Aerosol generation system with adjustable ventilation

Abstract

An aerosol generator (210) is provided, configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article (220), the aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations (224) disposed in the side wall (214) of the aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generator includes a housing that defines a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end (202) of the aerosol generator, the device cavity configured to receive the aerosol generating article at least partially. The aerosol generator also includes a movable collar member (230) that extends at least partially axially from the device cavity around the central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of the aerosol generator, and an actuator (236) coupled to the movable collar member. The collar member is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where multiple perforations are not covered to a second position where at least a portion of the multiple perforations are covered by the collar member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system that is adjustable in ventilation and includes an aerosol generation device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. The released compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generation devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generation devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generation device to the aerosol-forming substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article.

[0004] Aerosol-generating articles are known to include ventilation perforations (referred to as "ventilation zones") on their outer wrapper. During use of the article within the aerosol generation device, the ventilation perforations provide dilution of the aerosol flowing through the article to be delivered to the consumer.

[0005] Known systems have a peripheral wall of an aerosol generator positioned above the ventilation zone of an aerosol-generating article. This arrangement ensures that, during use of the aerosol-generating system, the ventilation zone of the aerosol-generating article is covered by the housing of the aerosol generator and not exposed to the outside of the device. Additionally, this means that the ventilation zone can perform its function of providing ventilation to the article without being obscured or blocked by the consumer.

[0006] When known ventilated aerosol generation systems are used in warm environments such as tropical climates, the aerosols are delivered to consumers at elevated temperatures, resulting in the so-called "warm aerosol perception phenomenon," which is unpleasant for users.

[0007] A particular example of the present invention aims to at least partially solve, mitigate, or avoid at least one of the problems and / or drawbacks associated with the prior art. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided which is configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged on the side wall thereof, and the aerosol generating device is A housing that defines a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of an aerosol generator, the device cavity being configured to at least partially receive an aerosol generating article, and The aerosol generator includes a collar member that extends axially at least partially around the central longitudinal axis from the cavity of the device at the mouth end of the device, At least one of the color member and the received aerosol-generating article is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where the multiple perforations are not covered to a second position where at least a portion of the multiple perforations are covered by the color member.

[0009] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided which is configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged on the side wall thereof, and the aerosol generating device is A housing comprising a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of an aerosol generator, wherein the device cavity is configured to at least partially receive an aerosol generating article, and A movable collar member extends axially from the cavity of the aerosol generator at least partially around the central longitudinal axis, at the mouth end of the aerosol generator, Includes an actuator engaged with a movable collar member, The collar member is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where multiple perforations are not covered to a second position where at least a portion of the multiple perforations are covered by the collar member.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, and the aerosol generating system is A rod-shaped aerosol generating article including multiple perforations arranged on its side wall, It is an aerosol generator, A housing that defines a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of an aerosol generator, the device cavity being configured to at least partially receive an aerosol generating article, and The aerosol generator includes a collar member that extends axially from the device cavity at least partially around the central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of the aerosol generator. At least one of the color member and the aerosol-generating article is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where the multiple perforations are not covered to a second position where at least a portion of the multiple perforations are covered by the color member.

[0011] In certain known aerosol generating systems, a ventilation zone provides dilution of the aerosol that flows through the aerosol generating article and is to be delivered to the consumer. The amount of dilution depends on a predetermined porosity of the ventilation zone to allow air to be drawn into the aerosol generating article and dilute the aerosol. That is, the level of ventilation of the aerosol generating article is predetermined by selecting the number and / or size of perforations in the ventilation zone, as well as by selecting side walls and layers below the side walls that have the desired permeability to air.

[0012] Known systems have a peripheral wall for an aerosol generator positioned above a ventilation zone of an aerosol-generating article. This arrangement ensures that, during use of the aerosol-generating system, the ventilation zone can perform its function of providing predetermined ventilation to the article without being inadvertently obscured or blocked by the consumer.

[0013] Aspects of the present invention provide an aerosol generator or aerosol generating system in which the ventilation level is adjustable by the user. In contrast to known aerosol generating systems and aerosol generators, the user can optimize the ventilation level to produce a comfortable level of aerosol. In particular, the user can adjust the dilution of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article during use, reducing the warm aerosol sensation phenomenon.

[0014] Users can optimize the aeration level of aerosol-generating articles, improving aerosol nucleation. In particular, users can easily and readily determine preferred dilution settings for the aerosol generator to achieve a consistent aeration level for subsequent aerosol-generating articles.

[0015] Furthermore, in at least some aspects of the present invention, the user can also change or otherwise adjust the aerosol generator and the article draw resistance (RTD), for example, by adjusting the RTD value to their preferred level.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides an adjustable level of ventilation for aerosol-generating articles in a simple manner by using an affordable colored component. In particular, the colored component can be incorporated into the aerosol-generating system without substantially increasing the complexity of the manufacturing process.

[0017] The movable collar member may extend axially from the device cavity at the mouth end of the aerosol generator, at least partially around the central longitudinal axis. That is, the movable collar member extends axially from the device cavity at the mouth end of the aerosol generator, and also extends at least partially around the central longitudinal axis from the device cavity.

[0018] The inner surface of the collar member may be sized to contact the sidewall of the aerosol-generating article in the area where multiple perforations are provided, when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially received within the device cavity. In this way, each perforation can be effectively blocked or sealed by the collar member to prevent fluid from flowing through the corresponding perforation. Fluid flow through the ventilation zone is more consistent through the uncovered perforations.

[0019] The aerosol generator may include actuators engaged with a color member and an aerosol generating article. The actuators are arranged to be manually operable to selectively move either the color member or the aerosol generating article from a first position to a second position.

[0020] The actuator may engage with the color member and the aerosol-generating article. The actuator is arranged to be manually operable to selectively move either the color member or the aerosol-generating article from a first position to a second position.

[0021] The color member may include an actuator that projects radially outward from the color member. The actuator is arranged to project through an elongated slot that penetrates the peripheral wall of the housing. The actuator is selectively movable relative to the elongated slot.

[0022] In these embodiments, the user can more easily control the relative movement between the color member and the aerosol-generating device.

[0023] The device cavity may be cylindrical and may have a diameter that allows rotation of the aerosol-generating article about a central longitudinal axis when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially received within the device cavity. In this way, the aerosol-generating article is movable between a first position and a second position and vice versa.

[0024] The aerosol-generating article may be movable relative to the aerosol-generating device by rotating about a central longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be movable to a first intermediate position and a second intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Each intermediate position is a rotational position of the aerosol-generating article relative to the aerosol-generating device. That is, it is a rotational position between the first position and the second position of the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The aerosol-generating article may be freely rotatable in its entirety about a central longitudinal axis. The aerosol-generating article may be positioned relative to the aerosol-generating device such that the color member covers all but one of a series of perforations.

[0026] By providing relative movement of the aerosol-generating article, for example by providing rotational movement, the user may more easily select the position of the color member.

[0027] The aerosol-generating system may include a visual guide. The visual guide may include an indicator for indicating the relative rotational position of the aerosol-generating article about the central longitudinal axis. In a particular example, the visual guide may be provided on one or more of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-generating device. The visual guide may be provided on the color member of the aerosol-generating device.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may include an indicator on its side wall. The indicator may be configured to be covered by the tip of the end portion when the aerosol-generating article rotates within the device cavity. In this way, the indicator provides a visual guide to the user regarding dilution corresponding to the rotational position of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] The indicator, or a part of the indicator, may be aligned with the end portion when the aerosol-generating article rotates within the device cavity.

