Aerosol-generating article comprising upstream element

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (10) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (16) and an upstream element (18) upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate (16), where the upstream element (18) comprises: a tubular portion (32) defining an interior region of the upstream element (18); and a wound sheet (34) defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels (36) in the interior region, where the wound sheet (34) has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. One purpose of such "heated" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce known harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and thermal degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

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

[0004] One known type of heated aerosol-generating article, commonly referred to as a heat-not-burn tobacco product or heated tobacco product, comprises a solid aerosol-generating substrate comprising tobacco material, which is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0005] Many hand-held aerosol generating devices configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article are known in the art. These devices include electrically operated aerosol generating devices, wherein an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol generating substrate of the heated aerosol generating article. Known hand-held electrically operated aerosol generating devices typically include a battery, control electronics, and one or more electrical heating elements for heating an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Some known electrically heated aerosol generating devices include an internal heating element configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. For example, WO 2013 / 098410 A2 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device comprising a heating element in the form of a blade inserted into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0007] Other known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device, the electrically operated aerosol generating device comprising an external heating element defining the periphery of the aerosol generating article.

[0008] Electrically operated aerosol generating devices including an inductor configured to inductively heat an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article are also known. For example, WO 2015 / 176898 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article comprising an elongated susceptor in thermal contact with the aerosol generating substrate, the electrically operated aerosol generating device having an inductor for heating the aerosol generating substrate. When in use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces eddy currents in the susceptor, thereby causing the susceptor to heat up due to one or both of resistive losses (Joule heating) and (where the susceptor is magnetic) hysteresis losses. The heat generated in the susceptor is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate by conduction.

[0009] Heated aerosol generating articles designed for use with electrically operated aerosol generating devices are typically inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device so as to be heated. This can displace the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. Heating the aerosol generating substrate during the use of the aerosol generating article can cause the drying of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating substrate. This can make the aerosol generating material easier to displace. During the use of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating material removed from the aerosol generating substrate may fall out of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, the amount and position of the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating substrate may change during the use of the aerosol generating article. This may adversely affect the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user. During the use of the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating material removed from the aerosol generating substrate may fall into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating material removed from the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article that falls into the cavity of the aerosol generating device may prevent or inhibit the aerosol generating device from functioning optimally.

[0010] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device in which the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to a user is improved compared to known heated tobacco products. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device that allows the aerosol-generating device to function optimally. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating article including an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may include an upstream element located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream element may include a tubular portion. The tubular portion may define an interior region of the upstream element. The upstream element may include a wound sheet. The wound sheet may define a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the interior region. The wound sheet may have a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and an upstream element located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate, wherein the upstream element comprises: a tubular portion defining an interior region of the upstream element, and a wound sheet defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight less than or equal to about 100 g / m2.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating article as described above. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may define a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol generating article.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a shell defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive the aerosol generating article.

[0015] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, which is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

[0016] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-generating material which is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol upon heating.

[0017] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0018] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0019] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a proximal end through which, in use, the aerosol leaves the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, the user directly or indirectly draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a distal end. The distal end is opposite to the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] Components of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article.During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the largest dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise stated, references to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or component of an aerosol-generating article refer to a cross-section.

[0025] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "width" refers to the largest dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in a transverse direction. In the case where the 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. In the case where a component of an aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of a component of an aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0026] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "tubular portion" is used to describe a generally cylindrical portion having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. The tubular portion may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. The interior region of the upstream element corresponds to the lumen of the tubular portion. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0027] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "sheet" is used to describe a laminar element having a width and length that is significantly greater than its thickness.

[0028] As discussed herein with reference to the present invention, the term "wound sheet" is used to describe a sheet that includes multiple turns.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, references to properties of a rolled sheet refer to the properties of the sheet in its rolled form in an upstream element of the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] Unless otherwise stated, references to properties of the sheet refer to the properties of the sheet in its unwound form.

[0031] It should be understood that some properties of the sheet may be the same in both its rolled and unrolled forms. For example, the basis weight, weight, cross-sectional area, surface area, and length of the rolled sheet are the same as the basis weight, weight, cross-sectional area, surface area, and length of the sheet in its unrolled form.

[0032] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the basis weight of the wound sheet is the total weight of the wound sheet divided by the surface area of ​​the wound sheet. In the case where the wound sheet is formed of a rectangular sheet, the surface area of ​​the wound sheet is the same as the width of the rectangular sheet multiplied by the length of the rectangular sheet. For example, in the case where the wound sheet is formed of a rectangular sheet having a width of about 170 millimeters and a length of about 5 millimeters, the surface area of ​​the wound sheet is about 850 square millimeters.

[0033] An aerosol-generating article according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an upstream element, the upstream element comprising: a tubular portion defining an interior region of the upstream element; and a wound sheet defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter. Including such an upstream element can advantageously reduce or prevent aerosol-generating material from moving out of an aerosol-generating substrate during storage, transportation, and use of an aerosol-generating article while providing an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD). Including such an upstream element can advantageously reduce or prevent any aerosol-generating material moving out of an aerosol-generating substrate from falling into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device during use of an aerosol-generating article. Including such an upstream element can advantageously limit or prevent longitudinal movement of an aerosol-generating substrate during storage, transportation, and use of an aerosol-generating article.

[0034] The wrapped sheet divides the interior area of ​​the upstream element into a plurality of longitudinally extending channels along which air can be drawn through the upstream element. Thus, the wrapped sheet can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the empty space in the upstream element into which the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate can move, while providing an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD). This may be particularly advantageous where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of thin strips, pellets or particles of aerosol-generating material.

[0035] Any aerosol-generating material that is removed from the aerosol-generating substrate must travel upstream through the plurality of longitudinally extending channels defined by the wrap-around sheet in order to exit the upstream element and the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the wrap-around sheet can prevent or limit aerosol-generating material that is removed from the aerosol-generating substrate from falling into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] Including a wound sheet having a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter can allow the wound sheet to have a larger cross-sectional area while maintaining an appropriate total weight of the upstream component. The wound sheet can thereby divide the interior area of ​​the upstream component into a greater number of longitudinally extending channels while maintaining an appropriate total weight of the upstream component.

[0037] The wrapped sheet may advantageously act as a barrier to prevent or limit longitudinal movement of the aerosol-generating substrate during storage, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0038] Therefore, providing an aerosol generating product comprising an upstream element can improve the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user compared to known heated tobacco products, and can allow the aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention to function optimally, wherein the upstream element comprises a tubular portion defining an internal area of ​​the upstream element, and a winding sheet defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the internal area, wherein according to the first aspect of the present invention, the winding sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter.

[0039] The wound sheet comprises a plurality of turns. Preferably, the wound sheet comprises a plurality of non-concentric turns.

[0040] The wound sheet defines a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in an interior region of the upstream element.The wound sheet may have been one or more of rolled, folded, gathered and pleated to define the plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

[0041] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "curled" refers to a rolled sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, where the rolled sheet has been curled, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations of the rolled sheet extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0042] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "gathered" means that the sheet material is compressed or contracted substantially transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0043] Preferably, the wound sheet has been curled. This can advantageously reduce the variation in cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels defined by the wound sheet in the inner region of the upstream element.

[0044] Including a rolled sheet material in the upstream element that has been curled can advantageously avoid or reduce the presence of longitudinally extending channels having very large cross-sectional areas in the interior region of the upstream element. The presence of longitudinally extending channels having very large cross-sectional areas in the interior region of the upstream element may adversely affect the ability of the upstream element to prevent or restrict upstream movement of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0045] Including a rolled sheet in the upstream element can advantageously avoid or reduce the presence of longitudinally extending channels with very small cross-sectional areas in the interior region of the upstream element. The presence of longitudinally extending channels with very small cross-sectional areas in the interior region of the upstream element can increase the RTD of the upstream element beyond acceptable or desired levels.

[0046] Where the coiled sheet has been coiled, adjacent ridges or corrugations of the coiled sheet may be spaced apart from one another by less than or equal to about 1.2 mm, less than or equal to about 1 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.8 mm. For example, adjacent ridges or corrugations may be spaced apart from one another by less than or equal to about 0.5 mm. The spacing between adjacent ridges or corrugations may be selected based on the desired size of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

[0047] The rolled sheet may be rolled first, and then gathered. That is, the rolled sheet may be a rolled and gathered sheet.

[0048] At least some of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may be defined solely by the wound sheet material.

[0049] At least some of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a wound sheet and a tubular portion. For example, one or more longitudinally extending channels adjacent to a tubular portion of an upstream element may be defined by a wound sheet and a tubular portion. The wound sheet may contact the tubular portion along a longitudinal direction to define a longitudinally extending channel.

[0050] The wound sheet is located in the interior region of the upstream element.

[0051] The wound sheet may extend partially along the length of the upstream element.

[0052] The wrapped sheet may extend from a downstream end of the upstream element towards an upstream end of the upstream element.This may advantageously help to prevent or limit upstream movement of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0053] The wrapped sheet may extend from the upstream end of the upstream element towards the downstream end of the upstream element.This may advantageously help to prevent aerosol-generating material removed from the aerosol-generating substrate from falling out of the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0054] Preferably, the winding sheet extends from the upstream end of the upstream element to the downstream end of the upstream element. That is, preferably, the winding sheet extends along the entire length of the upstream element.

[0055] The length of the wound sheet may be substantially the same as the length of the upstream element. This may advantageously simplify the manufacture of the upstream element. For example, this may advantageously enable the production of multiple upstream elements from a single continuous strip.

[0056] A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may extend from a downstream end of the upstream element toward an upstream end of the upstream element.

[0057] A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may extend from the upstream end of the upstream element toward the downstream end of the upstream element.

[0058] A plurality of longitudinally extending channels preferably extend from the upstream end of the upstream element to the downstream end of the upstream element. That is, a plurality of longitudinally extending channels preferably extend along the entire length of the upstream element.

[0059] The wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 g / m2. The wound sheet may have a basis weight of less than or equal to about 80 g / m2, less than or equal to about 70 g / m2, or less than or equal to about 50 g / m2.

[0060] The wound sheet can have a basis weight of at least about 10 grams per square meter, at least about 15 grams per square meter, or at least about 20 grams per square meter.

