Articles for generating aerosols

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an article (101) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, having an open mouth end (104) and a closed distal end (106). The article comprises an aerosol generating compartment (18) for holding an aerosol generating substrate (20). The article comprises an air intake (128) configured to be provided between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end in a longitudinal position. The air intake establishes fluid communication from outside the article to the aerosol generating compartment. The ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5. The ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article for generating an aerosol. The article includes an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. Upon heating, or when heated, the aerosol generating substrate generates an aerosol. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating article, as well as an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device having a heating chamber arranged to receive and heat the article.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. One objective of such "heated" aerosol generating articles is to reduce certain specific smoke components of the type generated by the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in a heated aerosol generating article, the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol generating substrate physically separated therefrom. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by the transfer of heat from the heat source to the aerosol generating substrate and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the user.

[0004] Numerous handheld aerosol generators configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article are known in the art. These include electrically operated aerosol generators in which an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol generator to the aerosol generating substrate of the heated aerosol generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol generators typically comprise a battery or other power source, control electronics, and one or more electric heating elements for heating the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article, which are specifically designed for use with the aerosol generator.

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol generators include one or more external heating elements. For example, International Publication No. 2020 / 115151 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generator comprising external heating elements surrounding the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article. Other known electrically operated aerosol generators include an internal heating element configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. Electrically operated aerosol generators are also known in the art, comprising an inductor configured to inductively heat the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Heated aerosol generating articles, designed for use with electrically operated aerosol generators, are typically inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator to be heated. This can cause the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to detach. Heating of the aerosol generating substrate during use of the aerosol generating article can cause the aerosol generating material within the substrate to dry out. This can also make the aerosol generating material more prone to detachment. During use of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating material detached from the aerosol generating substrate may fall out of the aerosol generating article. As a result, the amount and location of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating substrate may change during use of the aerosol generating article. This can adversely affect the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user. During use of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating material detached from the aerosol generating substrate may fall into the cavity of the aerosol generator. Aerosol-generating material that detaches from the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article falling into the cavity of an aerosol generator may prevent or hinder the optimal functioning of the aerosol generator.

[0007] It is desirable to provide articles for use with aerosol generators that improve the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user compared to known heated tobacco products. It is also desirable to provide articles for use with aerosol generators that enable optimal functioning of the aerosol generator and minimize maintenance. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide articles that enable repeated use and reduce manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the external casing of the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the internal casing of the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows schematic side cross-sectional views of the outer casing and inner casing shown in Figures 1 and 2, which are assembled together to form the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows schematic side cross-sectional views of the outer casing and inner casing shown in Figures 1 and 2, which are assembled together to form the article and aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an article or aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system according to this disclosure, which includes the aerosol generating article shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This disclosure relates to articles for generating aerosols, or aerosol generating articles, preferably aerosol generating articles for generating aerosols in conjunction with heating. In other words, this disclosure relates to articles for generating inhalable aerosols in conjunction with heating, articles for generating inhalable aerosols by an aerosol generator in conjunction with heating, articles for generating inhalable aerosols in conjunction with heating, or articles for generating inhalable aerosols by an aerosol generator in conjunction with heating. The articles may have an open mouth end and a closed distal end. The articles may include an aerosol generating compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The articles may include an air intake configured to be provided between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end in a longitudinal position. The air intake may establish fluid communication from outside the article to the aerosol generating compartment. The ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article may be at least 0.5.

[0010] The present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol, or an aerosol generating article, preferably an aerosol generating article for generating an aerosol in conjunction with heating.

[0011] In other words, the present invention relates to an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by an aerosol generator upon heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, or an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by an aerosol generator upon heating. The article may have an open mouth end and a closed distal end. The article comprises an aerosol generating compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The article comprises an air intake configured to be provided between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end in a longitudinal position. The air intake establishes fluid communication from outside the article to the aerosol generating compartment. The ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5. The ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5.

[0012] The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an article as described herein, which includes an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be located within an aerosol-generating compartment.

[0013] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an article or aerosol generating article as described herein, and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating chamber. The article is configured to be received within the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device comprises a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating section of the article.

[0014] The distal end of the article is closed to prevent accidental movement of the aerosol-generating substrate material away from the aerosol-generating substrate compartment and outside the article. In other words, providing a body with a closed distal end may prevent or limit aerosol-generating material that has left the aerosol-generating substrate compartment from escaping from the distal end of the article during handling or into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator during use of the article. As a result, the airflow into the article may be supplied primarily during use by an air intake located away from the distal end, instead of passing through the distal end, or in addition to passing through the distal end.

[0015] Furthermore, positioning the air intake to have a closed end and to be away from the aerosol-generating substrate compartment (also referred to herein as the aerosol-generating compartment) reduces the exposure of any aerosol-generating substrate located within the compartment to ambient air from the external environment, thereby minimizing any potential substrate degradation when not in use or between uses.

[0016] The inventors of this invention have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 may provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. This draw resistance relationship may improve the user experience and more closely mimic the experience of existing heated non-combustible systems, while also providing articles that may be reusable by having an aerosol-generating substrate compartment that may be refillable. Providing such an air intake may enable a corresponding aerosol generator with less complex airflow management features, and the article may be securely received within the device in a tight-fit manner. Furthermore, such a relatively high ratio or contribution of the air intake to the overall RTD of the article may cause air to flow through the air intake only under high-pressure draw. Thus, the risk of air unnecessarily entering the article and aerosol-generating compartment may be reduced without the user inhaling the article, and the shelf life of any aerosol-generating substrate present in the aerosol-generating compartment may be extended.

[0017] Where used herein, the terms “article” or “article for generating aerosols” are used to describe an article configured to hold or receive an aerosol-generating substrate arranged to be heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user. In other words, “article” or “article for generating aerosols” in this disclosure is an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating by an aerosol generator, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, or an article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating by an aerosol generator. Where used herein, the terms “aerosol-generating article” are used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user. In other words, “aerosol-generating article” in this disclosure is an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating by an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, or an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating by an aerosol generator. Unless otherwise specified, the characteristics associated with "articles" are equally applicable to "aerosol-generating articles."

[0018] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material having the ability to release volatile compounds that can generate aerosols upon heating.

[0019] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe the dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or combinations of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include not only vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles, liquid droplets, or combinations of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0020] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. The device may heat the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0021] An article or aerosol generating article has a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the aerosol generating article for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol generating article. In use, the user directly or indirectly inhales the proximal end of the aerosol generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by or within the aerosol generating article.

[0022] An article or aerosol generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the article or aerosol generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the article or aerosol generating article.

[0023] Components of an article or aerosol generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end and the distal end of the article or aerosol generating article.

[0024] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" is used to describe the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end of an article or aerosol generating article. In use, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an article or aerosol generating article or a component of an article or aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] As used herein, the term “transverse direction” is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Unless otherwise stated, a “cross section” of an article or aerosol-generating article or a component of an article or aerosol-generating article refers to a cross section.

[0027] As used herein, the term “width” is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an article or aerosol-generating article or a component of an article or aerosol-generating article. If an article or aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the article or aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the article. If a component of an article or aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the article or aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the article or aerosol-generating article.

[0028] As used herein, the term “thickness” is used to describe the maximum dimension of an article or aerosol-generating article or component of an article or aerosol-generating article in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0029] As used herein, the term “elongated” is used to describe a component or element having a length greater than its width and thickness. For example, the length of an elongated component or element may be at least twice its width. An elongated component or element may have a width that is substantially the same as its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section. An elongated component or element may have a width greater than its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially oval or elliptical circular cross-section.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “susceptor” or “susceptor element” are used to describe an element comprising a susceptor material having the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field or a fluctuating electromagnetic field, at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents is induced within the susceptor or susceptor element, causing heating of the susceptor or susceptor element.

[0031] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. If the aerosol-generating substrate contains a nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine listed herein are, respectively, amounts of free base nicotine or protonated nicotine.

[0032] As used herein, the term “tobacco cut filler” is used to describe an aerosol-generating substrate containing multiple strands of tobacco leaf. When the aerosol-generating substrate is a tobacco cut filler, the average width of the multiple strands of the aerosol-generating material is the average cutting width of the tobacco cut filler.

[0033] As used herein, the term “homogenized plant material” is used to describe a material formed by aggregating particulate plant material. Homogenized plant material may be formed by aggregating particles of plant material obtained by grinding, pulverizing, or finely crushing plant material. Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or other suitable processes known in the art.