[0030] The visual guide may include an indicator and an alignment mark.

[0031] A part of the indicator may be aligned with an alignment mark provided on the color portion. The indicator, or a part of the indicator, may be aligned with an alignment mark provided on the peripheral wall at the mouth-side end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0032] The indicator, or a part of the indicator, may be provided on the color portion, or may be provided on the peripheral wall at the mouth-side end of the aerosol-generating device, and may further be configured to be aligned with an alignment mark provided on the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] In these embodiments, the visual guide, or part of the visual guide, enables the user to easily determine the rotational orientation of the aerosol generating article within the aerosol generating device.

[0034] The color member may include an annular core. The color member may be attached to the aerosol generator with the annular core positioned coaxially with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article is installed into the device cavity by passing through the annular core.

[0035] The collar member may include a positioning element configured to attach the collar member to complementary engaging means within the device cavity. Typically, the positioning element attaches the collar member to engaging means provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall. Any suitable positioning element and engaging means may be provided to give limited relative axial movement between the collar member and the aerosol generator. For example, the collar member may be attached using complementary clip fasteners or snap fasteners. The complementary clip fasteners or snap fasteners may be formed from rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible materials, including one or more plastic, elastomer, or metallic materials.

[0036] The collar may also be attached by other suitable means, including screws, magnetic engagements, or adhesives provided on the subassembly. For example, complementary clip fasteners or snap fasteners may provide an interlocking fit. The positioning element may include a series of axial ribs on the collar member, and the engagement means may be formed as a series of corresponding grooves on the inner surface of the peripheral wall. Each groove on the inner surface of the peripheral wall may be configured to receive an axial rib and to allow axial movement along each groove.

[0037] In these embodiments, the colored members may be formed to provide a simple assembly for the aerosol generator. The manufacturing cost of the aerosol generator is reduced.

[0038] The color member may include at least one protruding portion that is positioned at the mouth end of the aerosol generator so as to extend axially away from the surrounding wall.

[0039] At least one protruding portion may be one of a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around the collar member, with gaps between each of the protruding portions.

[0040] At least one protruding portion may be arranged at regular intervals. In particular, the spacing of at least one protruding portion may coincide with the spacing of multiple perforations.

[0041] The colored member may be configured in the second position to cover multiple perforations.

[0042] The color member may include a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around the color member, with gaps between each of the protruding portions.

[0043] Each protruding portion may extend sufficiently over a circumferential distance on the side wall of the aerosol-generating article to cover the perforations and the areas of the side wall between the perforations and adjacent perforations.

[0044] The gaps between each protruding portion may correspond to the circumferential length of each of the multiple perforations.

[0045] By providing appropriate protrusions and gaps, the effect of the collar member on fluid flow through a perforation located directly below may be easily designed within the collar member. The RTD may be more easily controlled by the collar member. Thus, the collar member may be easily modified to provide a predetermined range of dilution rates for the aerosol.

[0046] The collar member may be movably mounted relative to the aerosol generator, typically at the mouth end of the aerosol generator.

[0047] The color member may be slidably mounted to the aerosol generator so as to move axially from a first position to a second position.

[0048] In the first position, the collar member may be retracted into the device cavity. In the second position, the collar member may extend from the mouth end of the aerosol generator by an axial distance. The axial distance in the second position may be in the range of 1 mm to 40 mm, or 1 mm to 30 mm, or 1 mm to 25 mm, or 1 mm to 15 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0049] The collar member may be further selectively movable relative to the central longitudinal axis to at least one intermediate position. The intermediate position may be a position between the first position and the second position. The intermediate position may be the first intermediate position, the second intermediate position, the third intermediate position, or any one of the series of intermediate positions. The axial distance at the intermediate position may be in the range of 1 mm to 40 mm, or 1 mm to 30 mm, or 1 mm to 25 mm, or 1 mm to 15 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm. The axial distance at the intermediate position may be 1 mm from the first position, or 2 mm from the first position, or 3 mm from the first position, or 5 mm from the first position, or 10 mm from the first position, or 20 mm from the first position. The axial distance at the intermediate position may be 1 mm from the second position, or 2 mm from the second position, or 3 mm from the second position, or 5 mm from the second position, or 10 mm from the second position, or 20 mm from the second position.

[0050] At the intermediate position, the color member may partially cover multiple perforations. At the second position, the color member may cover multiple perforations.

[0051] At the intermediate position, the collar member at least partially covers a first proportion of the multiple perforations. At the second position, the collar member at least partially covers a different second proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0052] In the second position, the color member may cover both the first proportion of the multiple perforations and the second proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0053] By providing one or more intermediate positions between the first and second positions, the collar member may provide gradual adjustment of the fluid flow through the ventilation zone. That is, the collar member may provide a range of dilution settings. The aerosol generator and aerosol generation system may be more adaptable to changing climates.

[0054] A first proportion of the perforations may be distributed around the ventilation zone at the first axial position, and a second proportion of the perforations may be distributed around the ventilation zone at the second axial position.

[0055] The first proportion of multiple perforations may include a number of perforations ranging from 1 to 20.

[0056] The second proportion of multiple perforations may include perforations ranging from 1 to 20.

[0057] The aerosol generator may be configured such that an aerosol generating article can be movably mounted relative to the aerosol generator. The aerosol generating article may be rotatable around the central longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0058] The color member may be fixedly attached to the mouth end of the aerosol generator. The color member may be formed integrally with the surrounding wall. In these embodiments, the number of parts is optimized and manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0059] The collar member may include at least one protruding portion. The at least one protruding portion may be a wedge-shaped protruding portion, which includes a base portion extending circumferentially around the collar member and an end portion hanging down from the base portion at a predetermined angle to the base portion.

[0060] The end portions may be oriented to give a spiral end portion.

[0061] The end portion may be defined as the cut-out portion of the colored material.

[0062] The aerosol-generating article may have a rod-like shape and may include a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around its side wall.

[0063] The multiple perforations may be distributed axially along the aerosol-generating article such that, when the aerosol-generating article is rotated from a first position to a second position, the protruding portions at least partially cover the increased proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0064] Multiple perforations may be distributed circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article. Perforations may be spaced apart circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article. Perforations may be spaced apart circumferentially at angular intervals ranging from 18 to 72 degrees, or from 25 to 60 degrees. Perforations may be spaced apart circumferentially at angular intervals based on the following formula:

number

[0065] Multiple perforations may include a first proportion of perforations and a second proportion of perforations. Multiple may include a third proportion of perforations. Multiple may include a fourth proportion of perforations. In one example, the first proportion of perforations may be interposed circumferentially between the second proportion of perforations, thereby providing, for example, an alternating arrangement of larger and smaller perforations, in which case the first proportion of perforations have a larger cross-sectional area and the second proportion of perforations have a smaller cross-sectional area. In one example, the distribution of perforations may include a series of first proportion perforations followed by a series of second proportion perforations circumferentially.

[0066] The aerosol-generating article may be further selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis to at least one intermediate position, typically between the first and second positions.

[0067] At the intermediate position, the color member may partially cover multiple perforations. At the second position, the color member may cover multiple perforations.

[0068] At the intermediate position, the color member may at least partially cover a first proportion of the multiple perforations. At the second position, the color member may cover a different second proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0069] In the second position, the colored member may cover both the first and second proportions of the multiple perforations.

