Aerosol-generating article comprising wrapping paper having an upstream protruding section

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section, the downstream wrapping paper including a protruding section, the protruding section protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating article comprising a downstream section and an upstream section having wrapping paper.The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device including a cavity configured to receive the aerosol generating article. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles are known, where a user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article by inhaling on the downstream section of the article. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may, for example, comprise a filter section or a hollow tube section. The aerosol-generating article may be a "heat-not-burn" article that generates an aerosol upon heating of an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-generating article may also be a conventional cigarette that generates an aerosol upon combustion of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] During consumption of a "heat-not-burn" aerosol-generating article, the diameter of the article located within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may change. This may lead to the aerosol-generating article unintentionally coming loose within the cavity and falling out of the cavity. Additionally, the change in diameter of the article during consumption may adversely affect the airflow path between the inner wall of the cavity and the aerosol-generating article.

[0004] The aerosol-generating article may also comprise tipping paper for covering the downstream section, the tipping paper extending into the upstream portion of the article to provide a connection between the downstream section and the upstream portion of the article. The overlap of the tipping paper with the upstream portion of the article needs to be large to provide a secure connection between the downstream section and the upstream portion of the article. This may require the use of excess tipping paper.

[0005] When smoking a conventional cigarette, the aerosol-forming substrate is usually smoked down to a portion of the wrapping paper that surrounds the downstream section of the cigarette. This may result in the portion of the aerosol-forming substrate adjacent to the downstream section of the cigarette not being consumed. The airflow path for ambient air to enter the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may become clogged after multiple uses. This may result in tedious cleaning procedures for the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that allows for consumption of a large proportion of the aerosol-forming substrate. It would further be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that can reliably provide an airflow path between the aerosol-generating article and the cavity of the aerosol-generating device that receives the article. It would further be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that can be reliably received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device without the risk of coming loose. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that may require less wrapping paper for the downstream section. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that provides an airflow path into the article that reduces the need for periodic cleaning of the aerosol-generating device used with the article. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article that may include a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper. The downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around the downstream section. The downstream wrapping paper may include a protruding section. The protruding section may protrude in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0008] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream section, an upstream section and a downstream wrapping paper, the downstream wrapping paper being wrapped around the downstream section, the downstream wrapping paper including a protruding section, the protruding section protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0009] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of an aerosol-generating article or a section of an aerosol-generating device with which the aerosol-generating article is used, with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use. The aerosol-generating article according to the invention comprises a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. During use, to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system, a user sucks on the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system comprises an upstream end opposite the downstream end or mouth end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Components or parts of components of an aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative location with respect to the direction of the aerosol being transported through the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device during use of the article or aerosol-generating device.

[0010] The protruding section of the aerosol-generating article protruding in the upstream direction may enable proper positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the protruding section may contact the inner wall of the cavity. This may facilitate positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. This may also reduce the risk of the aerosol-generating article falling out of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device during use.

[0011] The protruding section of the aerosol-generating article may also enable the formation of an airflow path between the aerosol-generating article and the inner wall of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This single-use airflow path of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the need to clean the aerosol-generating device used with the article due to clogging after multiple uses. The used aerosol-generating article, including the airflow path, is discarded. A new aerosol-generating article may then be used, the article providing a new airflow path that is free of accumulated debris. This may avoid or reduce the need to periodically clean the device.

[0012] A protruding section protruding in the upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article may also allow for a better connection between the downstream and upstream sections of the aerosol-generating article.

[0013] The protruding section may protrude from a downstream direction to an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0014] The protruding section may be a plurality of elongated sections. The plurality of elongated sections may be positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article. The plurality of elongated sections may be positioned equidistantly around the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] This may allow for more reliable positioning of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may also allow for a more reliable connection between the downstream and upstream sections of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow for a connection between the downstream and upstream sections of the aerosol-generating article using less material for the downstream wrapping paper compared to using a continuous downstream wrapping paper section. This may save material for the downstream wrapping paper, which may be cost-effective.

[0016] The protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper may have one or more of a jagged, comb-like, or tentacle-like shape, which may be particularly well suited for providing an extended long protruding section.

[0017] The protruding section may protrude into the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow for a particularly good connection between the downstream section and the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream section may be adjacent to the downstream section. The protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper may protrude into the part of the upstream section that is adjacent to the downstream section.

[0018] The protruding section may partially cover the upstream section, which may allow a relatively small amount of downstream wrapping paper to be used to provide a good connection between most of the upstream section and the downstream section.

[0019] The upstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around a surface of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream wrapping paper may be the outermost layer of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow for easy manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article, where in a final step the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around portions of the downstream section and the upstream section.

[0020] The diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be larger in the portion of the aerosol-generating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in the portion of the aerosol-generating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper. This may allow for easier control of the diameter of the aerosol-generating article by using the downstream wrapping paper. This may also allow for better positioning of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0021] The downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around the downstream section as a continuous band. A protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around a portion of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The protruding section may extend in an upstream direction from the continuous band.

[0022] This may allow for a particularly easy connection between the downstream section and the part of the upstream section that is adjacent to the downstream section.

[0023] The projecting section may project upstream from the continuous band of downstream wrapping paper.

[0024] The continuous band of downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around at least 50 percent of the downstream section, preferably at least 60 percent of the downstream section, more preferably at least 70 percent of the downstream section, and most preferably is wrapped around the entire downstream section.

