Article for generating aerosols, equipped with multiple movable tubes.

Abstract

An article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the article comprising a body having an open end and a closed distal end, the body comprising an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating substrate compartment located toward the closed distal end of the body, an outer tube, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube, an air intake provided on the outer tube for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the outside of the article, and an air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the body through the inner tube, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate to substantially prevent airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet, and the outer tube blocks the air outlet, substantially preventing airflow through the air outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol. In particular, the present invention relates to an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating, an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating by an aerosol generating device, and an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating. The article comprises an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. Upon heating, the aerosol generating substrate generates an aerosol.

Background Art

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

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generators for consumer articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generators in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol generating substrate of a heated article. For example, electrically heated aerosol generators have been proposed that include internal heater blades adapted to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate. The use of articles in combination with external heating systems is also known. For example, International Publication 2020 / 115151 describes the provision of one or more heating elements arranged around the periphery of an article when the article is received in a cavity of an aerosol generator. Alternatively, an inductively heated article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor disposed within the aerosol generating substrate is proposed in International Publication 2015 / 176898.

[0004] Air is typically drawn into the article through an air intake. Before use, air may enter the article through the air intake. Air entering the article before use may degrade the quality of the aerosol generating substrate contained within the article, which may reduce the quality of the aerosol delivered to the user during subsequent use of the article.

[0005] In particular, in humid environments, the aerosol generating substrate may absorb water from the air entering the item before use. This may increase the temperature of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate during the user's initial inhalation, which may be unpleasant for the user. As a result, the aerosol delivered to the user during the initial inhalation may differ from the aerosol delivered to the user during subsequent inhalations.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide articles that offer improved quality and consistency of aerosols delivered to users compared to known articles. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] This disclosure relates to articles for generating aerosols. In particular, this disclosure relates to articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating, articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating by an aerosol generator, or articles for generating inhalable aerosols upon heating. The article includes a body having a mouth end and a distal end. The mouth end of the body may be an open mouth end. The distal end of the body may be a closed distal end. The body may be configured to include an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be located at the distal end of the body. The body may include an outer tube and an inner tube disposed within the outer tube. The body may include an air intake. The air intake may be provided on the outer tube. The air intake may provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body. The body may include an air outlet. The air outlet may provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the body. The air outlet may be for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the mouth end of the main body through the inner tube. The inner and outer tubes may be movable relative to each other between the first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the inner and outer tubes may cooperate with each other to substantially prevent airflow through both the air intake and air outlet.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an article for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising a body having an open end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating substrate compartment located toward the closed distal end of the body; an outer tube; an inner tube disposed within the outer tube; an air intake section provided on the outer tube for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the outside of the article; and an air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end through the inner tube, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate to substantially prevent airflow through both the air intake section and the air outlet, and in the first configuration the outer tube blocks the air outlet and substantially prevents airflow through the air outlet.

[0009] This disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may be configured to include an article for generating an aerosol, or an article for generating an aerosol that can be inhaled upon heating, as described above. The aerosol generating system may be configured to include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to include a heating element. The aerosol generating device may be configured to include a power supply for supplying power to the heating element. The aerosol generating device may be configured to include a control device. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating element.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, a power supply for supplying power to the heating element, and a controller configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating element.

[0011] When used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “article for generating aerosols” is used to describe an article configured to hold or receive an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate compartment of the article may be configured to include an aerosol-generating substrate. The article may be an aerosol-generating article. Unless otherwise stated, the configurations associated with the article are equally applicable to an aerosol-generating article.

[0012] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that generates and delivers a heated, inhalable aerosol to a user.

[0013] Where used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material that can release an aerosol in response to heating of a volatile compound capable of generating an aerosol. The aerosol is an inhalable aerosol.

[0014] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may consist not only of vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, but also of solid particles or droplets of liquid, or a combination of solid particles and droplets of liquid.

[0015] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generator" is used to describe a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-generating substrate of an article.

[0016] The article according to the present invention has a mouth end through which an aerosol exiting the article for delivery to the user passes during use. The mouth end of the article may also be called the downstream end or proximal end of the article. During use, the user inhales the aerosol generated by the article directly or indirectly through the mouth end of the article.

[0017] The article according to the present invention has a distal end. The distal end is on the opposite side from the oral end. The distal end of the article may also be the upstream end of the article.

[0018] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "long axis direction" is used to describe the direction between the distal end and the mouth end of an article.

[0019] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction of an article, a component of an article, or a part of an article.

[0020] As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term “transverse direction” is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] Advantageously, the article according to the present invention is provided with means for preventing air from outside the article from coming into contact with an aerosol-generating substrate that may be stored in an aerosol-generating substrate compartment until the user wishes to use the article to generate an aerosol. By sealing the aerosol-generating substrate compartment from the outside of the article before use, the absorption of water from moist air by the aerosol-generating substrate before use of the article is substantially reduced or prevented.

[0022] Reducing the amount of water absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate before use of the item may help avoid undesirably warm aerosols being delivered to the user during the initial inhalation. This may help achieve a more consistent aerosol between the first and subsequent inhalations.

[0023] By reducing the amount of water absorbed by the aerosol generating substrate, the storage life of the aerosol generating substrate stored in the aerosol generating substrate compartment can be extended. Thereby, the aerosol delivered to the user can be improved.

[0024] The article has a distal end and an oral end.

[0025] The body of the article may be configured to extend from the distal end of the article towards the oral end of the article. The body of the article may be configured to extend from the oral end of the article towards the distal end of the article. The body of the article may be configured to extend from the distal end of the article to the oral end of the article.

[0026] The distal end of the body may be the distal end of the article. The article may be configured to have a closed distal end.

[0027] The oral end of the body may be the oral end of the article. The article may be configured to have an open oral end.

[0028] The article may be an aerosol generating article.

[0029] The oral end of the article may be configured to be used as a mouthpiece. The article may be configured to include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be arranged at the oral end of the article. The mouthpiece element may be a mouthpiece filter element.