[0070] Each of the first proportion of multiple perforations may have a first cross-sectional area, and each of the second proportion of multiple perforations may have a second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area may be smaller than the second cross-sectional area. In this way, each proportion of perforations may provide the user with air injection at different rates.

[0071] The aerosol generator may further include a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate in an aerosol-generating article that is at least partially received within the device cavity. The aerosol generator may also include a power supply for supplying power to the heater. A controller may also provide control over such power supply to the heater. The heater may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article during use when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol generator.

[0072] The aerosol generating article may include a fluid reservoir suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol generator. The fluid contained in the fluid reservoir forms an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generating system may include a heater for heating the fluid in the fluid reservoir to form an aerosol. The heater may be mounted inside the aerosol generating article of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating article may include a wicking element for controllably releasing the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the heater.

[0073] As used herein, movement of a component with respect to the central longitudinal axis may mean rotation of the first component with respect to the second component about the central longitudinal axis, translational movement of the first component along the central longitudinal axis with respect to the second component, or simultaneous rotation of the first component with respect to the central longitudinal axis and translational movement of the first component along the central longitudinal axis with respect to the second component.

[0074] As used herein, “partially cover” means positioning a first member and a second member, which include at least one perforation, to restrict or limit fluid communication between the ambient atmosphere and the perforation. For example, the perforation may be partially covered by elements of the collar member so that the effective surface area of ​​the perforation is reduced by relative movement between the collar member and the aerosol-generating article. This reduces the flow of fluid from the ambient atmosphere into the perforation.

[0075] As used herein, "cover" means positioning a first member containing at least one perforation and a second member such that fluid communication between the ambient atmosphere and the perforation is blocked. For example, the perforation may be covered with elements of the collar member such that the effective surface area of ​​the perforation becomes substantially zero due to relative movement between the collar member and the aerosol-generating article. This prevents fluid flow from the ambient atmosphere into the perforation.

[0076] As used herein, "uncovered" means positioning a first member containing at least one perforation and a second member without restricting or limiting fluid communication between the ambient atmosphere and the perforation. For example, the perforation does not need to be covered if relative movement between the collar member and the aerosol-generating article causes the effective surface area of ​​the perforation to be equal to the total surface area of ​​each perforation. The flow of fluid from the ambient atmosphere into the perforation is not blocked.

[0077] As used herein, "at least partially received" means a first member that has received at least a certain proportion of a second member internally. That is, the second member may be entirely received within the first member, or a second member received within the first member may leave a portion of the second member outside the first member.

[0078] As used herein, “peripheral wall” refers to the outer casing or outer layer of the aerosol generator.

[0079] As used herein, “integrally formed” refers to a first member adjacent to a second member. The first member is fixed to the second member. For example, a collar member may be integrally formed with the peripheral wall of the aerosol generator such that the collar member is fixed to the peripheral wall.

[0080] As used herein, "gap" refers to the circumferential distance between adjacent members. That is, an opening or slot is provided circumferentially between adjacent members.

[0081] As used herein, "at a certain angle" refers to a non-parallel relative orientation between members or between axes. For example, the end portion of a protruding part may be positioned at a certain angle to a circumferentially extending base portion, i.e., it may be non-parallel.

[0082] As used herein, “sidewall” may refer to any suitable outer jacket or casing of an aerosol-generating article. The sidewall may be a wrapper or other flexible sheet. The sidewall may be formed from a cellulosic material, such as paper or cardboard. The sidewall may be formed from a plastic material or a metal such as aluminum.

[0083] As used herein, “perforation” means at least one opening or fluid passage that penetrates the side wall or at least one layer of the side wall. The opening or fluid passage may penetrate one or more of the wrapper, the combination of the wrapper and the sublayer material, a permeable region within the wrapper, or a permeable region within the sublayer material. [Examples]

[0084] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features in these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features in other embodiments, other forms, or other aspects described herein.

[0085] Example 1: An aerosol generating device configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article has a plurality of perforations arranged on its side wall, and the aerosol generating device is A housing comprising a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of an aerosol generator, wherein the device cavity is configured to at least partially receive an aerosol generating article, and The aerosol generator includes a collar member that extends axially at least partially around the central longitudinal axis from the cavity of the device at the mouth end of the device, An aerosol generating device in which at least one of a color member and a received aerosol generating article is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position in which the plurality of perforations are not covered to a second position in which at least a portion of the plurality of perforations are covered by the color member.

[0086] Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, further comprising an actuator engaged with a color member and an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generator is arranged to be manually operable to selectively move one of the color member or the aerosol generating article from a first position to a second position.

[0087] Example 3: The aerosol generating device according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the device cavity is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter that allows the aerosol generating article to rotate around its central longitudinal axis when the aerosol generating article is at least partially received within the device cavity, thereby allowing the aerosol generating article to move between a first position and a second position, and vice versa.

[0088] Example 4: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the collar member includes an actuator protruding radially outward from the collar member, and the actuator is arranged to protrude through an elongated slot penetrating the peripheral wall of the housing.

[0089] Example 5: The aerosol generator according to Example 4, wherein the actuator is selectively movable within an elongated slot.

[0090] Example 6: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising electromechanical means operably engaged with at least one of a color member or an aerosol generating article for selectively moving either a color member or an aerosol generating article from a first position to a second position.

[0091] Example 7: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the color member includes an annular core, and the color member is attached to the aerosol generator such that the annular core is arranged coaxially with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

[0092] Example 8: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 7, wherein the aerosol generating article is installed inside the apparatus cavity by passing through an annular core.

[0093] Example 9: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the collar member includes a positioning element configured to attach the collar member to a complementary engagement means within the device cavity.

[0094] Example 10: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the color member includes at least one protruding portion that is spaced apart from the surrounding wall and extends axially at the mouth end of the aerosol generator.

[0095] Example 11: The aerosol generator according to Example 10, wherein at least one protruding portion is a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around a color member, with gaps between each protruding portion.

[0096] Example 12: The aerosol generator according to Example 11, wherein at least one protruding portion is regularly spaced apart, and the spacing between at least one protruding portion is consistent with the spacing between multiple perforations in the received aerosol-generating article.

[0097] Example 13: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the color member is configured to cover multiple perforations in the second position.

[0098] Example 14: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate provided in an aerosol-generating article at least partially received within a device cavity.

[0099] Example 15: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the color component is movably attached to the aerosol generator.

[0100] Example 16: The aerosol generator according to Example 15, wherein the color member is movably attached to the mouth end of the aerosol generator.

[0101] Example 17: The aerosol generator according to Example 15 or Example 16, wherein the color member is slidably mounted to the aerosol generator so as to move axially from a first position to a second position.

[0102] Example 18: The aerosol generator according to Example 17, wherein in the first position the collar member is retracted into the cavity of the device, and in the second position the collar member extends from the mouth end of the aerosol generator by an axial distance.

[0103] Example 19: The aerosol generator according to Example 18, wherein the axial distance is in the range of 1 mm to 12 mm, and optionally in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm.

[0104] Example 20: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the color member includes a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around the color member, with gaps between each of the protruding portions.

[0105] Example 21: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 20, wherein each protruding portion extends sufficiently over a circumferential distance on the side wall of the aerosol generating article to cover the perforations and the regions of the side wall between the perforations and each adjacent perforation.

[0106] Example 22: The aerosol generator according to Example 20, wherein the gaps between each protruding portion correspond to the circumferential length of each of the multiple perforations.

