Patent Publication Number: US-2022225686-A1

Title: Method and mounting frame for manufacturing a vaporizer unit for an inhaler

Description:
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a vaporizer assembly for an inhaler, preferably an electronic cigarette. 
     EP 3 025 601 B1 discloses a method for manufacturing a vaporizer cartridge for an electronic cigarette, in which electrodes for the connections of an electric heater are continuously punched out of a sheet metal strip. 
     JPS 61214544 discloses the electrical connection of a semiconductor element to a stamped grid, wherein the semiconductor element is encapsulated and singulated. 
     The task of the invention is to provide an effective mass production method for vaporizer assemblies, wherein the vaporizer is to be electrically reliably connected and thermally decoupled as much as possible. 
     The invention solves this task with the features of the independent patent claims. 
     According to the invention, a plurality of connection stations is provided and at least one assembly step, preferably a plurality of assembly steps, is carried out at each connection station in order to produce one vaporizer assembly at each connection station. 
     In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connection stations are connected to each other by an assembly framework. The assembly framework is advantageously metallic, belt-shaped and/or rollable/unrollable. By means of the assembly framework, a multiplicity of connection stations for vaporizers can thus be provided for machine processing in a continuous belt-like arrangement. 
     For the electrical connection of the vaporizer, at least one electrically conductive connection surface (bonding surface), for example made of gold, is advantageously provided at each connection station. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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                     EP 
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                     066601 
                   
                 
               
               
                 
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     The assembly method advantageously comprises an assembly step of connecting a vaporizer support to the or each connection station. This may be particularly advantageously performed by overmolding the assembly framework with a plastic material. Furthermore, an assembly step of connecting a vaporizer to the or each connection station is advantageously provided, in particular by means of an adhesive. 
     The electrical connection of each vaporizer is then advantageously made by electrical connection and/or wiring to the or each electrically conductive connection surface. 
     Advantageously, the assembly method comprises one or more of the group of assembly steps of: placing and/or connecting a wick element in or to the vaporizer assembly; inserting at least one sealing element for fluid sealing into the or each vaporizer assembly; placing and/or connecting an identification element in or to the vaporizer assembly; encasing the or each vaporizer assembly with a vaporizer housing; connecting a vent to a vent receptacle of the or each vaporizer assembly; mounting and/or filling a liquid tank on the or each vaporizer assembly. 
     At a suitable point in the assembly process, partial singulation of the at least partially assembled vaporizer assembly may be performed, particularly by separating it from the assembly framework on one side. Thereafter, a prefabricated vaporizer housing may be slid onto the free end of the vaporizer assembly, for example. However, it is also possible to produce the vaporizer housing at the connection station by injection molding. 
     Finally, a complete singulation of the vaporizer assembly is performed by completely separating it from the assembly framework to obtain vaporizer assemblies, vaporizer units or vaporizer cartridges, depending on the embodiment. 
     The assembly framework according to the invention is advantageously belt-shaped, is preferably provided in a substantially endless manner and is advanced to carry out assembly steps, preferably in a work-paced manner. In an advantageous embodiment, the assembly framework comprises at least one, advantageously several, longitudinal webs extending in an advancing direction, wherein the connection stations are advantageously arranged in one or more rows parallel to the longitudinal webs. Guide elements or openings are preferably provided at periodic distances on or in at least one longitudinal web. 
     Further advantageously, the assembly framework comprises at each connection station at least one transverse web which extends transversely starting from at least one longitudinal web. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one transverse web remains permanently in the vaporizer assembly and advantageously forms in the final product at least one electrical connection for electrical contacting of the vaporizer. 
