Patent Publication Number: US-2023146843-A1

Title: Cartomizer for Vapor Generating Device and Vapor Generating Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to European Application No. 21207079.1 filed Nov. 9, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a vapor generating device, such as an electronic cigarette. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate in particular to a cartomizer for an electronic cigarette and to an electronic cigarette incorporating the cartomizer. The e-liquid stored in the cartomizer can be a flavored e-liquid, such as for instance a mint flavored e-liquid or a fruit flavored e-liquid, or it can be a tobacco e-liquid. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating a combustion smoke, they vaporize a liquid which can be inhaled by a user. The liquid typically comprises an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, that creates the vapor when heated. Other common substances in the liquid are nicotine and various flavorings. 
     The electronic cigarette is a hand-held inhaler system, typically comprising a mouthpiece section, a liquid store and a power supply unit. Vaporization is achieved by a vaporizer or heater unit which typically comprises a heating element in the form of a heating coil and a fluid transfer element such as a wick. Vaporization occurs when the heater heats the liquid in the wick until the liquid is transformed into vapor. 
     Conventional cigarette smoke comprises nicotine as well as a multitude of other chemical compounds generated as the products of partial combustion and/or pyrolysis of the plant material. Electronic cigarettes on the other hand deliver primarily an aerosolized version of an initial starting e-liquid composition comprising nicotine and various food safe substances such as propylene glycol and glycerin, etc., but are also efficient in delivering a desired nicotine dose to the user. Electronic cigarettes need to deliver a satisfying amount of vapor for an optimum user experience whilst at the same time maximizing energy efficiency. 
     Some electronic cigarette cartomizers may have some e-liquid leakage from their e-liquid storage tanks in the vicinity of their heaters. 
     According to a prior art, for example described in US 2019208821 or in US 2017273360 or in WO 2021062781, it is known an electronic cigarette cartomizer which includes an absorbing element which is located close to heater, but which:
         is either permanently fixed within this electronic cigarette cartomizer,   or sometimes is removable, but then, it needs therefore some disassembling of the Electronic cigarette cartomizer in order to allow for removing of this absorbing element for replacement by a new absorbing element.       

     This absorbing element is quite big, has a hole in the middle of it, and is often disposed around the vapor chimney. It is supposed to be kept during the whole life of the cartomizer in order to absorb e-liquid leakage during the whole life of cartomizer. 
     The invention deals with a technical problem which, although seeming similar at first sight, is indeed quite different, because being much more specific as general e-liquid leakage. In a new electronic cigarette cartomizer comprising an e-liquid storage tank and a heater, there is a leakage of e-liquid at the external surface of the heater (at the external surface of the coil, when the heater is a coil and wick heater). This leakage forms an e-liquid droplet at the external surface of the heater. This formed e-liquid droplet plays the role of a heat sink for the heater. Therefore, the heater cannot heat sufficiently and cannot provide for sufficient e-vapor at each new puff of the user, since part of its heating energy goes into the heat sink and is lost into this heat sink. Hence, the user gets a negative perception, believing his new cartomizer does not work correctly. After about 25 puffs, this negative effect disappears from itself, because the e-liquid droplet has been eventually heated out, but the first negative impression remains in user&#39;s mind. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least partly the above mentioned drawbacks. 
     More particularly, the invention aims at solving this specific technical problem of low e-vapor content of the first tenths of puffs for each new cartomizer when it begins to be used in an vapor generating device. The invention aims at solving this problem by making the new cartomizer work correctly right from the beginning. Therefore, an absorbent element is disposed in the vicinity of the external surface of the heater so as to absorb in advance leaked vapor generating liquid droplet before the heater starts to heat. This absorbent element is preferably not in contact of the external surface of the heater, so as not to promote formation of vapor generating liquid droplet at the external surface of the heater. Since this absorbent element only aims at absorbing vapor generating liquid droplet formed or forming on heater external surface at the beginning of use of a new cartomizer, this absorbent material can be removed very early, as soon as the heater of the new cartomizer starts to work. So as to make things easy, this absorbent element can be removed through the vapor chimney (which is open, once the protective cover or cap has been removed), without disassembling any part of the cartomizer. So as to make things easier, this absorbent element can be removed through the vapor chimney, simply simultaneously removed with the protective cover or cap of cartomizer, just before the heater starts to heat. And then, when the heater starts to heat, there is no more any leaked vapor generating liquid droplet on the external surface of the heater, which makes, right from the beginning, the heater working correctly, leading to a fully satisfied user of this new cartomizer. 
     Indeed, when considering prior art of record, US 2019208821, US 2017273360, or WO 2021062781, it can be seen that neither of these pieces of prior art does disclose:
         an absorbent element which can be easily removed through vapor chimney,   since this absorbent element is too big and disposed more around vapor chimney than inside vapor chimney, moreover always requiring some disassembling of at least part of cartomizer when removable.       