[0030] The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be a cavity within the body. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be a solid storage portion. In other words, the aerosol generating substrate compartment may be for holding a solid aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be a liquid storage portion.

[0031] The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be arranged at the distal end of the body.

[0032] The aerosol generating substrate compartment may be defined by the closed distal end of the main body. The aerosol generating substrate compartment may also be defined as a chamber, which is the cavity between the inner and outer tubes at the closed distal end of the main body.

[0033] The second aerosol generating substrate compartment may include a solid aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be a solid aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol generating substrate.

[0034] The inner tube has a distal end and an orifice end. The inner tube may be configured to have an open distal end. The inner tube may be configured to have an open orifice end. The open orifice end of the inner tube may define the open orifice end of the main body.

[0035] The outer diameter of the inner tube may vary along the length of the inner tube. The inner diameter of the inner tube may also vary along the length of the inner tube.

[0036] The inner tube may comprise one or more sections. Adjacent sections of the inner tube may have different outer diameters. Adjacent sections of the inner tube may have different inner diameters.

[0037] Each section of the inner tube may have a substantially constant outer diameter. Each section of the inner tube may have a substantially constant inner diameter.

[0038] The inner tube may have a mouth-end section. The mouth-end section may be positioned toward the mouth-end of the inner tube. The mouth-end section may be located at the mouth-end of the inner tube. The mouth-end section of the inner tube may be used as a mouthpiece.

[0039] The inner tube may have a distal end section. The distal end section may be located on the distal end side of the inner tube. The distal end section may be located at the distal end of the inner tube. The distal end section of the inner tube may be located inside the outer tube.

[0040] The inner tube may have a central section. The central section may be located between the oral end section and the distal end section. The central section may extend between the oral end section and the distal end section. The central section may extend from the oral end section toward the distal end section. The central section may extend from the distal end section toward the oral end section. The central section may extend from the distal end section toward the oral end section.

[0041] The mouth end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube. This may be such that there is an airtight fit between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube at a position along the mouth end section of the inner tube.

[0042] The distal end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter smaller than that of the oral end section. Advantageously, an oral end section having an outer diameter larger than that of the distal end section can increase the homogenization and cooling of the aerosol generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating substrate held within the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0043] The distal end section of the inner tube may have an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the oral end section.

[0044] The distal end section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0045] The central section of the inner tube may have an outer diameter that is between the outer diameter of the oral end section and the outer diameter of the distal end section. The central section of the inner tube may have an inner diameter that is between the inner diameter of the oral end section and the inner diameter of the distal end section.

[0046] The outer diameter of the central section may be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0047] The central section of the inner tube may have a larger internal volume than the distal end section of the inner tube. The oral section of the inner tube may also have a larger internal volume than the central section of the inner tube.

[0048] When the outer and inner tubes are in the first configuration, the mouth end of the inner tube may protrude from the outer tube. When the outer and inner tubes are in the first configuration, the mouth end section of the inner tube may protrude outside the outer tube. Advantageously, the inner tube protruding from the outer tube may provide the user with an easily activatable means of moving the outer and inner tubes from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0049] When the outer tube and inner tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube may protrude from the outer tube to a greater extent than when the outer tube and inner tube are in the first configuration.

[0050] The length of the inner tube may be greater than the length of the outer tube. The length of the inner tube may be greater than the internal length of the outer tube. In other words, the length of the inner tube may be greater than the length of the outer tube extending from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to the mouth end of the outer tube.

[0051] The length of the mouth end section may be greater than the length of the outer tube extending from the air intake to the mouth end of the outer tube. This may be such that the mouth end section of the inner tube protrudes from the outer tube in the first configuration, while blocking the air intake and substantially preventing airflow through the air intake in the first configuration.

[0052] One or more portions of the inner tube may be formed integrally, or they may be formed individually and joined together to form a single piece.

[0053] The inner tube may be formed from a substantially impermeable material. The inner tube may be formed from plastic.

[0054] The air outlet may provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the inner tube. The air outlet may provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the inner tube through the open distal end of the inner tube.

[0055] The air outlet may be configured such that, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, air may flow substantially in the longitudinal direction through the air outlet into the inner tube.

[0056] The air outlet may be provided at the distal end of the inner tube.

[0057] The air outlet may be provided through the distal end face of the inner tube. For example, the air outlet may be provided by one or more openings or holes extending through the distal end face of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by one or more openings in the inner tube that define the open distal end of the inner tube.

[0058] The air outlet may be provided by a single opening or by multiple openings.

[0059] The inner tube may have an opening at its distal end, the opening being defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube. The air outlet may be provided by an opening in the inner tube defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube.

[0060] The outer tube may be configured to have a substantially constant outer diameter along its entire length. The outer tube may also be configured to have a substantially constant inner diameter along its entire length.

[0061] The outer tube may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0062] The outer tube has a distal end and an orifice end. The outer tube may also have a closed distal end. The closed distal end of the outer tube may define the closed distal end of the main body. The outer tube may also have an open orifice end.

[0063] The inner tube may be insertable into the outer tube through the open end of the outer tube.

[0064] The inner tube and the outer tube may be configured to have the same longitudinal axis.

[0065] The outer tube may be provided with a distal end wall, and the distal end wall may form the closed distal end of the outer tube.

[0066] The outer tube may be formed from a substantially impermeable material. The outer tube may also be made from plastic.

[0067] The air intake section may be configured to provide fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate section and the outside of the outer tube.

[0068] The air intake section may be configured such that, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, air flows substantially transversely into the outer tube.

[0069] The air intake port is provided on the outer pipe. The air intake may be provided through the outer pipe. The air intake may be provided through the wall of the outer pipe. The air intake may be provided inside the outer pipe.

[0070] The air intake may be located on the outer tube at a distance from the mouth end of the article. This can help prevent the user's lips from blocking the air intake while the article is in use.

[0071] The air intake port may be configured to include one or more openings or holes. For example, the air intake may be configured to include one or more openings provided on the outer tube.

