provision device, the resultant airflow causes a drop in pressure from ambient pressure to a lower pressure, within the device. The pressure sensor  16  provides a signal to the computer  20 . The computer  20  runs software that monitors the pressure signal from the pressure sensor  16  and when it determines that the pressure has been reduced below a threshold pressure, the computer  20  provides an electrical current to the heating coil  12  in order to heat the heating coil  12  and vaporise liquid from the liquid store  8 . 
         [0055]    The temperature sensor  18  is adjacent the pressure sensor  16  and also provides a temperature signal to the computer  20 . The circuit board  14  containing the pressure sensor  16 , temperature sensor  18  and computer  20 , is located towards the tip of the device. As such, the temperature sensor  18  is located at the furthest possible point from the vaporiser  10  and heating coil  12 . This ensures that the temperature sensor  18  acts to measure the ambient temperature and is not affected by the heating coil  12  as it gets hot in use. 
         [0056]    The computer  20  receives a signal from the pressure sensor  16  and temperature sensor  18  and is able to determine both the ambient pressure and the ambient temperature at the same time. As such, since a measured pressure is dependent on the temperature at which it is measured, the computer  20  is able to adjust the pressure measurement for the given temperature. In use, the computer is then able to use this adjusted pressure and determine when the adjusted reduced pressure caused by user inhalation passes a threshold pressure value. 
         [0057]    Alternatively, the computer  20  can obtain a value for the ambient pressure and ambient temperature and adjust the threshold pressure value to give a compensated threshold pressure. In use, the heating coil  12  is activated when the measured pressure is reduced past the compensated threshold pressure. 
         [0058]    The computer  20  is also able to use the temperature reading for other purposes. The ambient temperature affects the vaporisation of liquid in two ways. Firstly, the viscosity of the liquid is temperature dependent and therefore the rate at which the liquid flows onto the heating coil  12  and the rate at which vaporisation occurs is somewhat dependent on the ambient temperature. Secondly, the temperature the heating coil reaches is dependent on the electrical current or power applied to the coil and also the starting temperature of the coil and the rate at which liquid is transferred to the coil, since vaporisation itself removes heat from the coil. The computer  20  is therefore able to measure the ambient temperature and adjust the current and heating power delivered to the coil to compensate for changes in ambient pressure. This therefore provides consistent vaporisation regardless of changes in the ambient temperature. 
         [0059]    In addition, the computer  20  monitors the ambient temperature reading from the temperature sensor  18  to determine whether the device is safe for a user to operate. If the ambient temperature gets above a first safe threshold temperature then the device can enter a wait mode where the vaporiser is disabled. The device periodically measures the temperature to determine when the ambient temperature is once again safe and fallen below a second safe threshold temperature. The first and second safe threshold temperature can be the same temperature, the first can be higher than the second or the second can be higher than the first. 
         [0060]    The temperature sensor  18  can also be used to determine when the ambient temperature exceeds a critical safe temperature. This is a temperature that can potentially cause damage to the device rendering it permanently unsafe to use. In this case the device permanently disables the device by blowing a fuse on the circuit board  14 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  show an electronic vapour provision device similar to that shown in relation to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The difference is that the mouthpiece  2  is releasably-attachable to the cigarette body  4 . The mouthpiece comprises a female screw thread connection means, the device body  4  is a control unit  24  having a male screw thread connection means. The mouthpiece  2  and the control unit  24  can be screwed together or taken apart. 
         [0062]    In this example, the mouthpiece  2  comprises the liquid store  8  and the vaporiser  10  with heating coil  12 . The control unit  24  comprises the power cell  22  and circuit board  14  with pressure sensor  16 , temperature sensor  18  and computer  20 . The screw thread connection provides an electrical connection such that when the mouthpiece  2  and control unit  24  are screwed together, electrical current can be delivered to the heating coil  12  upon activation of the vaporiser  10 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show an electronic vapour provision device similar to that shown in relation to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . However in this example, the vaporiser  10  is removable from the mouthpiece  2 . The mouthpiece  2  has a cylindrical opening that forms an interference push-fit with the vaporiser  10 . As such the mouthpiece  2  can be separated from the vaporiser  10 . The mouthpiece  2  comprises the liquid store  8 . The vaporiser  10  comprises the heating coil  12  and a wick  26 . The wick  26  protrudes from the end of the vaporiser  10  such that when the mouthpiece  2  and the vaporiser  10  are connected, the wick  26  dips into the liquid store  8 . 