[0061] The wound sheet can have a basis weight between about 10 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 10 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, between about 10 g / m2 and about 70 g / m2, or between about 10 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2.

[0062] The wound sheet can have a basis weight between about 15 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 15 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, between about 15 g / m2 and about 70 g / m2, or between about 15 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2.

[0063] The wound sheet can have a basis weight between about 20 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 20 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, between about 20 g / m2 and about 70 g / m2, or between about 20 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2.

[0064] The basis weight of the wrapped sheet may be selected based on a balance between the ability of the upstream component to reduce or prevent migration of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate during storage, transport, and use of the aerosol-generating article and the total weight of the upstream component.

[0065] The basis weight of the wrapped sheet may be selected so that the wrapped sheet resists deformation during storage, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0066] The wound sheet can have a weight of less than or equal to about 100 mg, less than or equal to about 75 mg, or less than or equal to about 50 mg.

[0067] The wound sheet may have a weight of at least about 10 mg, at least about 15 mg, or at least about 20 mg.

[0068] The wound sheet may have a weight between about 10 mg and about 100 mg, between about 10 mg and about 75 mg, or between about 10 mg and about 50 mg.

[0069] The wound sheet may have a weight between about 15 mg and about 100 mg, between about 15 mg and about 75 mg, or between about 15 mg and about 50 mg.

[0070] The wound sheet can have a weight between about 20 mg and about 100 mg, between about 20 mg and about 75 mg, or between about 20 mg and about 50 mg.

[0071] The weight of the wound sheet can be selected based on the desired cross-sectional area of ​​the wound sheet and the desired total weight of the upstream components.

[0072] The wound sheet can have an average weight per unit length of less than or equal to about 20 mg / mm, less than or equal to about 15 mg / mm, or less than or equal to about 10 mg / mm.

[0073] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the average weight per unit length of the wound sheet is equal to the weight of the wound sheet divided by the length of the wound sheet. For example, in the case where the wound sheet has a weight of 25 mg and a length of 5 mm, the average weight per unit length of the wound sheet is 5 mg / mm.

[0074] The wound sheet can have an average weight per unit length of at least about 2 mg / mm, at least about 3 mg / mm, or at least about 4 mg / mm.

[0075] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit length of between about 2 mg / mm and about 20 mg / mm, between about 2 mg / mm and about 15 mg / mm, or between about 2 mg / mm and about 10 mg / mm.

[0076] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit length of between about 3 mg / mm and about 20 mg / mm, between about 3 mg / mm and about 15 mg / mm, or between about 3 mg / mm and about 10 mg / mm.

[0077] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit length of between about 4 mg / mm and about 20 mg / mm, between about 4 mg / mm and about 15 mg / mm, or between about 4 mg / mm and about 10 mg / mm.

[0078] The wound sheet can have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of less than or equal to about 500 micrograms / cubic millimeter, less than or equal to about 400 micrograms / cubic millimeter, or less than or equal to about 250 micrograms / cubic millimeter.

[0079] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the average weight of the wound sheet per unit volume of the interior region is the weight of the wound sheet divided by the volume of the interior region. For example, where the wound sheet has a weight of 25 mg and the interior region has a volume of 200 cubic millimeters, the average weight of the wound sheet per unit volume of the interior region is about 125 micrograms / cubic millimeter.

[0080] The wound sheet can have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of at least about 50 micrograms / cubic millimeter, at least about 75 micrograms / cubic millimeter, or at least about 100 micrograms / cubic millimeter.

[0081] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of between about 50 μg / mm3 and about 500 μg / mm3, between about 50 μg / mm3 and about 400 μg / mm3, or between about 50 μg / mm3 and about 250 μg / mm3.

[0082] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of between about 75 μg / mm3 and about 500 μg / mm3, between about 75 μg / mm3 and about 400 μg / mm3, or between about 75 μg / mm3 and about 250 μg / mm3.

[0083] The wound sheet may have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of between about 100 μg / mm3 and about 500 μg / mm3, between about 100 μg / mm3 and about 400 μg / mm3, or between about 100 μg / mm3 and about 250 μg / mm3.

[0084] The wrapped sheet may have an average weight per unit volume of the interior region that is less than the density of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0085] The sheet can have a thickness of less than or equal to about 300 microns, less than or equal to about 200 microns, or less than or equal to about 150 microns.

[0086] The sheet may have a thickness of at least about 30 microns, at least about 45 microns, at least about 60 microns.

[0087] The sheet may have a thickness between about 30 microns and about 300 microns, between about 30 microns and about 200 microns, or between about 30 microns and about 150 microns.

[0088] The sheet may have a thickness between about 45 microns and about 300 microns, between about 45 microns and about 200 microns, or between about 45 microns and about 150 microns.

[0089] The sheet can have a thickness between about 60 microns and about 300 microns, between about 60 microns and about 200 microns, or between about 60 microns and about 150 microns.

[0090] The thickness of the sheet can be selected to achieve one or more of curling, gathering, pleating and folding of the sheet. The thickness of the sheet can be selected based on the desired cross-sectional area of ​​the rolled sheet.

[0091] The wound sheet can have a cross-sectional area of ​​at least about 5 square millimeters, at least about 8 square millimeters, or at least about 10 square millimeters.

[0092] The cross-sectional area of ​​a wound sheet is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the sheet in its unwound form. The cross-sectional area of ​​a wound sheet is the thickness of the sheet multiplied by the width of the sheet in that section.

[0093] The wound sheet can have a cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 30 square millimeters, less than or equal to about 25 square millimeters, or less than or equal to about 20 square millimeters.

[0094] The wound sheet may have a cross-sectional area between about 5 square millimeters and about 30 square millimeters, between about 5 square millimeters and about 25 square millimeters, or between about 5 square millimeters and about 20 square millimeters.

[0095] The wound sheet may have a cross-sectional area between about 8 square millimeters and about 30 square millimeters, between about 8 square millimeters and about 25 square millimeters, or between about 8 square millimeters and about 20 square millimeters.

[0096] The wound sheet may have a cross-sectional area between about 10 square millimeters and about 30 square millimeters, between about 10 square millimeters and about 25 square millimeters, or between about 10 square millimeters and about 20 square millimeters.

[0097] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the wound sheet is substantially constant along the length of the wound sheet.

[0098] The wound sheet can have a surface area of ​​at least about 250 square millimeters, at least about 400 square millimeters, or at least about 600 square millimeters.

[0099] The wound sheet can have a surface area of ​​less than or equal to about 1500 square millimeters, less than or equal to about 1350 square millimeters, or less than or equal to about 1250 square millimeters.

[0100] The wound sheet may have a surface area between about 250 square millimeters and about 1500 square millimeters, between about 250 square millimeters and about 1350 square millimeters, or between about 250 square millimeters and about 1250 square millimeters.

[0101] The wound sheet may have a surface area between about 400 square millimeters and about 1500 square millimeters, between about 400 square millimeters and about 1350 square millimeters, or between about 400 square millimeters and about 1250 square millimeters.

[0102] The wound sheet may have a surface area between about 600 square millimeters and about 1500 square millimeters, between about 600 square millimeters and about 1350 square millimeters, or between about 600 square millimeters and about 1250 square millimeters.

[0103] The surface area of ​​the wound sheet may be selected based on the desired cross-sectional area of ​​the wound sheet.The surface area of ​​the wound sheet may be selected based on the desired RTD of the upstream element.

[0104] The wound sheet can have an average surface area per unit length of at least about 50 square millimeters per millimeter, at least about 80 square millimeters per millimeter, or at least about 120 square millimeters per millimeter.

[0105] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the average surface area per unit length of the wound sheet is equal to the surface area of ​​the wound sheet divided by the length of the wound sheet. For example, in the case of a wound sheet having a surface area of ​​850 square millimeters and a length of 5 millimeters, the average surface area per unit length of the wound sheet is 170 square millimeters / millimeter.

[0106] The wound sheet can have an average surface area per unit length of less than or equal to about 300 square millimeters per millimeter, less than or equal to about 270 square millimeters per millimeter, or less than or equal to about 250 square millimeters per millimeter.

[0107] The wound sheet may have an average surface area per unit length of between about 50 mm2 / mm and about 300 mm2 / mm, between about 50 mm2 / mm and about 270 mm2 / mm, or between about 50 mm2 / mm and about 250 mm2 / mm.

[0108] The wound sheet may have an average surface area per unit length of between about 80 mm2 / mm and about 300 mm2 / mm, between about 80 mm2 / mm and about 270 mm2 / mm, or between about 80 mm2 / mm and about 250 mm2 / mm.

[0109] The wound sheet may have an average surface area per unit length of between about 120 mm2 / mm and about 300 mm2 / mm, between about 120 mm2 / mm and about 270 mm2 / mm, or between about 120 mm2 / mm and about 250 mm2 / mm.

[0110] The wound sheet may have a length of at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, or at least about 4 mm.

[0111] The wound sheet can have a length of less than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 8 mm, or less than or equal to about 6 mm.

[0112] The wound sheet may have a length between about 2 mm and about 10 mm, between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 6 mm.

[0113] The wound sheet may have a length between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, between about 3 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 6 mm.

[0114] The wound sheet may have a length between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, between about 4 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 4 mm and about 6 mm.

[0115] For example, the wound sheet may have a length of about 5 mm.

[0116] Preferably, the length of the wound sheet is substantially the same as the length of the upstream element.

[0117] In the case where aerosol-generating material is moved out of the aerosol-generating substrate into one of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels, the removed aerosol-generating material may block the longitudinally extending channel to reduce or prevent additional aerosol-generating material from moving into the same longitudinally extending channel. Increasing the length of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may enhance the ability of the upstream element to reduce or prevent additional aerosol-generating material from moving into the plurality of longitudinally extending channels during storage, transportation, and use of the aerosol-generating article. Increasing the length of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may also increase the likelihood that any aerosol-generating material that is moved into the plurality of longitudinally extending channels remains in the plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

[0118] Increasing the length of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may increase the RTD of the upstream element.

[0119] The length of the sheet may be selected based on a balance between the ability of the upstream element to prevent or restrict upstream movement of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate and the RTD of the upstream element.

[0120] The sheet may have a width of at least about 50 mm, at least about 80 mm, or at least about 120 mm.