    
    
     
       The invention is explained below by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Thereby shows 
         FIG. 1  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework; 
         FIG. 2  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with vaporizer supports connected to the connection stations; 
         FIG. 3  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with vaporizers connected to the connection stations; 
         FIG. 4  a schematic view of a printing device for applying adhesive to vaporizer supports; 
         FIG. 5  a cross-sectional view of a vaporizer assembly; 
         FIG. 6  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with electrically connected or wired vaporizers; 
         FIG. 7  a perspective view from below of an assembly framework with identification element; 
         FIG. 8  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with partially singulated vaporizer assemblies; 
         FIG. 9  a perspective view from below of an assembly framework with partially singulated vaporizer assemblies; 
         FIG. 10  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with a vaporizer housing attached to form a vaporizer unit; 
         FIG. 11  a perspective view from above of an assembly framework with cartridge housing attached to form a vaporizer cartridge; 
         FIG. 12  a perspective view of a singulated vaporizer cartridge; 
         FIG. 13  a cross-sectional view of a singulated vaporizer cartridge; 
         FIG. 14  a cross-sectional view of a singulated vaporizer cartridge in another embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  a top view of a double-width assembly framework. 
     
    
    
     The assembly framework  10 , which is in particular belt-shaped, extends continuously or quasi-endlessly along a longitudinal direction V which corresponds to an advancing direction V when processed in a manufacturing machine.  FIG. 1  shows only a cutout of a complete assembly framework  10 . The assembly framework  10  is intended and arranged for continuous processing in one or more assembly machines; this will be explained in detail later. For assembly, the assembly framework  10  is advanced in the direction of advance V in the assembly machine or machines. Advantageously, the assembly framework  10  is unwound from a roll and is therefore advantageously unrollable and/or rollable. It may be advantageous to roll up the assembly framework  10  again after completion of an assembly step (in an assembly machine) and to unroll it again for a subsequent assembly step (possibly in a subsequent assembly machine), for example if the individual assembly steps or the individual assembly machines are timed differently. Individual belts can be changed to any length during the manufacturing process, for example, by punching and/or splicing, such as by welding, to enable a continuous process and/or to change the roll size. 
     The assembly framework  10  here comprises, for example, two longitudinal webs  11 ,  12  extending continuously or quasi-endlessly in the advancing direction, which are advantageously arranged parallel to one another. In other embodiments, only one longitudinal web or more than two longitudinal webs (see  FIG. 15 ) may be provided. The longitudinal web or webs  11 ,  12  serve to transport or advance the assembly framework  10  in the machine, and for this purpose may comprise guide elements or, as here, guide openings  13  at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction V, in which, for example, corresponding guide parts of the machine engage. 
     Along the longitudinal or advancing direction of the assembly framework  10 , connection stations  14  are formed continuously and at regular intervals. In  FIG. 1 , for example, five connection stations  14  are shown. Each connection station  14  is used to manufacture a corresponding vaporizer assembly for a respective inhaler. Each connection station  14  is advantageously formed by one or more transverse webs  15 ,  16  extending transversely to the longitudinal webs  11 ,  12 . The assembly framework  10  advantageously comprises continuous transverse webs  15  extending from one longitudinal web  11  to the other longitudinal web  12 , thereby holding the assembly framework  10  together. Advantageously, at least one transverse web  15 , and further advantageously a plurality of transverse webs  15 , for example two continuous transverse webs  15 , are provided per connection station  14 . 
     Furthermore, at least one transverse web  16  may be provided per connection station  14  which, starting from only one longitudinal web  11 , does not extend continuously, i.e. does not extend to the other longitudinal web  12 . 
     Spacers  17  may be provided on the or each continuous transverse web  15 , advantageously extending in the longitudinal direction V between each two connection stations  14  and defining and/or maintaining the distance between the respective connection stations  14 . 
     The assembly framework  10  advantageously comprises a conductive material, in particular a metal, and is advantageously bendable with respect to workability. In an advantageous embodiment, the assembly framework  10  is made of a sheet metal and is, for example, stamped from a sheet metal and then forms a stamped grid. Non-metallic materials, for example plastic, which may be conductive or metallically coated, are possible for the assembly framework  10 . 
     In the following, the production of vaporizer assemblies  50  is explained with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 14 . 
     In a preliminary step, the assembly framework  10  is produced, for example, by rolling. Subsequently, the assembly framework  10  is formed into a shape that can be machined (see  FIG. 1 ), for example by stamping. 
     Thereafter, an at least partial surface finishing or electroplating of the assembly framework  10  can optionally be carried out by means of material application, embossing and/or polishing. For example, the stamped assembly framework  10  can be overmolded with plastic and the plastic can then serve as a mask for downstream gold plating by means of electroplating. 