[0025] The length of the protruding section may be the same as or less than the length of the continuous strip of downstream wrapping paper. The length of the protruding section may be measured from the downstream end of the protruding section, where the protruding section extends from the continuous strip of wrapping paper to the upstream end of the protruding section.

[0026] The downstream wrapping paper may be air-tight. This may prevent the air and / or aerosol from accidentally escaping through the downstream wrapping paper. This may also facilitate blocking the air and / or aerosol from passing between the protruding section and the inner wall of the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the protruding section is in contact with the inner wall. Alternatively, the air and / or aerosol may pass through the gap between the adjacent protruding section and the inner wall of the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the shape of the protruding section and its positioning on the aerosol-generating article may allow for the creation of airflow paths in the gaps between the protruding sections, depending on the shape and extension of the protruding section. The wrapping paper may include one or both of flax and linen fibers.

[0027] The length of the continuous strip of downstream wrapping paper may be between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm. Such a length may ensure coverage of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The length of the continuous strip may extend from the downstream end of the article in an upstream direction.

[0028] The length of the protruding section may be between 6 millimeters and 20 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters. Such a length of the protruding section may allow a reliable connection between the downstream section and the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0029] A gap may be located between two adjacent protruding sections. The width of the gap may be between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 2 mm. The gap may also be between 1.2 and 1.5 mm. This may provide a sufficiently large gap between adjacent protruding sections that still allows the aerosol-generating article to be reliably positioned within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, this may allow a sufficient gap between adjacent protruding sections such that an airflow path may be created that is located between the gap of the protruding section and within the inner wall of the cavity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] The downstream wrapping paper may have a thickness between 0.03 mm and 0.12 mm. Preferably, the downstream wrapping paper may have a thickness greater than 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, or 0.08 mm.

[0031] The ratio of the length of the protruding section to the thickness of the protruding section may be between 40 and 700, preferably between 100 and 300. In particular, the ratio may be 50 for a length of 6 millimeters and a thickness of 0.12 millimeters. The ratio may be 667 for a length of 20 millimeters and a thickness of 0.03 millimeters. More preferably, the ratio of the length of the protruding section to the thickness of the protruding section may be between 150 and 200. Having a long protruding section with a large thickness may allow a greater reduction in the material of the downstream wrapping paper. In particular, having a long protruding section with a large thickness may ensure that the downstream wrapping paper is not wrapped around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod-shaped.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length, including the downstream and upstream sections, of between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm.

[0034] The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or both of a filter section and a hollow tube section. Preferably, the downstream section comprises a filter section. The filter section may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter section may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the filter section may be approximately 7 mm in length, but may have a length of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0035] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article, including the downstream section and the upstream section, may have an overall length of approximately 45 mm.The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0036] The upstream section may include one or more of a substrate section, a hollow tube section, a ventilation zone, and a filter section. The hollow tube section may include one or both of a support section and an aerosol cooling section. Preferably, the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include a substrate section. The substrate section may include an aerosol-forming substrate. A protruding section extending from the downstream section to the aerosol-forming substrate containing the upstream section may allow a user to consume more aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the aerosol-forming substrate adjacent to the upstream section may be consumed in a conventional aerosol-generating article by combustion of the substrate, without the risk of the upstream section being detached from the downstream section.

[0037] The aerosol-forming substrate in the downstream section may have a length of approximately 10 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of approximately 12 mm. Further, the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm.

[0038] The density of the substrate section at the upstream end of the substrate section may be greater than the density of the substrate section at the downstream end of the substrate section, which may prevent accidental leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate from the upstream end of the substrate section out of the aerosol-generating article.

[0039] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating system. Suitable aerosol formers may include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol former may be a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin). The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include only glycerin.

[0040] The aerosol former may be present in an amount of 20 weight percent to 58 weight percent, preferably 25 weight percent to 45 weight percent, more preferably 30 weight percent to 38 weight percent on a dry weight basis based on the total weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. The term "dry weight basis" throughout this application refers to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate calculated after removing water via Karl Fischer titration, e.g., heating to a temperature of 110 degrees Celsius at standard conditions of temperature and pressure, and using potentiometry to determine the end point. The end point is detected by a bipotentiometric titration method. A second pair of Pt electrodes is immersed in the anodic solution. A detector circuit maintains a constant current between the two detector electrodes during the titration. Before the equivalence point, the solution is charged to a temperature of I -The aerosol contains 100% water, but very little I2. At the equivalence point, excess I2 appears and a sudden voltage drop indicates the end point. The amount of charge required to generate I2 and reach the end point can then be used to calculate the amount of water in the original sample. The aerosol former content can be measured by gas chromatography in combination with a flame ionization detector.

[0041] In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant material, preferably homogenized tobacco material.

[0042] The term "homogenized plant material" as used herein includes any plant material formed by agglomeration of plant particles. For example, a sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material for the aerosol-forming substrate of the present invention may be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by grinding, crushing, or comminuting plant material and, optionally, one or more of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems. The homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, a papermaking process, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0043] The homogenized plant material may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets. The term "sheet" as used herein with respect to the present invention describes a laminar element having a width and length that is significantly greater than its thickness.