[0072] The air intake section may have a single opening. The air intake section may have multiple openings. For example, the air intake section may have multiple openings arranged circumferentially around the outer pipe, such as in a row around the outer pipe.

[0073] The ratio of the draw resistance (RTD) through the air intake to the overall draw resistance (RTD) of the article may be at least 0.5, at least 0.7, or at least 0.9. Such a ratio may be calculated by measuring the RTD of the article when the article is assembled (i.e., with the inner tube assembled within the outer tube), measuring the RTD of the outer tube by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer tube, and then dividing the measured RTD of the outer tube by the measured RTD of the article when the article is in both the assembled state and the second configuration. It is preferable that the measurement of the RTD through the air intake of the outer tube be performed only on the outer tube separated from the inner tube by drawing airflow through the air intake from the mouth end of the outer tube.

[0074] The ratio of RTD through the air intake of the article to the overall RTD may also be called the ratio of the RTD of the air intake to the overall RTD of the article, or the ratio of the RTD of the outer tube to the overall RTD of the article.

[0075] Unless otherwise specified, the draw-to-discharge (RTD) of an article or its components shall be expressed in units of pressure, "mmWG," "mm water column," or "mm H2O," and shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second at the proximal end of the article or its components, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0076] The inventors have found that setting the ratio of the draw resistance through the air intake to the overall draw resistance of the article to at least 0.5 can provide a satisfactory experience for users of such closed-end articles. Providing such an air intake allows for a corresponding aerosol generator with a simplified airflow management configuration and in which the article can be tightly fitted and securely received within the device. Furthermore, this relatively high ratio or contribution of the air intake to the overall RTD of the article means that air can flow only through the air intake under high-pressure draw. Thus, the risk of air inadvertently entering the article and aerosol generating compartment without the user sucking in the article is reduced, and the shelf life of any aerosol generating substrate present in the aerosol generating compartment can be extended.

[0077] Each of the one or more openings in the air intake section may have an area of ​​at least 0.005 square millimeters, at least 0.01 square millimeters, or at least 0.5 square millimeters. Each of the one or more openings in the air intake section may have an area of ​​3.5 square millimeters or less, about 2 square millimeters or less, or about 1 square millimeter or less.

[0078] The inner and outer tubes may be configured such that a space is defined between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The space may be defined by the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The space may be empty.

[0079] The empty space may be ring-shaped. In other words, the empty space may surround the inner tube.

[0080] As described above, the inner tube may be configured to include a distal end section having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube. The distal end section of the inner tube is positioned inside the outer tube. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the distal end section of the inner tube may define a space between them.

[0081] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the inner tube may be configured to include a central section having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube. The central section of the inner tube may be located inside the outer tube. The inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the central section of the inner tube may define a space between them.

[0082] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the first airflow passage of the article may be defined between the air intake and the aerosol generating substrate compartment. The first airflow passage may extend from the air intake to the aerosol generating substrate compartment. The first airflow passage may be located through a space defined between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0083] The first airflow passage may be located outside the inner tube.

[0084] The first airflow passage may be configured to have one or more channels defined in the longitudinal direction between the inner and outer tubes, establishing fluid communication from the air intake to the aerosol generating substrate section.

[0085] Each channel may be at least partially defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner tube. Each channel may be at least partially defined by a corresponding groove provided on the inner surface of the outer tube. Each channel may be configured to be at least partially defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube, so that the resistance of pulling out the article can be more precisely predefined during manufacturing, in order to improve the user experience. By providing such first airflow passages, it may be possible to enable a corresponding aerosol generator that has a simplified airflow management configuration and in which the article can be tightly fitted and securely received within the device.

[0086] Along a portion of the length of the first airflow passage, the outer circumference of the inner tube may be configured to engage with the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0087] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the first airflow passage may be configured to be open so as to allow airflow through the air intake section to the aerosol generating substrate compartment via the first airflow passage.

[0088] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the second airflow passage of the article may be defined between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the main body. The second airflow passage may also extend from the aerosol generating substrate compartment to the open end of the main body.

[0089] The second airflow passage may be defined between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end of the inner tube. Alternatively, the second airflow passage may extend from the aerosol generating substrate compartment to the open end of the inner tube.

[0090] The second airflow passage may be configured to extend at least through the air outlet. In other words, the second airflow passage may be configured to pass through the air outlet.

[0091] The second airflow passage may extend at least through the inner tube. That is, the second airflow passage may pass through the interior of the inner tube.

[0092] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the second airflow passage may be configured to be open so as to allow airflow from the aerosol generating substrate section to the open end of the main body via the second airflow passage.

[0093] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, they may be configured to allow airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, they may work together to allow airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet.

[0094] The inner tube may be configured to be at least partially located within the outer tube in both the case when the inner tube and outer tube are in the first configuration, and in the case when the inner tube and outer tube are in the second configuration.

[0095] The inner tube and the outer tube may be movable relative to each other along their long axis. Movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to each other along their long axis allows them to move between the first and second configurations. In other words, the inner tube and the outer tube may be configured to be movable relative to each other along their long axis between the first and second configurations.

[0096] The inner tube and the outer tube may be slidable relative to each other. The sliding movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to each other may cause the inner tube and the outer tube to move between the first and second configurations.

[0097] The inner tube and the outer tube may be slidable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. Sliding movement of the inner tube and the outer tube relative to each other in the longitudinal direction may move the inner tube and the outer tube between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0098] The inner and outer tubes may be configured to be reversibly movable relative to each other from a first configuration to a second configuration. This may provide the article with a means to reseal the aerosol-generating substrate compartment from the outside air after the article's initial use. Advantageously, the means to reseal the aerosol-generating substrate compartment may allow for interruption of the article's use and subsequent resumption without adversely affecting the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0099] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube may be closer to the distal end of the outer tube than when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration. Moving the inner and outer tubes from the first configuration to the second configuration may involve pulling the inner tube away from the distal end of the outer tube.

[0100] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, they work together to substantially prevent airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet. Simultaneous prevention of airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet can provide the article with a simple starting and stopping mechanism. The first configuration is also called a closed configuration. When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the article may be said to be in the first configuration.