[0034] As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” is used to describe a material formed by aggregating particulate tobacco material.

[0035] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted crosslinked material that does not exhibit any flow under steady conditions.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “hollow tubular element” or “tube” are used to describe a generally cylindrical element having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. A hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. Specifically, the term “hollow tubular element” is used to describe an element that defines at least one airflow conduit establishing an uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream end of the hollow tubular element and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0037] In the context of this disclosure, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of drawdown resistance (RTD). As used herein, the term “negligible level of RTD” is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O per 10 mm length hollow tubular element, less than 0.4 mmH2O per 10 mm length hollow tubular element, or less than 0.1 mmH2O per 10 mm length hollow tubular element. Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that would obstruct the airflow in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel may be substantially empty.

[0038] As used herein, the term “ventilation level” describes the volume ratio of the airflow entering the article or aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. A higher ventilation level results in greater dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol generating substrate listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0040] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating materials listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating materials.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the mean values ​​listed herein are arithmetic mean values.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the draw-to-discharge (RTD) of an article, aerosol-generating article, or component of an article or aerosol-generating article shall be expressed in units of pressure, "mmWG", "mm water column", or "mm H2O", and shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second at the proximal end of the article, aerosol-generating article, or component, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0043] The article comprises a body that preferably extends between a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The distal end of the article may also be referred to in this disclosure as the upstream end. The mouth end of the article may also be referred to in this disclosure as the downstream end. The article or its body may comprise two mating parts, components, or casings. The first mating part may be an external casing, and the second mating part may be an internal component or internal casing.

[0044] The article or its body may include an external casing extending between the open end and the closed distal end of the article. The external casing may have a closed distal end. The external casing may have an open end. The closed distal end of the external casing may define the closed distal end of the article. The open end of the external casing may define the open end of the article.

[0045] The external casing may include a wrapper, or a series of wrappers, that extends longitudinally between the distal end and the mouth end of the article.

[0046] The outer casing may comprise a tube or an outer tube. The outer tube or tube may comprise a closed distal end and an open oral end. The closed distal end of the outer casing may be substantially impermeable (impermeable to air or fluids, or air impermeable). The outer casing may contain or be formed from a polymer material. The outer casing may contain or be formed from a plastic material. The outer casing may contain or be formed from a biodegradable material. The outer casing may be substantially impermeable to fluids or air. The material of the outer casing may be substantially impermeable to fluids or air. To avoid doubt, throughout this disclosure, “impermeable” may mean “air impermeable.”

[0047] The external casing may be hollow. The article may comprise internal components configured to be received within the external casing. The internal components may comprise known components of an aerosol-generating article, such as a hollow tubular segment, a filter segment, a support segment, an aerosol cooling segment, or a filter segment. The outer periphery of the internal components may engage with the internal surface of the external casing, preferably along a portion of the length of the air passage, as described in this disclosure. The internal surface of the external casing may refer to the internal surface of the peripheral wall or surrounding wall of the external casing, which is preferably cylindrical or tubular.

[0048] The internal components may be internal tubes or internal casings, or may comprise internal tubes or internal casings. All or part of the internal components or internal casings may be housed within an external casing. The internal components or internal casings may contain or be formed from polymer materials. The internal components or internal casings may contain or be formed from plastic materials. The internal components or internal casings may contain or be formed from biodegradable materials. The internal components or internal casings may be substantially impermeable to fluids or air. The material of the internal components or internal casings may be substantially impermeable to fluids or air.

[0049] In this disclosure, features described in the context of internal casing may be equally applicable to internal components, and vice versa.

[0050] An internal component or internal casing may have a closed distal end. An internal component or internal casing may have an open mouth end. The open mouth end of the internal component or internal casing may define the open mouth end of an article. When an internal component or internal casing is received within an external casing, the external casing and the open mouth ends of the internal casing may be aligned with each other. When an internal component or internal casing is received within an external casing, the internal component or internal casing may extend beyond the open mouth end of the external casing. In other words, the mouth end portion of the internal component or internal casing may extend beyond or protrude from the external casing. This provides a mouthpiece section for the user to inhale during use. In addition, a portion of the internal component or internal casing may protrude or extend past the external casing, facilitating the removal of the internal component or internal casing from the external casing. The open mouth end of the internal component or internal casing may define the open mouth end of an article.

[0051] The distal end of an internal component or internal casing may be configured to abut against the closed distal end of the external casing. The distal end of an internal component or internal casing may be configured to abut against the interior of the closed distal end of the external casing.

[0052] Internal components or internal casings may be movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be slidable relative to the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be separable or removable from the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be repeatedly separable or removable from the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be separable or removable from the external casing via the mouth end of the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be rotatable relative to the external casing.

[0053] Internal components or internal casings may engage with the external casing. In other words, a portion of an internal component or internal casing may engage with the interior of the external casing. This ensures that the internal component or internal casing may be aligned within the external casing during use. This also ensures that the internal component or internal casing is not inadvertently moved or slid against the external casing during use. The outer periphery of an internal component or internal casing may engage with the internal surface of the external casing. The internal surface of the external casing may refer to the internal surface of the peripheral wall or surrounding wall of the external casing, which is preferably cylindrical or tubular. Crevice fits or slip fits may be established between a portion of an internal component or internal casing and the external casing. Such crevice fits or slip fits may establish a relatively airtight fit between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing, thereby preventing any air or aerosol from being drawn through the gap between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing. Airtight fits may be established between a portion of an internal component or internal casing and the external casing.

[0054] The maximum width or diameter of an internal component or internal casing may substantially correspond to the internal width or diameter of the external casing. This may ensure, at least partially, engagement between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing, or ensure contact.

[0055] The internal components or internal casing and external casing may be configured such that a space is defined between the inner surface of the external tube and the outer surface of the internal components or internal casing or internal tube. The empty space may be annular.

[0056] An internal component or internal casing may comprise one or more sections, and adjacent sections of the internal component or internal casing may have one or both of different outer diameters and / or different inner diameters.

[0057] An internal component or internal casing may have a distal section. The distal section of an internal component or internal casing may also be called the distal end section of the internal component or internal casing. An internal component or internal casing may have a mouth section. The mouth section of an internal component or internal casing may also be called the mouth-side end section of the internal component or internal casing. An internal component or internal casing may have an intermediate section between the distal section and the mouth section. The diameter or width of the distal section may be smaller than the diameter or width of the intermediate section. The diameter or width of the intermediate section may be smaller than the diameter or width of the mouth section. The diameter of the mouth section may approximate the inner diameter of the outer casing. This allows the mouth section of the internal component or internal casing to be centered concentrically with respect to the outer casing.

[0058] The diameter of the mouth section may be larger than the inner diameter of the outer casing. The diameter of the mouth section may correspond to the outer diameter of the outer casing. The diameter of the intermediate section may correspond approximately to the inner diameter of the outer casing. This allows the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing to be centered on the internal component or internal casing concentrically with respect to the outer casing. The mouth section may be located outside the outer casing when the body of the article is assembled. The upstream end of the mouth section of the internal component or internal casing may abut against the downstream or proximal end of the outer casing.

[0059] The diameter or width preferably refers to the largest measurable diameter or width.

[0060] Crevice fittings or slip fittings may be established between the mouth section of an internal component or internal casing and the external casing. Crevice fittings or slip fittings may be established between the intermediate section of an internal component or internal casing and the external casing. Such crevice fittings or slip fittings may establish a relatively airtight fit between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing, thereby preventing any air or aerosol from being drawn through the gap between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing. An airtight fit may be defined between the mouth section of an internal component or internal casing and the external casing. This ensures that air does not escape prematurely from the article at the mouth end between the internal component or internal casing and the external casing, and bypasses any aerosol-generating substrates located within the aerosol-generating compartment.

[0061] When an internal component or internal casing is received within an external casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), both the distal and intermediate sections may be located within the external casing. In other words, both the distal and intermediate sections may be enclosed by the external casing. When an internal component or internal casing is received within an external casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), at least a portion of the mouth section may be located within the external casing. In other words, at least a portion of the mouth section may be enclosed by the external casing. Alternatively, when an internal component or internal casing is received within an external casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), the mouth end of the internal component or internal casing may abut against the external casing. The mouth end of the internal component or internal casing may define the mouth end of the body or article. In other words, the mouth end of the internal component or internal casing may not be enclosed by the external casing or received within the external casing.