     In an assembly step according to  FIG. 2 , a vaporizer support  20  is connected to each connection station  14  starting from the assembly framework  10 . The vaporizer support  20  can advantageously consist of a suitable plastic, for example PEEK, and can advantageously be resistant to outgassing up to 300° C. To produce the vaporizer support  20 , for example, the assembly framework  10 , in particular one or more transverse webs  15 ,  16  at the corresponding connection station  14  can be overmolded. For this purpose, an assembly framework  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) is, for example, pulled off a roll and passed through a multiple injection mold not shown. At least one electrical connection surface  18 , for example made of gold, can be provided in the assembly framework  10 , in particular in at least one transverse web  15 . 
     After the assembly framework  10  has been overmolded at a connection station  14 , the assembly framework  10  continues to be guided in the longitudinal direction V. After leaving the injection mold, the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 2  with attached vaporizer supports  20  is either rolled onto a roll or further processed in-line. In the latter case, a buffer is advantageously provided for intermediate storage of the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 2 , since the processing speeds of the injection mold and subsequent processing devices may generally differ. 
     Other methods are possible, for example, the vaporizer support  20  may be prefabricated by injection molding, for example, and clipped into the assembly framework  10  at the corresponding connection station  14 . The vaporizer support  20  may also be made of other material, such as ceramic or a composite material. 
     In a subsequent assembly step according to  FIG. 3 , a vaporizer  21  is placed at each connection station  14 , for example in a recess of the vaporizer support  20  (see  FIG. 2 ), and connected to the vaporizer support  20 . For this purpose, an assembly framework  10  equipped with vaporizer supports  20  (see  FIG. 2 ) is pulled off a roll, for example, and guided through a placement and connection tool that is not shown. Alternatively, this assembly step can also be performed in batch mode (batch operation). 
     The connection of the vaporizer  21  to the vaporizer support  20  can be done, for example, by means of an adhesive  22 . In one embodiment, the adhesive  22  can be applied to the vaporizer support  20  in-line, i.e. in the manufacturing process, by means of an application device  23 . The application device  23  may comprise, for example, a wheel-shaped print head  24  with a plurality of, for example, four print stamps  25  for pad printing, see  FIG. 4 . Other adhesive application devices are possible. The adhesive  22  is advantageously temperature resistant up to at least 300° C. and outgassing resistant to toxic fumes, as well as resistant to the vaporization liquid. 
     The adhesive  22  may be applied to the vaporizer support  20  (as in  FIG. 4 ) before the vaporizer  21  is bonded to the vaporizer support  20  via the adhesive  22 . Alternatively, adhesive  22  may be applied to vaporizer  21  before the vaporizer  21  is bonded to vaporizer support  20  via adhesive  22 . It is also advantageously possible to first place the vaporizer  21  on the vaporizer support  20  and then dispense the adhesive  22 , for example in liquid form. The adhesive  22  may be arranged on a front side and/or on an outer side of the vaporizer  21 . 
     In a subsequent step, the adhesive  22  is cured. This can be done by drying in air or advantageously by applying heat, in particular in an oven. Alternatively, it is also possible to use UV-curable adhesive  22 , which is then cured by means of UV radiation. Curing can be carried out batch-wise or in a continuous process, for example in a continuous oven. 
     After leaving the placement and connection tool, the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 3  with attached vaporizers  21  is either rolled onto a roll or further processed in-line. In the latter case, a buffer is advantageously provided for intermediate storage of the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 3 , since the processing speeds of the placement and connection tool and subsequent processing devices can generally differ. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the vaporizer  21  is attached to the rear of the vaporizer support  20 . This is best illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Accordingly, the adhesive  22 , which is ring-shaped for example, is arranged on a vapor outlet side of the vaporizer  21  and is bonded to a rear side of the vaporizer support  20 , i.e. from the underside in the view according to  FIG. 3 . This rear-side arrangement of the vaporizer  21  has the advantage that a force between the vaporizer  21  and a wick element  27  to be explained later does not weaken the adhesive bond of the adhesive  22  and thus lower requirements can be placed on the adhesive  22 . 
