Electronic vaping device and cartridge

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic vaping device and a cartridge. An electronic vaping device comprising: a power section; and a cartridge comprising, along a length of the cartridge, at least one inner tube defining a passage, a heating element within the at least one inner tube, the heating element having a longitudinal axis, and a sheath at least partially surrounding the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element, wherein the sheath includes an inlet and an outlet defining an airflow path within the sheath, the airflow path substantially transverse to the passageway, where the sheath is a tube section, and where the sheath includes a mesh.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Electronic steam cigarette device and cartridge for electronic steam cigarette device", with an international application date of March 29, 2017, an international application number of PCT / EP2017 / 057457, and a national application number of 201780020336.6. Technical Field

[0002] One or more example embodiments relate to an electronic vapor smoking device and a cartridge for an electronic vapor smoking device. Background Art

[0003] The electronic vaporizer device comprises a heater element which vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation to produce a "vapor." The heater element may comprise a resistive heater coil through which the wick extends.

[0004] The electronic vapor cigarette device comprises a power source, such as a battery, disposed in the electronic vapor cigarette device. The battery is electrically connected to the heater so that the heater heats to a temperature sufficient to convert the pre-vapor formulation into vapor. The vapor leaves the electronic vapor cigarette device through a mouthpiece comprising at least one outlet. Summary of the invention

[0005] At least one example embodiment is directed to an electronic vapor cigarette device.

[0006] Some example embodiments include a power supply segment and a barrel. The barrel includes at least one inner tube along the length of the barrel. The inner tube defines a passageway. A heating element is within the inner tube and has a longitudinal axis. A jacket at least partially surrounds the heating element. At least the jacket segment may be positioned between the heating element and the inner tube along the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0007] The sheath may be a tube section that partially surrounds the heating element or it may completely surround the heating element and have an inlet and an outlet that define an airflow path within the sheath. The airflow path may be substantially transverse to the passageway. The sheath may also be a thermal insulator, such as fiberglass or ceramic. The sheath may be a permeable, impermeable or semi-permeable mesh and may divert airflow directed toward the heating element.

[0008] A core may be in the cartridge and in fluid communication with the passageway, and at least a portion of the core may be within the sheath.A heater sheath may partially or completely surround the core.

[0009] At least one example embodiment is directed to a cartridge comprising at least one inner tube along the length of the cartridge. The at least one inner tube may define a passageway. A heating element having a longitudinal axis may be within the at least one inner tube. A sheath may at least partially surround the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 An example embodiment of an electronic vapor device including a heater sheath is described;

[0013] Figure 2 illustrate Figure 1 An enlarged version of the cartridge of an electronic vaping device;

[0014] Figure 3 describing example embodiments of heater sheaths;

[0015] Figure 4a A first example particle size distribution table is described; and

[0016] Figure 4b A second example particle size distribution table is described.

[0017] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific items, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0020] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments, and are not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it is desirable that the singular forms "one" and "described" also include plural forms. The terms "include", "comprise" and "have" are inclusive, and therefore specify the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements or items, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, items and groups thereof. Unless explicitly identified as an execution order, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be executed in the specific order discussed or illustrated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps can be adopted.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to," it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to," there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.) should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0022] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, projects, regions, layers or sections in this article, these elements, projects, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, project, region, layer or section from another element, project, region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in this article. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, project, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, project, region, layer or section.

[0023] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in operation. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can cover both upper and lower orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] Figure 1 Example embodiments of an e-vapor device including a heater sheath are generally described.

[0025] refer to Figure 1 , an example embodiment of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 may include a two-piece configuration, including a power section 112 and a cartridge 114. The power section 112 and the cartridge 114 may be connected to each other via a connector portion 116 at complementary interfaces 116a (first connector) and 116b (second connector) of the respective pieces 112 and 114.

