Articles for generating aerosols

Abstract

This disclosure relates to articles (101, 201, 301, 401, 501) for generating aerosols, having an open end (104) and a closed distal end (106). The articles comprise an outer casing (108, 308, 408, 508) extending between the open end and the closed distal end. The articles comprise an aerosol generating compartment (18) for holding an aerosol generating substrate (20). The articles comprise internal components (110, 210, 410, 510) housed within the outer casing. The articles may also comprise air intakes (128, 428, 528) configured to be located along the longitudinal axis between the aerosol generating compartment and the open end. The air intakes establish fluid communication from the outside to the inside of the articles. The article comprises one or more air passages (130, 230, 330, 430, 530) defined in the longitudinal direction between the inner component and the outer casing, establishing fluid communication from the air intake to the aerosol generation compartment. Each air passage is defined by a corresponding groove (207, 407, 417, 507) provided on the outer surface of the inner component or the inner surface of the outer casing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article for generating an aerosol. The article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol-generating substrate. When heated or being heated, the aerosol-generating substrate generates an aerosol. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article, and an aerosol-generating device having the article and 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 types of smoke components produced by the combustion and pyrolysis 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 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 are known in the art, configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. Such devices include electrically operated aerosol generators in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer 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 in an aerosol generator.

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol generators include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generator including 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 including an inductor configured to inductively heat the aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article are also known in the art. [Overview of the Initiative] [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 aerosol generator's cavity for heating. 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 lead to drying of the aerosol generating material within the substrate. This may make the aerosol generating material easier to remove. During use of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating material detached from the aerosol generating substrate may detach from 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 aerosol generator's cavity. The aerosol generating material detached from the aerosol generating article that falls into the aerosol generator's cavity may prevent or impair 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 the aerosol generator to function optimally and minimize maintenance. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide articles that enable repeated use and reduce production costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the outer casing of the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the inner casing of the article according to this disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows schematic side cross-sectional views of the outer and inner casings shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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 and inner casings shown in Figures 1 and 2, 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, including the aerosol generating article shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an article or aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure (cut along the cutting line YY shown in Figures 9a and 9b). [Figure 9a] Figures 9a and 9b show schematic cross-sectional views of the articles shown in Figures 8 and 11 along the cutting line XX, respectively. [Figure 9b] Figures 9a and 9b show schematic cross-sectional views of the articles shown in Figures 8 and 11 along the cutting line XX, respectively. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a partial side perspective view of the article or aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 8. [Figure 11] Figures 11 and 12 show schematic side cross-sectional views of another article or aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure in a different configuration (cut along the cutting line YY shown in Figures 9a and 9b). [Figure 12] Figures 11 and 12 show schematic side cross-sectional views of another article or aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure in a different configuration (cut along the cutting line YY shown in Figures 9a and 9b). [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a partial side perspective view of the article or aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14]Figure 14 shows a partial schematic side view of another article or aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15a] Figure 15a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 14 along the cutting line BB. [Figure 15b] Figure 15b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 14 along the cutting line CC. [Figure 15c] Figure 15c shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 14 along the cutting line AA in a sealed configuration. [Figure 15d] Figure 15d shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 14 along the cutting line BB. [Figure 15e] Figure 15e shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 14 along the cutting line AA in an open configuration. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a partial schematic side view of another article or aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure (cut along the cutting line EE shown in Figure 17). [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the article shown in Figure 16 along the cutting line DD. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This disclosure relates to an article or aerosol generating article for generating an aerosol, preferably an aerosol generating article for generating an aerosol by heating. In other words, this disclosure relates to an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating with an aerosol generating device, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, or an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating with an aerosol generating device. The article may have an open end and a closed distal end. The article may comprise an outer casing extending between the open end and the closed distal end. The article may comprise an aerosol generating compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The article may comprise an internal component housed within the outer casing. The article may comprise an air intake configured to be located in the longitudinal direction between the aerosol generating compartment and the open end. The air intake can establish fluid communication from the outside to the inside of the article. The article may have one or more air passages defined along its longitudinal axis between the inner component and the outer casing, establishing fluid communication from an air intake to an aerosol generating compartment. Each air passage may be defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner component or the inner surface of the outer casing.

[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 by heating. In other words, the present invention relates to an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol-generating device, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, or an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol-generating device. The article has an open-mouth side end and a closed distal end. The article comprises an outer casing extending between the open-mouth side end and the closed distal end. The article comprises an aerosol-generating section for holding an aerosol-generating substrate. The article may comprise an inner component housed within the outer casing. The article may comprise an air intake configured to be provided at a longitudinal position between the aerosol-generating section and the mouth side end. The air intake establishes fluid communication from outside the article to inside the article. The article comprises one or more air passages defined longitudinally between the inner component and the outer casing and establishing fluid communication from the air intake to the aerosol-generating section. Each air passage is defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner component or the inner surface of the outer casing.

[0011] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an article as described herein and comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, or an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating substrate may be disposed in the aerosol-generating section.

[0012] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an article or an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generation device as described herein. The aerosol generation device may comprise a heating chamber. The article is configured to be housed within the heating chamber. The aerosol generation device comprises a heater configured to heat an aerosol generation section of the article.

[0013] In order to prevent the detached aerosol-generating substrate material from accidentally moving out of the article from the aerosol-generating substrate section, the distal end of the article is closed. In other words, by providing a body having a closed distal end, it is possible to prevent or limit the aerosol-generating material detached from the aerosol-generating substrate section from being discharged from the distal end of the article or into the heating chamber of the aerosol generation device during use of the article. As a result of having a closed end, the flow of air into the article can be mainly supplied during use by an air intake arranged away from the distal end, rather than through the distal end or in addition to passing through the distal end.

[0014] Furthermore, by having a closed end and positioning the air intake away from the aerosol generating substrate compartment, exposure of any aerosol generating substrate placed within the compartment to ambient air from the external environment is reduced, thereby minimizing any potential degradation of the substrate when not in use and between uses. One or more air passages are defined by one or more corresponding grooves within the article, and as a result, the withdrawal resistance of such articles can be more accurately pre-defined during manufacturing to improve the user experience and more faithfully mimic the user experience of existing heated non-combustible systems, while simultaneously providing reusable articles by having a refillable aerosol generating substrate compartment. Moreover, by providing such air intakes, a corresponding aerosol generating device with relatively simple airflow management functions can be enabled, and articles can be reliably housed tightly within the device. The grooves also enable engagement or contact between the inner components and the outer casing, providing a means for centering the inner components within the outer casing, while simultaneously enabling fluid communication between the outer surface of the inner components and the inner surface of the outer casing.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “article” or “aerosol generating article” are used to refer to an article configured to hold or receive an aerosol generating substrate that is arranged to be heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user. In other words, “article” or “aerosol generating article” as used herein is an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol generating device, an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, or an article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol generating device. As used herein, the terms “aerosol generating article” are used to refer to 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” as used herein is an aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, an aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating, or an aerosol generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating by an aerosol generating device. Unless otherwise specified, the characteristics associated with an article can be similarly applied to an aerosol-generating article.

[0016] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to refer to a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can generate aerosols when heated.

[0017] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and droplets. 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 or droplets of liquid, or a combination of solid particles and droplets of liquid.

[0018] As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" is used to refer to a device that generates aerosols by interacting with the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The device can generate aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0019] An article or aerosol-generating article has a proximal end from which an aerosol is released for delivery to the user during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be called the downstream end or mouth end. During use, the user inhales the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article directly or indirectly to inhale the aerosol generated by or within the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] An article or aerosol-generating article has a distal end. The distal end is located on the opposite side from the proximal end. The distal end of an article or aerosol-generating article may also be called the upstream end of the article or aerosol-generating article.

[0021] 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.

[0022] As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” is used to refer to the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of an article or aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] As used herein, the term “length” is used to refer to the maximum length along the long axis of an article or aerosol-generating article or a component of an article or aerosol-generating article.

[0024] The term “transverse direction,” as used herein, refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise specified, “cross section” of an article or aerosol-generating article or component of an article or aerosol-generating article means a cross-section.

[0025] As used herein, the term “width” is used to represent 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 aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If an article or a component of an 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.

[0026] As used herein, the term “thickness” is used to represent 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.

[0027] As used herein, the term “elongated” is used to describe a component or element whose length is 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 or 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 elliptical or substantially oval cross-section.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “susceptor” or “susceptor element” are used to refer to an element containing a susceptor material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field or a fluctuating electromagnetic field, the susceptor or susceptor element is heated by at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor or susceptor element.

[0029] As used herein, the term “nicotine” is used to mean nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. When an aerosol-generating substrate contains a nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine as described herein is the amount of free base nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0030] As used herein, the term “tobacco cut filler” is used to refer to an aerosol-generating substrate containing multiple strands of tobacco lamina. 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 cut width of the tobacco cut filler.