     In a subsequent assembly step as shown in  FIG. 6 , each vaporizer  21  is electrically bonded or wired (wire-bonding) in a wiring device by means of electrical lines  28 . For this purpose, an assembly framework  10  equipped with vaporizers  21  (see  FIG. 3 ) is pulled off a roll, for example, and continuously fed through a wiring device not shown. Alternatively, the electrical connection can also be carried out in batches (i.e. in batch operation). The electrical connection of the vaporizer  21  is advantageously carried out in such a way that the two electrical connections of the heating resistor forming the vaporizer  21  are each connected to a transverse web  15 , for example by soldering, by means of one or more, for example three, electrical lines  28  or connecting wires, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The lines  28  may be made of gold or aluminum, for example, but steel wire or other suitable materials are not excluded. Portions of the transverse webs  15  remain permanently in the vaporizer assembly  50  and in the final product form the electrical connections  48  for connecting the vaporizer assembly  50  to a base part of an inhaler, see  FIGS. 12 and 13 . As can be seen from  FIG. 13 , the electrical lines  28  are advantageously arranged for efficient cooling in an air channel  26  extending through the vaporizer housing  51  between the vent opening  47  and an opposite face opening  30  in the flange  40 . Advantageously, electrical connections  48  for connecting the vaporizer cartridge  52  to a base part of an inhaler extend outwardly through the flange  40  through the face opening  30 . 
     In an optional step according to  FIG. 7 , an identification element  29  (ID chip) can be inserted into each vaporizer assembly  50  or vaporizer support  20 . The identification element  29  is used to uniquely identify the corresponding vaporizer  21  and may be, for example, an RFID element, an NFC element, or a digital memory device (such as an EEPROM) in which a digital identifier is stored. If the identifier element  29  is electrically bonded, this can advantageously be done by means of wiring in the aforementioned wiring device. The placement and attachment of the identification element  29  can be done in the assembly step according to  FIG. 3 , in an earlier assembly step, or in a later assembly step. 
     At a suitable time in the assembly process, partial singulation of the vaporizer assemblies  50  may optionally be performed as shown in  FIG. 8 . In the present embodiment, in which the vaporizer assemblies are held on both sides, this means that one of the longitudinal webs  12  is removed from the assembly framework  10  and the vaporizer assemblies  50  are held on only one side of the remaining longitudinal web  11 . The singulation can be done, for example, by punching. The assembly framework  10  or the transverse webs  15  can comprise corresponding predetermined breaking points. During partial singulation, any burrs from injection molding of the vaporizer support  20  can also be removed and accuracy increased.  FIG. 7  already shows the assembly framework  10  after partial singulation. 
     Advantageously, in a further assembly step as shown in  FIG. 9 , a wick element  27  is placed on each vaporizer assembly  50  or each vaporizer support  20  and bonded thereto. The wick element  27  is used in the finished product to transport liquid to be vaporized from a liquid reservoir  31  (see  FIG. 13 ) to the vaporizer  21  by means of capillary forces. For this purpose, the wick element  27  lies advantageously planar. To place the wick element  27 , the assembly framework  10  (see  FIG. 3 ), which may be separated and equipped with vaporizer  21 , is pulled off a roll, for example, and continuously guided through a placement device not shown. Alternatively, the electrical connection can also be made in batches (i.e. in batch operation). 
     The wick element  27  is advantageously placed in a wick receptacle  33  or hollow space (cavity) of the vaporizer support  20  in fluid-conducting connection with the vaporizer  21 . A nonwoven fabric, for example a glass fiber nonwoven fabric, may optionally be disposed between the wick element  27  and the vaporizer  21 . The the wick element  27  may, for example, be made of ceramic. Fixation of the wick element  27  in the wick receptacle  33  may be achieved, for example, by means of a clamp, such as when the wick element  27  comprises an oversize relative to the wick receptacle  33 . Alternatively, fixation of the wick element  27  in the wick receptacle  33  may be accomplished by means of an adhesive, for example from the outside, or between the wick element  27  and the wick receptacle  33 , or between the wick element  27  and the vaporizer, wherein in the latter case the adhesive advantageously contracts upon curing so that the wick element  27  is permanently pressed against the vaporizer. Where an adhesive is used to fix the wick element  27  in the wick receptacle  33 , this is cured in a subsequent step. This can be done by drying in air or advantageously by applying heat, in particular in an oven. Alternatively, it is also possible to use UV-curable adhesive, which is then cured by means of UV radiation. Curing can be carried out batchwise or in a continuous process, for example in a continuous oven. 