[0026] In at least some example embodiments, interfaces 116a and 116b may be threaded connectors. However, it should be appreciated that each interface 116a and 116b may be any type of connector, including a sliding fit, a pawl, a clamp, a bayonet, a snap, and combinations thereof. One or more of interfaces 116a and 116b may include a cathode connector, an anode connector, a combination thereof, and the like to electrically couple one or more elements of cartridge 114 to one or more power sources in power supply section 112 when interfaces 116a and 116b are coupled together.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the power section 112 and the cartridge 114 may be contained within a single housing, eg, without connectors, that houses both the power section 112 and the cartridge 114, and the entire electronic vaporizer device 100 may be disposable.

[0028] The power section 112 of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 may be a reusable fixture. The cartridge 114 of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 may be a replaceable fixture.

[0029] The power section 112 includes a first housing 118a, a power source 120, and a controller 122. The first housing 118a encloses the power source 120 and the controller 122. The first housing 118a is elongated and has a first interface 116a at an end region 112a of the first housing 118a.

[0030] The first shell 118a, the second shell 118b, or both may each have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. In other example embodiments, the first shell 118a, the second shell 118b, or both may each have a substantially triangular cross-section or a square cross-section. In some example embodiments, the first shell 118a may have a larger circumference or size at the top end 127 than at the mouth end portion 126 of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100, or vice versa.

[0031] The power source 120 is operably connected to the heating element 202 (hereinafter referred to as Figure 2 ) to apply a voltage across the heating element 202.

[0032] The power source 120 may include a battery disposed in the electronic vapor cigarette device 100. The power source 120 may be a lithium ion battery or one of its variants, such as a lithium ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source 120 may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. The electronic vapor cigarette device 100 may be usable by an adult electronic cigarette smoker until the energy in the power source 120 is exhausted, or in the case of a lithium polymer battery, until a minimum voltage cutoff level is reached.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, the power source 120 may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured such that the battery may be charged by an external charging device (not shown). To recharge the electronic vapor cigarette device 100, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charger or other suitable charger assembly may be used.

[0034] The cartridge 114 includes a second shell 118b, an inner tube 125, an end portion 126, a pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 for storing or containing a pre-steam formulation, and a cartridge inlet 134. The inner tube 125 defines a central air passage 128 positioned within and generally coaxially with the second shell 118b.

[0035] The pre-steam formulation can be a material or combination of materials that can be converted to steam. For example, the pre-steam formulation can be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation, including but not limited to water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, alcohols, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, steam formers such as glycerol and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof.

[0036] The pre-steam formulation may include nicotine, or may not include nicotine. The pre-steam formulation may include one or more tobacco flavors. The pre-steam formulation may include one or more flavors separated from one or more tobacco flavors.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the pre-steam formulation comprising nicotine may further comprise one or more acids. The one or more acids may be one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, caprylic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, capric acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, caproic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

[0038] The pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may include a winding of cotton gauze or other fiber material around a portion of the barrel 114. The pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may be a fiber material further comprising at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon, and combinations thereof. The fiber may have a diameter ranging from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns) in size. The storage medium may be a sintered, porous, or foamed material. Moreover, the fiber may be sized to be non-inhalable and may have a Y-shaped, cross-shaped, clover-shaped, or any other suitable cross-section. In some example embodiments, the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may include a filled slot lacking any storage medium and only containing the pre-steam formulation.

[0039] The pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 can be sized and configured to hold enough pre-steam formulation so that the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 can be configured to draw steam for at least about 200 seconds. Separate draws of steam can be referred to as "puffs". The controller of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 can be configured so that each puff lasts for a maximum of about 5 seconds.

[0040] The mouth end portion 126 is in fluid communication with the central air passage 128 through the interior of the inner tube 125, which extends to the second interface 116b. The second interface 116b is at the end region 112b of the cartridge 114. The second interface 116b of the cartridge 114 is connected to the first connector 116a of the power section 112.

[0041] The cartridge 114 also includes at least one air inlet 117 in the second housing 118 b for allowing air to enter the cartridge 114 .

[0042] In at least some example embodiments, the cartridge 114 of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 includes a vaporizer assembly 140. Figure 2The evaporator assembly 140 is discussed in further detail. The cartridge 114 also includes a heating element 202, a cartridge inlet aperture 142 defining a cartridge inlet passage 142a (alternatively referred to as an inlet passage), a wick 144, an outlet seal 146, and an outlet channel 146a.