[0031] As used herein, the term “homogenized plant material” is used to refer to a material formed by aggregating particulate plant material. Homogenized plant material can be formed by aggregating particles of plant material obtained by grinding, pulverizing, or finely grinding plant material. Homogenized plant material can be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or other suitable processes known in the art.

[0032] As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” is used to refer to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco material.

[0033] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to refer to a substantially diluted crosslinked material that does not exhibit fluidity in a steady state.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “hollow tubular element” or “tube” are used to describe a substantially cylindrical element having a cavity along its longitudinal axis. A hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, substantially oval, or substantially 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.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. 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 mean an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element, less than 0.4 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element, or less than 0.1 mmH2O per 10 mm of length of the hollow tubular element. Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that would obstruct the airflow in the longitudinal direction. The flow path may be substantially empty.

[0036] As used herein, the term "ventilation level" refers to the volume ratio of the airflow entering an 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.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol generating substrate listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating materials listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating material.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified, the mean values ​​listed herein are additive mean values.

[0040] 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, such as "mm WG," "mm water column pressure," or "mm H₂O," and shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 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), a relative humidity of 60%, and a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters / second.

[0041] The article preferably comprises a body extending 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 outer casing, and the second mating part may be an inner component or an inner casing.

[0042] The article or its body may include an outer casing extending between the open end and the closed distal end of the article. The outer casing may include a closed distal end. The outer casing may include an open end. The closed distal end of the outer casing can define the closed distal end of the article. The open end of the outer casing can define the open end of the article.

[0043] The outer casing may include a wrapper, or a series of wrappers, that extends longitudinally between the distal end and the mouth end of the article.

[0044] The outer casing may comprise a tube or outer tube. The outer tube or tube may comprise a closed distal end and an open side end. The closed distal end of the outer casing may be substantially impermeable (impermeable to air or liquid, 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 liquid or air-impermeable. The material of the outer casing may be substantially impermeable to liquid or air-impermeable. To avoid doubt, throughout this disclosure, “impermeable” may mean “air-impermeable.”

[0045] The outer casing may be hollow. The article may comprise an inner component configured to be housed within the outer casing. The inner component may include well-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 inner component may engage with the inner surface of the outer casing, preferably along a portion of the length of the air passage, as described in this disclosure. The inner surface of the outer casing may refer to the inner surface of the peripheral wall or outer periphery wall of the outer casing, which is preferably cylindrical or tubular.

[0046] The inner components may be an inner tube or an inner casing, or may include one. All or part of the inner components or inner casing may be housed within the outer casing. The inner components or inner casing may contain or be formed from polymer materials. The inner components or inner casing may contain or be formed from plastic materials. The inner components or inner casing may contain or be formed from biodegradable materials. The inner components or inner casing may be substantially impermeable to liquids or air. The material of the inner components or inner casing may be substantially impermeable to liquids or air.

[0047] In this disclosure, the features described in the inner casing may be equally applicable to the inner components, and vice versa.

[0048] The inner component or inner casing may have a closed distal end. The inner component or inner casing may have an open end. The open end of the inner component or inner casing may define the open end of the article. When the inner component or inner casing is housed within an outer casing, the outer casing and the open end of the inner component or inner casing may be aligned with each other. When the inner component or inner casing is housed within an outer casing, the inner component or inner casing may extend beyond the open end of the outer casing. In other words, the mouth end of the inner component or inner casing may extend beyond or protrude beyond the outer casing. This provides a mouthpiece section for the user to inhale during use. Furthermore, the portion of the inner component or inner casing that protrudes or extends beyond the outer casing facilitates the removal of the inner component or inner casing from the outer casing. The open end of the inner component or inner casing may define the open end of the article.

[0049] The distal end of the inner component or inner casing may be configured to abut against the closing distal end of the outer casing. The distal end of the inner component or inner casing may be configured to abut against the interior of the closing distal end of the outer casing.

[0050] The inner component or inner casing may be movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the outer casing. The inner component or inner casing may be slidable relative to the outer casing. The inner component or inner casing may be removable or detachable from the outer casing. The inner component or inner casing may be repeatedly removable or detachable from the outer casing. The inner component or inner casing may be removable or detachable from the outer casing via the mouth end of the outer casing. The inner component or inner casing may be rotatable relative to the outer casing.

[0051] An inner component or inner casing may engage with the outer casing. In other words, a portion of the inner component or inner casing may engage with the interior of the outer casing. This ensures that the inner component or inner casing is aligned within the outer casing during use. This also ensures that the inner component or inner casing does not move or slide inadvertently relative to the outer casing during use. The outer periphery of the inner component or inner casing may engage with the inner surface of the outer casing. The inner surface of the outer casing may refer to the inner surface of the peripheral wall or outer periphery wall of the outer casing, which is preferably cylindrical or tubular. A clearance fit or slide fit can be established between a portion of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. Such a clearance fit or slide fit can establish a relatively airtight fit between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing so that neither air nor aerosols are drawn through the gap between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. An airtight fit may be established between a portion of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing.

[0052] The maximum width or diameter of the inner component or inner casing is approximately equal to the internal width or diameter of the outer casing. This ensures, at least partially, engagement or contact between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing.

[0053] The inner components or inner casing and outer casing can be configured such that a space is defined between the inner surface of the outer casing or outer tube and the outer surface of the inner casing or inner tube. The empty space may be annular.

[0054] The inner component or inner casing may comprise one or more sections, and adjacent sections of the inner component or inner casing may have one or both of different outer diameters and different inner diameters.

[0055] The inner component or inner casing may include a distal section. The distal section of the inner component or inner casing may also be called the distal end section of the inner component or inner casing. The inner component or inner casing may include an oral section. The oral section of the inner component or inner casing may also be called the oral end section of the inner component or inner casing. The inner component or inner casing may include an intermediate section between the distal section and the oral 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 oral section. The diameter of the oral section can be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the outer casing. This allows the oral section of the inner component or inner casing to be positioned concentrically with respect to the outer casing.

[0056] The diameter of the mouth section may be larger than the inner diameter of the outer casing. The diameter of the mouth section may be the same as the outer diameter of the outer casing. The diameter of the intermediate section may be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the outer casing. This allows the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing to be positioned concentrically with respect to the outer casing. The mouth section may be positioned outside the outer casing when the body of the article is assembled. The upstream end of the mouth section of the inner component or inner casing may abut against the downstream or proximal end of the outer casing.

[0057] The diameter or width preferably refers to the largest measurable diameter or width.

[0058] A clearance fit or slide fit may be established between the mouth section of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. A clearance fit or slide fit may also be established between the middle section of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. Such a clearance fit or slide fit can establish a relatively airtight fit between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing, preventing air and aerosols from being drawn through the gap between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. An airtight fit may be defined between the mouth section of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. This prevents air from escaping the article faster than usual at the mouth end between the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing, bypassing any aerosol-generating substrates located within the aerosol-generating compartment.

[0059] When an inner component or inner casing is housed within an outer casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), both the distal and intermediate sections may be located within the outer casing. In other words, both the distal and intermediate sections may be surrounded by the outer casing. When an inner component or inner casing is housed within an outer casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), at least a portion of the mouth section may be located within the outer casing. In other words, at least a portion of the mouth section may be surrounded by the outer casing. Alternatively, when an inner component or inner casing is housed within an outer casing (or when the body of the article is assembled), the mouth end of the inner component or inner casing may abut against the outer casing. The mouth end of the inner component or inner casing may define the mouth end of the body or article. In other words, the mouth end of the inner component or inner casing does not have to be surrounded by the outer casing and does not have to be housed within the outer casing.

[0060] The article may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be connectable to an inner component or inner casing. The mouthpiece element may be connectable to the oral section of an inner component or inner casing. The mouthpiece element may be a filter element. The mouthpiece element may contain a filtration material.

[0061] 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 outer casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined at or by the closed distal end of the article or body. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined at or by the closed distal end of the outer casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined by the outer casing and an inner component or the inner casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined by the distal portion of the outer casing and an inner component or the inner casing.

[0062] 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 an inner component or inner casing. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined between the outer casing and an inner component or the distal part of an inner casing. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may have an annular space between the outer casing and an inner component or the distal part of an inner casing. The aerosol generating compartment and its cavity may be defined by receiving an inner component or inner casing within the outer casing. The aerosol generating compartment and its cavity may be defined by assembling an inner component or inner casing with the outer casing.