[0121] The sheet can have a width of less than or equal to about 300 mm, less than or equal to about 270 mm, or less than or equal to about 250 mm.

[0122] The sheet may have a width of between about 50 mm and about 300 mm, between about 50 mm and about 270 mm, or between about 50 mm and about 250 mm.

[0123] The sheet may have a width of between about 80 mm and about 300 mm, between about 80 mm and about 270 mm, or between about 80 mm and about 250 mm.

[0124] The sheet may have a width of between about 120 mm and about 300 mm, between about 120 mm and about 270 mm, or between about 120 mm and about 250 mm.

[0125] The width of the sheet and the thickness of the sheet determine the cross-sectional area of ​​the sheet, and therefore determine the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding coiled sheet. Increasing the width of the sheet can reduce the total cross-sectional area of ​​multiple longitudinally extending channels. This can enhance the ability of the upstream element to reduce or prevent the aerosol generating material from moving out of the aerosol generating substrate during the storage, transportation and use of the aerosol generating article. This can also increase the RTD of the upstream element. The width of the sheet can be selected based on the balance between the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit the upstream movement of the aerosol generating material and the RTD of the upstream element.

[0126] Preferably, the sheet does not substantially shrink when exposed to heat.

[0127] The sheet may have a linear shrinkage of about 4% or less, about 3% or less, about 2% or less, about 1.5% or less, about 1% or less, about 0.75% or less, or about 0.5% or less, as measured according to Test Method A described herein. The sheet may have a linear shrinkage of about 0% as measured according to Test Method A described herein.

[0128] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "linear shrinkage" is used to describe the average reduction in length and width of a sheet after exposure to heat, and is expressed as a percentage of the original length and width of the sheet prior to exposure to heat.

[0129] The sheet may have an area shrinkage of about 8% or less, about 6% or less, about 3% or less, about 2% or less, about 1.5% or less, or about 1% or less, as measured according to Test Method A described herein. The sheet may have an area shrinkage of about 0% as measured according to Test Method A described herein.

[0130] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "areal shrinkage" is used to describe the average reduction in area of ​​a sheet after exposure to heat, and is expressed as a percentage of the original area of ​​the sheet prior to exposure to heat.

[0131] Sheets that are more resistant to shrinkage when exposed to heat have less linear shrinkage and less area shrinkage.

[0132] Test Method A:

[0133] Five square samples of the sheet, each having a side length of 10 mm, are conditioned in air at 23°C + / - 2°C, at 50% + / - 5% relative humidity for at least 40 hours.

[0134] The sample was then heated in an oven at 120°C + / - 2°C for 5 minutes.

[0135] The samples were then removed from the oven and cooled to 23°C + / - 2°C.

[0136] Then, measure the side length of each of the five samples. From the measured values, determine the average side length and the average area. The average side length is determined by dividing the sum of the measured side lengths of each of the five samples in millimeters by twenty. The area of ​​each of the five samples is calculated by multiplying the measured side lengths of two adjacent sides of each of the five samples. The average area is determined by dividing the sum of the calculated areas of each of the five samples in square millimeters by five.

[0137] The linear shrinkage of the sheet is given by:

[0138]

[0139] The area shrinkage of the sheet is given by:

[0140]

[0141] Preferably, the winding sheet is formed of a heat-resistant material. For example, the winding sheet may be formed of a material that is resistant to temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. This may advantageously help ensure that the upstream element is not adversely affected by heating of the aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article. For example, forming the winding sheet from a heat-resistant material may advantageously help ensure that the winding sheet and the upstream element are not significantly deformed during use of the aerosol-generating article. This may advantageously allow the RTD of the upstream element to remain substantially constant throughout the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] Forming the wound sheet from a heat-resistant material may advantageously reduce the risk of the wound sheet being dislodged from upstream components or the aerosol-generating article during storage, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0143] Since there is minimal or no change in the dimensions of the upstream element after use of the aerosol-generating article, the upstream element may act as a cleaning tool to clean the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the used aerosol-generating article is removed from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0144] The wound sheet may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: paper-based materials, such as paper and paperboard; and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0145] Preferably, the wound sheet is formed from a biodegradable material.

[0146] Preferably, the wound sheet is formed of a paper-based material. That is, preferably, the wound sheet is a wound sheet of a paper-based material.

[0147] More preferably, the wound sheet is formed of paper. That is, more preferably, the wound sheet is a wound paper sheet. The paper sheet may be suitably heat resistant. The paper sheet may not substantially shrink when exposed to heat.

[0148] An upstream element comprising a wound paper sheet may exhibit better heat resistance than, for example, a cellulose acetate rod.

[0149] The wound sheet may include a flame retardant coating. The flame retardant coating may prevent one or both of scorching and carbonization of the wound sheet during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0150] Flame retardant coatings may include one or more flame retardant compounds.

[0151] Suitable flame retardant compounds are known in the art.

[0152] The flame retardant composition may include a polymer and a mixed salt based on at least one monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid and / or tricarboxylic acid, at least one polyphosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid and / or phosphoric acid, and a hydroxide or salt of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, wherein the at least one monocarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid and / or tricarboxylic acid forms a carboxylate with the hydroxide or salt, and the at least one polyphosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid and / or phosphoric acid forms a phosphate with the hydroxide or salt. The flame retardant composition may also include a carbonate of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

[0153] The flame retardant composition may include at least one C 10 or higher fatty acids, tall oil fatty acids (TOFA), phosphorylated linseed oil, phosphorylated downstream corn oil modified cellulose. At least one C 10 The higher fatty acid may be selected from capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and combinations thereof.

[0154] A plurality of longitudinally extending passages provide airflow paths through the upstream element.

[0155] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "air flow path" is used to describe the route along which air may pass through an aerosol-generating article or a component thereof.

[0156] Preferably, the plurality of longitudinally extending channels are empty.

[0157] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may include at least 5 longitudinally extending channels, at least 10 longitudinally extending channels, at least 20 longitudinally extending channels, or at least 30 longitudinally extending channels. That is, the wound sheet may define at least 5 longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, at least 10 longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, at least 20 longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, or at least 30 longitudinally extending channels in the interior region.

[0158] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a maximum width less than or equal to about 5 mm. That is, no longitudinally extending channel in the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a width greater than about 5 mm.

[0159] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a maximum width of less than or equal to about 4 mm, or less than or equal to about 3 mm.

[0160] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 4 square millimeters. That is, no longitudinally extending channel in the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a cross-sectional area greater than 4 square millimeters.

[0161] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 3 square millimeters, or less than or equal to about 2 square millimeters.

[0162] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have an average width of less than or equal to about 4 mm, less than or equal to about 3 mm, or less than or equal to about 2 mm.

[0163] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the average width of a plurality of longitudinally extending channels is the average of the widths of each of the longitudinally extending channels.

[0164] The plurality of longitudinally extending channels may have an average cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 3 millimeters, less than or equal to about 2 millimeters, or less than or equal to about 1 square millimeter.

[0165] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the average cross-sectional area of ​​a plurality of longitudinally extending channels is the average of the cross-sectional areas of each of the longitudinally extending channels.

[0166] The ratio of the maximum width of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to the length of the wound sheet can be less than or equal to about 1, less than or equal to about 0.8, or less than or equal to about 0.6.

[0167] The ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to the length of the wound sheet can be less than or equal to about 0.8, less than or equal to about 0.6, or less than or equal to about 0.4.

[0168] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to the length of the wound sheet can be less than or equal to about 0.8, less than or equal to about 0.6, or less than or equal to about 0.4.

[0169] The ratio of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to the length of the wound sheet can be less than or equal to about 0.6, less than or equal to about 0.4, or less than or equal to about 0.2.

[0170] Preferably, the total cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of channels is substantially constant along the entire length of the wound sheet. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels may be substantially constant along the entire length of the wound sheet.

[0171] The tubular portion defines an interior region of the upstream element. The wound sheet is located in the interior region. The wound sheet defines a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the interior region.

[0172] The total weight of the upstream element may be substantially the same as the combined weight of the tubular portion and the wound sheet.

[0173] The upstream element may consist of a tubular section and a wound sheet.

[0174] Preferably, the tubular portion has sufficient rigidity so that the tubular portion does not collapse during storage, transportation and use of the aerosol generating article. Collapse of the tubular portion may result in a change in one or both of the shape and size of one or more of the longitudinally extending channels. For example, collapse of the tubular portion may result in a change in one or both of the shape and size of one or more of the longitudinally extending channels adjacent to the tubular portion and defined by the wound sheet and the tubular portion. This may increase the suction resistance of the upstream element. This may also adversely affect the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit the upstream movement of the aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating substrate.

[0175] The tubular portion may have a thickness of at least about 20 microns, at least about 40 microns, or at least about 60 microns.

[0176] The tubular portion can have a thickness of less than or equal to about 140 microns, less than or equal to about 120 microns, or less than or equal to about 100 microns.

[0177] The tubular portion may have a thickness between about 20 microns and about 140 microns, between about 20 microns and about 120 microns, or between about 20 microns and about 100 microns.

[0178] The tubular portion may have a thickness between about 40 microns and about 140 microns, between about 40 microns and about 120 microns, or between about 40 microns and about 100 microns.

[0179] The tubular portion may have a thickness between about 60 microns and about 140 microns, between about 60 microns and about 120 microns, or between about 60 microns and about 100 microns.

[0180] The thickness of the tubular portion may be selected based on the desired stiffness of the tubular portion.

[0181] The tubular portion may be formed from a wrapper defining a wound sheet.

[0182] In case the tubular portion is formed by a wrapper, the thickness of the tubular portion may be the same as the thickness of the wrapper.

[0183] The wrapper can have a basis weight of at least about 10 grams per square meter, at least about 15 grams per square meter, or at least about 20 grams per square meter.

[0184] The wrapper can have a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter, less than or equal to about 80 grams per square meter, or less than or equal to about 60 grams per square meter.

[0185] The wrapper may have a basis weight between about 10 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 10 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, or between about 10 g / m2 and about 60 g / m2.

[0186] The wrapper may have a basis weight between about 15 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 15 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, or between about 15 g / m2 and about 60 g / m2.

[0187] The wrapper may have a basis weight between about 20 g / m2 and about 100 g / m2, between about 20 g / m2 and about 80 g / m2, or between about 20 g / m2 and about 60 g / m2.