[0043] Figure 2 illustrate Figure 1 An enlarged version of the cartridge 114 of the electronic vapor cigarette device.

[0044] refer to Figure 2 , electrodes 216a and 216b may be provided to electrically couple the heating element 202 to the power source 120. The heating element 202 may extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the barrel 114. The heating element 202 is typically disposed at a central portion of the inner tube (e.g., completely between the ends of the inner tube 125). The central portion may be midway between the ends of the inner tube 125, or may be offset closer to one side or the other of the inner tube 125. However, in other example embodiments, the heating element 202 may be disposed adjacent or proximate to a surface of the inner tube 125, or may be disposed at some other location.

[0045] In at least one example embodiment, the heating element 202 may be contained in the inner tube 125 and spaced apart from the barrel inlet aperture 142 between the barrel inlet 134 and the mouth end portion 126. The barrel inlet aperture 142 is the aperture at the end of the passage 142a. The heating element 202 may be in the form of a wire coil, a planar body, a ceramic body, a single metal wire, a resistive wire shield or mesh, or any other suitable form.

[0046] A central air passage 128 through cartridge 114 provides an airflow path for air through cartridge 114. For example, an inlet end of central air passage 128 may be in fluid communication with cartridge inlet aperture 142, and an outlet of central air passage 128 may be in fluid communication with port end portion 126.

[0047] In at least one example embodiment, the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may be in an outer annulus between the housing 118b and the inner tube 125. For example, the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may be sealed at the end closest to the second interface 116b by the cartridge inlet 134 and at the end opposite the cartridge inlet 134 by the outlet seal 146. The outlet seal 146 is at the end closest to the mouth end portion 126 so as to inhibit or prevent leakage of the pre-steam formulation from the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132.

[0048] In one or more other example embodiments, the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 may be defined at a first end by the mouth end portion 126 and at a second end by the second interface 116b. The connection between the central air passage 128, the second shell 118b, and the mouth end portion 126 may be sealed to be airtight. Similarly, the connection between the central air passage 128, the second shell 118b, and the second interface 116b may also be sealed to be airtight.

[0049] The central air passage 128 may be tubular. The axis of the central air passage 128 in the elongated (longitudinal) direction may be parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the second housing 118b in the elongated (longitudinal) direction.

[0050] Further references Figure 2 , the evaporator assembly 140 is at least partially positioned within the inner tube 125, generally disposed at a central portion of the inner tube 125 (e.g., between the mouth end portion 126 and the distal end 233). The central portion may be midway between the ends of the inner tube 125, or may be offset closer to one side or the other of the inner tube 125. The distal end 233 is the end of the barrel 114 that is opposite the end of the barrel 114 having the mouth end portion 126.

[0051] The evaporator assembly 140 includes a wick 144, a heating element 202, and a heater sheath 320. The heating element 202 may surround the wick 144. For example, the heating element 202 may be wound in a spiral manner around the wick 144. The heating element 202 may also be randomly or randomly wound around the wick 144 (e.g., the heating element 202 may be zigzag or staggered over the wick 144).

[0052] In at least this example embodiment, the heating element 202 and wick 144 are at least partially positioned within the inner tube 125 as part of the evaporator assembly 140 , between the cartridge inlet passage 142a and the mouth end portion 126 .

[0053] The wick 144 is in fluid communication with the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 so that the wick 144 can place the pre-steam formulation close to the heating element 202. Each end of the wick 144 can be anchored in the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132. The pre-steam formulation from the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 is transported to the wick 144 via capillary action and passes through the wick. When the pre-steam formulation passes through the wick 144, the pre-steam formulation is heated by the heating element 202 to produce steam.

[0054] The heater jacket 320 may at least partially surround the heating element 202 to shield the heating element 202 from air flow through the central air passage 128. For example, air enters the cartridge 114 through the cartridge inlet passage 134 and then passes through the central air passage 128, forming the airflow path 230. The amount of airflow across the evaporator assembly 140 through the central air passage 128 helps deliver the vaporized pre-vapor formulation to the mouth end portion 126.