[0063] The outer casing may comprise an upstream portion or upstream section and a downstream portion or section. The distal end of the distal section of the outer casing is a closed end. The downstream section and the upstream section of the outer casing may be separable from each other and connectable to each other. The inner component or inner casing may comprise an upstream portion or upstream section and a downstream portion or downstream section. The downstream portion or downstream section of the inner component or inner casing may coincide with part or all of the distal section. The downstream section and the upstream section of the inner component or inner casing may be separable from each other and connectable to each other. The downstream section or distal section of the outer casing may define an aerosol generating compartment. The distal section of the outer casing and the distal section of the inner component or inner casing may define a unit. The distal section of the outer casing and the distal section of the inner component or inner 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 inner component or the distal section of the inner casing may define an aerosol generating compartment. The aerosol generating compartment may be defined between the distal section of the outer casing and the inner component or the distal section of the inner casing. The cavity of the aerosol generating compartment may have an annular space between the distal section of the outer casing and the inner component or the distal section of the inner casing. The cartridge may include an aerosol generating substrate placed within the aerosol generating compartment. The cartridge may be replaceable. The cartridge may be disposable.

[0064] As described in this disclosure, an article or its body comprises an outer casing and an inner component or inner casing. The inner component or inner casing and the outer casing may be separable from each other. The inner component or inner casing may be removable from the outer casing. The article may be assembled by engaging or fitting together the outer casing and the inner component or inner casing. The inner component or inner casing may be housed within the outer casing. An aerosol generating substrate may be inserted into the outer casing.

[0065] 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 outer casing. The inner components or inner casing may be housed within the outer casing. The inner components or inner casing may be inserted into the outer casing.

[0066] The article or its body is provided with air intakes. The outer casing may be provided with air intakes arranged along its length. The air intakes may comprise one or more openings, openings, or holes penetrating the outer casing. The air intakes may comprise one or more openings provided penetrating 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 penetrating the wall thickness of the outer casing. The openings may be aligned with one another. The openings may be uniformly 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 primary air intake into the article during use. Such air intakes may be configured to provide sole air intake into the article during use.

[0067] The article may further comprise a substantially airtight wrapper comprising a cover portion. The cover portion can cover a portion of the air intake and substantially prevent air from entering the article through the air intake and one or any of its openings. The article may be configured such that at least a portion of the cover portion is movable away from the air intake, allowing 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 have a transverse weak line provided within the substantially airtight wrapper, and the cover portion may extend to the transverse weak line. The substantially airtight wrapper may be ruptureable along the transverse weak line as a result of allowing at least a portion of the cover portion to move away from the air intake.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The air intake may be located 30 mm or less from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 25 mm or less from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be located 22 mm or less from the opening edge of the article.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The air intake may be positioned 10mm to 30mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be positioned 10mm to 25mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be positioned 10mm to 22mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0072] The air intake may be positioned 15mm to 30mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be positioned 15mm to 25mm from the opening edge of the article. The air intake may be positioned 15mm to 22mm from the opening edge of the article.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The position of the air intake may be such that it is exposed when the item is received by the aerosol generator, while simultaneously minimizing the possibility of the user blocking the air intake during use.

[0075] An inner component or inner casing may be provided with air outlets arranged along its length. Air outlets may be arranged along the distal section of the inner component or inner casing. Air outlets may be located in the distal section of the inner component or inner casing. Air outlets may be located at the distal end of the inner component or inner casing. Air outlets may be located 10 mm or less from the distal end of the inner component or inner casing. Air outlets may be located 5 mm or less from the distal end of the inner component or inner casing. Air outlets may be located 3 mm or less from the distal end of the inner component or inner casing. Providing air outlets at, around, or near the distal end of the inner component or inner casing ensures that air moving from the air intake to the air outlet encounters the aerosol generating substrate located within the aerosol generating compartment, minimizing the amount of air that bypasses it and leaves the article without mixing with the aerosol.

[0076] The air outlet may be provided by one or more openings penetrating the distal end face of the inner component or inner casing or inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by openings in the inner component or inner casing or inner tube, the openings may be at the distal end of the inner component or inner casing or inner tube, and may be defined by the circumferential wall of the inner component or inner casing or inner tube. The air outlet may comprise one or more openings or openings penetrating the inner component or inner casing. The air outlet may comprise a series of openings extending circumferentially around the inner component or inner casing. The air outlet may comprise a series of openings extending around the entire perimeter of the inner component or inner casing. The openings may be perforations penetrating the wall thickness of the inner component or inner casing. The openings may be aligned with one another. The openings may be uniformly distributed around the outer casing. The openings may be perforations penetrating the wall thickness of the inner component or inner casing.

[0077] Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the outside of the inner component or inner casing and the inside of the inner component or inner casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the inside of the inner component or inner casing and the inside of the outer casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating compartment and the inside of the inner component or inner casing. Such air outlets provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end of the inner component or inner casing, which may coincide with the mouth end of the article. The air outlets may also be in fluid communication with air intakes. The inner component or inner casing can effectively define an outlet air channel or passage between the air outlet and the mouth end of the article. Such air channels are neither interrupted nor blocked.

[0078] Air channels, or intake air channels or passages, may be defined between the outer casing and the inner components or the inner casing. Such air channels may be defined between the outer casing and the inner components or the intermediate section of the inner casing. The air channels may be in fluid communication with the air intake. The air channels can provide fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generation compartment. As described above, the intermediate section may have a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing. The air channels may be defined by an empty annular space or cavity defined between the inner components or the inner casing and the outer casing. Such air channels are neither interrupted nor blocked.

[0079] The air intake of the article may have multiple openings or openings that penetrate the outer casing. The air exhaust of the article may have multiple openings or openings that penetrate the inner components or inner casing. The air intake or air exhaust may have at least two openings. The air intake or air exhaust may have at least five openings. The air intake or air exhaust may have at least ten openings. The air intake or air exhaust may have at least twenty openings.

[0080] The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article is at least 0.5. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the draw-out resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.95.

[0081] Such a ratio may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the article in its assembled state (in other words, when the inner components or inner casing are assembled with the outer casing), measuring the RTD through the air intake of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing, and then dividing such measured RTD through the air intake of the outer casing by the measured RTD of the article in its assembled state. Preferably, the measurement of the RTD through the air intake of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing is performed only in the outer casing separated from the inner components or inner casing.

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

[0083] Such a ratio may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the article in its assembled state (in other words, when the inner components or inner casing are assembled with the outer casing), measuring the RTD of the air intake of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing, and then dividing the RTD of the outer casing air intake thus measured by the measured RTD of the article in its assembled state. Preferably, the measurement of the RTD of the air intake of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing is performed only in the outer casing separated from the inner components or inner casing.

[0084] The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article is at least 0.5. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.9. The ratio of the outer casing's draw-out resistance (RTD) to the total draw-out resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.95.

[0085] Such a ratio may be calculated based on measuring the RTD of the article in its assembled state (in other words, when the inner components or inner casing are assembled with the outer casing), measuring the RTD of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing, and then dividing the RTD of the outer casing thus measured by the RTD of the article in its measured assembled state. Preferably, the measurement of the RTD of the air intake of the outer casing by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer casing is performed only in the outer casing separated from the inner components or inner casing.

[0086] The inventors have found that by adjusting the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5, a satisfactory experience can be provided to users of articles having such closed ends. The inventors have found that by adjusting the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5, a satisfactory experience can be provided to users of articles having such closed ends. The inventors have found that by adjusting the ratio of the draw resistance of the outer casing to the total draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5, a satisfactory experience can be provided to users of articles having such closed ends. Such draw resistance relationships can improve the user experience and more faithfully mimic the experience of existing heated non-combustible systems, while also providing reusable articles by having a refillable aerosol generating substrate compartment. By providing such an air intake, a corresponding aerosol generating device with relatively simple airflow management functions can be enabled, and the article can be reliably housed tightly within the device. Furthermore, such a relatively high ratio or contribution of the air intake to the total RTD of the article means that air can only flow through the air intake under high-pressure suction. Therefore, the risk of air accidentally entering the article and aerosol generating compartment without the user inhaling the article is reduced, and the shelf life of any aerosol generating substrate present in the aerosol generating compartment can be extended.

[0087] The air intake opening (or opening or hole) or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.005 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.01 square millimeters. The air intake opening or each air intake opening may have an area of ​​at least 0.5 square millimeters.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The air intake may be provided by sliding the inner component or inner casing out of the outer casing so as to partially expose the open end of the outer casing. This may be done by sliding the inner component or inner casing out of the outer casing so as not to enclose the entire mouth-side section of the inner component or inner casing by the outer casing. In other words, this may be done by sliding the inner component or inner casing out of the outer casing so as not to enclose a portion of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing by the outer casing. Such a portion 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-side section. As a result, air may be drawn through such an air intake into the space or air channel defined between the outer casing and the inner component or inner casing, specifically into its intermediate section.