     After leaving the placement device, the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 9  with placed wick elements  27  is either rolled up onto a roll or further processed in-line. In the latter case, a buffer is advantageously provided for intermediate storage of the assembly framework  10  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a lower shell  32  is provided on the underside of the vaporizer support  20 . The lower shell  32  may comprise a separate part that is, for example, clipped to the vaporizer support  20  or may be otherwise connected to the vaporizer support  20 . Alternatively, the lower shell  32  may be integrally formed with the vaporizer support  20  in the same injection molding process. In embodiments having a lower shell  32 , the wick element  27  may be at least partially disposed within the lower shell  32 . 
     For assembly, the wick element  27  is first placed in the receptacle  33  of the vaporizer support  20 . Then, to seal a liquid inlet opening  36  of the lower shell  32 , an elastomeric sealing element  34 , for example in the form of a sealing ring, may be arranged in a hollow space  35  around the liquid inlet opening  36 . Subsequently, the assembly of vaporizer support  20  with vaporizer  21  can be placed on the lower shell  32 , for example by lowering or bending the assembly framework  10 . Alternatively, the lower shell  32  can be attached to the vaporizer support  20 , for example by an assembly robot. When assembled, the sealing element  34  advantageously exerts a permanently elastic force on the wick element  27  against the vaporizer  21 . 
     The wick element  27  may be round in cross-section or comprise any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the wick element  27  may be adapted to the shape of the vaporizer  21 . The lower shell  32  may be bonded to the vaporizer support  20  for sealing purposes. The identification element  29  can thereby be encapsulated in a tamper-proof manner. 
     In a subsequent assembly step as shown in  FIG. 10 , a vaporizer housing  37  is connected to a vaporizer assembly  50  to form a vaporizer unit  51 . The vaporizer housing  37  is advantageously elongated with two end faces  38 ,  39  and a shell part  43 , wherein a flange  40  for an electrical interface  49  may advantageously be provided on an end face  38  and/or a vent receptacle  41  may advantageously be provided on an end face  29  for connection to a vent  42  to be explained later. The vaporizer housing  37  may advantageously be made of a suitable plastic, for example polypropylene. 
     For assembly, the vaporizer housing  37  is advantageously slidable over the vaporizer assembly  50 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . In the inserted state, the transverse webs  15 ,  16  advantageously project outwardly beyond the vaporizer housing  37 , so that after subsequent singulation the transverse webs  15 ,  16  form the electrical interface for the base part of the inhaler, see  FIG. 12 . 
     To seal the vaporizer housing  37  against the vaporizer support  20 , for example, an adhesive can be applied to the vaporizer housing  37  and/or the vaporizer support  20  before insertion, in particular over a large area. Alternatively, an adhesive can be applied or pressed locally into a groove provided in the vaporizer support  20 , for example, through the vent opening  47  in the vent mount  41 , or through an additional opening in the liquid tank  44 . Furthermore, a sealing groove can be welded locally around the wick element  27  preferably from the outside by heat treatment, for example by ultrasonic or thermosonic welding. The welding can be done efficiently, for example, by radiating through the liquid tank  44  by means of a laser beam. Sealing of the vaporizer housing  37  against the vaporizer support  20  ensures that vaporization liquid can only flow into the space around the wick element  27 . On the vaporizer side, tightness is established by pores of the vaporizer  21 . 
     In an alternative embodiment according to  FIG. 14 , the wick element  27  is first inserted into the wick receptacle  33  of the vaporizer support  20 . The vaporizer housing  37  is advantageously made of two components, in particular injection-molded, wherein a sealing element  19 , for example of liquid silicone or another suitable elastomeric material, is inserted in addition to the actual base body of the vaporizer housing  37 , for example made of PP, in the region in which the wick receptacle  33  is arranged in the assembled state. When the vaporizer assembly  50  is inserted into the vaporizer housing  37 , the elastomeric sealing element  19  is compressed, and permanently exerts a sealing force on the wick element  27 . 