[0055] There is a range of velocities for effectively delivering the vaporized pre-steam formulation to the mouth end portion 126. Non-zero airflow velocities facilitate at least some delivery of the pre-steam formulation to the mouth end portion 126. However, excessively high air flow rates across the evaporator assembly 140 may have drawbacks such as vaporized pre-steam formulation evaporating before reaching the mouth end portion 126, an increased load on the heating element 202 (and therefore the power supply 120) to produce enough vaporized pre-steam formulation to keep up with the increased air flow rate, and vaporization of the pre-steam formulation in the wick 144 before the pre-steam formulation reaches the evaporator assembly 140.

[0056] Figure 3 Example embodiments of heater sheaths are described.

[0057] The heater jacket 320 helps provide a reduced velocity of air passing through the heating element 202. For example, the heater jacket may have a smaller volume relative to the volume of the central air passage 128. The ratio of the volume of the passage 128 to the volume of the heater jacket 320 may be based on the desired volumetric air flow through the heater jacket. Relatively, the airflow path through the heater jacket may have a smaller cross-sectional area relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the central air passage 128. Thus, at least two separate air flows exist within the cartridge 114 - one inside the heater jacket and one inside the cartridge 114 surrounding the heater jacket, with each air flow having its own airflow direction independent of the other air flow.

[0058] The volume ratio of the central air channel to the heater jacket may be from about 50: 1 to about 2: 1. The flow ratio may be selected depending on various factors, including but not limited to the type of material used as the thermal insulator, the permeability of the heater jacket, the size of the heating element relative to the size of the evaporator assembly, etc.

[0059] refer to Figure 3The heater sheath 320 may be cylindrical, tubular, spherical, linear, polygonal, elongated, truncated, cubic, or any other suitable configuration. The volume of the heater sheath 320 may be constrained by a continuous outer surface 321 (e.g., a completely closed annular cross section) and further constrained by openings 322 and 324. Alternatively, the heater sheath 320 may have an arcuate cross section (e.g., an open annular cross section). Either of the openings 322 and 324 may be an inlet or an outlet. The heater sheath 320 may be formed of an impermeable or semi-permeable material. The heater sheath material may be ceramic, fiberglass, or any insulating material. The heater sheath may also be made of a combination of these materials.

[0060] In one example, the heater sheath 320 may be a mesh material. For example, the heater sheath 320 may be semi-permeable and may include holes. The size of the holes may control the permeability of the heater sheath 320, for example, the larger the holes or the higher the number of holes, the higher the permeability of the heater sheath will be.

[0061] In an example operation of an electronic cigarette device 100 including a heater sheath 320, the smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the heater sheath 320 may provide a lower volume flow rate through the heater sheath 320 at the same or similar air flow rate relative to the volume flow rate through the central air channel 128. The volume of the heater sheath 320 may not allow as much air flow as the volume flow through the rest of the central air channel 128 outside the heater sheath 320.

[0062] The heater sheath 320 can reduce the amount of energy required for the heating element 202 to operate at a particular temperature or range of temperatures. The smaller volume of airflow within the heater sheath 320 can reduce the amount of cooling of the heating element 202 during puffing due to the airflow in contact with the heating element. With less heat loss due to cooling of the heating element 202, the power supply 120 may not need to work as hard to maintain the heating element 202 at a particular temperature. For example, experiments conducted using a heater sheath according to at least one example embodiment demonstrated a reduction in the load on a power supply between 0.5 watts and 1.5 watts.

[0063] The position of the heater sheath 320 within the cartridge 114 may inhibit, impede, or obstruct airflow to the heating element 202. For example, the heater sheath 320 may be positioned such that the outer surface 321 of the heater sheath 320 is between the cartridge inlet aperture 142 and the heating element 202. Thus, in at least one example embodiment, as Figure 3 , where the outer surface 321 of the heater jacket 320 is continuous and impermeable, the outer surface 321 acts as a barrier and deflector for the air flow directed toward the heating element 202.