[0094] The inner components or inner casing may engage with the outer casing. Preferably, the intermediate sections of the inner components or inner casing may engage with the outer casing. The intermediate sections of the inner components or inner casing may be in contact with the outer casing. The maximum width or diameter of the intermediate section may coincide with the minimum inner diameter of the outer casing.

[0095] An inner component or inner casing may have one or more grooves. One or more grooves may be provided on the outer surface of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the wall of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves may be provided on the outer surface of the wall of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves may extend along the longitudinal axis along a portion of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves may extend along the longitudinal axis along the entire length of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves may extend into the wall of the inner component or inner 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 inner component or inner casing and the outer casing. Such air passages may also be called airflow passages. One or more grooves may be surrounded by the outer casing when the inner component or inner casing is housed therein. One or more grooves may be completely surrounded by the outer casing when the inner component or inner casing is housed therein. One or more grooves may be located entirely within the outer casing if an inner component or inner casing is housed therein.

[0096] Providing one or more grooves may define one or more projections or protrusions extending along the longitudinal axis along the inner component or inner casing. The projections or protrusions may be defined between two grooves. The grooves may be defined between two projections. The projections or protrusions of the inner component or inner casing may engage with or contact the outer casing. Such engagement or contact may allow the inner component or inner casing to be centered within the outer casing, even if the mouth section of the inner component or inner casing is not located within the outer casing. Such engagement or contact between the projections or protrusions of the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing may prevent air from flowing between the ends or tips of the projections or protrusions and the inner surface of the outer casing.

[0097] An inner component or inner casing can be configured, or in cooperation with, an air intake provided in the outer casing to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. An inner component or inner casing can be configured, or in cooperation with, an air intake provided in the outer 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. An inner component or inner casing can be configured, or in cooperation with, an air intake provided in the outer casing to substantially restrict or reduce airflow into the article through the air intake. An inner component or inner casing can be configured to at least partially or completely block the air intake. The outer surface of an inner component or inner casing can be configured to at least partially or completely block the air intake.

[0098] The inner components or inner casing may be configured to allow airflow through the air intake by overlapping one or more grooves at least partially or completely with the opening or opening of the air intake.

[0099] If the inner component or inner casing is inserted into the outer casing, the air intake may be located on one or more grooves and one or more protrusions of the inner component or inner casing. The protrusions or raised parts of the inner component or inner casing may be configured to block fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. In other words, the protrusions or raised parts of the inner component or inner casing may be configured to block the opening of the air intake. The protrusions or raised parts of the inner component or inner casing may be located below or coincide with the opening of the air intake. The inner component or inner casing may be rotated so that the protrusions or raised parts of the inner component or inner casing do not block fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. In other words, the grooves of the inner component or inner casing may be located below or coincide with the opening of the air intake. This allows the user to extend the shelf life of any aerosol-generating substrate by rotating the internal components or internal casing to effectively block the air intake, and also to adjust the RTD of the article by adjusting the degree of closure of the air intake opening.

[0100] The article may have a first configuration in which one or more grooves of the inner component or inner casing do not overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined in the outer 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 inner component or inner casing or its outer surface overlaps with an opening or opening of an air intake defined in the outer 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 of the inner component or inner casing overlap at least partially or completely with an opening or opening of an air intake defined in the outer 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 a partial overlap between each of one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing and each of the air intake holes or openings. In such an intermediate configuration, the resistance to pulling out the article is greater than in a configuration where one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing completely overlap with the air intake openings or openings defined in the outer casing.

[0101] 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 inner component or an intermediate section of the inner casing. One or more grooves may extend to a specific depth in the wall of the outer casing.

[0102] One or more grooves may define one or more corresponding air passages. Such air passages are neither interrupted nor blocked. Such air passages may be defined between the inner components or between the inner casing and the outer casing. One or more grooves may be located between an air intake (i.e., 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 coincide with the minimum inner diameter of the outer casing. The minimum inner diameter of the outer casing can coincide with the inner diameter of the outer casing measured at the location where the maximum wall thickness of the outer casing is located.

[0103] 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 air 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 air channel extending from an air intake to an aerosol generation compartment, or from an air intake to an air outlet.

[0104] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves can provide fluid communication between an air intake and an aerosol generating compartment. One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves can provide fluid communication between an air intake and an air outlet. In other words, air must preferably travel through one or more such air passages to reach an air outlet or an aerosol generating compartment.

[0105] By providing one or more grooves, one or more projections or protrusions can be defined along the long axis of the outer casing. The projections or protrusions may be defined between two grooves. The grooves may be defined between two projections. The projections or protrusions of the outer casing may engage with or contact with the inner component or inner casing. Such engagement or contact allows the inner component or inner casing to be centered within the outer casing, even if the mouth section of the inner component or inner casing is not located within the outer casing.

[0106] One or more grooves may be provided to define one or more projections or ridges extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer casing. The projections or ridges may be defined between two consecutive grooves. The grooves may be defined between two consecutive projections or ridges.

[0107] The inner component, inner casing, or outer casing may have at least two grooves. The inner component, inner casing, or outer casing may have at least four grooves. The inner component, inner casing, or outer casing may have at least six grooves. The inner component, inner casing, or outer casing may have at least ten grooves. The inner component, inner casing, or outer casing may have at least twelve grooves.

[0108] Grooves in the inner component or inner casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 25 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. Grooves in the inner component or inner casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 50 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. Grooves in the inner component or inner casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along at least 75 percent of the length of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. Grooves in the inner component or inner casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along the entire length of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing.

[0109] The grooves in the outer casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 25 percent of the length of the inner component or the intermediate section of the inner casing. The grooves in the outer casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 50 percent of the length of the inner component or the intermediate section of the inner casing. The grooves in the outer casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to at least 75 percent of the length of the inner component or the intermediate section of the inner casing. The grooves in the outer casing may extend along the longitudinal axis along a length corresponding to the entire length of the inner component or the intermediate section of the inner casing.

[0110] The inner component or both the inner casing and the outer casing may have one or more grooves or projections extending along the longitudinal axis of each casing, as described above. In other words, the inner component or inner casing may have one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface of the inner component or inner casing, and the outer casing may have one or more grooves extending along the longitudinal axis of the inner surface of the outer casing. The grooves of the inner component may define a grooved section of the inner component, and the grooves of the outer casing may define a grooved section of the outer casing. The grooved section of the inner component may be configured to be located downstream of the grooved section of the outer casing. The grooved section of the inner component may be configured to abut against the grooved section of the outer casing. The grooved section of the inner component or inner casing may be configured to engage with or contact the inner surface of the outer casing.

[0111] One or more grooves or projections of the outer casing may be located upstream (in other words, closer to the distal end of the article) of one or more grooves or projections of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves or projections of the inner component or inner casing may be located in the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing. One or more grooves or projections of the outer casing may be located between one or more grooves or projections of the inner component or inner casing and the aerosol generating compartment. The outer diameter or width of the intermediate section of the inner component or inner casing may vary. The corresponding longitudinal sections of the inner and outer casing having one or more grooves or projections may be called grooved sections. Grooved sections of the inner component or inner casing may engage with the outer casing. The maximum outer diameter or width of the grooved section of the inner component or inner casing may coincide with the inner diameter of the outer casing. Grooved sections of the outer casing may engage with the inner component or inner casing, particularly its intermediate section. The minimum inner diameter or width of the outer casing in the grooved section may coincide with the outer diameter of the inner component or inner casing. The grooved section of the inner component or inner 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 inner component or inner casing may abut against the downstream or proximal end of the grooved section of the outer casing. The engagement or contact between the projection or protrusion of the outer casing and the inner component or inner casing can prevent air from flowing between the end or tip of the projection or protrusion of the outer casing and the outer surface of the inner component or inner casing.

[0112] The outer casing may have the same number of grooves as the inner components or the inner casing. The outer casing may have at least two grooves. The outer casing may have at least four grooves. The outer casing may have at least six grooves. The outer casing may have at least ten grooves. The outer casing may have at least twelve grooves.

[0113] The inner components or the inner and outer casings are configured to cooperate with each other, or cooperate in a way that substantially prevents or limits 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 inner components or the inner casing and one or more grooves in the outer casing are configured to cooperate with each other, or cooperate in a way that substantially prevents or limits 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 configuration that can be defined by a complete misalignment between one or more grooves in the inner components or the inner casing and one or more grooves in the outer casing.

[0114] The inner components or the inner and outer casings are configured to cooperate with each other, or cooperate to substantially enable fluid communication between the air intake and air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. One or more grooves in the inner components or inner casings and one or more grooves in the outer casing are configured to cooperate with each other, or cooperate to substantially enable fluid communication between the air intake and air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The article may have a second configuration which can be defined by a complete alignment between one or more grooves in the inner components or inner casings and one or more grooves in the outer casings. The article may have an intermediate configuration which can be defined by a partial alignment between one or more grooves in the inner components or inner casings and one or more grooves in the outer casings. In the intermediate configuration, the pull-out resistance of the article may be greater than the pull-out resistance of the article in the second configuration.