[0044] The homogenized plant material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

[0045] The homogenized plant material may be in the form of multiple strands, strips, or pieces. As used herein, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "strand" should be considered to encompass strips, pieces, and any other homogenized plant material having a similar morphology. Strands of homogenized plant material may be formed from a sheet of homogenized plant material, for example, by cutting or shredding, or by other methods, such as extrusion methods.

[0046] The tobacco particles may have a nicotine content of at least about 2.5 weight percent based on dry weight. More preferably, the tobacco particles may have a nicotine content of at least about 3 weight percent based on dry weight, even more preferably at least about 3.2 weight percent, even more preferably at least about 3.5 weight percent, and most preferably at least about 4 weight percent.

[0047] At least one susceptor element may be located in the substrate section. Generally, the susceptor may include or be made of a material that can generate heat when an alternating magnetic field penetrates it. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically, eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically, another effect that contributes to heating is commonly referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks in the susceptor, as their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating induced magnetic field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract in the susceptor. Generally, all these changes that occur in the susceptor at nanoscale or below generate heat in the susceptor, and are therefore referred to as "hysteresis loss". Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, then both hysteresis loss and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor particles. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to other components of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may facilitate the formation of the aerosol. Heat transfer may be primarily by thermal conduction.

[0048] The susceptor may be ferromagnetic. The ferromagnetic susceptor may comprise or consist of a metal or metal oxide. The ferromagnetic susceptor may comprise one or more of iron, cobalt, and nickel, or oxides thereof. Preferably, the susceptor may comprise or consist of Fe2O3.

[0049] The upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone. The ventilation zone may include perforations. The perforations may allow ambient air to be drawn into the ventilation zone. This ambient air may mix with the air drawn through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The rod of the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the aerosol generating device such that the aerosol-forming substrate is volatilized. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate may be entrained in the air flowing through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. This airflow mixes with the ambient air downstream of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate in the ventilation zone. The mixture of the ambient air and the air drawn through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is cooled to form an aerosol. Having a relatively small number of perforations, particularly 10-12 perforations, improves the mixing of the ambient air drawn into the ventilation zone through the perforations and the air drawn into the ventilation zone through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. This improved mixing may result in improved aerosol generation. Without being bound by any theory, it has been found that 10-12 perforations lead to the best mixture of ambient air and air carrying volatilized aerosol-forming substrates. The reason may be that this relatively small number of perforations requires relatively large perforations to allow a sufficient amount of ambient air to be drawn into the ventilation zone. Relatively large perforations may lead to relatively strong turbulence between the two air streams and therefore improved mixing of the two air streams. The air stream coming from the perforations may be strong enough to interrupt the main air stream coming from the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving the mixing of the air streams.

[0050] The ventilation zone may include 11 perforations.

[0051] This number of perforations has been found to result in the best mixing of ambient air with the air carrying the volatilized aerosol-forming substrate.

[0052] The perforations may be disposed about the periphery of the ventilation zone.The perforations may be disposed at least partially surrounding the ventilation zone.

[0053] The ventilation zone may have a hollow tubular shape. The ventilation zone may be hollow. The ventilation zone may be cylindrical. The ventilation zone may have a ring-shaped cross-section. However, other shapes of ventilation zones may be used, such as elliptical or rectangular cross-sections.

[0054] The ventilation zone may be located upstream of the protruding section. The ventilation zone may be located in the region of the protruding section. The ventilation zone may be located downstream of the protruding section. The ventilation zone may comprise perforations in the downstream wrapping paper.

[0055] The downstream end of a protruding section may be the most downstream position of the gap between two adjacent protruding sections. The upstream end of a protruding section may be the upstream end or the most upstream part of the protruding section. The length of the protruding sections may be determined between their downstream ends and their upstream ends.

[0056] The ventilation zone may preferably be located downstream of the protruding section. This may allow the ventilation zone to be located outside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. This may also allow ambient air to freely enter the ventilation zone. Furthermore, ambient air may enter the cavity through the gap between adjacent protruding sections. This may allow ambient air to be drawn along the sidewall of the cavity into the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The ventilation zone may be located less than 20 millimeters, preferably less than 10 millimeters, less than 2 millimeters, more preferably less than 1 millimeter from the downstream end of the protruding section.

[0057] The ventilation zone may be located at the downstream end of the protruding section. This may allow the ventilation zone to be outside the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. This may further prevent a user from blocking the ventilation zone during a puff.

[0058] The ventilation zone may be located in the region of the protruding section. This may allow the ventilation zone to be located in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. This may prevent a user from accidentally blocking the ventilation zone when using the aerosol-generating article received in the device. The airflow path created between adjacent protruding sections may allow ambient air to enter the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone. The ventilation zone may be located between the downstream end and the upstream end of the protruding section. The ventilation zone may be located in an area less than 20 millimeters, preferably less than 10 millimeters, less than 2 millimeters, more preferably less than 1 millimeter from the upstream end of the protruding section.

[0059] The ventilation zone may be located upstream of the protruding section. This may allow the ventilation zone to be located within the cavity of the aerosol generating device when an aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. This may prevent a user from accidentally blocking the ventilation zone when using an aerosol-generating article received within the device. The airflow path created between adjacent protruding sections may still allow ambient air to enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone. The ventilation zone may be located less than 20 millimeters, preferably less than 10 millimeters, less than 2 millimeters, more preferably less than 1 millimeter from the upstream end of the protruding section.