[0062] The article may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be connectable to an internal component or internal casing. The mouthpiece element may be connectable to the mouth section of an internal component or internal casing. The mouthpiece element may be a filter element. The mouthpiece element may include a filtration material.

[0063] The article comprises an aerosol generating compartment (or aerosol generating compartment) for receiving or holding an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined by an external casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined at the closed distal end of the article or body, or by the closed distal end of the article or body. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined at the closed distal end of the external casing, or by the closed distal end of the external casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined by the external casing and internal components or the internal casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined by the external casing and internal components or the distal portion of the internal casing.

[0064] The aerosol generating compartment may have an empty space or cavity for receiving or holding an aerosol generating substrate. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may be defined within the outer casing. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may be defined at and within the closed distal end of the article. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined between the outer casing and the internal component or internal casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined between the outer casing and the distal portion of the internal component or internal casing. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may have an annular space between the outer casing and the distal portion of the internal component or internal casing. The aerosol generating compartment and its cavity may be defined in conjunction with the receiving of the internal component or internal casing within the outer casing. The aerosol generating compartment and its cavity may be defined in conjunction with the assembly of the internal component or internal casing and the outer casing.

[0065] The external casing may comprise an upstream portion or section and a downstream or distal portion or section. The distal end of the distal section of the external casing is a closed end. The downstream section and the upstream section of the external casing may be separable from each other and connectable to each other. The internal components or internal casing may comprise an upstream portion or section and a downstream portion or section. The downstream portion or section of the internal components or internal casing may coincide with a portion or all of the distal section. The downstream section and the upstream section of the internal components or internal casing may be separable from each other and connectable to each other. The downstream section or distal section of the external casing may define an aerosol generating compartment. The distal section of the external casing and the distal section of the internal components or internal casing may define a unit. The distal section of the external casing and the distal section of the internal components or internal casing may define a cartridge unit. Such a cartridge unit may define an aerosol generating compartment. The distal section of the outer casing and the internal components or the distal section of the internal casing may define an aerosol generating compartment. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined between the distal section of the outer casing and the internal components or the distal section of the internal casing. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may have an annular space between the distal section of the outer casing and the internal components or the distal section of the internal casing. The cartridge may comprise an aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment. The cartridge may be replaceable. The cartridge may be disposable.

[0066] As discussed herein, an article or its body comprises an external casing and internal components or internal casings. The internal components or internal casings and the external casing may be separable from each other. The internal components or internal casings may be removable from the external casing. The article may be assembled by engaging or fitting together the external casing and the internal components or internal casings. The internal components or internal casings may be received within the external casing. An aerosol generating substrate may be inserted into the external casing.

[0067] This disclosure provides an article for generating an aerosol or a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating substrate may be inserted into an external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be received within the external casing. Internal components or internal casings may be inserted into the external casing.

[0068] The article or its body is provided with air intakes. The outer casing may be provided with air intakes located along its length. The air intakes may comprise one or more openings, openings, or holes extending through the outer casing. The air intakes may comprise one or more openings provided through the peripheral wall of the outer casing. The air intakes may comprise a series of openings extending circumferentially around the outer casing. The air intakes may comprise a series of openings extending around the entire perimeter of the outer casing. The openings may be perforations extending through the wall thickness of the outer casing. The openings may be aligned with one another. The openings may be evenly distributed around the outer casing. Such air intakes provide fluid communication between the inside of the outer casing and the outside of the article. Such air intakes provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating compartment and the outside of the article. Such air intakes may be configured to provide a primary air intake into the article during use. Such air intakes may be configured to provide a sole air intake into the article during use.

[0069] The article may further comprise a substantially air-impermeable wrapper comprising a cover portion. The cover portion may be located over a portion of an air intake to substantially prevent air from entering the article through the air intake and one or any opening thereof. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from the air intake to allow air to enter the article. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is removable. The article may comprise a transverse weak line provided within the substantially air-impermeable wrapper, and the cover portion may extend to the transverse weak line. The substantially air-impermeable wrapper may be breakable along the transverse weak line to allow at least a portion of the cover portion to move away from the air intake.

[0070] The air intake may be located at least 5 mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located at least 10 mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located at least 15 mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0071] The air intake may be located within 30 mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located within 25 mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located within 22 mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0072] The air intake may be located 5mm to 30mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 5mm to 25mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 5mm to 22mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0073] The air intake may be located 10mm to 30mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 10mm to 25mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 10mm to 22mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0074] The air intake may be located 15mm to 30mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 15mm to 25mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 15mm to 22mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0075] The air intake may be located at least 50 mm from the distal end of the article. The air intake may be located at least 60 mm from the distal end of the article. The air intake may be located at least 65 mm from the distal end of the article.

[0076] The position of the air intake may be such that the air intake is exposed when an item is received by the aerosol generator, while minimizing the possibility of the user blocking the air intake during use.

[0077] An internal component or internal casing may have an air outlet located along its length. The air outlet may be located along the distal section of the internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may be located in the distal section of the internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may be located at the distal end of the internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may be located 10 mm or less from the distal end of the internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may be located 5 mm or less from the distal end of the internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may be located 3 mm or less from the distal end of the internal component or internal casing. Providing an air outlet at the distal end of the internal component or internal casing, around the distal end, or very close to the distal end may ensure that the air traveling from the air intake to the air outlet encounters an aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment, and minimizes the amount of air that bypasses the aerosol generating substrate and leaves the article without mixing with the aerosol.

[0078] The air outlet may be provided by one or more openings extending through the distal end face of an internal component or internal casing or internal tube. The air outlet may be provided by an opening in an internal component or internal casing or internal tube, and the opening may be at the distal end of the internal component or internal casing or internal tube, and may be defined by the peripheral wall of the internal component or internal casing or internal tube. The air outlet may comprise one or more openings or openings extending through an internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may comprise a series of openings extending circumferentially around an internal component or internal casing. The air outlet may comprise a series of openings extending around the entire perimeter of an internal component or internal casing. The openings may be perforations extending through the wall thickness of the internal component or internal casing. The openings may be aligned with one another. The openings may be evenly distributed around the external casing. The openings may be perforations extending through the wall thickness of the internal component or internal casing.

[0079] Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the outside of an internal component or internal casing and the inside of an internal component or internal casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the inside of an internal component or internal casing and the inside of an external casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between an aerosol generating compartment and the inside of an internal component or internal casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between an aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end of an internal component or internal casing, which may coincide with the mouth end of an article. Air outlets may be in fluid communication with an air intake. Internal components or internal casings may effectively define an outlet air channel or passage between the air outlet and the mouth end of an article. Such air channels may be uninterrupted or unobstructed.

[0080] Air channels, or intake channels or passages, may be defined between the outer casing and the internal components or internal casing. Such air channels may be defined between the outer casing and the internal components or intermediate sections of the internal casing. The air channels may be in fluid communication with the air intake. The air channels may provide fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generation compartment. As described above, the intermediate sections may have a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing. The air channels may be defined by empty annular spaces or cavities defined between the internal components or internal casing and the outer casing. Such air channels may be uninterrupted or unobstructed.

[0081] The air intake of the article may have multiple openings or openings extending through the external casing. The air outlet of the article may have multiple openings or openings extending through the internal components or internal casing. The air intake or air outlet may have at least two openings. The air intake or air outlet may have at least five openings. The air intake or air outlet may have at least ten openings. The air intake or air outlet may have at least twenty openings.

[0082] The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) is at least 0.5. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the draw-through resistance (RTD) of the article through the air intake to the overall draw-through resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.95.

[0083] Such ratios may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the assembled article (in other words, the internal components or internal casing assembled with the external casing), measuring the RTD through the air intake of the external casing by drawing air flowing through the air intake from the mouth end of the external casing, and then dividing the RTD measured through the air intake of the external casing by the measured RTD of the assembled article. Preferably, measuring the RTD through the air intake of the external casing by drawing air flowing through the air intake from the mouth end of the external casing is performed on the external casing alone, separated from the internal components or internal casing.

[0084] The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) is at least 0.5. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the air intake draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.95.

[0085] Such ratios may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the assembled article (in other words, the internal components or internal casing assembled with the external casing), measuring the RTD of the air intake of the external casing by drawing air flowing through the air intake from the mouth end of the external casing, and then dividing the measured RTD of the external casing air intake by the measured RTD of the assembled article. Preferably, measuring the RTD of the air intake of the external casing by drawing air flowing through the air intake from the mouth end of the external casing is performed on the external casing alone, separated from the internal components or internal casing.