[0115] As described in this disclosure, the inner components or the inner and outer casings may rotate relative to each other. As a result, the alignment or overlap of the air passages defined by the grooves of the inner components or the inner and outer casings may change. Such alignment or overlap preferably refers to cross-sectional alignment or overlap. Each alignment of the air passages in the inner components or the inner and outer casings may define another air passage or a combined air passage, respectively. Each combined air passage may be defined by at least partial or complete alignment or overlap between the grooves of the inner components or the inner casings and the grooves of the outer casings, preferably cross-sectional alignment or overlap.

[0116] The article may have a configuration that may block the airflow moving toward the aerosol generating compartment. In such a configuration, the grooves of the inner component or inner casing may rotate to become completely misaligned with the grooves of the outer casing. In other words, the grooves of the inner component or inner casing may be aligned with the raised or protruding parts of the outer casing such that the raised or protruding parts of the outer casing block the exit (in other words, the upstream or distal end) of the grooves of the inner component or inner casing.

[0117] The article may have a configuration in which the upstream or distal end of a groove in the inner component or inner casing may be partially blocked by a projection of the outer casing. The user can change the total RTD of the article by rotating the inner component or inner casing relative to the outer casing and by changing the degree of alignment or cross-sectional overlap of the air passages defined by the grooves inside the article (i.e., grooves in the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing). In any configuration in which there is at least partial overlap or alignment between one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing and one or more grooves in the outer casing, the composite air passage may be defined along either partial or complete alignment of the individual air passages in the inner component or inner casing and the outer casing.

[0118] As described 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 the inner components or inner casing, one or more air passages may be defined by one or more corresponding grooves of the outer casing. One or more air passages defined by grooved sections of the outer casing, and one or more air passages defined by grooved sections of the inner components or inner casing, may be arranged continuously with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0119] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the inner components or both the inner and outer casings may form part of an intake air channel extending from the air intake to the aerosol generating 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 inner components or both the inner and outer casings can partially define an intake air channel extending from the air intake to the aerosol generating compartment, or from the air intake to the air outlet.

[0120] One or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the inner component or both the inner and outer casings can, 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 inner component or both the inner and outer casings can provide fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet. The overall or partial alignment of one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing and one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the outer casing can provide fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. The overall or partial alignment of one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing and one or more air passages defined by one or more grooves in the outer casing can provide fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet. In other words, air must preferably travel through one or more such air passages to reach the air outlet or the aerosol generating compartment.

[0121] The inner component or inner casing may have at least two grooves. As a result, the inner component or inner casing may have at least two protrusions or projections. The outer casing may have at least two grooves. As a result, the outer casing may have at least two protrusions or projections.

[0122] If both the inner component or the inner casing and the outer casing are provided with grooves, the grooves of the inner component or the inner casing may have the same cross-sectional area and shape as the grooves of the outer casing. If both the inner component or the inner casing and the outer casing are provided with grooves, the grooves of the inner component or the inner casing may have the same cross-sectional area and shape as the projections or protrusions of the outer casing. This allows the inner component or the inner casing to be rotated to a position where the air passage defined by the grooves of the inner component or the inner casing is completely blocked by the projections of the outer casing, thereby preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generation compartment.

[0123] The cross-sectional shape, length, and depth of grooves in articles provided in the inner components or inner casing, or the outer casing, or both, may contribute to the article's resistance to draw-out (RTD) characteristics. For example, the cross-sectional shape of a groove may be triangular or annular sector. If the cross-sectional shape of a groove is triangular, the cross-sectional shape of a projection or ridge may also be triangular. If the cross-sectional shape of a groove is equivalent to the cross-sectional shape of an annular sector, the cross-sectional shape of a projection or ridge may also be equivalent to the cross-sectional shape of an annular sector. The ends or tips of projections or ridges may be flat. The ends or tips of projections or ridges may be pointed. The ends or tips of projections or ridges may be rounded.

[0124] Furthermore, if both casings have grooves, the RTD of the article may be adjusted by rotating the inner component or the inner casing and the outer casing relative to each other, and by adjusting the amount of overlap or alignment between the grooves of the inner component or the inner casing and the grooves of the outer casing.

[0125] As described herein, articles of this disclosure are configured to receive or hold aerosol-generating substrates. This disclosure also relates to aerosol-generating articles, including articles described herein that include aerosol-generating substrates. An aerosol-generating substrate compartment of an article may hold an aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more aerosol-generating materials. The terms “aerosol-generating substrate” and “aerosol-generating material” may be used interchangeably.

[0126] The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid aerosol generating substrate or material.

[0127] 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.

[0128] As used herein in connection with this disclosure, the term “slice” refers to an element having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The aerosol generating substrate may contain pellets or granules of multiple plant materials. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of homogenized plant materials. The aerosol generating substrate may contain pellets or granules of multiple tobacco materials. The aerosol generating substrate may contain multiple pellets or granules of homogenized tobacco materials.

[0131] The aerosol generating substrate may contain one or more sheets of plant material. The aerosol generating substrate may also comprise one or more sheets of tobacco material.

[0132] 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.

[0133] Each of the plant or tobacco material sheets may individually have a length substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0134] One or more sheets of plant or tobacco material may be subjected to one or more of the following: crumpling, folding, shrinking, or pleating.

[0135] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a tobacco cut filler.

[0136] When one or more sheets of plant or tobacco material are crimped, folded, shrunk, or pleated, one or more sheets of tobacco material may tear, forming 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 tobacco material is destroyed in multiple parallel ridges or corrugations, causing separation of the material and resulting in the formation of fragments of the plant or tobacco material.

[0137] The aerosol generating substrate may be a gel aerosol generating substrate or material.

[0138] Gel material strands can be formed by cutting or shredding sheets of gel material. Gel material strands can also be formed by other methods. For example, gel material strands can be formed by extrusion molding.

[0139] The aerosol generating substrate may contain nicotine.

[0140] The aerosol generating substrate may contain natural nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains an aerosol forming element.

[0144] The aerosol-forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol-forming agent may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically applied during use of an aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, for example, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate, etc.), aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol, dimethyl tetradecanediol, etc.), and combinations thereof.

[0145] The aerosol-forming body preferably comprises one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming body may consist of glycerin, propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol forming body in an amount of 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.

[0148] 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 include a susceptor.

[0149] If the article is an aerosol-generating article, it may be equipped with a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0150] The susceptor is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. Therefore, when the susceptor is heated, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the susceptor, resulting in aerosol generation. The susceptor may also be positioned in direct physical contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0151] The susceptor may be in the form of a pin, rod, flake, or blade. The susceptor may also 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.

[0152] 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 be made of metal or carbon.

[0153] The susceptor may comprise, or be composed of, a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic steel or ferromagnetic stainless steel. A preferred susceptor may be aluminum, or may contain aluminum. The susceptor may be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as 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.

[0154] Thus, 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 temperatures exceeding 250°C.

[0155] A suitable susceptor may comprise a nonmetallic core having a metal layer (e.g., a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core) positioned on the nonmetallic core. The susceptor may have a protective outer layer enclosing the susceptor, such as 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 covering the core of the susceptor material.

[0156] The susceptor may be a multi-material susceptor, and may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0157] During use, the aerosol generating substrate may be located in an aerosol generating compartment. This may be done by inserting the aerosol generating substrate into the outer casing. The inner components or inner casing may then be inserted into the outer casing. The aerosol generating substrate may be held in 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 in an aerosol generator having a heating chamber configured to receive articles. When articles are received in the aerosol generator, the air intake defined in the outer casing must not be blocked.

[0158] During use, the user can inhale the mouth end of the article to draw in aerosols from it. By inhaling the article, air enters the outer casing of the article through the air intake and can move towards the aerosol-generating compartment of the article between the outer casing and the inner components or inner casing. The air can move over the middle section of the inner components or inner casing towards the distal section of the inner components or inner casing. When heated, the aerosol-generating substrate located in the aerosol-generating compartment can release volatile compounds that can generate aerosols. The air mixes with such aerosols in the aerosol-generating compartment and, upon exiting the mouth end of the article, can move towards the user's mouth through the air outlets provided in the inner components or inner casing.

[0159] As described above, this disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising an article or aerosol generating article as described herein and an aerosol generating device. By providing an article or aerosol generating article having a closed distal end, this disclosure can prevent the aerosol generating material from being accidentally discharged 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 various aerosol generating articles housed in the same heating chamber.

[0160] 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 articles. 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.