[0060] The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may also include a hollow tube section that includes an aerosol-cooling element disposed in line with and downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0061] The downstream section may further comprise one or more downstream elements above the aerosol cooling element. By way of example, the hollow tube section may further comprise a support element positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol cooling element may be located between the support element and the downstream end (or mouth end) of the aerosol-generating article. More specifically, the aerosol cooling element may be positioned immediately downstream of the support element. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may abut the support element. As described below, the downstream section may further comprise one or more elements at a location downstream of the hollow section.

[0062] The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention preferably comprises an intermediate hollow section including a support element arranged in alignment with and downstream of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate, in particular the support element may be located immediately downstream of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate or adjacent to the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0063] The support element may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crimped paper (such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper), and polymeric materials (such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers.

[0064] The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, hi a preferred embodiment, the support element comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0065] The support element is disposed substantially in alignment with the rod, meaning that the length dimension of the support element is disposed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod and article, for example within ±10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the support element extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0066] The support element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate and the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0067] The support element may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, such as an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or an outer diameter of 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters ±10 percent. The support element may have a length of 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of 8 millimeters.

[0068] The peripheral wall of the support element may have a thickness of at least 1 millimeter, preferably at least about 1.5 millimeters, and more preferably at least about 2 millimeters.

[0069] The support element may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters.

[0070] Preferably, the support element has a length of at least about 6 millimeters, and more preferably, has a length of at least about 7 millimeters.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of less than about 12 millimeters, more preferably less than about 10 millimeters.

[0072] In some embodiments, the support element has a length of about 5 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, preferably about 6 millimeters to about 15 millimeters, and more preferably about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In other embodiments, the support element has a length of about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, preferably about 6 millimeters to about 12 millimeters, and more preferably about 7 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In further embodiments, the support element has a length of about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, preferably about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, and more preferably about 7 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of about 8 millimeters.

[0074] The ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 0.25 to about 1.

[0075] Preferably, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is at least about 0.3, more preferably at least about 0.4, even more preferably at least about 0.5. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than about 0.9, more preferably less than about 0.8, even more preferably less than about 0.7.

[0076] In some embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.3 to about 0.9, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.9, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.9. In other embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.3 to about 0.8, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.8, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.8. In further embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.3 to about 0.7, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.7, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.7.

[0077] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.66.

[0078] The ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate may be from about 0.125 to about 0.375.

[0079] The ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is at least about 0.13, more preferably at least about 0.14, and even more preferably at least about 0.15. The ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably less than about 0.3, more preferably less than about 0.25, and even more preferably less than about 0.20.

[0080] In some embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.3, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.3, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.3. In other embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.25, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.25, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.25. In further embodiments, the ratio between the length of the support element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.2, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.2, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.2.

[0081] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is about 0.18.

[0082] In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the support element preferably has an average radial hardness of at least about 80 percent, more preferably at least about 85 percent, and even more preferably at least about 90 percent. Thus, the support element is capable of providing the aerosol-generating article with the desired level of hardness.

[0083] If desired, the radial hardness of the support element of an aerosol-generating article according to the invention may be further increased by surrounding the support element with a stiff plug wrap, such as a plug wrap having a basis weight of at least about 80 grams per square meter (gsm), or at least about 100 gsm, or at least about 110 gsm.

[0084] During insertion of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention into an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the user may need to apply some force to overcome the resistance to the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. This may damage one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device. In addition, the application of force during insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device may cause the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article to be displaced. This may result in the heating element of the aerosol-generating device not being properly aligned with the susceptor provided in the aerosol-forming substrate, which may lead to uneven and inefficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The support element is advantageously configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the article into the aerosol-generating device.

[0085] In an aerosol-generating article according to the invention, the overall RTD of the article depends essentially on the RTD of the rod and, optionally, the RTD of the mouthpiece and / or the upstream plug, since the hollow tubular section of the aerosol cooling element and the hollow tubular section of the support element are substantially empty and therefore only make a substantially small contribution to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of a component or aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the component.

[0087] The terms "pressure drop" or "draw resistance" of a component or article may also refer to "resistance to draw," which generally refers to measurements made in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 performed successfully under test at a temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of about 60%, with a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 milliliters per second at the output or downstream end of the component being measured.

[0088] In practice, the hollow tubular section of the support element may be adapted to generate an RTD in the range of approximately 0 millimeters of H2O (about 0 Pa) to approximately 20 millimeters of H2O (about 200 Pa). Preferably, the hollow tubular section of the support element is adapted to generate an RTD in the range of approximately 0 millimeters of H2O (about 0 Pa) to approximately 10 millimeters of H2O (about 100 Pa).

[0089] In some embodiments where the downstream section comprises both a support element including a first hollow tube section and an aerosol cooling element including a second hollow tubular section, where the support element and the aerosol cooling element together define an intermediate hollow section, the inner diameter (D STS ) is preferably smaller than the inner diameter (D FTS ) is greater than

[0090] The aerosol cooling element may include a hollow tubular section defining a cavity extending all the way from the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element to the downstream end of the aerosol cooling element, and ventilation zones may be provided at locations along the hollow tubular section.