[0107] Example 23: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 22, wherein the color member is further selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis to at least one intermediate position.

[0108] Example 24: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 23, wherein the color member is further selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis to at least one intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0109] Example 25: The aerosol generator according to Example 24, wherein in the intermediate position, the color member partially covers multiple perforations, and in the second position, the color member covers multiple perforations.

[0110] Example 26: The aerosol generator according to Example 24, wherein at the intermediate position, the color member at least partially covers a first proportion of the multiple perforations, and at the second position, the color member at least partially covers a different second proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0111] Example 27: In the second position, the color member covers both the first proportion of the multiple perforations and the second proportion of the multiple perforations, as described in Example 26 of the aerosol generator.

[0112] Example 28: The aerosol generator according to Example 26, wherein the first proportion of the multiple perforations are distributed around the ventilation zone at the first axial position, and the second proportion of the multiple perforations are distributed around the ventilation zone at the second axial position.

[0113] Example 29: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the first proportion of multiple perforations includes a number of perforations ranging from 1 to 20.

[0114] Example 30: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 26 to 29, wherein the second proportion of multiple perforations includes a number of perforations ranging from 1 to 20.

[0115] Example 31: an aerosol generation system, An aerosol generator described in any one of Examples 1 to 30, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article, which is a rod-shaped aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the aerosol generating article.

[0116] Example 32: The aerosol generator is configured such that an aerosol generating article is movably attached to the aerosol generator, as described in any one of Examples 1 to 14.

[0117] Example 33: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 32, wherein the aerosol generating article is movably mounted so as to be rotatable around the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus cavity.

[0118] Example 34: The aerosol generator according to Example 32 or Example 33, wherein the color member is fixedly attached to the mouth end of the aerosol generator.

[0119] Example 35: The aerosol generator according to Example 34, wherein the colored member is integrally formed with the surrounding wall.

[0120] Example 36: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 32 to 25, wherein the color component includes at least one protruding portion.

[0121] Example 37: The aerosol generator according to Example 36, wherein at least one protruding portion is a wedge-shaped protruding portion, and the wedge-shaped protruding portion includes a base portion extending circumferentially around the collar member and an end portion hanging down from the base portion at a predetermined angle to the base portion.

[0122] Example 38: an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator described in any one of Examples 32 to 37, An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article, which is a rod-shaped aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the aerosol generating article.

[0123] Example 39: an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generator described in Example 37, An aerosol generating article having a rod-like shape, comprising an aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around its side wall, An aerosol generating system in which multiple perforations are further distributed axially along the aerosol generating article, and when the aerosol generating article is rotated from a first position to a second position, the protruding portions at least partially cover an increased proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0124] Example 40: an aerosol generation system, The aerosol generator described in Example 36 or Example 37, An aerosol generating article having a rod-like shape, comprising an aerosol generating article having a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around its side wall, An aerosol generating system in which at least one protruding portion is a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around a color member, with gaps between each protruding portion.

[0125] Example 41: The aerosol generating system according to Example 39 or Example 40, wherein the aerosol generating article is further selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis to at least one intermediate position, typically between the first and second positions.

[0126] Example 42: The aerosol generating system according to Example 41, wherein in the intermediate position, the color member partially covers multiple perforations, and in the second position, the color member covers multiple perforations.

[0127] Example 43: The aerosol generating system according to Example 41, wherein in the first position, the color member covers at least partially a first proportion of the multiple perforations, and in the second position, the color member covers a different second proportion of the multiple perforations.

[0128] Example 44: In the second position, the color member covers both the first and second proportions of the multiple perforations, as described in Example 43 of the aerosol generating system.

[0129] Example 45: The aerosol generating system according to Example 43 or Example 44, wherein each of the first proportion of perforations has a first cross-sectional area, and each of the second proportion of perforations has a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first cross-sectional area.

[0130] Example 46: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the inner surface of the color member is dimensionally set to contact the side wall of the aerosol generating article in a region where multiple perforations are provided when the aerosol generating article is at least partially received in the apparatus cavity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0131] Here, we will further describe the embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows schematic cross-sectional views of a comparative aerosol generator and a comparative aerosol generation system. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a side view of a first example of an aerosol generating system, including a color member and an aerosol generating article, with the color member positioned in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a side view of the first example of the aerosol generation system in Figure 2A, where the colored member is located in a second position relative to the aerosol-generating article. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a side view of a second example of an aerosol generating system, including a color member and an aerosol generating article, with the color member positioned in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows a side view of the second example of the aerosol generation system in Figure 3A, where the aerosol generating article is positioned at an intermediate position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows a side view of the second example of the aerosol generating system in Figure 3A, where the aerosol generating article is located in a second position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a side view of a third example of an aerosol generating system, including a color member and an aerosol generating article, with the color member positioned in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a side view of the third example of the aerosol generation system in Figure 4A, where the aerosol generating article is located in a second position relative to the aerosol generating article. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side view of a fourth example of an aerosol generating system, including a color member and an aerosol generating article, with the aerosol generating article positioned in a first position relative to the color member. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows the side wall of the aerosol-generating article from Figure 5 separated. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows a plan view of the side wall of Figure 6A after it has been removed from the aerosol generating article. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a side view of a fifth example of an aerosol generating system, including a color member and an aerosol generating article, with the aerosol generating article positioned in a first position relative to the color member. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows a plan view of a portion of the periphery of the color member of the aerosol generating system in Figure 7, where the aerosol generating article is located at a second position relative to the color member. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows a plan view of a portion of the periphery of the color member of the aerosol generating system in Figure 7, where the aerosol generating article is located at an intermediate position relative to the color member. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C shows a plan view of a portion of the side wall of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figures 8A and 8B, after it has been removed from the article. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0132] Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generation system 100 comprising an aerosol generator 110 and an aerosol generating article 120, which serve as a comparative example. The aerosol generator 110 comprises a housing 104 extending between a mouth end 102 and a distal end (not shown). The housing 104 comprises a peripheral wall 106. The peripheral wall 106 defines a device cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article 120. The extractor 108 is located within the device cavity defined by the peripheral wall 106 and is configured to receive and extract the aerosol generating article 120 into the device cavity. The extractor 108 comprises a body having an open mouth end 102 and a closed end. The closed end of the extractor 108 body is defined by an end wall. The device cavity is further defined by the closed distal end and the open mouth end 102. The mouth end 102 of the device cavity is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generator 110. The aerosol generating article 120 is configured to be received through the mouth end 102 of the device cavity and to be adjacent to either the closed end of the device cavity or the closed end of the extractor 108. The closed end of the extractor 108 is configured to be substantially adjacent to or near the closed end of the device cavity.

[0133] An airflow path 132 is defined around the outer surface of the extractor 108 and between the peripheral wall 106 of the aerosol generator housing 104 and the outer surface of the extractor 108. Air can enter the extractor 108 through an opening (not shown) located at the closed end of the extractor body. This allows air to flow through the rod 112 of the aerosol generating article 120 when the user applies suction to the mouth end 102 of the aerosol generating article 120, and further downstream through the rest of the aerosol generating article 120.

[0134] The aerosol generator 110 further comprises a heater (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control such power supply to the heater. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol generating article 120 during use when the aerosol generating article 120 is received inside the aerosol generator 110.