[0161] 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. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The aerosol generator may include a heater or heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate when an article is received into the heating chamber.

[0164] 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. The heater may include an induction heating device. The induction heating device may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to supply a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil.

[0165] Articles or aerosol-generating articles may be arranged to be resistively heated by an aerosol generator. Aerosol-generating section of an article may be arranged to be resistively heated by an aerosol generator. The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. The heater may include multiple resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0166] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a power supply for providing power to the heater.

[0167] The aerosol generator may include a controller configured to control the supply of power from a power source to a heater. The controller may be configured to control the heating of the aerosol generating section of an article during use. The controller may be configured to control the heating of the aerosol generating section of an article when the article is housed in a heating chamber.

[0168] The aerosol generator may be configured such that a heater is arranged to heat the article from the outside.

[0169] One or more features of one of the above embodiments or models may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described above. [Examples]

[0170] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, or models, or aspects described herein.

[0171] Example 1. An article for generating an aerosol, wherein the article has an oral end and a distal end, an aerosol generating compartment for holding the aerosol generating substrate, An air intake port is provided at a position along the long axis between the aerosol generating compartment and the mouth end, and the air intake port establishes fluid communication from the outside of the article to the aerosol generating compartment. An article in which the oral end is preferably a closed oral end and the distal end is preferably an open distal end. Example 2. The article according to Example 1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5. Example 3. The article according to Example 1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.75, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.75. Example 4. The article according to Example 1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.9, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.9. Example 5. The article according to Example 1, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.95, or the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake to the total draw resistance of the article is at least 0.95. Example 6. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the article comprises an outer casing and an inner component or inner casing configured to be housed within the outer casing. Example 7. The article according to Example 6, wherein the outer casing has an open end and a closed distal end, and the closed distal end of the outer casing defines the closed distal end of the article. Example 8. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising one or more air passages defined in the longitudinal direction between an inner component or an inner casing and an outer 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 inner component or the inner surface of the outer casing. Example 9. The article according to Example 8, wherein the inner component or inner casing comprises one or more grooves, optionally at least two grooves, optionally at least four grooves, and optionally at least six grooves, extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface. Example 10. The article according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the outer casing comprises one or more grooves, optionally at least two grooves, optionally at least four grooves, and optionally at least six grooves, extending longitudinally along the inner surface. Example 11. The article according to Example 8, wherein an inner component or inner casing comprises one or more grooves extending in the longitudinal direction along the outer surface of the inner component or inner casing, and an outer casing comprises one or more grooves extending in the longitudinal direction along the inner surface of the outer casing. Example 12. The article according to Embodiment 11, wherein grooves in the inner component define a grooved section of the inner component, grooves in the outer casing define a grooved section of the outer casing, and the grooved section of the inner component is positioned downstream of the grooved section of the outer casing. Example 13. The article according to Example 11 or 12, wherein the grooved section of the inner component is configured to abut against the grooved section of the outer casing. Example 14. An article according to any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein a grooved section of an inner component or inner casing is configured to engage with or contact the inner surface of an outer casing. Example 14. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 13, wherein the inner components and the outer casing each include the same number of grooves. Example 15. An article according to any one of Examples 6 to 14, wherein the inner components and the outer casing are configured to be slidable, movable, removable, or rotatable relative to each other. Example 16. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 15, wherein each air passage is defined between an inner component or groove of the inner casing and a groove of the outer casing by at least partial or complete alignment or overlap, preferably alignment or overlap in the cross-sectional direction. Example 17. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 16, wherein the article has a first configuration defined by a complete misalignment between one or more grooves of an inner component or inner casing and one or more grooves of an outer casing. Example 18. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 17, wherein the article has a second configuration defined by a perfect alignment between one or more grooves of an inner component or inner casing and one or more grooves of an outer casing. Example 19. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 18, wherein the article has an intermediate configuration defined by an internal component or by a partial alignment between one or more grooves of the internal casing and one or more grooves of the external casing. Example 20. An article according to any one of Examples 11 to 19, wherein in the intermediate configuration, the pull-out resistance of the article is greater than the pull-out resistance of the article in the second configuration. Example 21. An article according to any one of Examples 11 to 20, wherein the inner component or the inner casing and outer casing are rotatable relative to each other. Example 22. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 21, wherein one or more grooves in the inner component or inner casing and one or more grooves in the outer 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. Example 23. The article according to any one of Examples 11 to 22, wherein one or more grooves of an inner component or inner casing and one or more grooves of an outer casing 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. Example 24. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the inner casing includes a distal section, an oral section, and an intermediate section positioned between the distal section and the oral section. Example 25. The article according to Example 24, wherein the diameter or width of the distal section is less than the diameter or width of the intermediate section. Example 26. The article according to Example 24 or 25, wherein the diameter or width of the intermediate section is less than the diameter or width of the mouth section. Example 27. An article according to any one of Examples 24 to 26, wherein the diameter of the mouth section is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the outer casing. Example 28. An article according to any one of Examples 24 to 27, wherein the diameter of the intermediate section is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing. Example 29. The article according to any one of Examples 8 to 28, wherein the groove of the inner casing extends longitudinally along at least 50 percent of the length of the middle section of the inner casing, optionally the groove of the inner casing extends longitudinally along at least 75 percent of the length of the middle section of the inner casing, optionally the groove of the inner casing extends longitudinally along the entire length of the middle section of the inner casing. Example 30. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the aerosol generating compartment is removable from the rest of the article. Example 31. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein an aerosol generating compartment is defined between the outer casing and the inner components. Example 32. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein an aerosol generating compartment is defined at or within the closed distal end of the article. Example 33. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the inner component is slidable relative to the outer casing, and when the inner component is slid away from the proximal end of the outer casing, an air intake is defined between the outer casing and the inner component. Example 34. An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein an air intake is provided on the outer surface of the article. Example 35. The article according to Example 34, wherein the air intake is defined by a plurality of openings penetrating the outer casing. Example 36. The article according to Example 34 or 35, wherein the inner components or inner casing are configured to cooperate with an air intake provided in the outer casing to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the air outlet, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment. Example 36. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein an internal component or internal casing is configured to cooperate with an air intake provided in the 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. Example 37. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein an internal component or internal casing is configured to cooperate with an air intake provided in the external casing to substantially restrict or reduce the airflow into the article through the air intake. Example 38. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 37, wherein the internal component or internal casing is configured to at least partially or completely block the air intake. Example 39. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 38, wherein the inner component or inner casing is configured to allow airflow through an air intake by having one or more grooves overlap at least partially or completely with the opening or opening of the air intake. Example 40. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 39, wherein the article has a configuration in which one or more grooves in the inner components or inner casing do not overlap with openings or openings of air intakes defined in the outer casing, thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the air intake and air exhaust, or between the air intake and aerosol generating compartment, as necessary. Example 41. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 40, wherein the article has a configuration in which one or more grooves of an internal component or internal casing at least partially or completely overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within the external casing, thereby substantially enabling fluid communication between the air intake and the air exhaust, or between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment, as required. Example 42. The article according to any one of Examples 34 to 41, wherein the article has an intermediate structure defined by a partial overlap between each of one or more grooves of an internal component or internal casing and each of the holes or openings of an air intake. Example 43. The article according to Example 42, wherein in the intermediate configuration, the resistance to pulling out the article is greater than the resistance to pulling out the article in a configuration in which one or more grooves of the inner component or inner casing completely overlap with an opening or opening of an air intake defined within the outer casing. Example 44. An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the distal end of an inner component is configured to abut against the inside of the closing end of an outer casing. Example 45. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, 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. Example 46. The article according to Example 45, wherein the air outlet is provided in the distal portion of the inner component. Example 47. The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the closed distal end is impermeable, preferably fluid-impermeable or air-impermeable. Example 48. The article according to any of Examples 1 to 47, 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. Example 49. An article according to any of Examples 1 to 48, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake port has an area of ​​3.5 square millimeters or less, optionally 2 square millimeters or less, optionally 1 square millimeter or less. Example 50. The article according to any of Examples 1 to 49, 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. Example 51. The article according to any of Examples 1 to 50, wherein each air intake opening of the air intake port has a diameter of 2 mm or less, optionally 1.5 mm or less, optionally 1 mm or less. Example 52. An aerosol generating article comprising an article described in any of Examples 1 to 51 and an aerosol generating substrate placed in an aerosol generating compartment. Example 53. The aerosol generating article according to Example 52, wherein the solid aerosol generating substrate includes a solid aerosol generating material. Example 54. A system comprising an article as described in any of Examples 1 to 53 and an aerosol generator having a heating chamber, wherein the article is configured to be housed in the heating chamber and the aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generation compartment, comprising a heater.

[0172] The present invention will be further explained, albeit only illustratively, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0173] Unless otherwise specified, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements or features throughout this disclosure.