[0188] The basis weight of the package may be selected based on the desired stiffness of the upstream element.

[0189] The packaging may be a paper packaging.

[0190] The length of the tubular portion may be the same as the length of the upstream element.

[0191] The width of the tubular portion may be the same as the width of the upstream element.

[0192] Unless otherwise stated, the resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of about 60%, at a volume flow rate of about 17.5 ml / s at the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article or a component thereof.

[0193] The RTD per unit length of the upstream element may be at least about 0.2 mm H2O / mm, at least about 0.5 mm H2O / mm, or at least about 1 mm H2O / mm.

[0194] The RTD per unit length of the upstream element may be less than or equal to approximately 3 mmH2O / mm, less than or equal to approximately 2.5 mmH2O / mm, or less than or equal to approximately 2 mmH2O / mm.

[0195] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 0.2 mmH2O / mm and about 3 mmH2O / mm, between about 0.2 mmH2O / mm and about 2.5 mmH2O / mm, or between about 0.2 mmH2O / mm and about 2 mmH2O / mm.

[0196] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 0.5 mmH2O / mm and about 3 mmH2O / mm, between about 0.5 mmH2O / mm and about 2.5 mmH2O / mm, or between about 0.5 mmH2O / mm and about 2 mmH2O / mm.

[0197] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 1 mmH2O / mm and about 3 mmH2O / mm, between about 1 mmH2O / mm and about 2.5 mmH2O / mm, or between about 1 mmH2O / mm and about 2 mmH2O / mm.

[0198] For example, the RTD of the upstream element may be approximately 1.5 mm H2O / mm length of the upstream element.

[0199] The RTD of the upstream element may be at least about 1 mm H2O, at least 2.5 mm H2O, or at least 5 mm H2O.

[0200] The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to approximately 15 mm H2O, less than or equal to approximately 12.5 mm H2O, or less than or equal to approximately 10 mm H2O.

[0201] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 1 mm H2O and about 15 mm H2O, between about 1 mm H2O and about 12.5 mm H2O, or between about 1 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O.

[0202] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 2.5 mmH2O and about 15 mmH2O, between about 2.5 mmH2O and about 12.5 mmH2O, or between about 2.5 mmH2O and about 10 mmH2O.

[0203] The RTD of the upstream element may be between about 5 mm H2O and about 15 mm H2O, between about 5 mm H2O and about 12.5 mm H2O, or between about 5 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O.

[0204] For example, the RTD of the upstream element may be approximately 7.5 mm H20.

[0205] The RTD of the upstream element may be less than the RTD of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0206] The upstream element may provide less than 50% of the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. That is, the ratio of the RTD of the upstream element to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 0.5.

[0207] The ratio of the RTD of the upstream element to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to about 0.4, less than or equal to about 0.3, or less than or equal to about 0.25.

[0208] The ratio of the RTD of the upstream element to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article may be at least about 0.01, at least about 0.03, or at least about 0.05.

[0209] The upstream element may have a porosity of at least about 40%, at least about 45%, or at least about 50%.

[0210] The upstream element may have a porosity of less than or equal to about 85%, less than or equal to about 80%, or less than or equal to about 75%.

[0211] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the porosity of an upstream element is defined by the ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the components in the interior region of the upstream element to the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior region. In an upstream element with a higher porosity, a smaller proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior region is occupied by the components in the interior region, and a larger proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior region is empty space. In an upstream element with a lower porosity, a larger proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior region is occupied by the components in the interior region, and a smaller proportion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior region is empty space.

[0212] In the case where the upstream element consists of a tubular portion and a wound sheet, the porosity of the upstream element is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the wound sheet to the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner zone, expressed as a percentage.

[0213] In the case where the tubular portion defines an inner region having a substantially circular cross-section, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner region is defined by the inner diameter of the tubular portion. For example, in the case where the wound sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​15 square millimeters and the inner diameter of the tubular portion is 7 millimeters, the porosity of the upstream element is about 61%.

[0214] The upstream element may have a density less than the density of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0215] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the density of an upstream element refers to the bulk density of the upstream element. The bulk density of an upstream element is the gross weight of the upstream element divided by the volume of the upstream element. For example, where the upstream element is substantially cylindrical and has a gross weight of about 30 mg, a length of about 5 mm, and an outer diameter of about 7.1 mm, the upstream element has a bulk density of about 150 mg / cm3.

[0216] The aerosol-generating article may have a hardness of at least about 80%, at least about 85% or at least about 90% at the upstream element. This may advantageously help reduce or avoid deformation of the upstream element during storage, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0217] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "hardness" is used to describe the ability of an aerosol-generating article to resist deformation in a transverse direction. Hardness is generally expressed as a percentage. The hardness of an aerosol-generating article can be determined by measuring the width of the aerosol-generating article before a set load is applied to the aerosol-generating article in a transverse direction, and measuring the compressed width of the aerosol-generating article after the set load is applied for a set duration (but the load is still applied). The hardness is given by the following formula:

[0218]

[0219] Where W S is the original (unstressed) width, and W d It is the compressed width after a set load has been applied for a set duration. The harder the material, the closer the hardness is to 100%.

[0220] In order to determine the hardness of a portion of an aerosol-generating article, such as an upstream element, the aerosol-generating articles should be arranged in parallel in a plane, and the same portion of each aerosol-generating article to be tested should be subjected to a set load for a set duration. This test is performed using a known DD60A densitometer device (manufactured by Heinr. Borgwaldt GmbH, Germany, and commercially available), which is equipped with a measuring head for an aerosol-generating article and equipped with an aerosol-generating article container.

[0221] The load is applied using two load-applying cylindrical bars that extend across the width of all aerosol-generating articles simultaneously. According to the standard test method for this instrument, the test should be performed so that twenty points of contact occur between the aerosol-generating articles and the load-applying cylindrical bars. In some cases, the upstream element to be tested may be long enough that only ten aerosol-generating articles are required to form twenty points of contact, each of which contacts two load-applying bars (because they are long enough to extend between these bars). In other cases, as discussed further below, if the upstream element is too short to achieve this, twenty aerosol-generating articles should be used to form twenty points of contact, each of which contacts only one of the load-applying bars.

[0222] Two further fixed cylindrical bars are located beneath the aerosol-generating article to support the aerosol-generating article and to counteract the loads applied by each of the load-applying cylindrical bars.

[0223] For standard operating procedures for such equipment, a total load of 2 kg is applied for a duration of 20 seconds. After 20 seconds have elapsed (and with the load still being applied to the aerosol generating article), the depression in the load applying cylindrical strip is determined and then used to calculate the hardness according to the above formula. The temperature is maintained in the region of 22 degrees Celsius ± 2 degrees. The above test is known as the DD60A test. The standard method for measuring the hardness of an aerosol generating article is before using the aerosol generating article. More information on the average radial hardness measurement can be found, for example, in US 2016 / 0128378 A1.

[0224] The upstream element may have a length of at least about 2 millimeters, at least about 3 millimeters, or at least about 4 millimeters.

[0225] The upstream element can have a length of less than or equal to about 10 millimeters, less than or equal to about 8 millimeters, or less than or equal to about 6 millimeters.

[0226] The upstream element may have a length between about 2 mm and about 10 mm, between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 6 mm.

[0227] The upstream element may have a length between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, between about 3 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 6 mm.

[0228] The upstream element may have a length between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, between about 4 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 4 mm and about 6 mm.

[0229] For example, the upstream element may have a length of approximately 5 mm.

[0230] The length of the upstream element may be selected based on a desired balance between the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit upstream movement of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate and the RTD of the upstream element.

[0231] The length of the upstream element may be selected based on the desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] The ratio of the length of the upstream element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least about 0.03, at least about 0.05, or at least about 0.07.

[0233] The ratio of the length of the upstream element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to about 0.25, less than or equal to about 0.2, or less than or equal to about 0.15.

[0234] Preferably, the upstream element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0235] The upstream element may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm, about 6 mm, or about 7 mm.

[0236] The upstream element can have an outer diameter of less than or equal to 12 millimeters, less than or equal to about 10 millimeters, or less than or equal to about 8 millimeters.

[0237] The upstream element may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 8 mm.

[0238] The upstream element may have an outer diameter between about 6 mm and about 12 mm, between about 6 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

[0239] The upstream element may have an outer diameter of between about 7 mm and about 12 mm, between about 7 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.

[0240] For example, the upstream element may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm.

[0241] Preferably, the outer diameter of the upstream element is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0242] Preferably, the outer diameter of the upstream element is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0243] The upstream element is upstream of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0244] Preferably, the upstream element abuts the aerosol-generating substrate.This may advantageously improve the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit upstream movement of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0245] The upstream element may be at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0246] The aerosol-generating article may include an additional element upstream of the upstream element. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include a cellulose acetate tow rod upstream of the upstream element. The additional element upstream of the upstream element may act as a cap or cover to help avoid damage to the upstream element.

[0247] The upstream element may include less than or equal to about 1 weight percent aerosol former based on the dry weight of the upstream element, less than or equal to about 0.5 weight percent aerosol former based on the dry weight of the upstream element, or less than or equal to about 0.2 weight percent aerosol former based on the dry weight of the upstream element.

[0248] The upstream element may be substantially free of an aerosol former. The upstream element may be free of an aerosol former. That is, the upstream element may include about 0 wt % aerosol former based on the dry weight of the upstream element.

[0249] As discussed further below, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes an aerosol-forming agent. Preferably, the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming agent in the upstream element based on the dry weight of the upstream element to the weight of the aerosol-generating substrate based on the dry weight of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 0.2, less than or equal to about 0.1, or less than or equal to about 0.05.

[0250] Preferably, a majority of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article is generated by the aerosol-generating substrate.All of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article may be generated by the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0251] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a strip.

[0252] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "rod" is intended to refer to a generally cylindrical element having a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

[0253] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material confined by a wrapper (eg a stick pack).For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-generating material confined by a wrapper to form a stick.

[0254] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, or at least about 10 mm.

[0255] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of less than or equal to about 16 mm, less than or equal to about 15 mm, or less than or equal to about 14 mm.

[0256] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between about 8 mm and about 16 mm, between about 8 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 8 mm and about 14 mm.