[0086] The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) is at least 0.5. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the outer casing's draw resistance (RTD) to the article's overall draw resistance (RTD) may be at least 0.95.

[0087] Such ratios may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the assembled article (in other words, the internal components or internal casing assembled with the external casing), measuring the RTD of the external casing by drawing air flowing through an air intake from the mouth end of the external casing, and then dividing the measured RTD of the external casing by the measured RTD of the assembled article. Preferably, measuring the RTD of the external casing by drawing air flowing through an air intake from the mouth end of the external casing is performed on the external casing alone, separated from the internal components or internal casing.

[0088] The inventors have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 may provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. The inventors have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 may provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. The inventors have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance of the external casing to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 may provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. These draw resistance relationships may improve the user experience and provide articles that may be reusable by having an aerosol generating substrate compartment that may be refillable, while more closely mimicking the experience of existing heated non-combustible systems. Providing such air intakes may enable corresponding aerosol generators with less complex airflow management features, and articles may be securely received within the device in a tight-fit manner. Furthermore, this relatively high ratio or contribution of the article at the air intake to the overall RTD means that air may only flow through the air intake under high-pressure drawdown. Therefore, the risk of air inadvertently entering the article and aerosol-generating compartment without the user inhaling the article may be reduced, and the shelf life of any aerosol-generating substrate present in the aerosol-generating compartment may be extended.

[0089] An air intake opening (or opening or hole) or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.005 square millimeters. An air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.01 square millimeters. An air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.5 square millimeters.

[0090] The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​3.5 square millimeters or less. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​2 square millimeters or less. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​1 square millimeter or less.

[0091] The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.005 to 3.5 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.005 to 2 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.005 to 1 square millimeter. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.01 to 3.5 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.01 to 2 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.01 to 1 square millimeter. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.5 to 3.5 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.5 to 2 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​0.5 to 1 square millimeter.

[0092] The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of at least 0.07 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of at least 0.1 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of at least 0.25 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm.

[0093] The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 2 millimeters or less. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 1.5 millimeters or less. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 1 millimeter or less.

[0094] The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.07 mm to 2 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.25 mm to 2 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.07 mm to 1.5 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.07 mm to 1 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have a diameter of 0.25 mm to 1 mm.

[0095] The air intake may be provided as an internal component or internal casing is slid out of the external casing so as to partially expose the open mouth end of the external casing. This may be done by sliding the internal component or internal casing out of the external casing so as not to enclose the entire mouth section of the internal component or internal casing by the external casing. In other words, this may be done by sliding the internal component or internal casing out of the external casing so as not to enclose a portion of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing by the external casing. Such portions of the intermediate section may correspond to the downstream portion of the intermediate section, or a portion of the intermediate section immediately adjacent to the mouth section. As a result, air may be drawn through such air intakes into the space or air channel defined between the external casing and the internal component or internal casing, particularly its intermediate section.

[0096] Internal components or internal casings may engage with the external casing. Preferably, intermediate sections of internal components or internal casings may engage with the external casing. Intermediate sections of internal components or internal casings may be in contact with the external casing. The maximum width or diameter of the intermediate section may correspond to the minimum inner diameter of the external casing.

[0097] An internal component or internal casing may have one or more grooves. One or more grooves may be provided on the outer surface of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the wall of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the outer surface of the wall of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves may extend longitudinally along a portion of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves may extend into the wall of the internal component or internal casing to a certain depth. One or more grooves may define one or more corresponding air passages. Such air passages may be defined between the internal component or casing and the external casing. Such air passages may also be called airflow passages. One or more grooves may be surrounded by the external casing when the internal component or internal casing is received therein. One or more grooves may be completely surrounded by the external casing when the internal component or internal casing is received therein. One or more grooves may be fully located within the outer casing when an internal component or internal casing is received therein.

[0098] Providing one or more grooves may define one or more raised portions or ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the internal component or internal casing. The raised portions or ridges may be defined between two grooves. The grooves may be defined between two raised portions. The raised portions or ridges of the internal component or internal casing may engage with or contact the external casing. Such engagement or contact may center the internal component or internal casing within the external casing, even when the mouth section of the internal component or internal casing is not located within the external casing. Such engagement or contact between the raised portions or ridges of the internal component or internal casing and the external casing may prevent air from flowing between the edge or peak of the raised portion or ridge and the inner surface of the external casing.

[0099] Internal components or internal casings may be configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. Internal components or internal casings may be configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially limit or reduce fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. Internal components or internal casings may be configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially limit or reduce airflow into the article through the air intake. Internal components or internal casings may be configured to at least partially or completely block the air intake. The outer surface of internal components or internal casings may be configured to at least partially or completely block the air intake.

[0100] Internal components or internal casings may be configured to allow airflow through an air intake by overlapping one or more grooves at least partially or completely with the opening or opening of the air intake.

[0101] When an internal component or internal casing is inserted into an external casing, the air intake may be located above one or more grooves and one or more raised portions of the internal component or internal casing. The raised portions or protrusions of the internal component or internal casing may be configured to obstruct fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. In other words, the raised portions or protrusions of the internal component or internal casing may be configured to obstruct the opening of the air intake. The raised portions or protrusions of the internal component or internal casing may be located below the opening of the air intake or coincide with the opening of the air intake. The internal component or internal casing may be rotated, so that the raised portions or protrusions of the internal component or internal casing do not obstruct fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. In other words, the grooves of the internal component or internal casing may be located below the opening of the air intake or coincide with the opening of the air intake. This allows the user to reduce the air exposure of any aerosol-generating substrate to increase its shelf life by rotating internal components or internal casings to adjust the RTD of the article, and by effectively closing the air intake, as well as adjusting the degree of obstruction of the air intake opening.

[0102] The article may have a first configuration in which one or more grooves in the internal components or internal casing do not overlap with openings or openings of air intakes defined in the external casing, thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The article may have a first configuration in which the internal components or internal casing or its outer surface overlaps with openings or openings of air intakes defined in the external casing, thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The article may have a second configuration in which one or more grooves in the internal components or casing overlap at least partially or completely with openings or openings of air intakes defined in the external casing, thereby substantially enabling fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The article may have an intermediate configuration defined by partial overlap between each of one or more grooves in the internal components or casing and each of the holes or openings of the air intakes. In such intermediate configurations, the resistance to pulling out the article is greater than in configurations where one or more grooves in the internal components or casing completely overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within the external casing.

[0103] One or more grooves may be provided on the inner surface of the outer casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the wall of the outer casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the inner surface of the wall of the outer casing. One or more grooves may extend along the longitudinal axis along a portion of the outer casing. One or more grooves may extend along the longitudinal axis along a portion of the outer casing that is positioned above an internal component or an intermediate section of the internal casing. One or more grooves may extend into the wall of the outer casing to a certain depth.

[0104] One or more grooves may define one or more corresponding air passages. These air passages may be continuous or unobstructed. These air passages may be defined between internal components or between the casing and the outer casing. One or more grooves may be located between an air intake (in other words, an air intake on the outer casing) and the distal end of the outer casing. The maximum width or diameter of the intermediate section may correspond to the minimum inner diameter of the outer casing. The minimum inner diameter of the outer casing may correspond to the inner diameter of the outer casing measured at the location of the maximum wall thickness of the outer casing.

[0105] The inlet of the air passage may be defined by the downstream end of the groove. The outlet of the air passage may be defined by the upstream end of the groove. One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves may form part of an intake channel extending from an air intake to an aerosol generation compartment, or from an air intake to an air outlet. In other words, one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves may partially define an intake channel extending from an air intake to an aerosol generation compartment, or from an air intake to an air outlet.

[0106] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves may provide fluid communication between an air intake and an aerosol generation compartment. One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves may provide fluid communication between an air intake and an air outlet. In other words, preferably, air must travel through one or more air passages to reach an air outlet or an aerosol generation compartment.

[0107] Providing one or more grooves may define one or more raised portions or ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer casing. The raised portions or ridges may be defined between two grooves. The grooves may be defined between two raised portions. The raised portions or ridges of the outer casing may engage with or contact with an internal component or internal casing. Such engagement or contact may center the internal component or internal casing within the outer casing, even when the mouth section of the internal component or internal casing is not located within the outer casing.

[0108] Providing one or more grooves may define one or more raised portions or ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer casing. The raised portions or ridges may be defined between two consecutive grooves. The grooves may be defined between two consecutive raised portions or ridges.