[0091] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular section" is used generally to mean an elongate element that defines a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term "tubular" is used hereinafter with reference to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular element and a downstream end of the tubular element. However, it will be appreciated that alternative shapes (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible.

[0092] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular section provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular section provides a negligible level of resistance to withdrawal (RTD). Thus, the flow channel should not include any components that would impede the longitudinal air flow. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

[0093] The term "elongated" when used to describe an aerosol cooling element means that the aerosol cooling element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or its diameter dimension, e.g., more than twice its width dimension or its diameter dimension.

[0094] The inventors have discovered that satisfactory cooling of the aerosol stream generated upon heating of an aerosol-forming substrate and drawn through one of such aerosol cooling elements may be achieved by providing ventilation zones at locations along the hollow tubular section. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that, as described in more detail below, it may be possible to counter the effects of increased aerosol dilution caused by entrainment of ventilation air into the article, particularly by disposing ventilation zones at defined locations along the length of the aerosol cooling element, and preferably by utilizing a hollow tubular section having a predetermined peripheral wall thickness or internal volume.

[0095] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that as the aerosol moves towards the mouthpiece section, the temperature of the aerosol stream is rapidly reduced by the introduction of ventilation air, so that the ventilation air enters the aerosol stream at a location relatively close to the upstream end of the aerosol cooling element (i.e., close enough to the susceptor that extends into the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate that is the heat source in use), achieving dramatic cooling of the aerosol stream, which has a favourable effect on the condensation and nucleation of the aerosol particles. As a result, the overall ratio of aerosol particle phase to aerosol gas phase may be enhanced as compared to existing non-vented aerosol-generating articles.

[0096] The aerosol cooling element is disposed substantially in alignment with the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. This means that the length dimension of the aerosol cooling element is disposed approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod and the article, for example within ±10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The longitudinal axis of the rod is preferably the same as the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article is preferably the same as the central axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0097] The aerosol cooling element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate and the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0098] The aerosol cooling element may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, such as an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or an outer diameter of 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element has an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters plus or minus 10 percent.

[0099] Preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol cooling element has an inner diameter of at least about 2 millimeters. More preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol cooling element has an inner diameter of at least about 3.5 millimeters. Even more preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol cooling element has an inner diameter of at least about 5 millimeters.

[0100] The peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element may have a thickness of less than about 2.5 millimeters, preferably less than 22 millimeters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element has a thickness of between 1.2 millimeters and 1.8 millimeters.

[0101] In one embodiment, the peripheral wall of the aerosol cooling element has a thickness of about 1.5 millimeters.

[0102] The aerosol cooling element may have a length of less than about 10 millimeters.

[0103] The aerosol cooling element may have a length of at least about 5 millimeters, preferably at least about 6 millimeters, and more preferably at least about 7 millimeters.

[0104] The aerosol cooling element may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, preferably from about 6 millimeters to about 10 millimeters, and more preferably from about 7 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

[0105] The aerosol cooling element may therefore have a relatively short length compared to aerosol cooling elements of prior art aerosol-generating articles. The reduction in the length of the aerosol cooling element is possible due to the optimization of the effectiveness of the hollow tubular section forming the aerosol cooling element in cooling and nucleating the aerosol. The reduction in the length of the aerosol cooling element advantageously reduces the risk of deformation of the aerosol-generating article due to compression during use, since the aerosol cooling element is usually less resistant to deformation than the mouthpiece. Furthermore, the reduction in the length of the aerosol cooling element may provide a cost benefit to the manufacturer, since the cost of the hollow tubular section is typically higher per unit length than the cost of other elements, such as the mouthpiece element.

[0106] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 0.25 to about 1.

[0107] Preferably, the ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is at least about 0.3, more preferably at least about 0.4, even more preferably at least about 0.5. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than about 0.9, more preferably less than about 0.8, even more preferably less than about 0.7.

[0108] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 0.3 to about 0.9, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.9, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.9. In another embodiment, the ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.3 to about 0.8, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.8, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.8. The ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.3 to about 0.7, preferably about 0.4 to about 0.7, more preferably about 0.5 to about 0.7.

[0109] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 0.66.

[0110] The ratio between the length of the aerosol cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article may be from about 0.125 to about 0.375.

[0111] Preferably, the ratio between the length of the aerosol cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is at least about 0.13, more preferably at least about 0.14, even more preferably at least about 0.15. The ratio between the length of the aerosol cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably less than about 0.3, more preferably less than about 0.25, even more preferably less than about 0.20.

[0112] The ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the total length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.3, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.3, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.3. In another embodiment, the ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the total length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.25, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.25, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.25. In a further embodiment, the ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the total length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably about 0.13 to about 0.2, more preferably about 0.14 to about 0.2, even more preferably about 0.15 to about 0.2.

[0113] The ratio between the length of the aerosol cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is about 0.18.

[0114] The ventilation zone may be disposed within a second hollow tubular segment of the aerosol cooling element. The second hollow tubular section may be 130 mm 3 ~200mm 3 , preferably 155 mm 3 ~185mm3 , more preferably 170 mm 3 may have an internal volume of

[0115] The second hollow tubular section may be the hollow interior of the ventilation zone or adjacent to the ventilation zone. Air may be drawn through the second hollow tubular segment. The second hollow tubular section may be the region where ambient air mixes with the air drawn through the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. The second hollow tubular section is preferably the peripheral wall of the ventilation zone.