[0135] The aerosol generating article 120 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate rod 112, a hollow support segment 114, a hollow tubular segment 116, and a mouthpiece segment 118. These four elements are arranged aligned along the longitudinal axis from end to end and are surrounded by a wrapper 122 to form the aerosol generating article 120. The aerosol generating article 120 shown in Figure 1 is particularly suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol generator 110, which includes a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate rod 112.

[0136] The aerosol-forming substrate rod 112 has a length of approximately 12 millimeters and a diameter of approximately 7 millimeters. The rod 112 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross-section. The rod 112 comprises an assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The hollow cellulose acetate tube (hollow support segment 114) has a length of approximately 8 millimeters and a thickness of 1 millimeter. The mouthpiece segment 118 has a plug of cellulose acetate tow with 8 denier per filament and has a length of approximately 7 millimeters.

[0137] The hollow tubular segment 116 is provided as a cylindrical tube having a length of approximately 18 millimeters, and the thickness of the tube wall is approximately 100 micrometers.

[0138] The aerosol generating article 120 includes a ventilation zone 126 provided at least about 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece segment 118. The ventilation zone 126 is located at least about 12 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 120. The ventilation zone 126 is located at least about 21 millimeters from the downstream end of the rod 112. The ventilation zone 126 includes a series or a row of perforations extending through the wrapper 122.

[0139] As shown in Figure 1, the ventilation zone 126 of the aerosol generating article 120 is exposed while the aerosol generating system 100 is in use.

[0140] In alternative aerosol generating systems, the aerosol generating article may include a fluid reservoir suitable for use with an electrically operated aerosol generating device. The fluid contained in the fluid reservoir forms an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generating system may include a heater for heating the fluid in the fluid reservoir to form an aerosol. The heater may be mounted inside the aerosol generating article of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating article may include a core element or other type of fluid distribution element or fluid disperser to controllly release the fluid from the fluid reservoir to the heater.

[0141] Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, an aerosol generating system 200 is shown, which includes an aerosol generator 210 and an aerosol generating article 220. In Figure 2A, the color member 230 is shown in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article 220 attached to the aerosol generator 210. In Figure 2B, the color member 230 is shown in a second position relative to the aerosol generating article 220 attached to the aerosol generator 210.

[0142] The aerosol generator 210 is configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article 220, the aerosol generating article 220 having a plurality of perforations 224 disposed in the side wall 214 of the aerosol generating article 220. The aerosol generator 210 includes a housing that defines a device cavity at the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210 having a central longitudinal axis, the device cavity being configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating article 220. The aerosol generator 210 also includes a collar member 230 that extends at least partially axially from the device cavity around the central longitudinal axis at the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210. The collar member 230 is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where the plurality of perforations 224 are not covered to a second position where at least some of the plurality of perforations 224 are covered by the collar member 230.

[0143] The device cavity of the aerosol generator 210 is cylindrical in shape, similar to the device cavity defined by the peripheral wall 106 of the aerosol generator 110 in Figure 1. In this example, the device cavity has a diameter that allows the collar member 230 to move axially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis when the aerosol generating article 220 is at least partially received within the device cavity.

[0144] The color member 230 includes an annular core. The color member 230 is mounted to the aerosol generator 210 such that the annular core is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis. The annular core is surrounded by a main body portion 242. The color member 230 is mounted to the aerosol generator 210 such that the main body portion 242 is oriented so that the aerosol generating article 220 is at least partially received into the device cavity along the central longitudinal axis. The color member 230 is mounted to the device cavity so that it is selectively movable along the central longitudinal axis. In this way, the color member 230 is selectively movable with respect to the aerosol generating article 220 that is at least partially received into the device cavity.

[0145] The collar member includes a positioning element, which is provided on a portion of the aerosol generating article 220 received within the device cavity. The positioning element is configured to mount the collar member 230 to complementary engaging means within the device cavity. The complementary engaging means between the positioning element and the device cavity provide an interlocking fit between the collar member 230 and the aerosol generating device 210. Typically, the positioning element mounts the collar member 230 to engaging means provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 204. Any suitable positioning element and engaging means may be provided to provide limited relative axial movement between the collar member 230 and the aerosol generating device 210. For example, the positioning element may include a series of axial ribs on the collar member 230, and the engaging means may be formed as a series of corresponding grooves on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 204, each configured to receive an axial rib and allow axial movement along each groove.

[0146] The color member includes a series of protruding portions 232. The protruding portions 232 are arranged at the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210, extending axially away from the peripheral wall 204. The protruding portions 232 are arranged circumferentially around the color member 230, with gaps 234 between adjacent protruding portions 232. Thus, the color member 230 includes portions where the protruding portions 232 are arranged around the color member 230 with gaps 234 interposed between them.

[0147] The collar member 230 is movably mounted relative to the aerosol generator 210 at the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210. The collar member 230 is slidably mounted relative to the aerosol generator 210 such that it moves axially from a first position to a second position relative to the aerosol generator 210. The first and second positions represent the limits of the axial movement of the collar member 230 relative to the aerosol generator 210.

[0148] The aerosol generator 210 includes an actuator 236 that engages with the color member 230. In this example, the actuator 236 protrudes radially outward from the main body portion of the color member 230.

[0149] The actuator 236 is positioned such that, when the collar member 230 is attached to the aerosol generator 210 for use, the actuator 236 protrudes through the peripheral wall 204 of the housing and through an elongated slot 238. The collar member 230 is attached to the aerosol generator 210 such that the actuator 236 is selectively movable within the elongated slot 238. In this way, the collar member 230 is manually operable to selectively move between a first position and a second position.

[0150] With the aerosol generating article 220 attached to the aerosol generating device 210, the aerosol generating system 200 enters a standby state for use.

[0151] The aerosol generating system 200 includes an aerosol generating article 220, in which a plurality of perforations 224 are arranged circumferentially around the side wall 214 of the aerosol generating article 220. The aerosol generating article 220 is mounted within the device cavity by being received through the annular core of a collar member 230.

[0152] The aerosol generator 210 further includes a heater (not shown) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate provided within the aerosol-generating article, in a similar manner to the comparative example described with reference to Figure 1. The heater is activated by the user pressing a button 240 mounted on the peripheral wall 204 of the aerosol generator 210.

[0153] Referring particularly to Figure 2A, in the first position, the collar member 230 is retracted into the device cavity. Therefore, the collar member 230 is positioned such that the main body of the collar member 230 is located inside the device cavity. The protruding portion 232 is located outside the device cavity and is close to the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210. In the first position, each perforation 224 is not covered.

[0154] Referring particularly to Figure 2B, in the second position, the collar member 230 is positioned with an increased axial distance from the mouth end 202 of the aerosol generator 210. The collar member 230 is positioned such that the main body of the collar member 230 is substantially outside the device cavity. The protruding portion 232 is located outside the device cavity and is also at an increased distance from the mouth end 202.

[0155] In the illustrated example, moving the collar member 230 from the first position to the second position causes the collar member 230 to move by an axial distance of 5 mm. As a result, the protruding portion 232 moves 5 mm away from the mouth end 202 in the axial direction.

[0156] In the second position, the first proportion of the perforation 224 is covered.

[0157] In the second position, the second proportion of the perforations 224 is not covered. Each of the second proportions of the perforations 224 is aligned axially with the gap 234 between the protruding portions 232. By moving the collar member 230 from the first position to the second position, the second proportion of the perforations 226 remains uncovered.