[0109] An internal component, internal casing, or external casing may have at least two grooves. An internal component, internal casing, or external casing may have at least four grooves. An internal component, internal casing, or external casing may have at least six grooves. An internal component, internal casing, or external casing may have at least ten grooves. An internal component, internal casing, or external casing may have at least twelve grooves.

[0110] Grooves in internal components or internal casings may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 25 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. Grooves in internal components or internal casings may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 50 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. Grooves in internal components or internal casings may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 75 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. Grooves in internal components or internal casings may extend along the longitudinal axis along the entire length of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing.

[0111] The grooves in the external casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 25 percent of the length of the internal component or the intermediate section of the internal casing. The grooves in the external casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 50 percent of the length of the internal component or the intermediate section of the internal casing. The grooves in the external casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 75 percent of the length of the internal component or the intermediate section of the internal casing. The grooves in the external casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to the entire length of the internal component or the intermediate section of the internal casing.

[0112] The internal components or both the internal and external casings may have one or more grooves or one or more raised sections extending along the longitudinal axis of each casing, as described above. In other words, the internal components or casings may have one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis of the external components or casings along their outer surfaces, and the external casings may have one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis of the inner surfaces of the external casings. The grooves of the internal components may define grooved sections of the internal components, and the grooves of the external casings may define grooved sections of the external casings. The grooved sections of the internal components may be configured to be located downstream of the grooved sections of the external casings. The grooved sections of the internal components may be configured to abut against the grooved sections of the external casings. The grooved sections of the internal components or casings may be configured to engage with or contact the inner surface of the external casings.

[0113] One or more grooves or one or more raised portions of the outer casing may be provided upstream (in other words, closer to the distal end of the article) of one or more grooves or one or more raised portions of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves or one or more raised portions of the internal component or internal casing may be provided on the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing. One or more grooves or one or more raised portions of the outer casing may be provided between the internal component or internal casing and one or more grooves or one or more raised portions of the aerosol generating compartment. The outer diameter or width of the intermediate section of the internal component or internal casing may vary. The corresponding longitudinal sections of the internal component or casing and the outer casing having one or more grooves or one or more raised portions may be called grooved sections. Grooved sections of the internal component or internal casing may engage with the outer casing. The maximum outer diameter or width of the grooved section of the internal component or internal casing may correspond to the inner diameter of the outer casing. Grooved sections of the outer casing may engage with the internal component or internal casing, specifically its intermediate section. The minimum inner diameter or width of the outer casing in a grooved section may correspond to the outer diameter of the internal component or internal casing. The grooved section of the internal component or internal casing may abut against the grooved section of the outer casing. In other words, the upstream or distal end of the grooved section of the internal component or internal casing may abut against the downstream or proximal end of the grooved section of the outer casing. Engagement or contact between a raised portion or bulge of the outer casing and the internal component or internal casing may prevent airflow between the edge or peak of the raised portion or bulge of the outer casing and the outer surface of the internal component or internal casing.

[0114] The external casing may have the same number of grooves as the internal components or the internal casing. The external casing may have at least two grooves. The external casing may have at least four grooves. The external casing may have at least six grooves. The external casing may have at least ten grooves. The external casing may have at least twelve grooves.

[0115] Internal components or internal and external casings may be configured to cooperate with each other, or to be able to cooperate, in order to substantially prevent or limit fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. One or more grooves in the internal components or internal casings and one or more grooves in the external casings may be configured to cooperate with each other, or to be able to cooperate, in order to substantially prevent or limit fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. An article may have a configuration that is defined by a complete misalignment between one or more grooves in the internal components or internal casings and one or more grooves in the external casings.

[0116] Internal components or internal and external casings may be configured to cooperate with each other, or to be able to cooperate, in order to substantially enable fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. One or more grooves in the internal components or internal casings and one or more grooves in the external casings may be configured to cooperate with each other, or to be able to cooperate, in order to substantially enable fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The article may have a second configuration which may be defined by a complete alignment between one or more grooves in the internal components or internal casings and one or more grooves in the external casings. The article may have an intermediate configuration which may be defined by a partial alignment between one or more grooves in the internal components or internal casings and one or more grooves in the external casings. In the intermediate configuration, the pull-out resistance of the article may be greater than that of the article in the second configuration.

[0117] As discussed herein, the internal components or the internal and external casings may rotate relative to each other. As a result, the alignment or overlap of air passages defined by grooves in the internal components or the external casings may change. Such alignment or overlap preferably refers to cross-sectional alignment or overlap. Each alignment of air passages in the internal components or the internal and external casings may define another air passage or a combined air passage. Each combined air passage may be defined by at least partial or complete alignment or overlap between grooves in the internal components or the internal casings and grooves in the external casings, preferably cross-sectional alignment or overlap.

[0118] The article may have a configuration that could obstruct the airflow toward the aerosol generating compartment. In such a configuration, grooves in the internal components or internal casing may be rotated to be completely misaligned with grooves in the external casing. In other words, grooves in the internal components or internal casing may be aligned with a protrusion or raised portion of the external casing, so that the protrusion or raised portion of the external casing obstructs the exit (in other words, the upstream or distal end) of the grooves in the internal components or internal casing.

[0119] The article may have a configuration in which the upstream or distal end of a groove in an internal component or internal casing may be partially obstructed by a raised portion of the external casing. The user may change the overall RTD of the article by rotating the internal component or internal casing relative to the external casing and by changing the degree of alignment or cross-sectional overlap of the air passages defined by the internal grooves of the article (in other words, the grooves of the internal component or internal casing and the external casing). In any configuration in which there is at least partial overlap or alignment between one or more grooves of the internal component or internal casing and one or more grooves of the external casing, the combined air passages may be defined along either partial or complete alignment of the individual air passages of the internal component or internal casing and the external casing.

[0120] As discussed herein, the inlet of an air passage may be defined by the downstream end of a groove. The outlet of an air passage may be defined by the upstream end of a groove. Similar to internal components or internal casings, one or more air passages may be defined by one or more corresponding grooves of the external casing. One or more air passages defined by grooved sections of the external casing, and one or more air passages defined by grooved sections of internal components or internal casings, may be arranged continuously with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0121] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or both the casing and the external casing may form part of an intake channel extending from the air intake to the aerosol generation compartment, or from the air intake to the air outlet. In other words, one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or both the casing and the external casing may partially define an intake channel extending from the air intake to the aerosol generation compartment, or from the air intake to the air outlet.

[0122] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or both the casing and the outer casing may, in combination, provide fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or both the casing and the outer casing may provide fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet. Overall or partial alignment of one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or the internal casing with one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the outer casing may provide fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. Overall or partial alignment of one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the internal components or the internal casing with one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the outer casing may provide fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet. In other words, preferably, air must travel through these one or more air passages to reach the air outlet or the aerosol generating compartment.

[0123] The internal components or internal casing may have at least two grooves. As a result, the internal components or internal casing may have at least two protrusions or raised portions. The external casing may have at least two grooves. As a result, the external casing may have at least two protrusions or raised portions.

[0124] If both the internal component or the internal casing and the external casing are provided with grooves, the grooves of the internal component or the internal casing may have the same cross-sectional area and profile as the grooves of the external casing. If both the internal component or the internal casing and the external casing are provided with grooves, the grooves of the internal component or the internal casing may have the same cross-sectional area and profile as the raised portion or protrusion of the external casing. This allows for a configuration in which the internal component or the internal casing may be rotated to a position in which the air passage defined by the grooves of the internal component or the internal casing is completely blocked by the raised portion of the external casing, thereby preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

[0125] The cross-sectional profile, length, and depth of grooves in an article provided on an internal component or internal casing, or on an external casing, or on both components or casings, may contribute to the article's resistance to draw-down (RTD) characteristics. For example, the cross-sectional profile of a groove may be triangular or annular sector. If the cross-sectional profile of a groove is triangular, the cross-sectional profile of any raised portion or ridge may also be triangular. If the cross-sectional profile of a groove is equivalent to the cross-sectional profile of an annular sector, the cross-sectional profile of any raised portion or ridge may also be equivalent to the cross-sectional profile of an annular sector. The edges or peaks of any raised portion or ridge may be flat. The edges or peaks of any raised portion or ridge may be pointed. The edges or peaks of any raised portion or ridge may be rounded.