[0116] The inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may be between 2.5 mm and 7.5 mm, preferably between 3.5 mm and 6.5 mm, more preferably between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm, more preferably between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm, and most preferably 5.0 mm.

[0117] The inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may be the inner diameter between the inner walls of the peripheral walls of the ventilation zone. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may span the hollow portion of the ventilation zone through which air can be drawn.

[0118] One or more of the perforations may have a non-circular cross-section. One or more of the perforations may be slit-shaped or may have an elliptical cross-section. One or more of the perforations may have an ellipticity, which is the ratio of the major diameter of the perforation divided by the minor diameter of the perforation, of at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4, and most preferably at least 5.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an aerosol-generating article is received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating device, an airflow path is created. The airflow path exists between the inner wall of the cavity and the gap between adjacent protruding sections. The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper preferably contact the inner wall of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. This leaves a gap through which ambient air is drawn into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device during a user's puff. This ambient air can enter the aerosol-generating article via perforations present in the ventilation zone.

[0120] The aerosol-generating article may also be configured to provide an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Hence, the upstream protruding section of the aerosol-generating article may extend into the substrate section of such an aerosol-generating article. This may allow a user to consume more of the aerosol-forming substrate, particularly adjacent to the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article, without the substrate section being detached from the downstream section.

[0121] The substrate section of an aerosol-generating article configured to provide an aerosol upon combustion of an aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material, preferably one or more of tobacco, herbs, and flavorings similar to the substrate section components described above for "heat-and-burn" aerosol-generating articles.

[0122] A further embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article as described herein. The aerosol generating system may further comprise an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article.

[0123] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article as described herein and an aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article.

[0124] Such an aerosol-generating system may be configured to provide an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article described herein.

[0125] The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inner wall. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may include a single tubular inner wall. The protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper of the aerosol-generating article may be configured to contact one of the inner wall or the single wall when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

[0126] This may allow the aerosol-generating article to be easily positioned centrally within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may allow friction and / or grip to be created between the aerosol-generating article and the cavity. This may also allow the aerosol-generating article to be securely maintained within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may reduce the risk of the aerosol-generating article accidentally falling out of the cavity. This may also allow the formation of an airflow path between the inner wall of the cavity and the gap between adjacent protruding sections of the aerosol-generating article. This may also allow the formation of an airflow path leading to the aforementioned ventilation zone of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow the formation of an airflow path to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, allowing ambient air to enter the article.

[0127] The protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper of the aerosol-generating article may be configured to extend into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device from outside the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the cavity.

[0128] This may allow ambient air to enter the cavity from outside the cavity through the gaps between adjacent protruding sections. This may allow ambient air to enter the cavity from outside the cavity and further through the perforations in the above-mentioned ventilation zone of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow an airflow path to be formed to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, allowing ambient air to enter the article.

[0129] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element, specifically an induction heating element such as an induction coil. With induction heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol generating device, the susceptor may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the induction heating element. This may also heat the aerosol-forming substrate. For induction heating, the heating element preferably includes an induction coil. To generate the alternating magnetic field, an alternating current may be supplied to the induction coil. The alternating current may have a high frequency. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0130] The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to a temperature in the range of 220° C. to 400° C., preferably 250° C. to 290° C. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate, to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may enable the use of aerosols generated from "heat-non-combustion" aerosol-generating articles.

[0131] The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element.The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating coil at least partially surrounding a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0132] The heating element may be located adjacent to the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be located at least partially around the cavity to heat the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity. The heating element may surround the periphery of the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. This may allow for reliable and uniform heating of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article.

[0133] The heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit around the cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid(s), flexible printed circuit board, molded circuit components (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or may be formed using coating techniques such as plasma deposition on a substrate of suitable shape. The heating element may also be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating material. A heating element formed in this manner may be used both to heat the heating element and to monitor its temperature during operation.

[0134] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the casing of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0135] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the control unit. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element, in particular to the resistive or inductive heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device or may be supplied intermittently (e.g. after every puff). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0136] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0137] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0138] [Figure 1A-B] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the downstream section of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, and FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of the entire aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the downstream and upstream portions of an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention; [Figure 3A] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. [Figure 3B] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. [Figure 3C] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic sequence for introducing an aerosol-generating article of the present invention into a cavity of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5A]1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. [Figure 5B] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. [Figure 5C] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of different embodiments of aerosol-generating articles that include ventilation zones. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0139] In the following, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0140] 1A shows a perspective view of the downstream section 18 of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section 18 includes a filter plug 42 surrounded by tipping paper 11. There is a further downstream wrapping paper 13, which includes a protruding section 13A. A protruding section 14 extends from the downstream section in an upstream direction beyond the downstream section 18.