[0064] The heater jacket 320 may inhibit or impede airflow to the heating element 202 by redirecting the airflow within the central air passage 128. For example, after entering the central air passage 128 through the cartridge inlet 134, the air may travel through the central air passage 128 in a generally axial direction along the airflow path 230. The air may enter the heater jacket 320 in directions 330a and 330b that are transverse or generally transverse to the airflow path 230. The air may exit the heater jacket 320 in directions 332a and 332b that are also transverse or generally transverse to the airflow path 230.

[0065] To maintain airflow across the heating element 202 within a desired range, openings 322 and 324 provide passage for air to enter and exit the heating element 202 within the central air passage 128. In this case, opening 324 may be an inlet of the heater jacket 320 and opening 324 may also be an outlet of the heater jacket 320. The heater jacket 320 may have an internal airflow path that is transverse or generally transverse to the airflow path 230 of the cartridge 114.

[0066] Air may enter the heater jacket 320 at opening 322 and air may exit the heater jacket 320 at opening 324. However, airflow is not limited to entering the heater jacket 320 at opening 324 and exiting the airflow jacket at opening 324. The airflow direction may be reversed.

[0067] The electronic vapor cigarette device 100 may also include a puff sensor 250 coupled to the controller 122. The puff sensor 250 is operable to sense a drop in air pressure and initiate application of voltage from the power supply 120 to the heating element 202. Preferably, the air inlet 117 is positioned adjacent to the puff sensor 250 so that the puff sensor 250 senses airflow indicating that an adult electronic cigarette smoker is taking a puff and activates the power supply 120.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, the controller 122 may supply power to the heating element 202 in response to the puff sensor 250. In one example embodiment, the controller 122 may include a maximum time period limiter. In another example embodiment, the controller 122 may include a manually operable switch for an adult e-cigarette smoker to initiate a puff. The time period for which current is supplied to the heating element 202 may be preset depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation to be vaporized. In yet another example embodiment, the circuit may supply power to the heating element 202 as long as the puff sensor 250 detects a voltage drop.

[0069] The general direction of airflow within the heater jacket 320 may be transverse or generally transverse to the airflow through the central air passage 128 (e.g., airflow through the heater jacket 320 may be directed in a manner such as Figure 2114). For example, air within the heater jacket 320 may flow from one of the heater jacket openings 322 or 324 to the other heater jacket opening 324 or 322, respectively. However, because the airflow may be turbulent, the overall flow within the heater jacket 320 is not limited to a direction that is transverse or generally transverse to the airflow within the barrel 114 (e.g., the y-direction), which may cause the airflow within the heater jacket 320 to travel in an infinite number of directions simultaneously within the heater jacket 320 (e.g., the airflow may swirl within the heater jacket 320). The airflow within the heater jacket 320 may also be laminar or unsteady and still travel in an infinite number of directions within the heater jacket 320.

[0070] The reduced volume flow of air passing through the heater jacket 320 can result in less dilution of the steam formed by evaporation of the pre-steam formulation. The vaporization can thereby be made more efficient.

[0071] The operation of the device 100 will now be explained.

[0072] When an adult electronic cigarette smoker draws on the mouthpiece portion of the electronic vapor cigarette device 100, the puff sensor 250 and the controller 122 activate the heating element 202 according to the power cycle. Various power cycles are possible; however, for the scope of the present subject matter, further discussion is not necessary. Air enters the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 through the air inlet 117 in these embodiments, and is then drawn toward the mouth end portion 126 via the internal tube 125. Thereafter, the vapor generated by the heating element 202 and the wick 144 mixes with the air and the resulting vapor is drawn through the mouth end portion 126.

[0073] When air is drawn into the electronic vapor cigarette device 100 via the air inlet 117, the majority of the air is diverted and caused to bypass the immediate area of ​​the heating element 202 due to the presence and proximity of the heater sheath 320. Steam formed in the area proximal to the heating element 202 is drawn in and mixed with the airflow before being drawn through the mouth end portion 126.

[0074] The pre-steam formulation is transferred from the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 proximate to the heating element 202 by capillary action in the wick 144. In one embodiment, the wick 144 has two ends extending into opposite sides of the pre-steam formulation reservoir 132 to contact the pre-steam formulation contained therein. It is also preferred that the heating element 202 at least partially surrounds the central portion of the wick 144 so that when the heater is activated, the pre-steam formulation in the central portion of the wick 144 is vaporized by the heating element 202 to vaporize the pre-steam formulation and form steam.