[0126] Furthermore, if both casings are grooved, the RTD of the article may be adjusted by rotating the inner and outer casings relative to each other, and by adjusting the amount of overlap or alignment between the inner components or the grooves of the inner casing and the grooves of the outer casing.

[0127] As discussed herein, articles of this disclosure are configured to receive or retain an aerosol-generating substrate. This disclosure also relates to aerosol-generating articles comprising articles such as those described herein that comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating substrate compartment of an article may retain an aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-generating materials. The terms “aerosol-generating substrate” and “aerosol-generating material” may be used interchangeably.

[0128] The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid aerosol generating substrate or material.

[0129] The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple fragments of plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple fragments of homogenized plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple fragments of tobacco material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple fragments of homogenized tobacco material.

[0130] As used herein in connection with this disclosure, the term “fragment” means an element having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0131] Homogenized plant or tobacco material fragments may be formed from a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, for example, by cutting or shredding. Homogenized plant or tobacco material fragments may also be formed by other methods, such as extrusion molding.

[0132] The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of homogenized plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of tobacco material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of homogenized tobacco material.

[0133] The aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more sheets of plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may also contain one or more sheets of tobacco material.

[0134] The aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more sheets of homogenized plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may also contain one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0135] Each of the plant or tobacco material sheets may individually have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0136] One or more sheets of plant or tobacco material may be crimped, folded, bundled, or pleated.

[0137] The aerosol generating substrate may also be a tobacco cut filler.

[0138] The crimping, folding, bundling, or folding of one or more sheets of plant or tobacco material may cause the splitting of one or more sheets of tobacco material to form fragments of the plant or tobacco material. For example, one or more sheets of plant or tobacco material may be crimped to such an extent that the integrity of one or more sheets of plant or tobacco material is destroyed in multiple parallel ridges or undulations, causing separation of the material and resulting in the formation of fragments of the plant or tobacco material.

[0139] The aerosol generating substrate may be a gel aerosol generating substrate or material.

[0140] Gel material strands may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of gel material. Gel material strands may also be formed by other methods. For example, gel material strands may be formed by extrusion molding.

[0141] The aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0142] The aerosol generating substrate may contain natural nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine.

[0143] The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least 0.5 weight percent of nicotine, at least 1 weight percent of nicotine, at least 1.5 weight percent of nicotine, or at least 2 weight percent of nicotine. In other words, the aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 weight percent, at least 1 weight percent, at least 1.5 weight percent, or at least 2 weight percent.

[0144] The aerosol generating substrate may contain 10% by weight or less of nicotine, 8% by weight or less of nicotine, 6% by weight or less of nicotine, or 4% by weight or less of nicotine. In other words, the aerosol generating substrate may have a nicotine content of 10% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, 6% by weight or less, or 4% by weight or less.

[0145] The aerosol generating substrate preferably includes an aerosol forming body.

[0146] The aerosol-forming agent may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol-forming agent may be substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the temperatures typically applied during use of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, for example: polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin); esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate); aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol and dimethyl tetradecanediol); and combinations thereof.

[0147] The aerosol-forming body preferably contains one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0148] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise at least about 5 weight percent, at least about 10 weight percent, or at least about 12 weight percent of an aerosol forming body, based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0149] The aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol forming material that accounts for approximately 30% by weight or less, approximately 25% by weight or less, or approximately 20% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0150] The article may be equipped with a susceptor. The main body of the article may be equipped with a susceptor. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be equipped with a susceptor.

[0151] If the article is an aerosol-generating article, it may be equipped with a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0152] The susceptor is disposed in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate. Therefore, when the susceptor is heated, the aerosol generating substrate is heated by the susceptor and generates an aerosol. The susceptor may also be disposed in direct physical contact with the aerosol generating substrate.

[0153] The susceptor may be in the form of a pin, rod, flake, or blade. The susceptor may be in the form of particulate material or granules. The susceptor may be embedded in or mixed with the aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating material.

[0154] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the susceptor may contain metal or carbon.

[0155] The susceptor may contain or consist of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., ferromagnetic alloy, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel). A suitable susceptor may be aluminum, or may contain aluminum. The susceptor may be formed from 400 series stainless steel, for example, grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned in an electromagnetic field having similar values ​​of frequency and magnetic field strength.

[0156] Therefore, all parameters of the susceptor, such as the type of material, length, width, and thickness, may be modified to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor may be heated to a temperature exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0157] A suitable susceptor may include a nonmetallic core having a metal layer positioned on top of a nonmetallic core, for example, a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core. The susceptor may have a protective outer layer enclosing the susceptor, for example, a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The susceptor may also include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal formed on the outside of the core of the susceptor material.

[0158] The susceptor may be a multi-material susceptor, and may also include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0159] During use, the aerosol generating substrate may be located within an aerosol generating compartment. This may be done by inserting the aerosol generating substrate into an outer casing. The inner components or inner casing may then be inserted into the outer casing. The aerosol generating substrate may be held within an aerosol generating compartment defined between the outer casing and the inner components or the distal section of the inner casing. The aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment may be heated within an aerosol generator having a heating chamber configured to receive articles. An air intake defined on the outer casing may not be obstructed when an article is received within the aerosol generator.

[0160] During use, the user may suck on the mouth end of the article to draw aerosols from it. By sucking on the article, air may enter the outer casing of the article through the air intake and proceed between the outer casing and the internal components or internal casing toward the aerosol generating compartment of the article. The air may also proceed across the intermediate section of the internal components or internal casing toward the distal section of the internal components or internal casing. With heating, the aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment may release volatile compounds capable of generating aerosols. The air may mix with these aerosols within the aerosol generating compartment and, as it exits the mouth end of the article, proceed toward the user's mouth through the air outlet provided on the internal components or internal casing.

[0161] As discussed above, this disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising articles or aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating devices as described herein. In this disclosure, providing articles or aerosol generating articles having a closed distal end may prevent accidental discharge of aerosol generating material into the heating chamber of the device. This may reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance of the heating chamber of the device, and any potential cross-contamination between different aerosol generating articles received in the same heating chamber.

[0162] The aerosol generator may include a housing. The housing may extend between a first end and a second end. The housing may be rigid. The housing may define a heating chamber for removably receiving an article. The heating chamber may be defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The open second end of the heating chamber may be located at the second end of the aerosol generator.

[0163] The heating chamber may extend between its closed first end and its open second end. The article may be inserted into the heating chamber through the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape.

[0164] When received into an aerosol generator, the air intake of the article may be configured to be exposed. When received into an aerosol generator, the air intake of the article may be configured not to be located inside the heating chamber of the device. When received into an aerosol generator, the air intake of the article may be configured to be located outside the heating chamber of the device. The air intake of the article preferably refers to the air intake of the article.

[0165] The aerosol generator may include a heater or heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate when an article is received in the heating chamber.

[0166] Articles or aerosol-generating articles may be arranged to be inductively heated by an aerosol generator. Aerosol-generating section of an article may be arranged to be inductively heated by an aerosol generator. A heater may include an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil.

[0167] Articles or aerosol-generating articles may be arranged to be resistively heated by an aerosol generator. The aerosol-generating section of an article may be arranged to be resistively heated by an aerosol generator. The heater may comprise at least one resistive heating element. The heater may comprise multiple resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0168] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a power supply to provide electricity to the heater.

[0169] The aerosol generator may include a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater. The controller may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating section of an article during use. The controller may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating section of an article when the article is received into the heating chamber.

[0170] The aerosol generator may be configured such that a heater is provided to heat the article from the outside.

[0171] One or more features of one aspect or embodiment described above may be combined with one or more features of another aspect of the embodiment described above.

[0172] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, or forms, or aspects described herein.

[0173] EX1. An article for generating an aerosol, having an oral end and a distal end, and: an aerosol generating compartment for holding the aerosol generating substrate, An air intake configured to be provided at a longitudinal position between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end, comprising an air intake that establishes fluid communication from outside the article to the aerosol generating compartment, Preferably, an article having a closed mouth end and preferably an open distal end.

[0174] EX2. An article according to Example EX1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance of the article through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5.

[0175] EX3. An article according to Example EX1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance of the article through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.75, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.75.

[0176] EX4. An article according to Example EX1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance of the article through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.9, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.9.

[0177] EX5. An article according to Example EX1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.95, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.95.

[0178] EX6. An article according to any prior embodiment, comprising an external casing and an internal component or internal casing configured to be received within the external casing.