[0257] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between about 9 mm and about 16 mm, between about 9 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 9 mm and about 14 mm.

[0258] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between about 10 mm and about 16 mm, between about 10 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 14 mm.

[0259] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of approximately 12 millimetres.

[0260] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-generating substrate and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least about 0.10, at least about 0.15, or at least about 0.20.

[0261] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-generating substrate and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to about 0.40, less than or equal to about 0.35, or less than or equal to about 0.3.

[0262] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-generating substrate and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be between about 0.10 and about 0.40, between about 0.10 and about 0.35, or between about 0.10 and about 0.30.

[0263] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-generating substrate and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be between about 0.15 and about 0.40, between about 0.15 and about 0.35, or between about 0.15 and about 0.30.

[0264] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-generating substrate and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be between about 0.20 and about 0.40, between about 0.20 and about 0.35, or between about 0.20 and about 0.30.

[0265] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0266] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm, about 6 mm or about 7 mm.

[0267] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, or less than or equal to about 8 mm.

[0268] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 8 mm.

[0269] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of between about 6 mm and about 12 mm, between about 6 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

[0270] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of between about 7 mm and about 12 mm, between about 7 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.

[0271] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm.

[0272] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least about 150 mg / cm3, at least about 175 mg / cm3, at least about 200 mg / cm3, or at least about 250 mg / cm3.

[0273] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of less than or equal to about 500 mg / cm3, less than or equal to about 450 mg / cm3, less than or equal to about 400 mg / cm3, or less than or equal to about 350 mg / cm3.

[0274] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density between about 150 mg / cm3 and about 500 mg / cm3, between about 150 mg / cm3 and about 450 mg / cm3, between about 150 mg / cm3 and about 400 mg / cm3, or between about 150 mg / cm3 and about 350 mg / cm3.

[0275] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density between about 175 mg / cm3 and about 500 mg / cm3, between about 175 mg / cm3 and about 450 mg / cm3, between about 175 mg / cm3 and about 400 mg / cm3, or between about 175 mg / cm3 and about 350 mg / cm3.

[0276] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density between about 200 mg / cm3 and about 500 mg / cm3, between about 200 mg / cm3 and about 450 mg / cm3, between about 200 mg / cm3 and about 400 mg / cm3, or between about 200 mg / cm3 and about 350 mg / cm3.

[0277] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density between about 250 mg / cm3 and about 500 mg / cm3, between about 250 mg / cm3 and about 450 mg / cm3, between about 250 mg / cm3 and about 400 mg / cm3, or between about 250 mg / cm3 and about 350 mg / cm3.

[0278] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of about 300 mg / cm3.

[0279] The RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least about 4 mm H2O, at least about 5 mm H2O, or at least about 6 mm H2O.

[0280] The RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate may be less than or equal to about 10 mm H2O, less than or equal to about 9 mm H2O, or less than or equal to about 8 mm H2O.

[0281] The RTD of the aerosol generating substrate may be between about 4 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O, between about 4 mm H2O and about 9 mm H2O, or between about 4 mm H2O and about 8 mm H2O.

[0282] The RTD of the aerosol generating substrate may be between about 5 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O, between about 5 mm H2O and about 9 mm H2O, or between about 5 mm H2O and about 8 mm H2O.

[0283] The RTD of the aerosol generating substrate may be between about 6 mm H2O and about 10 mm H2O, between about 6 mm H2O and about 9 mm H2O, or between about 6 mm H2O and about 8 mm H2O.

[0284] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0285] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol former.

[0286] The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically applied during use of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers are, for example: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0287] Preferably, the aerosol former comprises one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0288] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least about 5 wt%, at least about 10 wt%, or at least about 12 wt% aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0289] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise less than or equal to about 30 wt %, less than or equal to about 25 wt %, or less than or equal to about 20 wt % of aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0290] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between about 5 wt % and about 30 wt %, between about 5 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 5 wt % and about 20 wt % of the aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0291] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between about 10 wt % and about 30 wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 10 wt % and about 20 wt % of the aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0292] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between about 12 wt % and about 30 wt %, between about 12 wt % and about 25 wt %, or between about 12 wt % and about 20 wt % of the aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0293] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of rods of tobacco material.The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of rods of homogenised tobacco material.

[0294] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "strip" refers to an element having a length that is significantly greater than its width and thickness.

[0295] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "homogenised tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco material.

[0296] The rods of homogenised tobacco material may be formed from sheets of homogenised tobacco material, for example by cutting or shredding.The rods of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by other methods, for example by extrusion.

[0297] The rod of tobacco material may have a width of at least about 0.3 millimeters, at least about 0.5 millimeters, or at least about 0.6 millimeters.

[0298] The strip of tobacco material may have a width of less than or equal to about 2 millimeters, less than or equal to about 1.2 millimeters, or less than about 0.9 millimeters.

[0299] The rod of tobacco material may have a width of between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm, between about 0.3 mm and about 1.2 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 0.9 mm.

[0300] The rod of tobacco material may have a width of between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 1.2 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 0.9 mm.

[0301] The rod of tobacco material may have a width of between about 0.6 mm and about 2 mm, between about 0.6 mm and about 1.2 mm, or between about 0.6 mm and about 0.9 mm.

[0302] The rod of tobacco material may have a length of at least about 10 millimetres.

[0303] The rod of tobacco material may have a length of less than or equal to about 40 millimetres.

[0304] The rod of tobacco material may have a length of between about 10 millimetres and about 40 millimetres.

[0305] At least about 20% by weight on a dry weight basis of the plurality of tobacco material strips may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating substrate.At least about 20% by weight on a dry weight basis of the plurality of tobacco material strips may have substantially the same length as the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0306] A plurality of tobacco material strips less than or equal to about 60% by weight on a dry weight basis may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating substrate. A plurality of tobacco material strips less than or equal to about 60% by weight on a dry weight basis may have substantially the same length as the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0307] Between about 20% and 60% by weight on a dry weight basis, a plurality of tobacco material strips may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating substrate. Between about 20% and 60% by weight on a dry weight basis, a plurality of tobacco material strips may have substantially the same length as the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0308] The size of the aerosol generating material (such as a plurality of tobacco material thin strips) of the aerosol generating substrate can have an impact on the heat distribution inside the aerosol generating substrate. In addition, the size of the aerosol generating material can have an impact on the suction resistance of the product. In addition, the size of the aerosol generating material can affect the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit the aerosol generating material from moving into the longitudinally extending channel of the upstream element. The size of the aerosol generating material can also affect the ability of the upstream element to prevent or limit the aerosol generating material from moving upstream along the longitudinally extending channel and leaving the upstream element.

[0309] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of pellets or particles of tobacco material.The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of pellets or particles of homogenised tobacco material.

[0310] At least about 60% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 1 mm, at least about 70% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 1 mm, or at least about 80% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 1 mm.

[0311] Where the homogenized plant material is in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules, at least about 70% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm, at least about 80% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm, or at least about 90% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0312] For example, at least about 80% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 1 mm, and at least about 90% by weight of the plurality of pellets or granules may have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0313] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of tobacco material.

[0314] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised tobacco material.

[0315] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a thickness of at least about 100 microns, at least about 150 microns, or at least about 300 microns.

[0316] As used herein with reference to the present invention, individual thickness refers to the thickness of an individual tobacco material sheet, whereas combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all tobacco material sheets that make up the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, if the aerosol-generating substrate is formed of two individual tobacco material sheets, the combined thickness is the sum of the thicknesses of the two individual tobacco material sheets or, in the case where two tobacco material sheets are stacked in the aerosol-generating substrate, the measured thickness of the two tobacco material sheets.

[0317] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a thickness of less than or equal to about 600 microns, less than or equal to about 300 microns, or less than or equal to about 250 microns.

[0318] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a thickness of between about 100 microns and about 600 microns, between about 100 microns and about 300 microns, or between about 100 microns and about 250 microns.

[0319] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a thickness of between about 150 microns and about 600 microns, between about 150 microns and about 300 microns, or between about 150 microns and about 250 microns.

[0320] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a thickness of between about 250 microns and about 600 microns, between about 250 microns and about 300 microns, or between about 250 microns and about 250 microns.

[0321] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have substantially the same length as the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0322] The one or more sheets of tobacco material may have been one or more of rolled, folded, gathered and pleated.

[0323] The curling, folding, gathering or pleating of one or more tobacco material sheets can cause one or more tobacco material sheets to split to form tobacco material strips. For example, one or more tobacco material sheets may be curled to a certain extent so that the integrity of one or more tobacco material sheets is destroyed at a plurality of parallel ridges or corrugations, so that the material is separated, and so that a tobacco material strip is formed.

[0324] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor disposed within an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0325] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "susceptor" refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor.

[0326] The susceptor is arranged in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, when the susceptor heats up, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by the susceptor to generate an aerosol. The susceptor may be arranged in direct physical contact with the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0327] The upstream element may advantageously prevent or limit upstream migration of the susceptor during storage, transport and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0328] The susceptor may be an elongate susceptor.

[0329] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component of an aerosol-generating article having a length greater than its width and thickness.

[0330] The elongated susceptor may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol generating substrate. That is, the longitudinal axis of the elongated susceptor may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate. For example, the longitudinal axis of the elongated susceptor may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate. The elongated susceptor may be located at a radially central position within the aerosol generating substrate and extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0331] The susceptor may extend from a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate towards an upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0332] The susceptor may extend from an upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate towards a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0333] The susceptor may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the susceptor may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0334] The length of the susceptor may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0335] The susceptor may extend partially along the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0336] The susceptor may be spaced apart from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0337] The susceptor may be spaced apart from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0338] The susceptor may be spaced apart from both the downstream end and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0339] The length of the susceptor may be less than the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0340] The susceptor may be completely enclosed within the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating substrate may completely surround the susceptor.

[0341] The susceptors may be in the form of needles, strips, tapes or sheets.

[0342] The susceptor may have a length of at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 8 mm.

[0343] The susceptor may have a length of less than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 12 mm, or less than or equal to about 10 mm.

[0344] The susceptor may have a length between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

[0345] The susceptor may have a length between about 6 mm and about 15 mm, between about 6 mm and about 12 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 10 mm.