[0158] Due to the size and spacing of the protruding portion 232 and the perforations 224, the first and second proportions of perforations 224 each represent 50 percent of the total perforations 224. In particular, in the second position, the protruding portion 232 and the gap overlap with the same number of perforations 224 on the aerosol generating article 220. Thus, the collar member 230 is positioned around the side wall 214 of the aerosol generating article such that, in the second position, each perforation 224 is alternately covered or not covered. In this way, the fluid flows into 50 percent of the perforations 224, preventing the first proportion of perforations 224 from being covered. Thus, the user can reliably limit the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating system 200 to approximately half. The user can selectively adjust the dilution of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article during use to mitigate the warm aerosol sensation phenomenon.

[0159] To deliver alternative dilution levels by ensuring that a suitable selection is made for a first proportion of the perforations 224 to be covered by the protrusions, any appropriately sized protrusions may be provided. For example, the protrusions may be sized and oriented such that the first proportion of the perforations 224 covered in the second position is one-quarter, one-third, two-thirds, three-quarters, or any other desired first proportion.

[0160] Referring here to Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C, another example 300 of the aerosol generating system is shown. The aerosol generating system 300 is similar to the example described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, except that the collar member 330 is more selectively movable to an intermediate position relative to the central longitudinal axis. A feature common to the examples in Figures 2A and 2B is that it has the same digits, except that the first digit is "3".

[0161] In Figure 3A, the color member 330 is shown in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article 320 attached to the aerosol generator 310. In Figure 3B, the color member 330 is shown in an intermediate position relative to the aerosol generating article 320 attached to the aerosol generator 310. In Figure 3C, the color member 330 is shown in a second position relative to the aerosol generating article 320 attached to the aerosol generator 310.

[0162] The color member 330 is movable relative to the aerosol generator 310 along its central longitudinal axis to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. The intermediate position is the axial position of the color member 330 relative to the aerosol generator 310, and is located between the first position and the second position of the color member 330.

[0163] The first and second positions represent the limit positions for the axial movement of the color member 330 relative to the aerosol generator 310. The intermediate position is the axial position of the color member 330, located between the limit positions for the axial movement of the color member 330 relative to the aerosol generator 310.

[0164] The color member 330 is slidably mounted to the aerosol generator 310, allowing it to move axially from a first position to an intermediate position, and then to a second position.

[0165] With the aerosol generating article 320 attached to the aerosol generating device 310, the aerosol generating system 300 enters a standby state for use.

[0166] The aerosol generating article 320 includes a plurality of perforations 324 arranged circumferentially around the side wall 314 of the aerosol generating article 320. The aerosol generating article 320 is installed in the device cavity by being received through the annular core of the collar member 330.

[0167] Referring particularly to Figure 3A, in the first position, the collar member 330 is retracted into the device cavity. Therefore, the collar member 330 is positioned such that the main body portion 342 of the collar member 330 is located inside the device cavity. The protruding portion 332 is located outside the device cavity and is close to the mouth end 302 of the aerosol generator 310. In the first position, each perforation 324 is not covered.

[0168] Referring particularly to Figure 3B, at the intermediate position, the collar member 330 is partially retracted into the device cavity. Therefore, the collar member 330 is positioned such that the main body portion 342 of the collar member 330 is partially located within the device cavity. The protruding portion 332 is located outside the device cavity and at an axial distance from the mouth end 302 of the aerosol generator 310. The collar member 330 partially covers the multiple perforations 324. Each perforation 324 is partially covered. That is, each protruding portion 332 of the collar member 330 partially covers the corresponding perforation 324 on the side wall 314. In this way, the fluid flow into each perforation 324 is reduced. Therefore, the user can reliably limit the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation system 300 to the first dilution level.

[0169] Referring particularly to Figure 3C, in the second position, the collar member 330 is positioned such that its axial distance from the mouth end 302 of the aerosol generator 310 is increased. The collar member 330 is positioned such that its main body portion 342 is substantially outside the device cavity and its protruding portion 332 is also outside the device cavity, increasing its distance from the mouth end 302. In the second position, each perforation 324 is covered. In this way, the flow of fluid into each perforation 324 is blocked. Therefore, the user can reliably neutralize the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating system 300.

[0170] In the illustrated example, moving the collar member 330 from the first position to the intermediate position causes the collar member 330 to move by an axial distance of 3 mm. When the collar member 330 is moved from the intermediate position to the second position, the collar member 330 moves by a further axial distance of 3 mm. As a result, the protruding portion 332 moves axially by a total of 6 mm away from the mouth end 302.

[0171] Referring here to Figures 4A and 4B, another example of an aerosol generating system 400 is shown. The aerosol generating system 400 is similar to the example described with reference to Figures 2A and 2, except that the collar member 430 is more selectively movable to an intermediate position relative to the central longitudinal axis of the device cavity. A feature common to the examples in Figures 2A and 2B is that it has the same digits, except that the first digit is "4".

[0172] The color member 430 includes a main body portion 442 and a cover portion 434. The main body portion 442 is axially spaced apart from the cover portion 434. When the color member 430 is attached to the aerosol generator 410, the color member 430 is oriented so that the main body portion 442 is received within the device cavity. The cover portion 434 is oriented toward the mouthpiece segment 416 of the aerosol generating article 420 received within the device cavity. The cover portion 434 is substantially annular and forms the annular end of the color member 430.

[0173] In Figure 4A, the color member 430 is shown in a first position relative to the aerosol generating article 420 attached to the aerosol generator 410. In Figure 4B, the color member 430 is shown in an intermediate position relative to the aerosol generating article 420 attached to the aerosol generator 410. The color member 430 is also movable to a second position relative to the aerosol generating article 420 attached to the aerosol generator 410.

[0174] The color member 430 is movable relative to the aerosol generator 410 along its central longitudinal axis to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position. The intermediate position is the axial position of the color member 430 relative to the aerosol generator 410, and is located between the first position and the second position of the color member 430.

[0175] The first and second positions represent the limit positions for the axial movement of the color member 430 relative to the aerosol generator 410. The intermediate position is the axial position of the color member 430, located between the limit positions for the axial movement of the color member 430 relative to the aerosol generator 410.

[0176] The aerosol generating system 400 includes an aerosol generating article 420 having a ventilation zone 422. The ventilation zone 422 includes a plurality of perforations 424a, 424b arranged circumferentially around the side wall 414 of the aerosol generating article 420.

[0177] The ventilation zone 422 includes a first proportion of perforations 424a and a second proportion of perforations 424b. The first proportion of perforations 424a are distributed around the ventilation zone 422 at a first axial position along the side wall 414. The second proportion of perforations 424b are distributed around the ventilation zone 422 at a second axial position along the side wall 414. The second proportion of perforations 424b are axially positioned between the mouthpiece segment 416 and the first proportion of perforations 424a.

[0178] The aerosol generating article 420 is mounted within the device cavity by being received through the annular core of the collar member 430. The collar member 430 is slidably mounted to the aerosol generating device 410, and moves axially from a first position to an intermediate position, and then to a second position.

[0179] With the aerosol generating article 420 attached to the aerosol generating device 410, the aerosol generating system 400 enters a standby state for use.

[0180] Referring particularly to Figure 4A, in the first position, the collar member 430 is retracted toward the device cavity. The collar member 430 is positioned such that the main body portion 442 of the collar member 430 is substantially located within the device cavity. The cover portion 434 is located outside the device cavity and is close to the mouth end 402 of the aerosol generator 410. In the first position, the ventilation zone 422 is not covered. That is, in the first position, the first proportion of perforations 424a is not covered, and neither is the second proportion of perforations 424b.