     Indeed, in those pieces of prior art, there is a need for disassembling at least a part of cartomizer which then needs to be reassembled, once the absorbent element has been removed, to allow for the cartomizer to start working. 
     On the contrary, in the invention, the absorbent element or absorbing element can be very easily removed, through vapor chimney, requiring no disassembling of any permanent part of cartomizer. At most, in some embodiments of the invention, removing this absorbent element would require removing a disposable part of cartomizer which should have been removed anyway, like for instance a protective cover or cap sealing the vapor chimney, before first use of this cartomizer. Preferably, in some embodiments of the invention, the simple removal of this disposable protective part would simultaneously remove the absorbing element, requiring no extra step performed by user, making it most simple and easier for the user of the new cartomizer. 
     The solution proposed by the invention leads to a very easy removal of absorbing element, while besides, it is focused on a more specific technical problem than in the prior art, since this technical problem is really focused on effect of vapor generating liquid leakage on the very first puffs, not on permanent vapor generating liquid leakage during lifetime of cartomizer as in prior art of record. 
     The vapor generating liquid can be for instance a flavored e-liquid (mint flavored, fruit flavored, or other flavor) or a tobacco e-liquid. 
     This object is achieved with a cartomizer for a vapor generating device, comprising: a liquid store, a vapor chimney, a heater disposed between the store and the vapor chimney so that: vapor generating liquid coming from the liquid store, is first heated by the heater, so as to be changed to vapor then exiting from cartomizer by the vapor chimney, an absorbent element disposed at an interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as to absorb vapor generating liquid leaked at the interface, wherein the absorbent element is disposed at the interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as to be removable from the cartomizer, through the vapor chimney. 
     In general terms, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user. 
     This object is also achieved with a cartomizer, comprising: a tobacco liquid store for containing a vapor generating liquid, a vapor chimney, a heater disposed between the liquid store and the vapor chimney so that: tobacco e-liquid coming from the liquid store, is first heated by the heater, so as to be vaporized then exiting from the cartomizer by the vapor chimney, an absorbent element disposed at an interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as to absorb vapor generating liquid leaked at the interface, wherein the absorbent element is disposed at the interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as to be removable from the cartomizer, through the vapor chimney. 
     This object is still achieved with a vapor generating device comprising a cartomizer according to the invention. 
     Preferably, the vapor generating device comprises an electronic cigarette. 
     Preferably, the liquid store is a liquid storage tank. 
     Preferably, the cartomizer for containing a vapor generating liquid, is a vapor generating liquid cartomizer, which may be for example an electronic cigarette cartomizer. 
     As used herein, the term “electronic cigarette” may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for smoking. An aerosol for smoking may refer to an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.5 to 10 micrometers. The particle size may be less than 10 or 7 micrometers. The electronic cigarette may be portable. 
     According to embodiments of the invention, often, since when introducing a new vapor generating liquid/heater refill pod or a new cartomizer to a closed system, e-vapor or infused flavor or tobacco, the initial puffs can yield low vapor volumes, what is often perceived negatively by the user of the vapor generating device, it is proposed an innovative storage solution for prevention of defective initial puffs, which seeks to mitigate against the root cause of this phenomenon and increase vapor yield consistency especially in the early capsule or cartomizer life. 
     Preferred embodiments comprise one or more of the following features, which can be taken separately or together, either in partial combination or in full combination, with any of precited objects of the invention. 
     Preferably, the vapor chimney has two open ends: a first open end opening outside cartomizer, a second open end at the interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, the absorbent element is an absorbent pad disposed: at the second open end of the vapor chimney. 
     Hence, the absorbent element is located closer to where an e-liquid droplet can appear. 
     Preferably, the absorbent pad fills more than 75% or more than 90% or more than 95% or more than 99% of the cross-section of the vapor chimney second open end. 
     Hence, the absorbent element is located closer to where an e-liquid droplet can appear, and besides, it can stop water or other liquid ingress by first open end of vapor chimney into the cartomizer. 
     Preferably, the absorbent pad is disposed: away from an external surface of the heater located at the interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as not to be in contact with the heater external surface, still sufficiently close to the heater external surface so as to absorb an e-liquid droplet located on or forming on the heater external surface. 
     Hence, this absorbent element is not in contact of the external surface of the heater, so as not to promote formation of e-liquid droplet at the external surface of the heater. 
     Preferably, the absorbent pad is located at a distance from the heater external surface, the distance ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, or the distance being 1 mm. 
     Hence, this distance range allows for both:
         good absorption of existing e-liquid droplet formation,   no promotion of further e-liquid droplet formation.       