[0346] The susceptor may have a length between about 8 mm and about 15 mm, between about 8 mm and about 12 mm, or between about 8 mm and about 10 mm.

[0347] The susceptor may have a width of at least about 1 mm.

[0348] The susceptor may have a width of less than or equal to about 5 millimeters.

[0349] The susceptor may have a width between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

[0350] The susceptor may have a thickness of at least about 0.01 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm.

[0351] The susceptor may have a thickness of less than or equal to about 2 millimeters, less than or equal to about 500 microns, or less than or equal to about 100 microns.

[0352] The susceptor may have a thickness between about 10 microns and about 2 millimeters, between about 10 microns and about 500 microns, or between about 10 microns and about 100 microns.

[0353] The susceptor may have a thickness between about 0.5 mm and about 2 mm.

[0354] The susceptor may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0355] The susceptor may have a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the susceptor.

[0356] If the susceptor has the form of a strip or sheet, the strip or sheet may have a rectangular shape having a width between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 5 mm. For example, the susceptor in the form of a strip or sheet may have a width of about 4 mm.

[0357] If the susceptor has the form of a tape or sheet, the tape or sheet may have a rectangular shape and a thickness between about 0.03 mm and about 0.15 mm, or between about 0.05 mm and about 0.09 mm. For example, the susceptor in the form of a tape or sheet may have a thickness of about 0.07 mm or about 0.06 mm.

[0358] 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 comprise metal or carbon.

[0359] The susceptor may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors may be or include aluminum. The susceptor may be formed of 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410 or grade 420 or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned within an electromagnetic field having similar frequency and field strength values.

[0360] Thus, the parameters of the susceptor, such as material type, length, width and thickness, can be altered within a known electromagnetic field to provide the required power dissipation. The susceptor can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0361] Suitable susceptors may include a non-metallic core having a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, such as a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core. The susceptor may have an outer protective layer, such as a ceramic protective layer or a glass protective layer encapsulating the susceptor. The susceptor may include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic or an inert metal formed on the core of the susceptor material.

[0362] The susceptor may be a multi-material susceptor and may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0363] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece element located downstream from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0364] The mouthend element may be located at the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0365] The mouthpiece element may be a mouthpiece filter element. The mouthpiece element may include at least one filter segment for filtering the aerosol generated when the aerosol generating substrate is heated. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more segments of fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials are known in the art. For example, at least one mouthpiece filter segment may include a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0366] The mouthend element may consist of a single filter segment.The mouthend element may comprise two or more filter segments axially aligned with each other in abutting end-to-end relationship.

[0367] The mouthpiece element may include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element may include one or more capsules, beads or particles of a flavoring agent, or one or more threads or filaments loaded with a flavoring agent.

[0368] Parameters or characteristics described herein in relation to the mouthpiece element as a whole may equally apply to the filter segment of the mouthpiece element.

[0369] The mouthpiece element may have a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0370] The mouthend element may have an RTD of less than or equal to about 25 mm H2O, less than or equal to about 20 mm H2O, or less than or equal to about 15 mm H2O.

[0371] The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of at least about 10 mm H20.

[0372] The mouthpiece element may have an RTD of between about 10 mm H2O and about 25 mm H2O, between about 10 mm H2O and about 20 mm H2O, or between about 10 mm H2O and about 15 mm H2O.

[0373] Preferably, the mouthend element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0374] Preferably, the mouthend element has an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0375] The mouthend element may have a length of at least about 3 mm, or at least about 5 mm.

[0376] The length of the mouthend element may be less than or equal to about 11 mm, or less than or equal to about 9 mm.

[0377] The length of the mouthend element may be between about 3 mm and about 11 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 9 mm.

[0378] The length of the mouthend element may be between about 5 mm and about 11 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 9 mm.

[0379] For example, the mouthend element may be approximately 7 mm in length.

[0380] The length of the mouthend element may be selected based on the desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0381] The mouthend element may be defined by a stick wrap.

[0382] The mouthend element may be non-ventilated such that air does not pass along the mouthend element into the aerosol-generating article.

[0383] The mouthend element may be connected to one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a tipping wrapper.

[0384] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouth-end cavity at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Where present, the mouth-end cavity may be downstream of the mouthpiece element.

[0385] The mouth end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular element disposed at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouth end cavity may be defined by an outer wrapper of the mouthpiece element, wherein the outer wrapper extends from the mouthpiece element in the downstream direction.

[0386] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more intermediate elements between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouthend element.The one or more intermediate elements may be in abutting end-to-end relationship with each other.

[0387] One of the one or more intermediate elements may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. One of the one or more intermediate elements may abut the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, where there is a single intermediate element, the single intermediate element may abut both the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, where there are multiple intermediate elements, one intermediate element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate and another intermediate element may abut the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0388] At least one of the one or more intermediate elements may be a hollow tubular element.The one or more intermediate elements may be one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0389] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to refer to a generally cylindrical element having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section. In particular, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to refer to an element defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0390] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible resistance to suction (RTD) level. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "negligible RTD level" is used to describe a hollow tubular element having an RTD less than 1 mmH2O / 10 mm length, a hollow tubular element less than 0.4 mmH2O / 10 mm length, or a hollow tubular element less than 0.1 mmH2O / 10 mm length. Therefore, the flow channel should not contain any components that will hinder the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0391] The one or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of at least about 10 mm, at least about 12 mm, or at least about 15 mm.

[0392] The one or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, or less than or equal to about 23 mm.

[0393] The one or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, between about 10 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 23 mm.

[0394] The one or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of between about 12 mm and about 30 mm, between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 12 mm and about 23 mm.

[0395] The one or more intermediate elements may have an overall length of between about 12 mm and about 30 mm, between about 12 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 12 mm and about 23 mm.

[0396] The overall length of the one or more intermediate elements may be selected based on the desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0397] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a single intermediate element, the total length of the one or more intermediate elements is the length of the single intermediate element. Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of intermediate elements, the total length of the one or more intermediate elements is the sum of the lengths of each of the plurality of intermediate elements.

[0398] Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of intermediate elements, the length of each of the plurality of intermediate elements may be substantially the same.

[0399] Preferably, each of the one or more intermediate elements has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0400] Preferably, the outer diameter of each of the one or more intermediate elements is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0401] The one or more intermediate elements may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, at least one of the one or more intermediate elements may be formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; paper-based materials, such as paper or paperboard; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers.

[0402] Ventilation zones may be provided at locations along the one or more intermediate elements. By providing ventilation zones at locations along the one or more intermediate elements, satisfactory cooling of the aerosol flow generated when the aerosol generating substrate is heated and drawn through the one or more intermediate elements may be achieved. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the temperature drop caused by cooler outside air entering the one or more intermediate elements via the ventilation zones may have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0403] The ventilation zone may be provided at a location along at least one of the one or more intermediate elements.

[0404] Where the intermediate element is a hollow tubular element, the ventilation zone may comprise a plurality of perforations through the tubular wall of at least one of the one or more hollow tubular elements. The ventilation zone may comprise at least one row of circumferential perforations. The ventilation zone may comprise two rows of circumferential perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on a production line during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each row of circumferential perforations may comprise from 8 to 30 perforations.

[0405] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of at least about 35 mm, at least about 38 mm, at least about 40 mm, or at least about 42 mm.

[0406] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of less than or equal to about 100 mm, less than or equal to about 70 mm, less than or equal to about 60 mm, or less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0407] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 35 mm and about 100 mm, between about 35 mm and about 70 mm, between about 35 mm and about 60 mm, or between about 35 mm and about 50 mm.

[0408] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 38 mm and about 100 mm, between about 38 mm and about 70 mm, between about 38 mm and about 60 mm, or between about 38 mm and about 50 mm.

[0409] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 40 mm and about 100 mm, between about 40 mm and about 70 mm, between about 40 mm and about 60 mm, or between about 40 mm and about 50 mm.

[0410] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 42 mm and about 100 mm, between about 42 mm and about 70 mm, between about 42 mm and about 60 mm, or between about 42 mm and about 50 mm.

[0411] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of approximately 45 mm.

[0412] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0413] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, or at least about 7 mm.

[0414] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 12 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, or less than or equal to about 8 mm.

[0415] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 8 mm.

[0416] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 6 mm and about 12 mm, between about 6 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

[0417] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 7 mm and about 12 mm, between about 7 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.

[0418] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm.

[0419] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device being configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a shell defining a cavity, the cavity being configured to receive the aerosol generating article.

[0420] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0421] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device.

[0422] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power supply and control electronics.

[0423] The aerosol generating device may comprise a battery and control electronics.

[0424] The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article externally. That is, the aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article from the exterior of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0425] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, such as an external heating element.

[0426] Heating elements may be positioned around the periphery of the cavity.

[0427] The heating element may be one or both of a resistive heating element and an inductive heating element.

[0428] The aerosol generating device may comprise a mouthpiece.

[0429] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example or embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0430] EX1: An aerosol generating article, comprising an aerosol generating substrate and an upstream element arranged upstream of the aerosol generating substrate, wherein the upstream element comprises: a tubular portion, the tubular portion defining an internal area of ​​the upstream element; and a wound sheet, the wound sheet defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the internal area.

[0431] EX2: An aerosol-generating article according to EX1, wherein the wound sheet comprises a plurality of non-concentric turns.

[0432] EX3: An aerosol-generating article according to EX1 or EX2, wherein the rolled sheet has been one or more of rolled, folded, gathered and pleated to define the plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

[0433] EX4: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the wound sheet has been curled.

[0434] EX5: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the rolled sheet has a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extending in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0435] EX6: An aerosol-generating article according to EX5, wherein adjacent ridges or corrugations are spaced apart from each other by less than or equal to about 1.2 mm.

[0436] EX7: An aerosol-generating article according to EX5 or EX6, wherein adjacent ridges or corrugations are spaced apart from each other by less than or equal to about 1 mm.

[0437] EX8: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX4 to EX7, wherein adjacent ridges or corrugations are spaced apart from each other by less than or equal to about 0.8 mm.

[0438] EX9: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX4 to EX8, wherein adjacent ridges or corrugations are spaced apart from each other by less than or equal to about 0.5 mm.

[0439] EX10: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX9, wherein the rolled sheet is a rolled and gathered sheet.

[0440] EX11: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the wrapped sheet extends from a downstream end of the upstream element towards an upstream end of the upstream element.