[0101] The air intake may be the sole air intake for the article. When the user sucks on the mouth end of the article, substantially all of the air drawn into the article may pass through the air intake.

[0102] The air outlet may be the sole air outlet for the item.

[0103] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the inner tube can block the air intake and substantially prevent airflow through the air intake. This can provide a mechanism that substantially prevents airflow into the aerosol generating substrate compartment, which is simple to manufacture.

[0104] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner tube is positioned with a gap from the air intake and can allow airflow through the air intake. The second configuration may also be called an open configuration. The article may be in the second configuration during use. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the article may be said to be in the second configuration.

[0105] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be positioned transversely from the air intake with a gap between them, allowing airflow through the air intake. For example, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be at least partially located within the outer tube, and the inner tube may be positioned transversely from the air intake with a gap between them, allowing airflow through the air intake.

[0106] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, a space may be defined between the air intake and the inner tube. The space defined between the air intake and the inner tube may be an empty space.

[0107] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be positioned transversely from the air intake with a gap in between.

[0108] If the inner tube has an end section at the mouth, the end section of the inner tube may be configured to block the air intake when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration. For example, as described above, the end section of the inner tube may be configured to have an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner tube.

[0109] If the inner tube comprises an oral end section and one or more sections between the distal end of the inner tube and the oral end section, the combined length of the one or more sections may be such that the oral end section blocks the air intake when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, and separates from the air intake when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration.

[0110] The combined length of one or more sections of the inner tube located between the distal end of the inner tube and the oral end section of the inner tube may be shorter than the length of the outer tube from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to the air intake section provided on the outer tube.

[0111] The combined length of one or more sections of the inner tube located between the distal end of the inner tube and the mouth end section of the inner tube may be at least about 1 millimeter, at least about 2 millimeters, or at least about 5 millimeters shorter than the length of the outer tube, from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to the air intake provided on the outer tube. The combined length of one or more sections of the inner tube located between the distal end of the inner tube and the mouth end section of the inner tube may be at least about 10 millimeters shorter than the length of the outer tube, from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to the air intake provided on the outer tube.

[0112] The combined length of one or more sections of the inner tube between the distal end of the inner tube and the mouth end section of the inner tube, and the length of the outer tube from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to the air intake, may be configured to ensure that airflow is substantially prevented through the air intake and air outlet when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration.

[0113] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the mouth-side end section of the inner tube may be positioned along the long axis between the distal end of the outer tube and the air intake. This may be such that, when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the mouth-side end section of the inner tube blocks the air intake.

[0114] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the distal end of the mouth-side end section of the inner tube may be configured to be located along the longitudinal axis between the air intake and the mouth-side end of the outer tube. This may be such that an empty space is defined between the air intake and the outer surface of the inner tube, allowing airflow into the empty space through the air intake. For example, the empty space may be defined between the air intake and the central section of the inner tube.

[0115] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the outer tube can block or cover the air outlet, substantially preventing airflow through the air outlet. This can provide a mechanism that substantially prevents airflow into a simple aerosol-generating substrate compartment.

[0116] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the outer tube may allow airflow from the air outlet through a gap to the air outlet. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the outer tube may allow airflow from the air outlet through a gap in the longitudinal direction to the air outlet. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner tube may be at least partially located inside the outer tube, and the outer tube may be configured to allow airflow from the air outlet through a gap in the longitudinal direction to the air outlet.

[0117] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, a space may be defined between the air outlet and the outer tube. The space defined between the air outlet and the outer tube may be empty space.

[0118] When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the outer tube may have a gap in the longitudinal direction from the air outlet.

[0119] When the air outlet is provided through the open distal end of the inner tube, and the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube may be configured to abut against the inner surface of the outer tube to substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. For example, the outer tube may have a distal end wall, and the air outlet may be provided through the open distal end of the inner tube, and when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube may abut against the distal end wall of the outer tube to substantially prevent airflow through the air outlet. In the first configuration, the distal end wall of the outer tube may be configured to cover the air intake so as to substantially prevent air from flowing through the air outlet. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the distal end wall of the outer tube may have a gap from the distal end of the inner tube, and a space may be defined between the distal end wall of the outer tube and the air intake to allow airflow into the inner tube through the air intake.

[0120] The inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other with respect to an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations.

[0121] In an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations, the inner and outer tubes can work together to restrict the airflow through the air intake. By restricting the airflow through the air intake, the resistance to drawing the article can be adjusted. In the intermediate configuration, the resistance to drawing the article may be between the resistance to drawing the article when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration and the resistance to drawing the article when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration.

[0122] In the intermediate configuration, the inner and outer tubes may work together to partially block the air intake. For example, in the first configuration, the inner tube may completely block the air intake, preventing airflow through it; in the second configuration, the inner tube may be spaced away from the air intake, allowing airflow through the entire air intake; and in the intermediate configuration, the inner tube may partially block the air intake, allowing airflow through only a portion of it.

[0123] As described above, the air intake section may be configured to have one or more openings. When the inner and outer tubes are in an intermediate configuration, one or more openings may be partially blocked.

[0124] One or more openings have a total opening area. The inner and outer tubes may be configured such that the total area of ​​one or more openings that are unobstructed or available for air to flow through them (the total available area of ​​one or more openings) is adjustable. The total available area of ​​one or more openings in the air intake may be adjusted to adjust the resistance to drawing out articles. By increasing the total available area of ​​one or more openings, the airflow through the air intake can be increased and the resistance to drawing out articles can be reduced. By decreasing the total available area of ​​one or more openings, the airflow through the air intake can be reduced and the resistance to drawing out articles can be increased.

[0125] When the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the usable area of ​​one or more openings may be approximately zero. When the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the usable area of ​​one or more openings may be approximately equal to the total opening area of ​​one or more openings. When the inner and outer tubes are in the intermediate configuration, the usable area of ​​one or more openings may be a portion of the total opening area of ​​one or more openings. In other words, when the inner and outer tubes are in the intermediate configuration, the usable area of ​​one or more openings may lie between the usable area of ​​one or more openings when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration and the usable area of ​​one or more openings when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration.