[0174] Figure 1 shows an elongated outer casing 108 of the body 102 of the article 101 or aerosol-generating article 100 of the present disclosure. The outer casing 108 is tubular and has a closed distal end and an open side end. An air intake (or inlet) including an intake opening 128 is provided through the outer casing 108 at a position along the long axis. The air intake may include four openings 128. The outer casing 108 is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0175] Figure 2 shows an elongated inner casing 110 of the body 102 of the article or aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure. The inner casing 110 is located within and configured to engage with the outer casing 108. The inner casing 110 is tubular and has a closed distal end and an open port end. The inner casing 110 comprises a distal section 122, a port section 126, and an intermediate section 124 located between the distal section 122 and the port section 126. Each section 122, 124, and 126 is substantially cylindrical in shape. An air outlet, including an outlet opening 132, is provided through the inner casing 110 at a position along the long axis. The air outlet is provided in the distal section 122 of the inner casing 110, preferably about 2 mm downstream from the distal end of the inner casing 210. The air outlet may include four openings 132.

[0176] Sections 122, 124, and 126 of the inner casing 110 each have different diameters relative to one another. The diameter of the oral section 126 defines the maximum diameter of the inner casing 110 and coincides with the inner diameter of the outer casing 108. This allows the oral section 126 of the inner casing 110 to be positioned concentrically with respect to the outer casing 108, as shown in Figure 3. The diameter of the intermediate section 124 is smaller than the diameter of the oral section 126. The diameter of the distal section 122 is smaller than the diameter of the intermediate section 124.

[0177] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner casing 110 is inserted into the outer casing 108 to define and assemble the body 102 of the article 101. Figure 4 illustrates the inner casing 110 fully inserted into or housed within the outer casing 108. The distal end of the inner casing 110, or the distal end of the distal section 122, abuts against the closed distal end of the outer casing 108. The inner casing 110 and the outer casing 108 are slidable relative to each other.

[0178] The main 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 suitable cavity for holding a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0179] 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 placing 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, in which case the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 holds a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate 20, preferably a solid aerosol generating substrate.

[0180] Figure 6 shows the assembled configuration of article 101 or aerosol-generating article 100. Articles 100 and 101 have the same characteristics as those described above with reference to any of the previously mentioned 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 and its components of article 101 shown in Figures 1-4 (e.g., inner casing 108 and outer casing 110).

[0181] As described 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 described 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] The oral section 126 of the inner casing 110 is located at the oral end 104 of the main body 102, the distal section 122 of the inner casing 110 is located at the distal end 106 of the main body 102, and the intermediate section 124 of the inner casing 110 extends between the oral section 124 and the distal section 124 of the inner casing 110.

[0184] The mouth-side section 126 of the inner casing 110 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer casing 108. As a result, at the mouth-side end 104, the inner surface 112 of the outer casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner casing 110 engage or contact each other to substantially prevent air from leaking out between the inner casing 110 and the outer casing 108 at the mouth-side end 104.

[0185] The distal section 122 of the inner casing 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the oral section 126. The distal section 122 of the inner casing 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the outer casing 108. As a result, at the distal end 106, the inner surface 112 of the outer casing 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner casing 110 are spaced apart from each other.

[0186] The central section 124 of the inner casing 110 has an outer diameter that is between the outer diameter of the oral end section 126 and the outer diameter of the distal end section 126. The outer diameter of the central section 124 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer casing 108.

[0187] 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.

[0188] As described above, the main body 102 has an air intake port 128. The air intake port 128 includes 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] As described above, the main body 102 has an air outlet 132. The air outlet 132 includes a plurality of air outlet openings provided in the wall of the inner casing 110, preferably in its distal section 122.

[0191] The second airflow passage 134 extends between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and the open end 104 of the article 100. The second airflow passage 134 passes through the air outlet 132 and through the internal space defined by the inner casing 110 to the open end 104. In this way, the air outlet 132 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18 and the open end 104 of the article 100.

[0192] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating system 700. The aerosol generating system 700 comprises article 100 and aerosol generating device 702. The aerosol generating system 700 may comprise any article described or illustrated in this disclosure.

[0193] 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 aerosol generating 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 positioned 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 abut against the first end of the heating chamber. As shown in Figure 7, the article 100 is received within the heating chamber.

[0194] Once 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 located outside the heating chamber allows air to be easily drawn into the article 100 through the air intake 128.

[0195] 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 power supply from the power supply 714 to the heater 712. When the article 100 is housed in the heating chamber, the controller 716 is configured to cause the heater 712 to controllly heat the aerosol generating section 18 of the article 100 during use. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the heater 712 is positioned to heat the article 100 from the outside.

[0196] During use, the aerosol generating substrate 20 is placed inside the aerosol generating substrate compartment 18. The article 100 is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator 702. Next, the aerosol generator 702 is activated. As the aerosol generator 702 is activated, the controller 716 increases the heater temperature, heating 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.

[0197] Figures 8, 9a, 9b, and 10 illustrate articles 200 or aerosol-generating articles 201 having a body 202. Articles 200 and 201 differ from articles 100 and 101 primarily in that the inner casing 210 has a different configuration. The intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 210 is provided with a plurality of grooves 207 extending along its outer surface in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 210 is provided with a plurality of ridges or projections 205, 205b extending along its outer surface in the longitudinal direction. The grooves 207 are located between two ridges 205, 205b. The ridges 205, 205b are located between two grooves 207. As shown, the grooves 207 and projections 205, 205b extend along the entire length of the intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 210.

[0198] The projections 205 and 205b may have any shape or size. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 9a, the projection 205 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape. The end or tip of each projection 205 may be pointed or rounded. As shown in Figure 9a, the tip of each projection 205 is pointed.

[0199] As shown in Figure 9b, the projections 205b may instead have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Thus, the ends or tips of each projection 205b are not pointed and can define a longitudinally curved surface that coincides with the curved circumferential inner surface of the outer casings 108, 308, so that air does not flow between the projections 205b and the inner surfaces of the outer casings 108, 308.

[0200] The air passages 230 are defined by each groove 207. Each air passage 230 extends along each groove 207 and along the intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 210. The raised portions 205, 205b may be in contact with or engage with the outer casing 1. Air cannot flow over the raised portions 205, 205b. In other words, air can only move through the air passages 230 defined by each groove 207. During use, air can enter through the opening of the air intake 128 and move toward the aerosol generating section 18 through the air passages 230 defined by the grooves 207. For simplification, the distal portions of articles 201, 201 are not shown in Figure 10. The components of the inner casing 210 illustrated by the dashed lines are components located within the outer casing 108, and can be seen assuming that the outer casing 108 is transparent. Furthermore, for the sake of illustration, the downstream or proximal portions of the groove 207 and projection 205 in the longitudinal direction are not shown. However, as shown in Figure 8, the groove and projection 205 extend to the upstream end of the mouth section 226 of the inner casing 210.

[0201] Figures 11, 12, and 13, along with Figures 9a and 9b, illustrate an article 300 or an aerosol-generating article 301 having a main body 302. Articles 300 and 301 differ mainly from articles 200 and 201 in that the outer casing 308 does not have an air intake 128 with multiple openings 128, and the outer casing 308 is shorter than the inner casing 210.

[0202] As shown in Figure 11, when the distal end of the inner casing 210 substantially abuts against the closed end of the outer casing 308, a portion of the mouth-side section 226 of the inner casing 210 engages with the inner surface of the outer casing 308 to prevent air from entering the body 302 at the mouth-side end. In other words, a portion of the outer surface of the inner casing 210 in its mouth-side section 226 engages with the inner surface of the outer casing 308 at the mouth-side end 314 of the outer casing, substantially preventing air from entering the body 302. The outer diameter of the mouth-side section 226 matches the inner diameter of the outer casing 302. In such a sealed configuration, when the mouth-side end is sucked, air cannot be drawn into the articles 300, 301 and into the aerosol generating compartment 18. The inner casing 210 protrudes from the outer casing 308 because the length of the outer casing 308 is shorter than that of the inner casing 210. The mouth end of the inner casing 210 defines the mouth end of the main body 302 of the articles 300 and 301.

[0203] The inner casing 210 is slidable relative to the outer casing 308 between the sealed configuration and the open configuration described in relation to Figure 11. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the inner casing 210 is slidable relative to the outer casing 308 to the open configuration. In the open configuration, the mouth section 226 of the inner casing 210 does not engage with the outer casing 308. In other words, the mouth section 226 is not housed within the outer casing 308, or any part of the mouth section 226 is neither surrounded nor covered by the outer casing 308. The distal end of the mouth section 226 is substantially away in the longitudinal direction from the mouth end of the outer casing 308. Thus, the downstream portion of the intermediate section 224 is exposed, and an air intake is defined in the open configuration. The air intake is defined by the downstream portion 329 of the intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 210, which is exposed to the external environment between the mouth end 314 of the outer casing 308 and the upstream or distal end of the mouth section 226 of the inner casing 210. Due to the presence and exposure of the groove 207, air can enter the body 302 through the mouth end of the outer casing 308. The air can flow towards the aerosol generating section 18 along the air passage 330, which is partially defined by the corresponding groove 207 between the outer casing 308 and the inner casing 210.