         [0064]    In use, as a user inhales on the device, liquid is transferred from the liquid store  8  and onto the wick  26  before being transferred onto the heating coil  12  for vaporisation. 
         [0065]    The device in this example also differs from previous examples in that the temperature sensor and pressure sensor form a combined sensor  28 . Thus the combined sensor  28  is a single electronic component and is connected to the computer. The combined sensor  28  is able to provide simultaneous readings of both temperature and pressure to the computer  20 . The combined sensor  28  is a calibrated sensor in that it has been calibrated to provide accurate pressure and temperature signals dependent on one another. As such the sensor itself is able to provide an adjusted pressure reading that compensates for temperature variations. 
         [0066]    The pressure sensor  16  and/or the combined pressure and temperature sensor  28 , is suitably sufficiently sensitive to be able to operate according to the required parameters described above. In this regard, the sensor may have a sensitivity of around +/−5 Pa, and may have a sensitivity of +/−3 Pa, and more suitably may have a sensitivity of +/−1 Pa. Given that standard atmospheric pressure is in the order of around 100,000 Pa, it is clear that the sensor  16 / 28  is highly sensitive. The degree of sensitivity may be provided by the hardware used in the sensor itself, and also the compensatory algorithm provided by the sensor which is loaded onto the computer  20 . In use, the sensor provides raw pressure data, and raw temperature data may be provided either by the separate temperature sensor  18  or by the combined pressure and temperature sensor  28 . This is fed to the computer  20  which calculates the pressure compensated for the temperature. However, in an alternative embodiment, the sensors  16 ,  18 ,  28  may comprise an internal microprocessor such that the sensors  16 ,  18 ,  28  themselves may be able to provide the compensated reading as a direct output. The temperature and pressure sensor  18 ,  16 , or combined temperature and pressure sensor  28 , are also present as a combination, i.e. on one circuit board  14 . This is advantageous within an electronic vapour provision device because the temperature profile may vary across such devices for a number of reasons—for example, the heater being on, holding of the device etc. The output from the sensor(s)  16 ,  18 ,  28  is also digital, which is advantageous in the context of the device as a whole. 
         [0067]    Within the devices described above, temperature can be independently monitored at the same time as providing compensatory data for the pressure reading. This is because the sensor(s) provide raw temperature and pressure outputs. This enables the sensor(s) to also act as a safety component in that it/they can provide information to the computer about the temperature of the device which can then signal a cut-out at certain pre-determined temperatures, for example 50 degrees Celcius. 
         [0068]    The compensated pressure reading is also important. For regulatory purposes, it is advantageous that the device does not operate inadvertently—such as when the device is not in the mouth, or even when the device is in the mouth of a user but they are not intentionally inhaling. One way of achieving this is by setting defined pressure thresholds and ensuring that they are not “breached” as a result of a faulty sensor. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another embodiment of an electronic vapour provision device in the form of an electronic cigarette. The device is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , although the embodiment in  FIGS. 7 and 8  shows the internal components thereof in greater detail. The device comprises a mouthpiece  31 , vaporiser device  32  and control unit  33  which can be assembled as shown in  FIG. 8  to provide a generally cylindrical device that can be used as a substitute for a conventional tobacco burning cigarette. The control unit  33  is provided with a threaded extension  34  that is received in an interior thread  35  in the vapour device  32 . The mouthpiece  31  comprises a generally cylindrical plastics casing  36  that can be push-fitted on to the vapour device  32 . 