[0441] EX12: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX11, wherein the wrapped sheet extends from an upstream end of the upstream element towards a downstream end of the upstream element.

[0442] EX13: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX12, wherein the length of the wound sheet is substantially the same as the length of the upstream element.

[0443] EX14: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels extend from a downstream end of the upstream element towards an upstream end of the upstream element.

[0444] EX15: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX14, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels extend from an upstream end of the upstream element towards a downstream end of the upstream element.

[0445] EX16: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX15, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter.

[0446] EX17: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 80 grams per square meter.

[0447] EX18: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX17, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 70 grams per square meter.

[0448] EX19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX18, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 50 grams per square meter.

[0449] EX20: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX19, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of at least about 10 g / m2.

[0450] EX21: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX20, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of at least about 15 g / m2.

[0451] EX22: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX21, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of at least about 20 g / m2.

[0452] EX23: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX22, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight of at least about 10 mg.

[0453] EX24: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX23, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight of at least about 15 mg.

[0454] EX25: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight of at least about 20 mg.

[0455] EX26: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX25, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight less than or equal to about 100 mg.

[0456] EX27: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX26, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight less than or equal to about 75 mg.

[0457] EX28: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX27, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight less than or equal to about 50 mg.

[0458] EX29: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX28, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of less than or equal to about 20 mg / mm.

[0459] EX30: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX29, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of less than or equal to about 15 mg / mm.

[0460] EX31: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX30, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of less than or equal to about 10 mg / mm.

[0461] EX32: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX31, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of at least about 2 mg / mm.

[0462] EX33: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX32, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of at least about 3 mg / mm.

[0463] EX34: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX33, wherein the wound sheet has an average weight per unit length of at least about 4 mg / mm.

[0464] EX35: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX34, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight of the interior region per unit volume of less than or equal to about 500 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

[0465] EX36: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX35, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of less than or equal to about 400 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

[0466] EX37: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX36, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight of the interior region per unit volume of less than or equal to about 250 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

[0467] EX38: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX37, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of at least about 50 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

[0468] EX39: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX38, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight of the interior region per unit volume of at least about 75 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

[0469] EX40: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX39, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight of the interior region per unit volume of at least about 100 micrograms / cubic millimeter.

[0470] EX41: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX40, wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to about 300 microns.

[0471] EX42: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX41, wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to about 200 microns.

[0472] EX43: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX42, wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to about 150 microns.

[0473] EX44: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX43, wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least about 30 microns.

[0474] EX45: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX45, wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least about 45 microns.

[0475] EX46: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX45, wherein the sheet has a thickness of at least about 60 microns.

[0476] EX47: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX46, wherein the wrapped sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least about 5 square millimeters.

[0477] EX48: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX47, wherein the wrapped sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least about 8 square millimeters.

[0478] EX49: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX48, wherein the wrapped sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least about 10 square millimeters.

[0479] EX50: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX49, wherein the wrapped sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 30 square millimeters.

[0480] EX51: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX50, wherein the wrapped sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 25 square millimeters.

[0481] EX52: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX51, wherein the wound sheet has a cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 20 square millimeters.

[0482] EX53: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX52, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the wound sheet is substantially constant along the length of the wound sheet.

[0483] EX54: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX53, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area of ​​at least about 250 square millimeters.

[0484] EX55: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX54, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area of ​​at least about 400 mm2.

[0485] EX56: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX55, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area of ​​at least about 600 square millimeters.

[0486] EX57: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX56, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area of ​​less than or equal to about 1500 square millimeters.

[0487] EX58: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX57, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area less than or equal to about 1350 square millimeters.

[0488] EX59: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX58, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area less than or equal to about 1250 square millimeters.

[0489] EX60: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX59, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of at least about 50 mm2 / mm.

[0490] EX61: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX60, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of at least about 80 mm2 / mm.

[0491] EX62: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX61, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of at least about 120 mm2 / mm.

[0492] EX63: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of less than or equal to about 300 mm2 / mm.

[0493] EX64: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX63, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of less than or equal to about 270 mm2 / mm.

[0494] EX65: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX64, wherein the wound sheet has an average surface area per unit length of less than or equal to about 250 mm2 / mm.

[0495] EX66: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX65, wherein the wound sheet has a length of at least about 2 mm.

[0496] EX67: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX66, wherein the wound sheet has a length of at least about 3 mm.

[0497] EX68: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX67, wherein the wound sheet has a length of at least about 4 mm.

[0498] EX69: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX68, wherein the wound sheet has a length less than or equal to about 10 mm.

[0499] EX70: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX69, wherein the wound sheet has a length less than or equal to about 8 mm.

[0500] EX71: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX70, wherein the wound sheet has a length less than or equal to about 6 mm.

[0501] EX72: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX71, wherein the wound sheet has a length of about 5 mm.

[0502] EX73: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX72, wherein the sheet has a width of at least about 50 mm.

[0503] EX74: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX73, wherein the sheet has a width of at least about 80 mm.

[0504] EX75: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX74, wherein the sheet has a width of at least about 120 mm.

[0505] EX76: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX75, wherein the sheet has a width less than or equal to about 300 mm.

[0506] EX77: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX76, wherein the sheet has a width less than or equal to about 270 mm.

[0507] EX78: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX77, wherein the sheet has a width less than or equal to about 250 mm.

[0508] EX79: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX78, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 4%.

[0509] EX80: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX79, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 3%.

[0510] EX81: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX80, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 2%.

[0511] EX82: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX81, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 1.5%.

[0512] EX83: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX82, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 1%.

[0513] EX84: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX83, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 0.5%.

[0514] EX85: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX84, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 8%.

[0515] EX86: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX85, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 6%.

[0516] EX87: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX86, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 3%.

[0517] EX88: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX87, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 2%.

[0518] EX89: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX88, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 1.5%.

[0519] EX90: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX89, wherein the sheet has an area shrinkage of less than or equal to about 1%.

[0520] EX91: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX89, wherein the wound sheet is formed of a paper-based material, such as paper or paperboard.

[0521] EX92: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX88, wherein the wrapped sheet is formed of polylactic acid.

[0522] EX93: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX92, wherein the wound sheet comprises a flame retardant coating.

[0523] EX94: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX93, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels are empty.

[0524] EX95: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX94, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels comprises at least 5 longitudinally extending channels.

[0525] EX96: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX95, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels comprises at least 10 longitudinally extending channels.

[0526] EX97: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX96, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels comprises at least 20 longitudinally extending channels.

[0527] EX98: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX97, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels comprises at least 30 longitudinally extending channels.

[0528] EX99: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX98, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels have a maximum width less than or equal to about 5 mm.

[0529] EX100: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX99, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum width less than or equal to about 4 mm.

[0530] EX101: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX100, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum width less than or equal to about 3 mm.

[0531] EX102: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX101, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 4 square millimeters.

[0532] EX103: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX102, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 3 square millimeters.

[0533] EX104: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX103, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 2 square millimeters.

[0534] EX105: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX104, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels have an average width less than or equal to about 4 mm.

[0535] EX106: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX105, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels have an average width less than or equal to about 3 mm.

[0536] EX107: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX106, wherein the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels have an average width less than or equal to about 2 mm.

[0537] EX108: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX107, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have an average cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 3 mm.

[0538] EX109: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX108, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have an average cross-sectional area less than or equal to about 2 mm.

[0539] EX110: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX109, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have an average cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 1 mm.

[0540] EX111: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX110, wherein a ratio of a maximum width of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 1.

[0541] EX112: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX111, wherein a ratio of a maximum width of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.8.

[0542] EX113: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX112, wherein a ratio of a maximum width of the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.6.

[0543] EX114: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX113, wherein a ratio of a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.8.

[0544] EX115: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX114, wherein a ratio of a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.6.

[0545] EX116: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX115, wherein a ratio of a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.4.

[0546] EX117: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX116, wherein a ratio of an average width of the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.8.

[0547] EX118: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX117, wherein a ratio of an average width of the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.6.

[0548] EX119: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX118, wherein a ratio of an average width of the plurality of longitudinally-extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.4.

[0549] EX120: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX119, wherein a ratio of an average cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.6.

[0550] EX121: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX120, wherein a ratio of an average cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.4.

[0551] EX122: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX121, wherein a ratio of an average cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of longitudinally extending channels to a length of the wound sheet is less than or equal to about 0.2.

[0552] EX123: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX122, wherein the total cross-sectional area of ​​the plurality of channels is substantially constant along the entire length of the wound sheet.

[0553] EX124: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX122, wherein the upstream element consists of the tubular portion and the wound sheet.

[0554] EX125: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX124, wherein the tubular portion is formed by a wrapper defining the wound sheet.

[0555] EX126: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX125, wherein the length of the tubular portion is the same as the length of the upstream element.

[0556] EX127: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX126, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is at least about 0.2 mm H2O / mm.

[0557] EX128: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX127, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is at least about 0.5 mm H2O / mm.

[0558] EX129: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX128, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is at least about 2 mm H2O / mm.

[0559] EX130: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX129, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is less than or equal to about 3 mm H2O / mm.

[0560] EX131: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX130, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is less than or equal to about 2.5 mm H2O / mm.

[0561] EX132: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX131, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is less than or equal to about 2 mm H2O / mm.

[0562] EX133: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX132, wherein the RTD of the upstream element per unit length is about 1.5 mm H2O / mm.

[0563] EX134: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX133, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is at least about 1 mm H2O.

[0564] EX135: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX134, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is at least about 2.5 mm H2O.

[0565] EX136: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX135, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is at least about 5 mm H20.

[0566] EX137: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX136, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 15 mm H2O.

[0567] EX138: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX137, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 12.5 mm H2O.

[0568] EX139: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX138, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 10 mm H2O.

[0569] EX140: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX138, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is about 7.5 mm H2O.

[0570] EX141: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX140, wherein the ratio of the RTD of the upstream element to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article is less than 0.5.

[0571] EX142: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX141, wherein a ratio of the RTD of the upstream element to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article is at least about 0.01.

[0572] EX143: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX142, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of at least about 40%.

[0573] EX144: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX143, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of at least about 45%.

[0574] EX145: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX144, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of at least about 50%.

[0575] EX146: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX145, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of less than or equal to about 85%.