     Preferably, the absorbent pad has a cross section value of at least 90%, or at least 95%, or at least 99%, of a cross section value of the vapor chimney, or, the vapor chimney being cylindrical, the absorbent pad being cylindrical, the absorbent pad has a diameter value of at least 95%, or at least 99%, of a diameter value of the vapor chimney. 
     Hence, there is a good absorption of existing e-liquid droplet formation, while keeping a reduced size for the absorbent pad. 
     Preferably, the absorbent pad has a square height value which is less than its cross section value, or, the absorbent pad being cylindrical, the absorbent pad has a height value which is less than its diameter value. 
     Hence, there is a good absorption of existing e-liquid droplet formation, while keeping a reduced size for the absorbent pad. 
     Preferably, the heater is a wick and coil heater, the absorbent element is disposed at an interface between the coil and the vapor chimney. 
     Hence, the invention is all the more interesting for this specific type of heater, coil and wick, for which the risk of formation of such e-liquid droplet at external surface of coil is more important. Alternatively, or additionally, the vapor generating liquid may be heated via induction or electromagnetic radiation heating. The heater will comprise or forms a susceptor which is adapted to be heated by an induction coil. In this embodiment, the induction coil may be arranged in a housing of the cartomizer or the device, so that it may generally surround the susceptor. In this embodiment, therefore, the other components and parts of the cartomizer or the aerosol generating device or electronic cigarette, however, remain essentially unchanged. 
     Preferably, the absorbent pad is disposed: away from an external surface of the coil located at the interface between the coil and the vapor chimney, so as not to be in contact with the coil external surface, still sufficiently close to the coil external surface so as absorb an e-liquid droplet located on the coil external surface. 
     Hence, this distance range allows for both:
         good absorption of existing e-liquid droplet formation,   no promotion of further e-liquid droplet formation.       

     Preferably, the cartomizer also comprises a protective cover of the vapor chimney, and the absorbent element is disposed at the interface between the heater and the vapor chimney, so as to be removable from cartomizer, through the vapor chimney, by user of the vapor generating device when removing the protective cover. 
     Hence, removing this absorbing element would require removing a disposable part of the cartomizer which should have been removed anyway, as for instance this protective cover or cap sealing the vapor chimney, before first use of this cartomizer. 
     Preferably, the cartomizer also comprises a protective cover plugging the vapor chimney, and the absorbent element is secured to the protective cover so as to be removable from cartomizer simultaneously with the protective cover. 
     Hence, the simple removal of this disposable protective part would simultaneously remove the absorbing element, requiring no extra step performed by user, making it most simple and easy for the user of the cartomizer. 
     Preferably, the protective cover comprises an extension: which protrudes into the vapor chimney, at the end of which is secured the absorbent element. 
     Hence, the simple removal of this disposable protective part would simultaneously remove the absorbing element, requiring no extra step performed by user, making it most simple and easy for the user of the cartomizer, this advantage being obtained by a very simple and cheap structure. 
     Preferably, the protective cover comprises a cap fitting onto cartomizer, the cap: sealing the vapor chimney. 
     Preferably, the cap: is spherical, and/or is made of silicone. 
     Preferably, the vapor chimney is elongated or cylindrical, the heater is elongated or cylindrical, the vapor chimney being orthogonal to the heater, or the vapor chimney and the heater being disposed relative to each other so as to make a T. 
     Further features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings listed hereunder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows schematically graphics explaining the technical problem solved by the cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art. 
         FIG.  3    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, during its normal and subsequent use, after its first use. 
         FIG.  4    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, before its first use. 
         FIG.  5    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, during its first use. 
         FIG.  6    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention, before its first use. 
         FIG.  8    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention, during its first use as efficient as during its normal use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    shows schematically graphics explaining the technical problem solved by the cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention. 
     The aerosol collected mass (ACM), expressed in milligrams (mg) per user puff is expressed as a function of the number of user puffs, in two different situations:
         during normal operation, for a cartomizer which has already been used for some time, represented by the curve C 2 ,   for the initial puffs, at the very beginning of use for a brand new cartomizer, represented by the curve C 1 .       