     As an alternative to the two-component vaporizer housing  37 ,  19  design, a separate sealing ring may be provided as the sealing element  19 , which is squeezed through the vaporizer housing  37 , for example. 
     The insertion of the vaporizer assemblies  50  into the vaporizer housings  37  can be done individually, serially or batch-wise. In the case of series production, a plurality of vaporizer housings  37  are preferably connected by webs and produced at the spacing corresponding to the connection stations  12 , for example by injection molding. 
     To complete a vaporizer cartridge  52 , a vent  42  is connected to the corresponding vent receptacle  41  of the vaporizer unit  51 , for example inserted therein, and then a liquid tank  44  is slid over the vent  42  and the vaporizer unit  51  and connected in a liquid-tight manner to an end flange  40 , for example by welding or bonding. The liquid tank  44  is advantageously cylindrical and preferably comprises a shell element  45  and an end face part  46  for closing the end face of the shell element  45  opposite the vaporizer unit  51  or the vaporizer-side interface  40  and/or for holding the end of the vent  42  opposite the vaporizer unit  51 , see  FIG. 13 . Finally, a filling of a liquid reservoir  31  formed inside the liquid tank  44  with a vaporization liquid can take place, for example through a filling opening in the cartridge housing  44 . Further, electrical contacts  48 , which may be located in a central plane of the vaporizer assembly  50  or the vaporizer unit  51 , for example, may be folded over if a planar electrical interface  49  is desired. 
     Finally, there follows a step of singulating the vaporizer units  51  by separating them from the assembly framework  10  or longitudinal web(s)  11 , thereby obtaining individual vaporizer assemblies  50 , individual vaporizer units  51 , or individual vaporizer cartridges  52  as in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , depending on the timing of the singulation in the assembly process. 
     The embodiment according to  FIG. 15  illustrates that the assembly framework  10  can comprise more than two, here for example three parallel longitudinal webs  11 ,  12 ,  53 , wherein the longitudinal web  12  is arranged centrally and the longitudinal webs  11 ,  53  are arranged laterally. In this way, two tracks are formed, each with serially arranged connection stations  14 , so it is a double-width assembly framework  10 . In addition, the assembly framework  10  according to  FIG. 15  is in the same state of manufacture as the assembly framework  10  according to  FIG. 6  (molded-on vaporizer support  20 , connected and wired vaporizers  21 ), so that further explanation of  FIG. 15  can be dispensed with. 
     The vaporizer  21  is advantageously designed as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), for example with conduction or microchannels, as described in DE 10 2016 120 803 A1, the disclosure content of which is incorporated to that extent in the present application. Advantageously, this involves a flat silicon heater provided with microchannels, possibly doped. Bionic or capillary-like heater structures, such as bionic meshes, are also possible for the vaporizer  21 . Vaporizers  21  with heating structures as described in DE 10 2017 111 119 A1 are also possible, the disclosure content of which is to that extent incorporated in the present application. In general, the invention is not bound to a specific type of vaporizer  21 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           10  assembly framework 
           11  longitudinal web 
           12  longitudinal web 
           13  guide opening 
           14  connection station 
           15 ,  16  transverse web 
           17  spacer 
           18  connecting surface 
           19  sealing element 
           20  vaporizer support 
           21  vaporizer 
           22  adhesive 
           23  application device 
           24  print head 
           25  print stamp 
           26  air channel 
           27  wick element 
           28  electrical line 
           29  digital identification element 
           30  end face opening 
           31  liquid reservoir 
           32  lower shell 
           33  wick receptacle 
           34  sealing element 
           35  hollow space 
           36  liquid inlet opening 
           37  vaporizer housing 
           38 ,  39  end faces 
           40  flange 
           41  vent receptacle 
           42  vent 
           43  shell part 
           44  cartridge housing 
           45  shell element 
           46  end face part 
           47  vent opening 
           48  electrical connections 
           49  electrical interface 
           50  vaporizer assembly 
           51  vaporizer unit 
           52  vaporizer cartridge 
           53  longitudinal web