[0179] EX7. An article according to Example EX6, wherein the outer casing has an open mouth end and a closed distal end, and the closed distal end of the outer casing defines the closed distal end of the article.

[0180] EX8. An article according to any prior embodiment, further comprising one or more air passages defined in the longitudinal direction between an internal component or casing and an external casing, and establishing fluid communication from an air intake to an aerosol generating compartment, wherein each air passage is defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the internal component or the inner surface of the external casing.

[0181] EX9. An article according to Example EX8, wherein the internal components or casing comprises one or more grooves, optionally at least two grooves, optionally at least four grooves, or optionally at least six grooves, extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface.

[0182] EX10. An article according to Example EX8 or EX9, wherein the outer casing comprises one or more grooves, optionally at least two grooves, optionally at least four grooves, or optionally at least six grooves, extending along the longitudinal axis of the inner surface.

[0183] EX11. An article according to Example EX8, wherein an internal component or casing comprises one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis along the outer surface of the internal component or casing, and an external casing comprises one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis along the inner surface of the external casing.

[0184] EX12. An article according to Example EX11, wherein grooves in the internal components define a grooved section of the internal components, and grooves in the external casing define a grooved section of the external casing, and the grooved section of the internal components is located downstream of the grooved section of the external casing.

[0185] EX13. An article according to Example EX11 or EX12, wherein a grooved section of an internal component is configured to abut against a grooved section of an external casing.

[0186] EX14. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX13, wherein an internal component or a grooved section of the casing is configured to engage with or contact the inner surface of the external casing.

[0187] EX14. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX13, wherein the internal components and the external casing each have the same number of grooves.

[0188] EX15. An article according to any one of Examples EX6 to EX14, wherein the internal components and the external casing are configured to be slidable, movable, separable, or rotatable relative to each other.

[0189] EX16. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX15, wherein each air passage is defined by at least partial or complete alignment or overlap between grooves of an internal component or casing and grooves of an external casing, preferably by cross-sectional alignment or overlap.

[0190] EX17. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX16, wherein the article has a first configuration defined by a complete misalignment between one or more grooves of an internal component or casing and one or more grooves of an external casing.

[0191] EX18. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX17, wherein the article has a second configuration defined by a perfect alignment between one or more grooves of an internal component or casing and one or more grooves of an external casing.

[0192] EX19. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX18, wherein the article has an intermediate configuration defined by a partial alignment between one or more grooves of an internal component or casing and one or more grooves of an external casing.

[0193] EX20. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX19, in which the pull-out resistance of the article is greater than the pull-out resistance of the article in the second configuration.

[0194] EX21. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX20, wherein the internal components or casing and the external casing are rotatable relative to each other.

[0195] EX22. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX21, wherein one or more grooves in the internal components or casing and one or more grooves in the external casing are configured to cooperate with each other to substantially prevent fluid communication between an air intake and an air outlet, or between an air intake and an aerosol generating compartment.

[0196] EX23. An article according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX22, wherein one or more grooves in the internal components or casing and one or more grooves in the external casing are configured to cooperate with each other to substantially enable fluid communication between an air intake and an air outlet, or between an air intake and an aerosol generating compartment.

[0197] EX24. An article according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX23, wherein the internal casing comprises a distal section, a mouth section, and an intermediate section located between the distal section and the mouth section.

[0198] EX25. An article according to Example EX24, wherein the diameter or width of the distal section is smaller than the diameter or width of the intermediate section.

[0199] EX26. An article according to Example EX24 or EX25, wherein the diameter or width of the intermediate section is smaller than the diameter or width of the mouth section.

[0200] EX27. An article according to any one of Examples EX24-EX26, wherein the diameter of the mouth section is approximately corresponding to the inner diameter of the outer casing.

[0201] EX28. An article according to any one of Examples EX24 to EX27, wherein the diameter of the intermediate section is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing.

[0202] EX29. An article according to any one of Examples EX8 to EX28, wherein the grooves of the internal casing extend longitudinally along at least 50 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the internal casing, optionally, the grooves of the internal casing extend longitudinally along at least 75 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the internal casing, optionally, the grooves of the internal casing extend longitudinally along the entire length of the intermediate section of the internal casing.

[0203] EX30. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating compartment is separable from the rest of the article.

[0204] EX31. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating compartment is defined between the external casing and the internal components.

[0205] EX32. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, in which an aerosol generating compartment is defined at or within the closed distal end of the article.

[0206] EX33. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein an internal component is slidable relative to an external casing, and when the internal component is slid away from the proximal end of the external casing, an air intake is defined between the external casing and the internal component.

[0207] EX34. An article according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX32, wherein an air intake is provided on the outer surface of the article.

[0208] EX35. Article according to Example EX34, wherein the air intake is defined by multiple openings extending through an external casing.

[0209] EX36. An article according to Example EX34 or EX35, wherein an internal component or casing is configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

[0210] EX36. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX36, wherein an internal component or casing is configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially restrict or reduce fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

[0211] EX37. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX36, wherein an internal component or casing is configured to cooperate with an air intake provided on an external casing to substantially restrict or reduce the airflow into the article through the air intake.

[0212] EX38. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX37, wherein the internal components or casing are configured to block at least partially or completely an air intake.

[0213] EX39. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX38, wherein an internal component or casing is configured to allow airflow through an air intake by overlapping one or more grooves at least partially or completely with the opening or opening of the air intake.

[0214] EX40. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX39, wherein one or more grooves in the internal components or casing do not overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within the external casing, and optionally thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

[0215] EX41. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX40, wherein one or more grooves in an internal component or casing overlap at least partially or completely with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within an external casing, thereby optionally substantially enabling fluid communication between an air intake and an air outlet, or between an air intake and an aerosol generating compartment.

[0216] EX42. An article according to any one of Examples EX34 to EX41, wherein the article has an intermediate configuration defined by a partial overlap between each of one or more grooves in an internal component or casing and each of the holes or openings of an air intake.

[0217] EX43. An article according to Example EX42, in an intermediate configuration, where the pull-out resistance of the article is greater than the pull-out resistance of the article in a configuration in which one or more grooves of the internal components or casing completely overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within the external casing.

[0218] EX44. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the distal end of an internal component is configured to abut against the inside of the closed end of an external casing.

[0219] EX45. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an air outlet located within the article, wherein the air outlet establishes fluid communication from an aerosol generating compartment to the mouth end of the article.

[0220] EX46. Article according to Example EX45, wherein an air outlet is provided above the distal portion of an internal component.

[0221] EX47. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closed distal end is impermeable, preferably impermeable to fluid or air.

[0222] EX48. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake has an area of ​​at least 0.005 square millimeters, optionally at least 0.01 square millimeters, and optionally at least 0.5 square millimeters.

[0223] EX49. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake has an area of ​​3.5 square millimeters or less, optionally 2 square millimeters or less, optionally 1 square millimeter or less.

[0224] EX50. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake has a diameter of at least 0.07 mm, optionally at least 0.1 mm, optionally at least 0.25 mm, and optionally at least 0.5 mm.

[0225] EX51. An article according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake has a diameter of 2 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or optionally 1 mm or less.

[0226] EX52. An aerosol generating article comprising an article of any of the preceding embodiments and an aerosol generating substrate located within an aerosol generating compartment.

[0227] EX53. An aerosol generating article according to EX52, wherein the aerosol generating substrate includes a solid aerosol generating material.

[0228] EX54. A system comprising an article according to any of the preceding embodiments and an aerosol generator having a heating chamber, wherein the article is configured to be received into the heating chamber and the aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generation compartment, comprising a heater.

[0229] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached diagrams, for illustrative purposes only.

[0230] Unless otherwise stated, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements or features throughout this disclosure.

[0231] Figure 1 shows an elongated external casing 108 of the body 102 of the article 101 or aerosol-generating article 100 of the present disclosure. The external casing 108 is tubular and has a closed distal end and an open mouth end. An air intake (or inlet) having an intake opening 128 is provided through the external casing 108 in a longitudinal position. The air intake may have four openings 128. The external casing 108 generally has a cylindrical shape.

[0232] Figure 2 shows an elongated internal casing 110 of the body 102 of the article or aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure. The internal casing 110 is located within and configured to engage with the external casing 108. The internal casing 110 is tubular and has a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The internal casing 110 comprises a distal section 122, a mouth section 126, and an intermediate section 124 located between the distal section 122 and the mouth section 126. Each section 122, 124, and 126 has a generally cylindrical shape. An air outlet, having an outlet opening 132, is provided through the internal casing 110 in a longitudinal position. The air outlet is provided in the distal section 122 of the internal casing 110, preferably about 2 mm downstream from the distal end of the internal casing 210. The air outlet may have four openings 132.