[0181] Referring particularly to Figure 4B, at the intermediate position, the color member 430 is partially retracted into the device cavity. Therefore, the color member 430 is positioned such that the main body portion 442 of the color member 430 is partially located within the device cavity. The color member 430 is positioned by increasing the axial distance from the mouth end 402 of the aerosol generator 410. The color member 430 covers the first proportion of perforations 424a. Therefore, the user can reliably limit the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating system 400 to the first dilution level.

[0182] In the second position (not shown), the second proportion of perforations 424b is also covered. Both the first proportion of perforations 424a and the second proportion of perforations 424b are covered by the cover portion 434 of the color member 430. In this way, the fluid flow into each perforation 424a, 424b is blocked. Thus, the user can reliably neutralize the dilution of aerosols generated in the aerosol generating system 400.

[0183] In the illustrated example, moving the color member 430 from the first position to the intermediate position causes the color member 430 to move by an axial distance of 3 mm. When the color member 430 is moved from the intermediate position to the second position, the color member 430 moves by a further axial distance of 3 mm. As a result, the cover portion moves axially by a total of 6 mm away from the mouth end 402 of the aerosol generator 410.

[0184] Due to the size and axial spacing of the first-percentage perforations 424a and the second-percentage perforations 424b, the first-percentage and second-percentage perforations 224 each occupy 50 percent of the perforations 224. In particular, the first-percentage perforations 424a provide 50 percent of the effective area of ​​the ventilation zone 422, and the second-percentage perforations 424b provide 50 percent of the effective area of ​​the ventilation zone 422. In this way, at the intermediate position, fluid flow is prevented to 50 percent of the perforations 424a. Thus, the user can reliably limit the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating system 200 to half. The user can selectively adjust the dilution of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article during use to mitigate the warm aerosol perception phenomenon.

[0185] To deliver alternative dilution levels by ensuring that a suitable selection is made for the first proportion of the perforations 224 to be covered by the protrusions, any appropriately sized protrusions may be provided. For example, the protrusions may be sized and oriented such that the effective area of ​​the first proportion of perforations 424a is one-quarter, one-third, two-thirds, three-quarters, or any other desired proportion.

[0186] In alternative configurations, the collar member 430 may be movable to a first intermediate position and to a second intermediate position. The ventilation zone 422 of the aerosol generating article 420 may include a first, second, and third proportion of perforations. The first, second, and third proportions of perforations are distributed at different axial positions along the aerosol generating article. At the first position, not all perforations in the ventilation zone 422 are covered. At the first intermediate position, the collar member covers the first proportion of perforations. At the second intermediate position, the collar member covers the first proportion of perforations and the second proportion of perforations. At the second position, the collar member covers all perforations in the ventilation zone. Thus, the user can selectively adjust the dilution of the aerosol to a dilution range.

[0187] Referring now to Figure 5, an exemplary aerosol generating system 500 is shown in which the aerosol generating article is movable. The aerosol generating system 500 is similar to the example described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, except that the aerosol generating article 520 is selectively movable to an intermediate position relative to the central longitudinal axis of the device cavity. A feature common to the examples in Figures 2A and 2B is that it has the same digits, except that the first digit is "5".

[0188] The aerosol generator 510 is configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article 520, which includes a plurality of perforations 524 arranged in the side wall 514 of the aerosol generating article 520. The aerosol generator 510 is a housing that defines a device cavity 508 at the mouth end 502 of the aerosol generator 510, which has a central longitudinal axis. The device cavity 508 is configured to partially receive the aerosol generating article 520.

[0189] The color member 530 extends axially from the device cavity and also extends around the central longitudinal axis at the mouth end 502 of the aerosol generator 510. The received aerosol generating article 520 is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where the multiple perforations 524 are not covered to a second position where the multiple perforations 524 are covered by the color member 530. The aerosol generating article 520 is rotatable around the central longitudinal axis of the device cavity 508.

[0190] The color member 530 includes a protruding portion 534 that is positioned at the mouth end 502 of the aerosol generator 510, extending axially away from the surrounding wall 504. The color member 530 and the protruding portion 534 are integrally formed with the surrounding wall 504.

[0191] The collar member is fixedly attached to the mouth end of the aerosol generator. The collar member 530 remains stationary relative to the peripheral wall 504 when the aerosol generating article 520 rotates around its central longitudinal axis.

[0192] The protruding portion 534 is a wedge-shaped protruding portion. The protruding portion 534 has a cutout portion that extends circumferentially around the collar member and an end portion 536 that hangs down at a predetermined angle from the cutout portion to the base portion. In this example, the end portion 536 is oriented to give a spiral end portion.

[0193] Referring further to Figure 6A, a side view of the side wall 514 of the aerosol-generating article 520 in this example is shown. The aerosol-generating article 520 includes a series of perforations 524 arranged circumferentially around the side wall 514. Each series of perforations 524 includes three perforations 524.

[0194] Referring further to Figure 6B, a plan view of the side wall 514 removed from the aerosol-generating article 520 in this example is shown. In this example, the side wall 514 is a paper wrapper removed from the aerosol-generating article 520 and laid flat. However, it will be apparent that the arrangement of the perforations 524 shown in the plan view can be evenly distributed on a side wall made of any suitable material described herein.

[0195] As shown in Figure 6B, each series of perforations 524 528 is spaced apart from adjacent series. In this way, each series of perforations 524 is spaced circumferentially apart from adjacent series when the side wall 514 is attached to the aerosol generating article 520.

[0196] The aerosol generating article 520 is movable relative to the aerosol generating device 510 by rotating around its central longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article 520 is movable to a first intermediate position and to a second intermediate position between the first position and the second position. Each intermediate position is the rotational position of the aerosol generating article 520 relative to the aerosol generating device 510, and is located between the first position and the second position of the aerosol generating article 520.

[0197] The aerosol generating article 520 is freely rotatable around its central longitudinal axis. The aerosol generating article 520 may be positioned relative to the aerosol generating device 510 such that the collar member 530 covers all but one of the series of perforations 524.

[0198] The spacing between a series of perforations 524 corresponds to the width of the cutout. A series of perforations 524 may not be covered, or may not be partially covered, by the cutout of the color member 530. A series of perforations 524 may be exposed, or may be partially exposed, by the cutout of the color member 530. In this way, regardless of the overall rotational orientation of the aerosol generating article 520 within the aerosol generating device 510, the aerosol generating article 520 is made movable in steps between a first position, a first intermediate position, a second intermediate position, and a second position.

[0199] The aerosol generating article 520 includes an indicator 526 on its side wall 514. The indicator 526 is configured to be covered by the tip of its end portion 536 as the aerosol generating article 520 rotates within the device cavity 508. In this way, the indicator 526 provides the user with a visual guide regarding dilution corresponding to the rotational position of the aerosol generating article 520.

[0200] In certain examples, additional visual guides may be provided on one or more of the aerosol generating article and the colored component. In one example, the indicator, or a portion of the indicator, may be aligned with the end portion as the aerosol generating article rotates within the device cavity. In another example, the indicator, or a portion of the indicator, may be aligned with alignment marks provided on the colored component or on the peripheral wall of the mouth end of the aerosol generating device.

[0201] With the aerosol generating article 520 attached to the aerosol generating device 510, the aerosol generating system 500 enters a standby state for use.