[0141] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of the entire aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a downstream section 18 wrapped with a downstream wrapping paper 13 as shown in FIG. 1A. The downstream wrapping paper comprises a continuous strip 13B of downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section and a protruding section 13A extending in an upstream direction to an upstream section 15. The upstream section 15 may comprise, for example, a substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article 10 has a downstream end 10A and an upstream end 10B. The protruding section 13A has a length that can be measured from the most downstream position of the gap 13B between two adjacent protruding sections 13A, indicated by the dashed line indicated at 9, to the most upstream extension of the protruding section 13A. The position indicated by the dashed line indicated at 9 may also be referred to as the downstream end of the protruding section. It can be seen that the protruding section 13A extends from the downstream section 18 to the upstream section 15, thus improving the connection between both sections of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a separate downstream section and a separate upstream section that can be assembled by connecting both the upstream section and the downstream section and by wrapping the downstream wrapping paper around the section such that the protruding section 13A of the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around a portion of the upstream section 15. The upstream section 15 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 12 and a substrate wrapping paper 17 wrapped around the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream wrapping paper 13 thus forms the outermost layer of the aerosol-generating article. This allows the downstream wrapping paper 13 to increase the diameter of the aerosol-generating article at the portion of the article wrapped around it.

[0143] 3A shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol-generating article 10 including a ventilation zone 60 located in the region of the protruding section. The protruding section has a tentacle-like shape, with the downstream end of the protruding section being larger compared to the upstream end of the section. The ventilation zone 60 includes a number of perforations, indicated by dashed lines 60. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes a downstream section 10A having a filter plug 42 adjacent to the aerosol-cooling element 24 as a second hollow tube section, and a support element 22 as a first hollow tube section. Both the aerosol-cooling element and the support element have a hollow tubular structure, such that internal cavities 28 and 36 are formed, together forming an intermediate hollow section 50. As the user draws, ambient air can be drawn through the perforations of the ventilation zone 60 into the hollow tubular structure and the cavities 28 and 36. Upstream of the support element 22 is located a rod 12 of an aerosol-forming substrate including an elongated susceptor 44. The upstream end 10B of the aerosol-generating article 10 is formed by a filter plug 16. The downstream wrapping paper 13 is wrapped around the downstream section 18 as an outermost layer, including the protruding section 13A, shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3A. The downstream wrapping paper 13 forms the outermost layer and also provides additional stability to the connection between the downstream section and the upstream section. The ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding section 13A. Such an aerosol-generating article can be received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating device that includes a conductive coil as a heating element. Application of a varying magnetic field heats the elongated susceptor 44 and also heats the rod 12 around the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby forming an aerosol. As the user draws, the aerosol is drawn from the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate into the intermediate hollow section 50 for cooling. The aerosol is also mixed with the ambient air drawn into the intermediate hollow section 50 through the ventilation zone 60. The gap between the adjacent protruding section 13A and the inner wall of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device can provide an airflow path for ambient air to enter the cavity of the device and ultimately into the intermediate hollow section through the ventilation zone 60 when a user inhales on the downstream end 10A of the aerosol-generating article.Ambient air can also be drawn into the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article via airflow paths formed by gaps between adjacent protruding sections. The upstream section 15 includes an upstream section 16 having a filter plug, a rod 12 of aerosol-forming substrate, and an intermediate hollow section 50.

[0144] Figure 3B illustrates an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 3A, in which a ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding sections, such that the ventilation zone is located inside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. Ambient air can be drawn into the ventilation zone by airflow paths formed between adjacent protruding sections.

[0145] Figure 3C illustrates an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 3A in which a ventilation zone 60 is located downstream of the protruding section such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within a cavity of an aerosol-generating device, the ventilation zone 60 is located outside the cavity such that ambient air may be able to freely enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone.

[0146] Figure 4 shows a schematic sequence of successive steps for assembling an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device 70 and an aerosol generating article 10. On the left side, the aerosol generating article 10 is shown having an upstream section 15 and a protruding section 13A of a downstream wrapping paper. The aerosol generating article is inserted into a cavity 72 of the aerosol generating device 70, as indicated by the arrow. Finally, on the right side of Figure 4, the fully assembled aerosol generating system is shown, with the protruding section 13A extending from outside the cavity of the aerosol generating device 70 into the cavity, thereby creating an airflow path for ambient air to enter the cavity, as indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0147] 5A shows a schematic diagram of another aerosol-generating article 10 according to the invention. This aerosol-generating article 10 contains a ventilation zone with perforations 60 in the region of the protruding section. The aerosol-generating article contains a downstream section 18 and an upstream section 15. The downstream section 18 contains a mouthpiece filter 42. The upstream section contains, at its upstream end 10B, an upstream element 42, a hollow cylindrical plug, followed by a rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. Downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is a hollow tubular element 50, which contains a ventilation zone 60 with perforations. This hollow tubular element 50 serves to cool the aerosol generated from the upstream aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream section 15 is surrounded by an upstream wrapping paper 44. The perforations present in the upstream wrapping paper 44 overlap with the perforations in the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 50. This allows air to be drawn through the perforations in the upstream wrapping paper 44 and into the hollow tubular element 50 as the user draws. The downstream section 18 is wrapped around by the downstream wrapping paper 13, which includes protruding sections 13A, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 5. The protruding sections 13A have a jagged shape that allows for the formation of airflow paths between the gaps of the protruding sections when an aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0148] Figure 5B illustrates one embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 5A, where a ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding sections, such that the ventilation zone is located inside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. Ambient air can be drawn into the ventilation zone by airflow paths formed between adjacent protruding sections.