[0204] Figure 14 illustrates an article 401 or an aerosol-generating article 400 having a body 402. Articles 400 and 401 differ from articles 100 and 101 mainly in that the outer casing 408 and the inner casing 410 have different configurations. The intermediate section 424 of the inner casing 410 has a plurality of grooves 407 that partially extend along the longitudinal direction along the outer surface in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate section 224 of the inner casing 410 has a plurality of raised or protruding portions 405 that extend along its outer surface in the longitudinal direction. The grooves 407 are provided between two raised portions 405. The raised portions 405 are provided between two grooves 407. As shown in Figures 15a to 15e, the inner casing 410 has two grooves 407 and two raised portions 405.

[0205] The outer casing 408 is shorter than the inner casing 410. The inner casing 410 protrudes from the mouth end of the outer casing 408. Specifically, a portion of the mouth section 426 of the inner casing 410 protrudes from the outer casing 408.

[0206] The outer casing 408 includes a plurality of grooves 417 that partially extend along the longitudinal axis along the inner surface of the outer casing 408. The outer casing 408 includes a plurality of raised or protruding portions 415 that partially extend along the longitudinal axis along the inner surface of the outer casing 408. The grooves 417 are provided between two raised portions 415. The raised portions 415 are provided between two grooves 417. As shown in Figures 15a to 15e, the outer casing 408 includes two grooves 417 and two raised portions 415.

[0207] When the main body 402 and articles 400, 401 are assembled and the inner casing 410 is fully inserted into the outer casing 408, the upstream or distal end of the ridge 405 of the inner casing 410 may abut against the mouth or downstream end of the ridge 415 of the outer casing 408. The ridge 405 is not located above the air intake opening 428 of the outer casing 408. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape and size of the groove 407 of the inner casing 410 and the groove 417 of the outer casing 408 are substantially identical. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape and size of the ridge 405 of the inner casing 410 and the ridge 415 of the outer casing 408 are substantially identical.

[0208] The inner casing 408 is rotatable relative to the outer casing 408. As shown in Figures 15a to 15e, the grooves 407 and protrusions 405 of the inner casing 410 can cooperate with the grooves 417 and protrusions 415 of the outer casing 410 in different configurations, based on the relative position (rotational position) of the inner casing 410 relative to the outer casing 408.

[0209] As shown in Figures 15a and 15b, the raised portions 405 and 415 are perfectly aligned so that the grooves 407 and 417 are perfectly aligned to define the air passage 430. This defines a completely open configuration, and the air passage 430, partially defined by the grooves 405 and 415, allows fluid communication between the air intake 428 and the upstream aerosol generation section (not shown, but located upstream of the grooves 417 and raised portions 415). In this open configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage 430 is maximized because the grooves 407 and 417 are not completely blocked.

[0210] As shown in Figure 15c, no air passages 430 are defined, and fluid communication with the aerosol generating section via the air intake 428 does not function. In this closed or sealed configuration, any air passages 430 defined by the grooves 407 of the inner casing 410 are completely blocked by the protrusions 415 of the outer casing 408. Air passages defined by the grooves 417 of the outer casing 408 are completely blocked by the protrusions 405 of the inner casing 410.

[0211] Figure 15e shows a configuration in which the raised portion 415 of the outer casing 408 partially overlaps with or closes the groove 407 of the inner casing 410. The raised portion 405 of the inner casing 410 partially overlaps with or closes the groove 417 of the outer casing 408. In such a partially open configuration, the reduced cross-sectional area air passage 430 is defined by the overlapping portions (in cross-sectional view) of the grooves 407, 417. Such a partially open configuration may be achieved by rotating the inner casing 410 and the outer casing 408 relative to each other (see Figure 15d). Such a configuration may be defined by the user if they wish to increase the draw-out resistance (RTD) of the items 400, 401 to adjust the user experience.

[0212] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate an article 501 or aerosol-generating article 500 similar to those shown in Figures 8, 9a, 9b, and 10. Articles 500 and 501 differ in that the outer casing 508 is shorter than the inner casing 510. The inner casing 510 protrudes from the mouth end of the outer casing 508. Specifically, a portion of the mouth section 526 of the inner casing 510 protrudes from the outer casing 508. Articles 500 and 501 differ primarily in that the grooves 507 and raised portions 505 are located above the air intake ports 528 provided on the outer casing 508. The number of grooves 507 and raised portions 505 corresponds to the number of openings provided in the air intake ports 528. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, there are four grooves 507 and raised portions 505 and four air intake openings 528.

[0213] The inner casing 510 can rotate relative to the outer casing 508. As a result, the overlap between the raised portion 505 and the air intake opening 528 can be adjusted. Similarly, the degree of overlap between the groove 507 and the air intake opening 528 can be adjusted to correct the RTD of articles 500, 501. The inner casing 510 can rotate between a closed configuration in which each of the raised portions 505 completely overlaps or blocks the corresponding air intake opening 528, and a fully open configuration in which no portion of each of the raised portions 505 overlaps with the air intake opening 528. In the fully open configuration, each groove 507 completely covers the corresponding air intake opening 528. In the fully closed configuration, airflow cannot enter the outer casing 508 through the air intake opening 528. Therefore, no fluid communication is established between the outside of articles 500, 501 and the aerosol generating compartment (not shown).

[0214] As shown in Figure 17, articles 500 and 501 are in a partially open configuration. The inner casing 510 can be rotated from either a fully closed or open configuration to this configuration. In this configuration, each of the air intake openings 528 is partially closed by the corresponding protrusions 505. Thus, the airflow through each air intake opening 528 is partially restricted. As a result, the effective size of the air intake openings 528 is reduced. The effective size of the air intake openings 528 is determined by the degree of overlap between the groove 507 and the air intake opening 528, as shown by O in Figure 17. Theoretically, the reduction in the effective size of the air intake openings 528 increases the total RTD of articles 500 and 501 compared to the fully open configuration described above.

[0215] In all figures of this disclosure, airflow paths, aerosol channels, or other fluid paths into and through an aerosol-generating article in use are indicated by discontinuous arrows.

[0216] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all instances as being modified 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 numerical values ​​within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by number A. In some instances as used in the appended claims, number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A 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.

[0217] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate, but do not limit, the present invention. 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 when heated, wherein the article has an open end and a closed distal end, An outer casing extending between the open end and the closed distal end, an aerosol generating compartment for holding the aerosol generating substrate, The inner components housed within the outer casing, An air intake port is provided at a position in the longitudinal direction between the aerosol generating section and the mouth end, wherein the air intake port establishes fluid communication from the outside of the article to the inside of the article, An article comprising one or more air passages defined in the longitudinal direction between the inner component and the outer casing, and establishing fluid communication from the air intake to the aerosol generating compartment, each air passage being defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner component or the inner surface of the outer casing.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein the outer circumference of the inner component engages with the inner surface of the outer casing along a portion of the length of the air passage.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, along a portion of the length of the air passage, the maximum width or diameter of the inner component matches the inner width or diameter of the outer casing.

4. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner component comprises one or more grooves extending in the longitudinal direction along the outer surface of the inner component, the outer casing comprises one or more grooves extending in the longitudinal direction along the inner surface of the outer casing, and the inner component and the outer casing are configured to cooperate with each other to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating compartment is defined between the outer casing and the inner component.

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

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner component is slidable relative to the outer casing, and preferably, when the inner component is slid away from the proximal end of the outer casing, the air intake is defined between the outer casing and the inner component.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air intake is defined by a plurality of openings that penetrate the outer casing.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein the internal component is configured to cooperate with the air intake to substantially prevent fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

10. The article according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the article has a configuration in which one or more grooves of the inner component do not overlap with the opening of the air intake, thereby substantially preventing fluid communication between the air intake and the aerosol generating compartment.

11. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distal end of the inner component is configured to abut against the interior of the closed distal end of the outer casing.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an air outlet disposed within the article, wherein the air outlet establishes fluid communication from the aerosol generating section to the outlet-side end of the article, and preferably the air outlet is provided at the distal end of the inner component.

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

14. An aerosol generating article comprising the article described in any one of claims 1 to 13 and an aerosol generating substrate disposed within the aerosol generating compartment, wherein the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains 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 article is configured to be housed in the heating chamber, and the aerosol generator is configured to heat the aerosol generation compartment, comprising a heater.

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