[0202] In the first position, the aerosol-generating article 520 is rotated within the apparatus cavity 508 such that each of the series of perforations 524 is located within the cutout portion of the collar member 530. In the first position, each perforation 524 is uncovered. The fluid flow through the ventilation zone 522 is at its maximum flow rate.

[0203] By rotating the aerosol-generating article 520 to the first intermediate position, the first of the series of perforations 524 is covered by the collar member 530. The remaining two perforations 524 are located within the cutouts of the collar member 530. In this way, the fluid flow through the ventilation zone 522 is partially reduced.

[0204] By rotating the aerosol-generating article 520 to the second intermediate position, the first and second perforations of the series of perforations 524 are covered by the collar member 530. The remaining perforations 524 are located within the cutout portion of the collar member 530. In this way, the fluid flow through the ventilation zone 522 is further reduced.

[0205] In the second position, the aerosol-generating article 520 is rotated within the apparatus cavity 508 such that each of the series of perforations 524 is covered by the collar member 530. In this way, the flow of fluid into each of the series of perforations 524 is blocked.

[0206] Therefore, the user can adjust the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation system 300 in stages.

[0207] Referring now to Figure 7, another exemplary aerosol generating system 700 is shown in which the aerosol generating article 720 is movable. The aerosol generating system 700 is similar to the example described with reference to Figures 5 to 6B, except that the collar member 730 includes multiple protrusions 734. A feature common to the example in Figures 5 to 6B is that it has the same digits, except that the first digit is "7".

[0208] The collar member 730 extends axially from the device cavity and also extends around the central longitudinal axis at the mouth end 702 of the aerosol generator 710. The aerosol generating article 720 is rotatable around the central longitudinal axis of the device cavity. The received aerosol generating article 720 is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position where a first series of perforations 718 is not covered by the collar member 730 to a second position where a different second series of perforations 728 is not covered by the collar member 730. The first series of perforations 718 may be considered as a first proportion of perforations, and the second series of perforations 728 may be considered as a second proportion of perforations.

[0209] The aerosol-generating article 720 is freely rotatable as a whole around its central longitudinal axis. The collar member 730 selectively covers either the first series of perforations 718 or the second series of perforations 728. Regardless of the overall rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article 720 relative to the collar member 730, the aerosol-generating article 720 is rotatable between the first and second positions.

[0210] The color member 730 includes a series of protruding portions 734 that are arranged to protrude axially from the peripheral wall 704 at the mouth end 702 of the aerosol generator 710. The color member 730 and each of the protruding portions 734 are integrally formed with the peripheral wall 704.

[0211] The color member 730 is fixedly attached to the mouth end 702 of the aerosol generator 710. The color member 730 remains stationary relative to the peripheral wall 704 when the aerosol generating article 720 rotates around its central longitudinal axis.

[0212] The color member 730 includes a main body portion 742 and a series of protruding portions 734 extending from the main body portion 742. The protruding portions 734 form the annular end portion of the color member 730.

[0213] Referring further to Figure 8C, a plan view of the side wall 714 removed from the aerosol-generating article 720 in the example of Figure 7 is shown. In this example, the side wall 714 is a paper wrapper removed from the aerosol-generating article 720 and laid flat. However, it will be apparent that the arrangement of perforations shown in the plan view can be evenly distributed on a side wall made of any suitable material described herein.

[0214] As shown in Figure 8C, the first series of perforations 718 are arranged alternately with respect to the second series of perforations 728. Each perforation in the first series of perforations 718 has a first cross-sectional area. Each perforation in the second series of perforations 728 has a second cross-sectional area. The first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area, for example, twice as large. In this way, the total first cross-sectional area may be twice the second cross-sectional area.

[0215] With the aerosol generating item 720 attached to the aerosol generating device 710, the aerosol generating system 700 enters a standby state for use.

[0216] Referring further to Figure 8A, a schematic circumferential view of the collar member 730 in the first position is shown. In the first position, the aerosol generating article 720 is rotated within the apparatus cavity such that each of the perforations in the first series of perforations 718 is not covered. Each of the perforations in the second series of perforations 728 is covered by a corresponding protrusion 734. Because each of the perforations in the second series of perforations 728 is blocked, the fluid flows only through the first series of perforations 718. The fluid flow through the ventilation zone 722 is the first flow rate.

[0217] Referring further to Figure 8B, a schematic circumferential view of the collar member 730 in the second position is shown. In the second position, the aerosol generating article 720 is rotated within the apparatus cavity so that each of the perforations in the first series of perforations 718 is not covered. Each of the perforations in the first series of perforations 718 is covered by a corresponding protrusion 734. Because each of the perforations in the first series of perforations 718 is blocked, the fluid flows only through the second series of perforations 728. The fluid flow through the ventilation zone 722 is the second flow rate. Due to the ratio of the cross-sectional areas, the first flow rate is apparently twice that of the second flow rate.

[0218] Therefore, the user can selectively adjust the dilution of the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation system 700.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed examples described above are merely illustrative and not limiting, and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible.

[0220] For the purposes of this specification and the attached claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc., will be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein. In this context, digit A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that digit A modifies. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device configured to receive a rod-shaped aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating article has a plurality of perforations arranged on its side wall, and the aerosol generating device is A housing comprising a device cavity having a central longitudinal axis at the mouth end of the aerosol generator, wherein the device cavity is configured to at least partially receive the aerosol generating article, A movable collar member extends at least partially in the axial direction around the central longitudinal axis from the cavity of the aerosol generator at the mouth end, It comprises an actuator engaged with the movable collar member, The aerosol generator is characterized in that the color member is selectively movable with respect to the central longitudinal axis from a first position in which the plurality of perforations are not covered to a second position in which at least a portion of the plurality of perforations are covered by the color member.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device is arranged to be manually operable to selectively move the color member from the first position to the second position.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color member is provided with an actuator that protrudes radially outward from the color member, and the actuator is arranged to protrude through an elongated slot that penetrates the peripheral wall of the housing.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the color member comprises an annular core, and the color member is attached to the aerosol generator such that the annular core is arranged coaxially with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the color member includes at least one protruding portion that is disposed at the mouth end of the aerosol generator so as to extend axially away from the peripheral wall.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the at least one protruding portion is a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around the color member with gaps between each of the protruding portions.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the color member is typically movably attached to the aerosol generator at the mouth end of the aerosol generator.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the color member comprises a series of protruding portions arranged circumferentially around the color member, each protruding portion extending sufficiently over a circumferential distance on the side wall of the aerosol generating article to cover both the first perforation and a region of the side wall extending from the first perforation to at least one adjacent perforation.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the color member is further selectively movable to at least one intermediate position with respect to the central longitudinal axis.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at the intermediate position, the color member at least partially covers a first proportion of the plurality of perforations, and at the second position, the color member at least partially covers a different second proportion of the plurality of perforations.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising electromechanical means operably engaged with the color member for selectively moving the color member from the first position to the second position.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the color member includes a positioning element configured to attach the color member to a complementary engaging means within the cavity of the apparatus.

13. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the color member is slidably mounted to the aerosol generator so as to move axially from the first position to the second position.

14. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol generator is configured such that in the first position the collar member is retracted into the cavity of the device, and in the second position the collar member extends from the mouth end of the aerosol generator by an axial distance.

15. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article that is rod-shaped and has a plurality of perforations arranged circumferentially around the side wall of the aerosol generating article.

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