     One can see that, during normal operation, the average aerosol collected mass is about 6 mg per puff, whereas during at least the first 15 puffs, this average aerosol collected mass is more about 4 mg per puff or even 2 mg per puff for the very first puffs, what is insufficient. Embodiments of the invention aim at raising the level of C 1  curve until it more or less reaches the level of C 2  curve. 
     In real world usage, and as confirmed by experimental data, closed system E-vapor devices, vapor generating device and infused tobacco/aerosol heated tobacco products often show a reduced effectiveness during the first puffs taken with a new cartomizer or refill pod. 
     This can be shown experimentally by examining the total amount of aerosol generated on a puff by puff basis and comparing the initial 25 puffs, as shown on the curve C 1 , to the same data collected in normal operation, after the initial 25 puffs have been taken, represented by puffs 26-50 of the same cartomizer, as shown on the curve C 2 . Typical data are shown below in  FIG.  1    which shows the default, less aerosol collected mass per puff, for the initial puffs of a new cartomizer, as compared to the same cartomizer later on, during normal operation. Results represent average results of three different cartomizers, the same three cartomizers being used in initial phase as well as in subsequent normal phase. As can be seen on  FIG.  1   , there is a significant gap between the output of the initial puffs (1-10 approximately), as shown on left part of curve C 1 , and the same capsule or cartomizer in normal operation, as shown on curve C 2 , this gap becoming even greater with the first three puffs being reduced by at least 40% of expected values, as shown on the very left part of curve C 1 . 
       FIG.  2    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art.  FIG.  2    shows normal operation of a generic wick and coil based e-vapor/aHTP (aerosol heated tobacco product) cartomizer. This represents what is occurring during normal operation of the vapor generating device (after the first 25 puffs). 
     The cartomizer  1 , also called capsule  1 , comprises a liquid store  2 , a heater  4 , a vapor chimney  3 . The heater  4  comprises a coil  5  disposed around a wick  6 . The vapor chimney  3  is cylindrical, hollow, and has a first open end  31  opening outside the cartomizer  1 , and a second open end located at an interface between the heater  4  and the vapor chimney  3 , and more precisely at an interface between the coil  5  of the heater  4  and the vapor chimney  3 . 
       FIG.  3    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, during its normal and subsequent use, after its first use.  FIG.  3    shows normal operation of a generic wick and coil based e-vapor/aHTP cartomizer. This represents what is occurring during normal operation of the vapor generating device (anything after the first 25 puffs). 
     The cartomizer  1 , or refill pod  1 , is shown under normal operation, with the e-liquid being transported along wick  6  to coil  5 . Coil  5  heats up to vaporization temperature of the vapor generating liquid to produce vapor which travels out of the cartomizer  1  to the user mouth via the vapor chimney  3 . 
     The heater  4  is disposed between the liquid store  2  and the vapor chimney  3  so that the vapor generating liquid, stored in the liquid store  2 , comes from the liquid store  2 , passes along the wick  6  of heater  4  by capillarity as shown by the two arrows, is first heated by the coil  5  of heater  4 , so as to be changed or vaporized to vapor  11 , first raising into the hollow vapor chimney  3 , from second open end  32  to first open end  31 , then exiting from the cartomizer  1  by the first open end  31  of vapor chimney  3 . As it is schematically shown by the numerous mini-clouds  11 , the quantity of vapor  11  generated by a single user puff is rather high. 
       FIG.  4    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, before its first use. 
     There has been a leakage of a droplet  12  of vapor generating liquid coming from the liquid store  2 . This liquid droplet  12  is located on the external surface  50  of the coil  5 , at the interface  10  between heater  4  and vapor chimney  3 , more precisely at the interface  10  between external surface  50  of coil  5  of heater  4  and second open end  32  of vapor chimney  3 . This leakage has happened during storage time of cartomizer  1 , before first use of this cartomizer  1 . 
     During storage of a cartomizer  1 , it is possible for a pool/bubble/droplet  12  of excess e-liquid to form on the external surface  50  of the coil  5  at the second end  32  of the vapor chimney  3 . This is a major source of leakage in some vapor generating devices and can be seen by a visual inspection of the cartomizer  1 . The mechanism for this collection is not yet fully understood today; however, it is likely that excess wicking of vapor generating liquid and pressure differences between interior and exterior of the cartomizer  1  during transit, thus drawing vapor generating liquid out of cartomizer  1  through this pathway, are primary factors causing this phenomenon. 