[0126] When the air intake includes multiple openings, and the inner and outer pipes are in an intermediate configuration, the configuration may be such that only a portion of the multiple openings is open, allowing airflow through a portion of the multiple openings.

[0127] If the air intake includes a single opening, and the inner and outer tubes are in an intermediate configuration, a portion of the opening may be blocked so that airflow is permitted through only a portion of the opening.

[0128] The article may be configured to include a cap for sealing the open end of the main body. The cap may be a removable cap. The cap may be removablely attached to the open end of the main body.

[0129] The cap can be practically non-breathable.

[0130] When the cap is attached to the mouth end of the main body, it prevents air from flowing through the mouth end of the main body. For example, when the cap is attached to the mouth end of the main body, it prevents air from outside the item from flowing through the mouth end of the main body into the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

[0131] The cap may be removed from the mouth end of the main body, allowing air to flow through the mouth end of the main body.

[0132] The cap may also be configured to have a tab.

[0133] The article may be configured to include a substantially impermeable wrapper with a cover portion, the cover portion being located above an air intake, and substantially preventing air from entering the article through the air intake. The article may be configured so that the cover portion is movable away from the air intake, which may allow air to enter the article through the air intake.

[0134] A substantially airtight wrapper may be configured to surround the outer tube.

[0135] The article may be configured such that the cover portion is removable. The cover portion may be configured to be removed from the body of the article before use. For example, before use of the article, the substantially airtight wrapper cover portion may block the air intake, and the inner and outer tubes may be in a first configuration. To use the article, the user may remove the substantially airtight wrapper cover portion from the body of the article and move the inner and outer tubes relative to each other in a second configuration.

[0136] The article may have transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper, with the cover portion extending along the transverse weak lines. The substantially impermeable wrapper may be ruptureable along the transverse weak lines, allowing the cover portion to move away from the air intake.

[0137] The article may comprise two transverse weak lines provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper. That is, the article may be configured to comprise a first transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper and a second transverse weak line provided within a substantially impermeable wrapper.

[0138] The first transverse weakness line may be located between the air intake and the distal end of the article. The second transverse weakness line may be located between the air intake and the mouth end of the article.

[0139] The substantially opaque wrapper cover portion may be a substantially opaque wrapper portion extending from a first transverse weak line to a second transverse weak line. The article may be configured such that the substantially opaque wrapper cover portion extending from the first transverse weak line to the second transverse weak line is removable.

[0140] The aerosol generator may include a housing. The housing may be configured to extend between a first end and a second end. The housing may be a rigid housing. The housing may define a heating chamber for removably receiving an article. The heating chamber may be defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The open second end of the heating chamber may be located at the second end of the aerosol generator.

[0141] The heating chamber may extend between a closed first end and an open second end. The article may be inserted into the heating chamber through the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape.

[0142] The aerosol generator may be configured to include a heater or heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate when an article is received in the heating chamber.

[0143] The heater may include an induction heating configuration. The induction heating configuration may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to supply a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil.

[0144] The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. The heater may also include multiple resistive heating elements. It is preferable that the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in parallel.

[0145] The aerosol generator is equipped with a power source to supply power to the heater.

[0146] The aerosol generator may be configured to include a controller configured to control the power supply from a power source to a heater. The controller may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating substrate section of an article during use. The controller may be configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating substrate section of an article when the article is received into the heating chamber.

[0147] The aerosol generator may be configured such that a heater is arranged to heat the article from the outside. The aerosol generator may also be configured such that a heater is provided in the aerosol generating substrate section of the article to heat the aerosol generating substrate from the outside.

[0148] The aerosol generator and article may be configured such that when the article is received into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator, the air intake portion of the article is located outside the heating chamber of the aerosol generator.

[0149] One or more configurations of one aspect or embodiment described above may be combined with one or more configurations of another aspect of the embodiment described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0150] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the article. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an article according to a first aspect of the present invention, the article having a first configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generating system, including the article from Figure 2, in its second configuration and when inserted into an aerosol generating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0151] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. Any one or more configurations in these embodiments may be combined with any one or more configurations in other embodiments or other aspects described herein.

[0152] Example 1: An article for generating an aerosol, comprising a body having an open end and a closed distal end, the body comprising: an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate, located toward the closed distal end of the body; an outer tube; an inner tube disposed within the outer tube; an air intake provided on the outer tube, the air intake for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the outside of the article; and an air outlet for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment and the open end through the inner tube, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate to substantially prevent airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet; and in the first configuration the outer tube blocks the air outlet, substantially preventing airflow through the air outlet.

[0153] Example 2: The article according to Example 1, wherein the air intake section is provided on the outer tube.

[0154] Example 3: The article according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the mouth end of the main body is an open-mouth end.

[0155] Example 4: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the distal end of the main body is a closed distal end.

[0156] Example 5: The article according to Example 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate compartment is defined by the closed distal end of the main body.

[0157] Example 6: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the rod of the aerosol generating substrate contains a gel composition.

[0158] Example 7: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the inner tube comprises one or more sections, and adjacent sections of the inner tube differ in either or both of their outer and inner diameters.

[0159] Example 8: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the inner tube comprises a mouth end section located toward the mouth end of the inner tube, and the mouth end section has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube.

[0160] Example 9: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the inner tube comprises a mouth end section and a distal end section, and the distal end section has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the mouth end section.

[0161] Example 10: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the inner tube has an open end that defines the open end of the main body.

[0162] Example 11: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the air outlet is configured such that, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, air flows through the air outlet into the inner tube substantially in the longitudinal direction during use of the article.

[0163] Example 12: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the air outlet is provided by one or more openings provided on the distal end face of the inner tube.

[0164] Example 13: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the air outlet is provided by an opening in the inner tube, the opening is located at the distal end of the inner tube and is defined by the peripheral wall of the inner tube.

[0165] Example 14: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the outer tube has a closed distal end that defines the closed distal end of the main body.