[0075] Preferably, upon activation, the heating element 202 heats a portion of the core 144 surrounded by the heater for less than about 10 seconds, more preferably for less than about 7 seconds. Thus, the power cycle (or maximum puff length) may have a period ranging from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds (e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8 seconds, or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

[0076] Figure 4a A first example particle size distribution table is described. Figure 4b A second example particle size distribution table is described. Figure 4a shows the particle size distribution without the heater sheath and Figure 4b Particle size distribution is shown with the heater sheath present.

[0077] Variations in the airflow path through the central air passage 128 via the heater jacket 320 can affect the particle size of the vaporized pre-steam formulation. Figure 4a The illustration shows a table of three air flow measurements 1, 2 and 3 (without heater jacket) of 660.0 cc / min, 660.9 cc / min and 661.5 cc / min respectively.

[0078] When determining the particle size distribution of the vaporized pre-vapor formulation using an e-vapor device without a heater sheath, the average distribution of particles was determined to be 10% of the particles having a diameter less than 0.232 microns, 50% of the particles having a diameter less than 0.404 microns, and 90% of the particles having a diameter less than 0.694 microns.

[0079] In contrast, Figure 4b 1 shows a table showing particle size distribution for a cartridge 114 having a heater jacket according to an example embodiment. For example, Figure 4b Three air flow measurements 1, 2, and 3 (with the heater sheath) are shown, which are 660.3 cubic centimeters per minute, 661.9 cubic centimeters per minute, and 659.4 cubic centimeters per minute, respectively. When determining the particle size distribution of the vaporized pre-vapor formulation using an electronic cigarette device with a heater sheath according to an example embodiment, the average distribution of particles was determined to be 10% of particles having an average diameter less than about 0.199 microns, about 50% of particles having an average diameter less than about 0.444 microns, and about 90% of particles having an average diameter less than about 0.989 microns.

[0080] exist Figure 4a and 4b In the embodiment of the present invention, the larger particle size distribution is increased by the use of the heater sheath. For example, the pre-vapor formulation is vaporized into larger particles because the airflow to the heating element 202 is slowed or more fully controlled by the use of the heater sheath. Thus, the sensory experience of the e-cigarette smoker provided by the vaporized pre-vapor formulation particles can be enhanced.

[0081] Therefore, the particle size of the vaporized pre-steam formulation may be determined based on the size of the heater sheath 320 and the volume within the heater sheath 320. Additionally, the particle size of the vaporized pre-steam formulation may also be determined by the air permeability of the heater sheath.

[0082] Clause 1. An electronic vapor cigarette device comprising: a power supply section; and a cartridge comprising at least one inner tube along the length of the cartridge, the at least one inner tube defining a passage, a heating element within the at least one inner tube, the heating element having a longitudinal axis, and a sheath at least partially surrounding the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0083] Clause 2. The electronic vapor cigarette device of clause 1, wherein the sheath is a tube segment.

[0084] Clause 3. An electronic vapor cigarette device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the sheath completely surrounds the heating element.

[0085] Clause 4. The electronic vapor cigarette device of clause 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sheath comprises an inlet and an outlet defining an airflow path within the sheath, the airflow path being generally transverse to the passageway.

[0086] Clause 5. The electronic vapor cigarette device of clause 1, wherein the sheath comprises a thermal insulator.

[0087] Clause 6. The electronic vapor cigarette device of Clause 5, wherein the thermal insulator is air-impermeable and comprises one of fiberglass and ceramic.

[0088] Clause 7. The electronic vapor cigarette device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sheath is configured to divert airflow directed towards the heating element.

[0089] Clause 8. The electronic vapor cigarette device of clause 1, wherein the sheath comprises a breathable mesh.

[0090] Clause 9. The electronic vapor cigarette device of any preceding clause, further comprising: a wick in fluid communication with the passageway and at least a portion of the wick being within the sheath.