       FIG.  5    shows schematically a cartomizer according to the prior art, during its first use. 
     The vapor generating liquid, stored in the liquid store  2 , comes from the liquid store  2 , passes along the wick  6  of heater  4  by capillarity, as on  FIG.  3   , is first heated by the coil  5  of heater  4 , so as to be changed or vaporized to vapor  11 , first raising into the hollow vapor chimney  3 , from second open end  32  to first open end  31 , then exiting from cartomizer  1  by the first open end  31  of vapor chimney  3 . As is schematically shown by the few mini-clouds  11 , the quantity of vapor  11  generated by a single user puff is rather low, thereby giving user this negative feeling that this new cartomizer  1  does not work correctly. If the quantity of vapor  11  generated by a single user puff during the initial phase of use is much less than during normal phase of use, it is because the presence of this e-liquid droplet  12  acts as a heat sink keeping an important part of heat generated by coil  5 , and most of it at the very beginning, hindering the production of useful aerosol or useful vapor  11  (containing the flavor or the tobacco) which is therefore less than expected. After some tenths of user puffs, this liquid droplet  12  will have been changed to vapor too and will then go away, allowing for heater  4  to reach its normal level of performance. 
     During operation of the vapor generating device, this bubble/pool/droplet  12  of excess vapor generating liquid acts as a heat sink, effectively cooling the coil  5  down as it tries to heat the vapor generating liquid to vaporization temperature. Unless the vapor generating device is actively measuring temperature, the coil  5  is run at a set power for the duration of activation, which is normally calibrated without the presence of this excess e-liquid droplet  12 , meaning it cannot compensate for the cooling effect of the e-liquid droplet  12 . This means that the desired temperatures at the coil  5  are not reached as fast with the presence of the e-liquid droplet  12 , if at all, thereby significantly reducing the efficiency of the coil  5 . The net result of all this is lower vapor output. Eventually, the e-liquid droplet  12  is vaporized away or reabsorbed into wick  6 , and normal operation becomes again possible, but not before initial puffs are performed with reduced efficacy of the coil  5 . 
       FIG.  6    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention. 
     As already discussed above, the root cause for the reduction of efficiency observed in the initial puffs is a build-up of excess e-liquid droplet  12  on the external surface  50  of the coil  5 . By removing this e-liquid droplet  12 , normal operation can be initiated from the very first puff, with a full efficiency of heater  4  right from the beginning. 
     A protective cover  8  or protective cap  8  includes an extension  9  plugging the vapor chimney  3  from first open end  31  to second open end  32 . At the end of this extension  9  is secured and even fixed or attached an absorbent pad  7  which diameter is practically equal to diameter of vapor chimney  3 . The height of this absorbent pad  7  is comprised between half its diameter and between its diameter value. This absorbent pad  7  is located at the interface  10 . Preferably, this absorbent pad does not touch the coil  5 , but is located quite close to the external surface  50  of coil  5 . Indeed, this absorbent pad  7  is disposed, on the one hand away from the external surface  50  of the coil  5  located at the interface  10  between the heater  4  and the vapor chimney  3 , so as not to be in contact with the coil external surface  50 , and on the other hand still sufficiently close to the coil external surface  50  so as to absorb an e-liquid droplet  12  located on or forming on coil external surface  50 , at the interface  10  between the heater  4  and the vapor chimney  3 . 
     E-liquid containing capsules or cartomizers  1  may already comprise a fitted silicone (or other elastomeric material) protective end cap  8  to protect the cartomizer  1 . Then this protective cap  8  only needs to be modified, so as to further include an extension  9  to which is attached an absorbent pad  7  itself located at the top of the coil  5  to remove any excess e-liquid droplet  12  away from the coil  5 , in the event of such excess e-liquid droplet  12  formation. Even before initiating first puff, user will remove this protective cap  8 , thus simultaneously eliminating the excess e-liquid droplet  12 . The silicone extension  9  protrudes into the vapor chimney  3  of the cartomizer  1  to suspend an absorbent pad  7  to the area where e-liquid droplet  12  formation takes place. There is a small gap, preferably about 1 mm, between the absorbent pad  7  and the coil  5 , so as not to encourage e-liquid absorption onto the absorbent pad  7  unless e-liquid droplet  12  formation begins. 