[0166] Example 15: An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the outer tube is formed from a material that is substantially impermeable.

[0167] Example 16: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the air intake portion is configured such that air flows substantially transversely into the outer tube during use of the article when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration.

[0168] Example 17: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the air intake portion includes one or more openings that penetrate the peripheral wall of the outer pipe.

[0169] Example 18: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the ratio of the draw resistance of the air intake section to the overall draw resistance of the article is at least 0.5.

[0170] Example 19: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are configured such that a space is defined between the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube.

[0171] Example 20: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the inner side tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, and the first airflow passage of the article is defined between the air intake section and the aerosol generating substrate section.

[0172] Example 21: The article according to Example 20, wherein the first airflow passage is located outside the inner tube.

[0173] Example 22: The article according to Example 20 or 21, wherein the first airflow passage includes one or more channels that establish fluid communication from the air intake to the aerosol generating substrate section, and each channel is at least partially defined by a corresponding groove provided on the outer surface of the inner tube or the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0174] Example 23: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, a second airflow passage of the article is defined between the aerosol generating substrate section and the open end of the main body.

[0175] Example 24: The article according to Example 23, wherein the second airflow passage extends at least through the air outlet and at least through the inner tube.

[0176] Example 25: An article according to Example 23 or 24, wherein the inner and outer tubes are in a second configuration, the first airflow passage is open to allow airflow through the air intake to the aerosol generating substrate compartment via the first airflow passage, and the second airflow passage is open to allow airflow from the aerosol generating substrate compartment to the open end of the main body via the second airflow passage.

[0177] Example 26: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0178] Example 27: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the first configuration, the inner tube blocks the air intake and substantially prevents airflow through the air intake.

[0179] Example 28: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein, when the inner tube and outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube is spaced apart from the air intake, allowing airflow through the air intake.

[0180] Example 29: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the inner tube and outer tube are in the second configuration, and the inner tube is spaced laterally away from the air intake.

[0181] Example 30: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the inner tube comprises a mouth end section configured to obstruct the air intake when the inner tube and outer tube are in the first configuration.

[0182] Example 31: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the inner tube comprises a mouth end section and one or more sections between the distal end of the inner tube and the mouth end section, and the combined length of the one or more sections of the inner tube located between the distal end of the inner tube and the mouth end section of the inner tube is shorter than the length of the outer tube from the inner surface of the distal end wall of the outer tube to an air intake section provided on the outer tube.

[0183] Example 32: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the inner tube has a mouth end section, and when the inner tube and outer tube are in the first configuration, the distal end of the mouth end section of the inner tube is located in the longitudinal direction between the distal end of the outer tube and the air intake section.

[0184] Example 33: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the inner tube includes an open end section, and the inner tube and outer tube are in a second configuration, the distal end of the open end section of the inner tube is located in the longitudinal direction between the air intake and the open end of the outer tube.

[0185] Example 34: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein, when the inner and outer tubes are in the first configuration, the outer tube blocks an air outlet and substantially prevents airflow through the air outlet.

[0186] Example 35: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the outer tube is spaced apart from the air outlet, allowing airflow through the air outlet.

[0187] Example 36: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein, when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration, the outer tube is spaced apart from the air outlet in the longitudinal direction to allow airflow through the air outlet.

[0188] Example 37: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the air outlet is provided through the open distal end of the inner tube, and when the inner tube and outer tube are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube abuts against the inner surface of the outer tube, substantially preventing airflow through the air outlet.

[0189] Example 38: The article according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the outer tube includes a distal end wall, and when the inner tube and outer tube are in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube abuts against the distal end wall of the outer tube.

[0190] Example 39: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein, when the inner and outer tubes are in the second configuration, the inner and outer tubes are configured to allow airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet.

[0191] Example 40: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein when the inner tube and outer tube are in the second configuration, the inner tube is spaced apart from the air intake and the outer tube is spaced apart from the air outlet.

[0192] Example 41: An article according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other in an intermediate configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0193] Example 42: An article according to Example 41, wherein in the intermediate configuration, the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate with each other to partially block the air intake.

[0194] Example 43: An article according to Example 41 or 42, wherein in the intermediate configuration, the draw resistance of the article may be between the draw resistance of the article when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the first configuration and the draw resistance of the article when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration.

[0195] Example 44: The article according to Example 43, comprising a substantially airtight wrapper including a cover portion, wherein the cover portion is located above the air intake portion and substantially prevents air from entering the article through the air intake portion, and the article is configured such that the cover portion is movable away from the air intake portion.

[0196] Example 45: An aerosol generating system comprising an article described in any one of Examples 1 to 45 and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, a power supply for supplying power to the heating element, and a controller configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating element.

[0197] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only.

[0198] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an article 100 for generating an aerosol. The article 100 has a body 102. The body 102 has a mouth end 104 and a distal end 106. In this embodiment, the mouth end 104 of the body 102 is open, and the distal end 106 of the body 102 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 102 at the mouth end 104, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 106 of the body 102.

[0199] The main body 102 has an outer tube 108 and an inner tube 110. The outer tube 108 has an inner surface 112, and the inner tube 110 has an outer surface 114. The inner tube 110 is positioned inside the outer tube 108. The space 116 is defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner tube 110. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the space is an annular space 116.

[0200] The main body 102 has an aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 located toward the distal end 106 of the main body 102. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 is defined by an annular space 116 at the closed distal end 106 of the main body 102. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 is a cavity suitable for holding a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol generating substrate. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 holds a certain amount of solid aerosol generating substrate 120.

[0201] The outer tube 108 is generally cylindrical in shape. The outer tube 108 has a distal end wall 109 at its distal end.

[0202] The inner tube 110 may be formed from one or more sections. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inner tube 110 has an oral end section 124, a distal end section 122, and a central section 126. The three sections 122, 124, and 126 of the inner tube 108 are formed individually and connected to each other to form a single component. In this embodiment, the oral end section 124 is located at the oral end 104 of the body 102, the distal end section 122 is located at the distal end of the inner tube 110 and is positioned toward the distal end 106 of the body 102, and the central section 126 extends between the oral end section 124 and the distal end section 122.