         [0070]    The mouthpiece  31  has an outlet  37  to supply vapour to the mouth of the user and an outlet passageway  38  for the vapour which, in use is produced by the vapour device  32 . The mouthpiece  31  also includes a liquid reservoir comprising a porous storage matrix  39  such as plastics open foam material impregnated with a vaporisable liquid, such as a nicotine containing liquid that in use is vaporised by the vapour device  32 . The matrix  39  acts as a reservoir for the liquid and since the mouthpiece  31  is readily removable and replaceable, it can be used as a refill capsule when the liquid in the porous matrix  39  becomes depleted and needs to be replenished. 
         [0071]    The vapour device  32  includes an electronic heating coil  40  that is wound around a ceramic core  41 , supported on a ceramic base  42 . A generally U-shaped wicking member  43  is configured to wick liquid from the reservoir  39  towards the heating element  40  by capillary action. The wicking member  43  may for example by made of a metallic foam such as nickel foam. 
         [0072]    The heater coil  40  is powered by a rechargeable battery  44  located in the control unit  33  through electrical contacts  48 ,  49  (not shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , see  FIG. 9 ) which electrically couple the heater coil to the battery  44  when the control unit  33  is fitted to the vapour device  32  by the engagement of threads  34 ,  35 . The electrical power of the battery  44  is supplied to the heater coil  40  under the control of a control circuit  45  mounted on circuit board  46  within the control unit  33 . 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the control circuit  45  includes a micro controller  47  powered by battery  44  to supply an electric heating current to the coil  40  through the contacts  48 ,  49  that are brought into electrical connection when the control unit  33  is threadedly engaged with the vapour device  32  by means of threads  34 ,  35  shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0074]    A pressure sensor  50  detects when a user draws on the mouthpiece  38 , as described in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0075]    Also, a signalling unit  51  is provided to provide audio or visual outputs to the user indicative of operational conditions of the device. For example, the signalling device may include a light emitting diode that glows red when the user draws on the device. The signalling device may provide predetermined audio or visual signals to indicate for example that the battery  44  needs to be recharged. 
         [0076]    The supply of current from the battery  44  to the mouth controller is controlled by switching transistor  52 . 
         [0077]    When the user draws on the mouthpiece  1  so as to draw vapour through the outlet  37 , the pressure sensor  50  detects the drop in pressure which is communicated from within the vapour device  32  through the interior of the control unit  33  to the circuit board  45 . Microcontroller  47  responds to the pressure drop detected by the sensor  50  to supply electrical current to the heater coil  40 , which vaporises liquid supplied by capillary action through the U-shaped wicking member  43 . An air inlet passageway  55  is provided in the joint between the vapour unit  32  and control unit  33  so that air can be drawn through the threaded extension  34  of the control unit  33  into the vapour device  32  in the direction of arrows A, so that the resulting vapour is drawn in the direction of arrows B through passageway  38  to the outlet  37 . 
         [0078]    The operation of the device of  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be the same as that of the devices of  FIGS. 1 to 6  described previously and so a detailed description of such operation will not be repeated here. However, it is intended that the control circuit  46  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be configured as per the circuit board  14  of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 to 6 , and vice versa. Specifically, the circuit board  46  may comprise a temperature sensor  18 , or a combined temperature and pressure sensor  28 . Also, the pressure sensor  50  may be disposed on the circuit board  46  within the control unit  33  and the vapour device  32  may be in fluid communication with the area within the control unit  33 , via an open passageway for example (not shown), such that a drop in pressure within the vapour device  32  is detectable by a pressure sensor on the circuit board  46  within control unit  33 . Also, the microcontroller  47  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be programmed as per the computer  20  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 to 6  to monitor both measured temperature and pressure from the sensor(s) to control the device accordingly and as described previously. 
         [0079]    Although examples have been shown and described it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The computer processor could be a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The device is not restricted to being cigarette shaped. The computer processor, temperature sensor and pressure sensor are not restricted to being on the same circuit board. The heating coil used for vaporisation could be replaced by another type of non-coil heating element. 
         [0080]    In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for superior electronic vapour provision devices. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Any feature of any embodiment can be used independently of, or in combination with, any other feature.