       FIG.  7    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention, before its first use. 
     The e-liquid droplet  12  cannot form on coil external surface  50  at interface  10 , because it is absorbed by absorbent pad  7 . So, when user wants to first use the new cartomizer  1 , she or he removes the protective cap  8 , removing simultaneously, within the very same and single gesture, also the extension  9 , which is solidary with the spherical body of the protective cap  8 , as well as the absorbent pad  7 , which is secured to the end of the extension  9  and which contains the absorbed e-liquid droplet  12 , thereby leaving an interface  10  void of e-liquid droplet  12 , with a coil external surface dry without any e-liquid droplet  12  remaining on it. 
     If excess wicking or leak occurs during storage, an e-liquid droplet  12  will start to form, breaching the gap between coil  5  and absorbing pad  7 . Excess e-liquid droplet  12  is then absorbed by the absorbent pad  7  preventing e-liquid droplet  12  formation on the external surface  50  of coil  5 . Before use of this new cartomizer  1 , the protective cap  8  is removed, bringing with it the absorbent pad  7  containing any excess e-liquid droplet  12 . This ensures no excess e-liquid at the coil  5 , before the initial puffs are taken, meaning indeed that normal operation can begin from the very first puff, as shown below on  FIG.  8   . This solution has the added benefit of blocking one of the major routes of e-liquid leakage and water ingress thus improving shelf life of the cartomizer  1 . 
       FIG.  8    shows schematically a cartomizer according to embodiments of the invention, during its first use as efficient as during its normal use. 
     The e-liquid stored in the liquid store  2 , comes from the liquid store  2 , passes along the wick  6  of heater  4  by capillarity, as shown by the two arrows, is first heated by the coil  5  of heater  4 , so as to be changed to vapor  11 , first raising into the hollow vapor chimney  3 , from second open end  32  to first open end  31 , then exiting from cartomizer  1  by the first open end  31  of vapor chimney  3 . As is schematically shown by the numerous mini-clouds  11 , the quantity of vapor  11  generated by a single user puff is rather high, right from the beginning of use of this new cartomizer  1 , thereby giving to user this positive feeling that this new cartomizer  1  does work correctly right from the beginning. The quantity of vapor  11  generated by a single user puff, during the initial phase of use, is as high as during normal phase of use. This is because the absence of the e-liquid droplet  12  on the external surface  50  of coil  5 . This e-liquid droplet  12 , which has been first absorbed previously by the absorbent and absorbing pad  7  and then removed with the protective cap  8  solidary with the absorbent pad  7 , can no more act as a heat sink which would keep an important part of heat generated by coil  5 , and can no more hinder the production of useful aerosol or useful vapor  11  (containing the flavor or the tobacco). Therefore, this negative effect of less vapor  11  than expected, in the initial phase, has been completely cancelled or at least very deeply reduced. Initial performance of this new cartomizer is roughly as good as its performance during normal operation, and this is obtained right from the beginning of use of this new cartomizer. 
     The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, many variations are possible within the scope of the invention. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
       
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 Cartomizer 
               
               
                 2 
                 Liquid store 
               
               
                 3 
                 Vapor chimney 
               
               
                 4 
                 Heater 
               
               
                 5 
                 Coil 
               
               
                 6 
                 Wick 
               
               
                 7 
                 Absorbent pad 
               
               
                 8 
                 Protective cap 
               
               
                 9 
                 Extension 
               
               
                 10 
                 Interface 
               
               
                 11 
                 Quantity of vapor/mini-clouds 
               
               
                 12 
                 Liquid droplet 
               
               
                 31 
                 First open end 
               
               
                 32 
                 Second open end 
               
               
                 50 
                 External surface