[0233] Sections 122, 124, and 126 of the internal casing 110 each have different diameters relative to one another. The diameter of the mouth section 126 defines the maximum diameter of the internal casing 110 and corresponds to the inner diameter of the external casing 108. This allows the mouth section 126 of the internal casing 110 to be the center of the internal casing 110 concentrically with respect to the external casing 108, as shown in Figure 3. The diameter of the intermediate section 124 is smaller than the diameter of the mouth section 126. The diameter of the distal section 122 is smaller than the diameter of the intermediate section 124.

[0234] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the internal casing 110 is inserted into the external casing 108 to define and assemble the body 102 of the article 101. Figure 4 illustrates the internal casing 110 fully inserted into or received within the external casing 108. The distal end of the internal casing 110, or the distal end of the distal section 122, abuts against the closed distal end of the external casing 108. The internal casing 110 and the external casing 108 are slidable relative to each other.

[0235] The body 102 of article 101 has an aerosol generating substrate compartment 18. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 is defined by an annular space 116 at the closed distal end 106 of article 100. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 is a cavity suitable for holding an aerosol generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0236] As shown in Figure 5, the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be inserted into the article 101 by removing the inner casing 110 from the outer casing 108 and then positioning the aerosol generating substrate 20 inside the outer casing 108, preferably at the closed distal end 106 of the outer casing 108. The inner casing 110 can then be inserted into the outer casing 108 to define the aerosol generating article 100, where the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 holds a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate 20, preferably a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0237] Figure 6 shows the article 101 or aerosol-generating article 100 in an assembled configuration. Articles 100 and 101 have the same characteristics as those described above with reference to any of the previous figures. In the assembled configuration, articles 100 and 101 are prepared for consumption by the user. The body 102 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is identical to the body 102 shown in Figures 1 to 4, and its components of article 101 (such as the internal casing 108 and the external casing 110).

[0238] As discussed above, the mouth end of the outer casing 108 of the main body 102 is open, and the distal end of the outer casing 108 of the main body 102 is closed. As discussed above, the mouth end of the inner casing 110 of the main body 102 is open, and the distal end 106 of the inner casing 110 of the main body 102 is closed. In other words, the mouth end 104 of the main body 102 is open, and the distal end 106 of the main body 102 is closed. Air can flow out of the main body 102 at the mouth end 104, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 106 of the main body 102.

[0239] As described above, the main body 102 has an outer casing 108 and an inner casing 110. The outer casing 108 has an inner surface 112, and the inner casing 110 has an outer surface 114. The inner casing 110 is located inside the outer casing 108. An annular space 116 is defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner casing 110. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 is defined by the annular space 116 at the closed distal end 106 of the article 100.

[0240] The mouth section 126 of the internal casing 110 is located at the mouth end 104 of the main body 102, the distal section 122 of the internal casing 110 is located at the distal end 106 of the main body 102, and the intermediate section 124 of the internal casing 110 extends between the mouth section 124 and the distal section 124 of the internal casing 110.

[0241] The mouth section 126 of the internal casing 110 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the external casing 108. As a result, at the mouth end 104, the inner surface 112 of the external casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the internal casing 110 engage or contact each other to substantially prevent air from leaking out between the internal casing 110 and the external casing 108 at the mouth end 104.

[0242] The distal section 122 of the internal casing 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the mouth section 126. The distal section 122 of the internal casing 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the external casing 108. As a result, at the distal end 106, the inner surface 112 of the external casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the internal casing 110 are separated from each other.

[0243] The central section 124 of the internal casing 110 has an outer diameter between the outer diameter of the oral end section 126 and the distal end section 126. The outer diameter of the central section 124 is smaller than the inner diameter of the external casing 108.

[0244] The annular space 116 is defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer casing 108 and the outer surfaces of the distal end section 122 and the central section 126.

[0245] As described above, the main body 102 has an air intake 128. The air intake 128 comprises a plurality of air intake openings provided in the wall of the outer casing 108. The air intake openings are arranged in a row around the perimeter of the outer casing 108.

[0246] The first airflow passage 130 is defined to extend between the air intake 128 and the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18. The first airflow passage 130 is defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner casing 110. In this way, the air intake 128 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and the outside of the article 100.

[0247] As described above, the main body 102 has an air outlet 132. The air outlet 132 comprises a plurality of air outlet openings provided in the wall of the internal casing 110, preferably in its distal section 122.

[0248] The second airflow passage 134 extends between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and the open mouth end 104 of the article 100. The second airflow passage 134 passes through the air outlet 132 and then through the internal space defined by the internal casing 110 to the open mouth end 104. In this way, the air outlet 132 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and the open mouth end 104 of the article 100.

[0249] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating system 700. The aerosol generating system 700 includes article 100 and aerosol generating device 702. The aerosol generating system 700 may include any article described or illustrated in this disclosure.

[0250] The aerosol generator 702 comprises a housing 704 extending between a first distal end 706 and a second orifice end 707. The housing 704 comprises a peripheral wall 711. The peripheral wall 711 defines a heating chamber for receiving the article 100. The heating chamber is defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The second end of the heating chamber is located at the second end of the aerosol generator 702. In use, the article 100 is received through the second end of the heating chamber and may also be in contact with the first end of the heating chamber. As shown in Figure 7, the article 100 is received within the heating chamber.

[0251] When the article 100 is received into the heating chamber, the air intake 128 remains outside the heating chamber and the aerosol generator 702. The air intake 128 being outside the heating chamber allows air to be easily drawn into the article 100 through the air intake 128.

[0252] The aerosol generator 702 also includes a heater 712 and a power supply 714 for supplying power to the heater. The aerosol generator 702 also includes a controller 716 for controlling the supply of power from the power supply 714 to the heater 712. The controller 716 is configured to cause the heater 712 to controllly heat the aerosol generating section 18 of the article 100 during use when the article 100 is received in the heating chamber. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the heater 712 is positioned to heat the article 100 from the outside.

[0253] When in use, the aerosol generating substrate 20 is placed in the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18. The article 100 is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator 702. The aerosol generator 702 is then started up. When the aerosol generator 702 is started up, the controller 716 increases the heater temperature and heats the article 100 from the outside. Heating the article 100 in the aerosol generating compartment 18 vaporizes the volatile components of the aerosol generating substrate 20. The aerosol generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be drawn out of the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and out of the article 100 through the open end 104.

[0254] In all figures of this disclosure, airflow paths, aerosol channels, or other fluid paths into and through an aerosol-generating article in use are illustrated by discontinuous arrows.

[0255] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Thus, in this context, number A is understood as 10 percent of A ± A. In this context, number A may be considered to include a numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by number A. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel properties of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

[0256] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate the present invention, but do not limit it. Other embodiments of the present invention may be made, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, and: an aerosol generating compartment for holding the aerosol generating substrate, An article comprising: an air intake configured to be provided at a longitudinal position between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end, the air intake establishing fluid communication from outside the article to the aerosol generating compartment, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.

5.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating section is separable from the rest of the article.

3. The article according to claim 1, wherein the article comprises an external casing and internal components configured to be received within the external casing, the external casing having an open mouth end and a closed distal end, and the closed distal end of the external casing defines the closed distal end of the article.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generating compartment is defined between the external casing and the internal components.

5. The article according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating section is defined at the closed distal end of the article.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air intake is provided on the outer surface of the article.

7. The article according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the internal component is slidable relative to the external casing, and preferably, when the internal component is slid away from the proximal end of the external casing, the air intake is defined between the external casing and the internal component.

8. The article according to claim 6, wherein the air intake is defined by a plurality of openings extending through the external casing.

9. The article according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the distal end of the internal component is configured to abut against the interior of the closed distal end of the external casing.

10. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the article further comprises an air outlet located within the article, and the air outlet establishes fluid communication from the aerosol generating section to the mouth end of the article.

11. The article according to claim 10, wherein the air outlet is provided on the distal portion of the internal component.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the closed distal end is impermeable.

13. An aerosol generating article comprising an article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment.

14. The aerosol generating article according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol generating substrate includes a solid aerosol generating material.

15. A system comprising an article according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and an aerosol generator having a heating chamber, wherein the system includes a heater configured to receive the article into the heating chamber and the aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generation compartment.

Images