[0203] The mouth end section 124 of the inner tube 110 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer tube 108. As a result, at the mouth end section 124, the inner surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner tube 110 come into contact with each other to substantially prevent air from leaking between the inner tube 110 and the outer tube 108 at the mouth end 104.

[0204] The distal end section 122 of the inner tube 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the oral end section 122. The distal end section 122 of the inner tube 110 has a much smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tube 108. As a result, at the distal end of the inner tube 110, the inner surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner tube 110 are separated by a gap.

[0205] The central section 126 of the inner tube 110 has an outer diameter that lies between the outer diameter of the oral end section 124 and the outer diameter of the distal end section 122. The outer diameter of the central section 126 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube 108.

[0206] The annular space 116 is located within the space defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the outer surfaces of both the distal end section 122 and the central section 126.

[0207] The main body 102 has an air intake section 128. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the air intake section is a plurality of air intake holes provided in the wall of the outer pipe 108. The air intake holes are arranged in a row around the outer pipe 108.

[0208] When the user sucks on the mouth end 104 of the article, substantially all of the air drawn into the article passes through the air intake 128.

[0209] The main body 102 has an air outlet 132. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the air outlet 132 is a plurality of air outlet holes provided within the wall of the inner tube 110.

[0210] An airflow passage is defined between the air intake section 128 and the open end 104 of the main body 102. The airflow passage extends from the air intake section 128 through the aerosol generating substrate section 118, through the air outlet 132, and to the open end 104.

[0211] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the airflow passage comprises a first airflow passage 130 and a second airflow passage 134.

[0212] The first airflow passage 130 extends between the air intake section 128 and the aerosol generating substrate section 118. The first airflow passage 130 passes through an annular space 116 defined between the inner surface 112 of the outer tube 108 and the outer surface 114 of the inner tube 110. In this way, the air intake section 128 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate section 118 and the outside of the article 100.

[0213] The second airflow passage 134 extends between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 and the open end 104 of the main body 102. The second airflow passage 134 passes through the air outlet 132, through the internal space defined by the inner tube 110, and to the open end 104. In this way, the air outlet 132 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 118 and the open end 104 of the main body 102.

[0214] Figure 2 shows a schematic enlarged view of a first example of article 200 that generates aerosols.

[0215] Article 200 has a body 202. The body 202 has a mouth end 204 and a distal end 206. In this embodiment, the mouth end 204 of the body 202 is open, and the distal end 206 of the body 202 is closed. In other words, air can flow out of the body 202 at the mouth end 204, but air cannot easily flow out of the distal end 206 of the body 202.

[0216] The main body 202 has an outer tube 208 and an inner tube 210. The outer tube 208 has an inner surface 212, and the inner tube 210 has an outer surface 214. The inner tube 210 is positioned inside the outer tube 208. A space 216 is defined between the inner surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the outer surface 214 of the inner tube 210. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the space is an annular space 216.

[0217] The main body 202 has an aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 located toward the distal end 206 of the main body 202. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 is defined by an annular space 216 at the closed distal end 206 of the main body 202. The aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 is a cavity suitable for holding a certain amount of aerosol generating substrate, such as a solid aerosol generating substrate. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 holds a certain amount of solid aerosol generating substrate 220.

[0218] The outer tube 208 is generally cylindrical in shape. The outer tube 208 has a distal end wall 209 at its distal end.

[0219] The inner tube 210 may be formed from one or more sections. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inner tube 210 has an oral end section 224, a distal end section 222, and a central section 226. The three sections 222, 224, and 226 of the inner tube 208 are formed individually and connected to each other to form a single component. In this embodiment, the oral end section 224 is located at the oral end 204 of the body 202, the distal end section 222 is located at the distal end 206 of the inner tube 210, and the central section 226 extends between the oral end section 222 and the distal end section 224.

[0220] The mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 has substantially the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the outer tube 208. As a result, at the mouth end section 224, the inner surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the outer surface 214 of the inner tube 210 abut each other in such a manner that air leaks between the inner tube 210 and the outer tube 208 at the mouth end 204.

[0221] The distal end section 222 of the inner tube 210 has a much smaller outer diameter than the oral end section 222. The distal end section 222 of the inner tube 210 has a much smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tube 208. As a result, in the distal end section 222, the inner surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the outer surface 214 of the inner tube 210 are spaced apart from each other.

[0222] The central section 226 of the inner tube 210 has an outer diameter that lies between the outer diameter of the oral end section 222 and the outer diameter of the distal end section 224. The outer diameter of the central section 226 is smaller than the inner surface 212 of the outer tube 208.

[0223] The annular space 216 is provided within the space defined between the inner surface 212 of the outer tube 208 and the outer surfaces of the distal end section 222 and the central section 226.

[0224] The main body 202 has an air intake section 228. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the air intake section is a plurality of air intake holes provided in the wall of the outer pipe 208. The plurality of air intake holes are arranged in a row around the outer pipe 208.

[0225] The main body 202 has an air outlet 232. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the air outlet 232 is provided by an opening in the inner tube 208 at the distal end face of the inner tube 208.

[0226] Figure 2 shows an article 200 having an inner tube 210 and an outer tube 208 in the first configuration, the inner tube 210 and the outer tube 208 working together to prevent airflow through both the air intake 228 and the air outlet 208.

[0227] In the first configuration, the inner tube 210 is located inside the outer tube 208, and the distal end of the inner tube 208 abuts against the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208. Thus, the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208 covers the air outlet 232. This configuration and cooperation between the air outlet 232 and the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208 substantially prevents air from flowing through the air outlet 232.

[0228] In the first configuration, the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 protrudes from the mouth end of the outer tube 208, while also extending beyond the air intake section 228 provided on the outer tube 208. In particular, the distal end of the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 is located along its longitudinal axis between the distal end of the outer tube 208 and the air intake section 228. Thus, the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 blocks the air intake section 228. This configuration and cooperation of the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 and the air intake section 228 substantially prevents air from flowing through the air intake opening 228.