[0149] Figure 5C shows an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figure 5A in which a ventilation zone 60 is located downstream of the protruding section such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within a cavity of an aerosol generating device, the ventilation zone 60 is located outside the cavity such that ambient air may be able to freely enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone. EXAMPLES

[0150] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0151] Example A: 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: An aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section, the downstream wrapping paper including a protruding section, the protruding section protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article. Example B: An aerosol-generating article according to embodiment A, wherein the protruding section is a plurality of elongated sections, preferably the plurality of elongated sections are positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article, more preferably the plurality of elongated sections are positioned equidistantly around the aerosol-generating article. Example C: An aerosol-generating article according to any of claims A and B, wherein the protruding sections have one or more of a jagged shape, a comb-like shape, or a tentacle-like shape. Example D: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to C, wherein the protruding section protrudes into an upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, preferably wherein the upstream section is adjacent to the downstream section and the protruding section protrudes into a portion of the upstream section adjacent to the downstream section. Example E: An aerosol-generating article according to embodiments A-D, wherein the protruding section partially covers the upstream section. Example F: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to E, wherein the upstream wrapping paper is wrapped around a surface of the aerosol-generating article, preferably the upstream wrapping paper is the outermost layer of the aerosol-generating article. Example G: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to F, wherein the diameter of the aerosol-generating article is greater in the portion of the aerosol-generating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in the portion of the aerosol-generating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper. Example H: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to G, wherein the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around the downstream section as a continuous strip and a protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around a portion of the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article. Example I: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-H, wherein a continuous band of downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around at least 50 percent of the downstream section, preferably at least 60 percent of the downstream section, and more preferably around the entire downstream section. Example J: An aerosol-generating article according to either embodiment H or I, wherein the length of the protruding section is the same as or less than the length of the continuous strip of downstream wrapping paper. Example K: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples H to J, wherein the length of the continuous strip of downstream wrapping paper is from 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably from 18 millimeters to 22 millimeters. Example L: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to K, wherein the length of the protruding section is between 6 millimeters and 20 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters. Example M: An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-L, wherein a gap is located between two adjacent protruding sections, and preferably the width of the gap is between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters, preferably between 0.8 and 2 millimeters. Example N: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-M, wherein the downstream wrapping paper is air impermeable, preferably the wrapping paper comprises one or both of flax and linen fibers. Example O: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A to N, wherein the thickness of the downstream wrapping paper is between 0.03 millimeters and 0.12 millimeters. Example P: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-O, wherein the downstream section comprises one or both of a filter section and a hollow tube section, preferably a filter section. Example Q: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples AP, wherein the upstream section comprises a substrate section, the substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example R: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples A-Q, wherein the density of the substrate section at the upstream end of the substrate section is greater than the density of the substrate section at the downstream end of the substrate section. Example S: The aerosol-generating article according to either of Examples Q or S, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol former, preferably the aerosol former is selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols, and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, more preferably the aerosol former is selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol and glycerin, and most preferably the aerosol-forming substrate is glycerin. Example T: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples Q-S, wherein at least one susceptor element is located within the substrate section. Example U: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-T, comprising a ventilation zone, preferably the ventilation zone being located downstream of the protruding section. Example V: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples A-U, wherein the ventilation zone comprises perforations, preferably the perforations are configured to draw ambient air into the ventilation zone. Example W: An aerosol-generating article according to either Example U or V, wherein the ventilation zone has a hollow tubular shape. Example X: An aerosol-generating article according to example Q, configured to provide an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising a plant-derived material, preferably the plant-derived material comprising one or more of tobacco, herbs, and flavors. Example Y: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples A to W; an aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. Example Z: An aerosol-generating system according to Examples A-Y, wherein the cavity includes an inner wall, and the protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper is configured to contact the inner wall when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. Example AA: An aerosol generating system according to Examples A-Z, wherein an airflow path exists between an inner wall of the cavity and a gap between adjacent protruding sections. Example AB: An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples Y-AA, wherein the protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper is configured to extend from outside the cavity into the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the cavity.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: An aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section, the downstream wrapping paper including a protruding section that protrudes in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the protruding section is a plurality of elongated sections, preferably the plurality of elongated sections being positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article, more preferably the plurality of elongated sections being positioned equidistantly around the aerosol-generating article.

3. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the protruding sections have one or more of a jagged shape, a comb-like shape, or a tentacle-like shape.

4. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the protruding section protrudes into the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, preferably the upstream section is adjacent to the downstream section, and the protruding section protrudes into a portion of the upstream section adjacent to the downstream section.

5. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the aerosol-generating article is larger in the portion of the aerosol-generating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in the portion of the aerosol-generating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper.

6. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the downstream section comprises one or both of a filter section and a hollow tube section, preferably a filter section.

7. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream section comprises a substrate section, the substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol former, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols, and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids, more preferably selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol and glycerin, and most preferably the aerosol former is glycerin.

9. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein at least one susceptor element is located within the substrate section.

10. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, comprising a ventilation zone, preferably located upstream of the protruding section.

11. 11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation zone comprises perforations, preferably configured to draw ambient air into the ventilation zone.

12. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

13. 13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the cavity includes an inner wall, and the protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper is configured to contact the inner wall when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

14. 14. The aerosol generating system of claim 13, wherein an airflow path exists between the inner wall of the cavity and a gap between adjacent protruding sections when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

15. 13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the protruding section of the downstream wrapping paper is configured to extend from outside the cavity into the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the cavity.

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