[0091] Clause 10. The electronic vapor cigarette device of Clause 9, wherein the wick is surrounded by the heating element.

[0092] Clause 11. The electronic vapor cigarette device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cartridge further comprises a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation.

[0093] Clause 12. A cartridge comprising: at least one inner tube along the length of the cartridge, the at least one inner tube defining a passage; a heating element within the at least one inner tube, the heating element having a longitudinal axis; and a sheath at least partially surrounding the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element.

[0094] Clause 13. The cartridge of clause 12, wherein the sheath is a tube segment.

[0095] Clause 14. The cartridge of clause 12 or 13, wherein the sheath completely surrounds the heating element.

[0096] Clause 15. The cartridge of clause 12, 13 or 14, wherein the sheath comprises an inlet and an outlet defining an airflow path within the sheath, the airflow path being generally transverse to the passageway.

[0097] Clause 16. The cartridge of clause 12, wherein the jacket comprises a thermal insulator.

[0098] Clause 17. The cartridge of Clause 16, wherein the thermal insulator is air impermeable and comprises one of fiberglass and ceramic.

[0099] Clause 18. The cartridge of any of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the sheath is configured to divert an airflow directed toward the heating element.

[0100] Clause 19. The cartridge of clause 12, wherein the sheath comprises a breathable mesh.

[0101] Clause 20. The cartridge of any of Clauses 12 to 19, further comprising: a core in fluid communication with the passageway and at least a portion of the core within the sheath.

[0102] Clause 21. The cartridge of clause 20, wherein the core is surrounded by the heating element.

[0103] Clause 22. The cartridge of any one of clauses 12 to 21, further comprising a reservoir configured to contain a pre-steam formulation.

[0104] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment, but are interchangeable and can be used for a selected embodiment when applicable, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic steam cigarette device, comprising: Power supply section; and A cartridge comprising at least one internal tube along the length of the barrel, the at least one internal tube defining a passageway, a heating element within the at least one inner tube, the heating element having a longitudinal axis, and a sheath at least partially surrounding the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element, wherein the sheath includes an inlet and an outlet defining an airflow path within the sheath, the airflow path being generally transverse to the passageway, Wherein the sheath is a tube segment, and wherein the sheath comprises a mesh.

2. The electronic vapor cigarette device of claim 1, wherein the sheath completely surrounds the heating element.

3. The electronic vapor cigarette device of claim 1, wherein the sheath comprises a thermal insulator.

4. The electronic vapor cigarette device of claim 3, wherein the thermal insulator is air-impermeable and comprises one of fiberglass and ceramic.

5. The electronic vapor cigarette device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sheath is configured to divert an airflow directed towards the heating element. The electronic vapor cigarette device according to claim 1 , wherein the mesh is a breathable mesh.

7. The electronic steam cigarette device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A core is in fluid communication with the passageway and at least a portion of the core is within the sheath.

8. The electronic vapor cigarette device of claim 7, wherein the wick is surrounded by the heating element.

9. The electronic cigarette device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cartridge further comprises a reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation.

10. A cartridge comprising: at least one internal tube along the length of the barrel, the at least one internal tube defining a passageway; a heating element within the at least one inner tube, the heating element having a longitudinal axis; and a sheath at least partially surrounding the heating element along the longitudinal axis of the heating element, wherein the sheath includes an inlet and an outlet defining an airflow path within the sheath, the airflow path being generally transverse to the passageway; Wherein the sheath is a tube segment, and wherein the sheath comprises a mesh. The cartridge of claim 10 , wherein the sheath completely surrounds the heating element.

12. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the jacket comprises a thermal insulator.

13. The cartridge of claim 12, wherein the thermal insulator is air-impermeable and comprises one of fiberglass and ceramic.

14. The cartridge of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the sheath is configured to divert an airflow directed toward the heating element. The cartridge of claim 10 , wherein the mesh is an air permeable mesh.

16. The cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising: A core is in fluid communication with the passageway and at least a portion of the core is within the sheath.

17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein the core is surrounded by the heating element.

18. The cartridge of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a reservoir configured to contain a pre-steam formulation.

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