[0229] The length of the inner tube 210 is greater than the length of the outer tube 208.

[0230] The combined length of the distal end section 222 and the central section 226 of the inner tube 210 is shorter than the distance from the distal end and air intake 228 of the outer tube 210.

[0231] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of article 200 when the outer tube 208 and inner tube 210 are in the second configuration. Article 200 has the same configuration as described above with reference to Figure 2.

[0232] To move the outer tube 208 and the inner tube 210 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the user may slide the inner tube 210 in the longitudinal direction relative to the outer tube 208, for example, by pulling the inner tube 210.

[0233] In the second configuration, the inner tube 210 protrudes outward from the outer tube 210 to a greater extent than when the inner tube 210 and the outer tube 208 are in the first configuration.

[0234] In the second configuration, the inner tube 210 and the outer tube 208 work together to allow airflow through both the air intake 228 and the air outlet 232. In particular, in the second configuration, the distal end wall 209 does not block the air outlet 232, and the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 does not block the air intake 228.

[0235] In the second configuration, the distal end of the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 is positioned along its longitudinal axis between the air intake 228 and the mouth end of the outer tube 208. This configuration of the mouth end section 224 of the inner tube 210 and the air intake 228 allows airflow through the air intake 228.

[0236] In the second configuration, the first airflow passage 230 is defined between the air intake section 228 and the aerosol generating substrate section 218. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first airflow passage 230 is open to allow air from outside the article 200 to flow through the air intake section 228 to the aerosol generating substrate section 218. In this way, the air intake section 228 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate section 218 and the outside of the article 200.

[0237] In the second configuration, the inner tube 210 is located inside the outer tube 2008, and the distal end of the inner tube 208 does not abut the distal end wall 209. Instead, in the second configuration, the distal end of the inner tube 208 is spaced apart from the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208. Therefore, the air outlet 232 is spaced apart from the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208. This configuration of the air outlet 232 and the distal end wall 209 of the outer tube 208 allows airflow through the air outlet 232.

[0238] In the second configuration, the second airflow passage 234 is defined between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 and the open end 204 of the main body 202. The second airflow passage 234 passes through the air outlet 232, through the internal space defined by the inner tube 210, and through the open end 204 of the main body 202. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second airflow passage 234 is open such that one or both of the air and aerosol form the aerosol generating substrate compartment and flow through the air outlet 232 to the open end 204 of the main body 202. In this way, the air outlet 232 provides fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 and the open end 204 of the main body 202.

[0239] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating system 300 comprising article 200 (of the second component) received within an aerosol generator 400.

[0240] The aerosol generator 400 comprises a housing extending between a first end and a second end. The housing includes a peripheral wall 410. The peripheral wall 410 defines a heating chamber for receiving an article 200. The heating chamber is defined by a closed first end and an open second end. The second end of the heating chamber is located at the second end of the aerosol generator 400. In use, the article 200 is received through the second end of the heating chamber and may contact the first end of the heating chamber.

[0241] When article 200 is placed inside the heating chamber, the air intake portion 228 of article 200 remains outside the heating chamber. The air intake portion 228 being outside the heating chamber allows air to be easily drawn into article 200 through the air intake portion 228.

[0242] The aerosol generator 400 also includes a heater 412 and a power source 414 for supplying power to the heater 412. The aerosol generator 400 also includes a controller 416 for controlling the power supply from the power source 414 to the heater 412. The controller 416 is configured to control the heater 412 to control the aerosol generating substrate 220 in the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 of the article 200 in a controllable manner during use when the article 200 is received in the heating chamber.

[0243] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the heater 412 is configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate 220 in the aerosol generating substrate compartment 218 of the article 200 from the outside.

[0244] The specific embodiments and examples described above are illustrative of the present invention and do not limit it. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced, and that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An article for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated, The body comprises an open end and a closed distal end, and the body is an aerosol generating substrate compartment for holding an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating substrate compartment located toward the closed distal end of the main body, Outer tube and An inner pipe arranged inside the outer pipe, An air intake section provided on the outer tube, comprising an air intake section for providing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate section and the outside of the article, The aerosol generating substrate section and the inner tube are provided with an air outlet for providing fluid communication between the open end and the aerosol generating substrate section, The inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other between the first configuration and the second configuration. In the first configuration described above, the inner tube and the outer tube cooperate with each other to substantially prevent airflow from passing through both the air intake and the air outlet. An article in which the first configuration described above has an outer tube that blocks the air outlet and substantially prevents airflow through the air outlet.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein, in the first configuration, the inner tube blocks the air intake and substantially prevents airflow through the air intake.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner tube comprises an opening end section configured to close the air intake when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the first configuration.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein the mouth end section has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer tube.

5. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air outlet is provided by one or more openings provided on the distal end face of the inner tube.

6. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer tube has a distal end wall, and in the first configuration, the distal end of the inner tube abuts against the distal end wall of the outer tube.

7. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in the second configuration, the inner tube and the outer tube are configured to allow airflow through both the air intake and the air outlet.

8. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second configuration is such that the inner tube is spaced apart from the air intake and the outer tube is spaced apart from the air outlet.

9. An article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are movable relative to each other to an intermediate configuration between the first configuration and the second configuration, in which the pull-out resistance of the article is between the pull-out resistance of the article when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the first configuration and the pull-out resistance of the article when the inner tube and the outer tube are in the second configuration.

10. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner tube comprises a section having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube.

11. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the outer tube has a substantially constant inner diameter along the entire length of the outer tube.

12. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outer tube has a closed distal end that defines the closed distal end of the main body, and the inner tube has an open mouth end that defines the open mouth end of the main body.

13. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate disposed within the aerosol generating substrate compartment.

14. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the main body of the article extends from the distal end of the article toward the mouth end of the article.

15. The article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, Aerosol generator, Heating element and A power supply for supplying power to the aforementioned electric heating element, and an aerosol generating system comprising a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heating element.

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