[0576] EX147: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX146, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of less than or equal to about 80%.

[0577] EX148: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX147, wherein the upstream element has a porosity of less than or equal to about 75%.

[0578] EX149: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX148, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a hardness of at least about 80% at the upstream element.

[0579] EX150: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX149, wherein the upstream element has a length of at least about 2 mm.

[0580] EX152: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX150, wherein the upstream element has a length less than or equal to about 10 mm.

[0581] EX153: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX152, wherein a ratio of a length of the upstream element to an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least about 0.03.

[0582] EX154: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX152, wherein a ratio of a length of the upstream element to an overall length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to about 0.25.

[0583] EX155: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX154, wherein an outer diameter of the upstream element is substantially the same as an outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0584] EX155: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX154, wherein the upstream element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0585] EX156: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX155, wherein the upstream element is at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0586] EX157: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX155, further comprising an additional element upstream of the upstream element.

[0587] EX158: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX157, wherein the upstream element comprises less than or equal to about 1 wt. % of an aerosol-forming agent, based on the dry weight of the upstream element.

[0588] EX159: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX157, wherein the upstream element is substantially free of an aerosol former.

[0589] EX160: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX159, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming agent in the upstream element based on the dry weight of the upstream element to the weight of the aerosol-generating agent in the aerosol-generating substrate based on the dry weight of the upstream element is less than or equal to about 0.2.

[0590] EX161: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX160, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least about 150 mg / cm3.

[0591] EX162: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX161, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to about 500 mg / cm3.

[0592] EX163: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX162, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aerosol former.

[0593] EX164: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX163, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strips of tobacco material.

[0594] EX165: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX164, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco cut filler.

[0595] EX166: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX165, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of rods of homogenised tobacco material.

[0596] EX167: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX166, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width of at least about 0.3 mm.

[0597] EX168: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX167, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width of at least about 0.5 mm.

[0598] EX169: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX168, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width of at least about 0.6 millimetres.

[0599] EX170: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX169, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width less than or equal to about 2 millimeters.

[0600] EX171: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX170, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width less than or equal to about 1.2 millimeters.

[0601] EX172: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX171, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a width less than or equal to about 0.9 mm.

[0602] EX173: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX172, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a length of at least about 10 millimetres.

[0603] EX174: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX164 to EX173, wherein the rod of tobacco material has a length less than or equal to about 40 millimeters.

[0604] EX175: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX174, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of pellets or particles of tobacco material.

[0605] EX176: An aerosol-generating article according to EX175, wherein at least about 60 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a largest dimension greater than about 1 mm.

[0606] EX177: An aerosol-generating article according to EX175 or EX176, wherein at least about 70 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a largest dimension greater than about 1 mm.

[0607] EX178: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX175 to EX177, wherein at least about 80 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a largest dimension greater than about 1 mm.

[0608] EX179: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX175 to EX178, wherein at least about 70 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0609] EX180: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX175 to EX179, wherein at least about 80 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a maximum dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0610] EX181: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX175 to EX180, wherein at least about 90 weight % of the plurality of pellets or particles have a largest dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0611] EX182: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX181, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of tobacco material.

[0612] EX183: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX182, further comprising a susceptor arranged within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0613] EX184: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX183, further comprising a mouthpiece element located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0614] EX185: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX184, further comprising a mouth-end cavity at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0615] EX186: An aerosol-generating article according to EX184 or EX185, further comprising one or more intermediate elements between the aerosol-generating substrate and the mouthpiece element.

[0616] EX187: An aerosol-generating article according to EX186, wherein at least one of the one or more intermediate elements is a hollow tubular element.

[0617] EX188: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX187, wherein the weight of the upstream element is substantially the same as the combined weight of the tubular portion and the wound sheet.

[0618] EX189: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX188, wherein the density of the upstream element is less than the density of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0619] EX190: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX189, wherein the RTD of the upstream element is less than the RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0620] EX191: An aerosol generating system, comprising: an aerosol generating article according to any one of EX1 to EX190 and an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a shell defining a cavity, and the cavity is configured to receive the aerosol generating article.

[0621] EX192: An aerosol generating system according to EX191, further comprising an external heating element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0622] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0623] Figure 1 shows a schematic side perspective view of an aerosol-generating article including an upstream element according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0624] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic side perspective view of an upstream element of an aerosol-generating article is shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0625] Figure 1An aerosol-generating article 10 is shown having an upstream end 12 and a downstream end 14. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 16 and an upstream element 18 located upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 16. Figure 1 , the downstream end of the upstream element 18 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 16. The aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises a hollow tubular element 20 downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 16 and a mouthpiece element 22 downstream of the hollow tubular element 20. The upstream end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10 corresponds to the upstream end of the upstream element 18. The downstream end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 10 corresponds to the downstream end of the mouthpiece element 22.

[0626] The aerosol-generating article 10 has an overall length of approximately 45 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm.

[0627] Aerosol generating substrate 16 comprises a plurality of tobacco material thin strips defined by a rod package (not shown). Aerosol generating substrate 16 comprises approximately 150 mg of tobacco material. The tobacco material comprises approximately 13% by weight to approximately 16% by weight of glycerol. Approximately 80% of the tobacco material thin strips have a width greater than approximately 1 mm, and approximately 90% of the tobacco material thin strips have a width greater than approximately 0.5 mm. The density of aerosol generating substrate 16 is approximately 300 mg / cm3.

[0628] The hollow tubular element 20 is a hollow cylindrical tube made of paperboard. The hollow cylindrical tube defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 20. The inner cavity of the hollow tubular element 20 is substantially empty, and thus a substantially non-restrictive airflow is achieved along the inner cavity of the hollow tubular element 20. The hollow tubular element 20 does not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0629] The hollow tubular element 20 has a length of about 21 mm, an outer diameter of about 7.1 mm, and an inner diameter of about 6.7 mm. Therefore, the thickness of the tubular wall of the hollow tubular element 20 is about 0.2 mm.

[0630] The aerosol generating article 10 comprises ventilation zones at locations along the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zones comprise a row of circumferential perforations 24 extending through the tubular wall of the hollow tubular element 20 to allow air to flow from the exterior of the aerosol generating article 10 into the interior lumen of the hollow tubular element 20.

[0631] The upstream end of the mouthend member 22 abuts the downstream end of the hollow tubular member 20. The mouthend member 22 has a length of approximately 7 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm. The mouthend member 22 comprises a segment of low density cellulose acetate tow defined by a rod wrapper (not shown).

[0632] like Figure 1As shown in , the aerosol-generating article 10 includes an upstream wrapper 26 defining an upstream element 18, an aerosol-generating substrate 16, and a hollow tubular element 20. The ventilation zone includes a row of circumferential perforations 28 extending through the upstream wrapper 26. The row of circumferential perforations 28 extending through the upstream wrapper 26 overlies a row of circumferential perforations 24 extending through the tubular wall of the hollow tubular element 20.

[0633] The aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises a downstream tipping wrapper 30 defining the hollow tubular element 20 and the mouthpiece element 22. The tipping wrapper 30 overlies the portion of the upstream wrapper 26 overlying the hollow tubular element 20. In this way, the tipping wrapper 30 effectively joins the mouthpiece element 22 to the other components of the aerosol-generating article 10. The ventilation zone may comprise a row of circumferential perforations (not shown) extending through the tipping wrapper 30. The row of circumferential perforations extending through the tipping wrapper 30 may overlie the row of circumferential perforations 28 extending through the upstream wrapper 26 and the row of circumferential perforations 24 extending through the tubular wall of the hollow tubular element 20.

[0634] exist Figure 1 , the upstream wrapper 26 and the downstream tipping wrapper 30 of the aerosol-generating article 10 are shown partially unfolded so as to illustrate the upstream element 18 , the aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the hollow tubular element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 .

[0635] like Figure 2 As shown in , the upstream element 18 of the aerosol generating article 10 includes a tubular portion 32 defining an interior region of the upstream element 18, and a wound sheet 34 defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels 36 in the interior region. The wound sheet 34 and the plurality of longitudinally extending channels 36 extend along the entire length of the upstream element 18.

[0636] The tubular portion 32 is formed by a paper wrapper defining a wound sheet 34. The paper wrapper forming the tubular portion 32 has a thickness of about 50 microns.

[0637] The wound sheet 34 has a basis weight of about 30 g / m2 and a surface area of ​​about 850 mm2.

[0638] The roll sheet 34 is a roll paper sheet. The paper sheet used to form the roll sheet 34 is rectangular in shape and has a width of about 170 mm and a length of about 5 mm.

[0639] The wound sheet 34 is a rolled and gathered sheet. The wound sheet 34 has a plurality of substantially parallel ridges 38 that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upstream element 18 (at Figure 2 The adjacent ridges 38 are separated by a distance of about 0.5 mm.

[0640] The upstream element 18 has a length of about 5 mm, an outer diameter D of about 7.1 mm, and an inner diameter of about 7 mm.

[0641] The upstream element 18 is substantially free of aerosol-forming agents.

[0642] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but do not limit the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention can be generated and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and an upstream element located upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the upstream element comprises: a tubular portion defining an interior region of the upstream element, and A wound sheet defines a plurality of longitudinally extending channels in the interior region, wherein the wound sheet has a basis weight of less than or equal to about 100 grams per square meter.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the wrapped sheet has a weight of at least about 20 mg.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wrapped sheet has an average weight per unit volume of the interior region of at least about 100 micrograms per cubic millimeter.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to about 300 microns.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rolled sheet has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least about 5 square millimeters.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wrapped sheet has a surface area per unit length of at least about 50 mm2 / mm.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wound sheet has a length of between about 2 mm and about 10 mm.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sheet has a width of at least about 50 mm.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wound sheet is a wound paper sheet.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sheet has a linear shrinkage of less than or equal to about 4%, wherein the linear shrinkage is measured according to Test Method A as defined in the specification.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of longitudinally extending channels have a maximum cross-sectional area of ​​less than or equal to about 4 square millimeters.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upstream element has a resistance to draw of less than or equal to about 3 mm H2O / mm length of the upstream element.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strips of tobacco material having a width less than or equal to about 2 millimetres.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upstream element comprises less than or equal to about 1 wt% aerosol-forming agent based on the dry weight of the upstream element.

15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

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