Air channeling element for aerosol-generating articles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air channeling element (30) for use in an aerosol generating article. The air channeling element (30) comprises an outer tube (22). The air channeling element (30) comprises an inner body portion (24) located within the outer tube (22). The air channeling element (30) comprises an inner channel (26) defined within the inner body portion (24). The inner body portion (24) comprises a central portion (40) and at least two extension portions (50) in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube (22). Both the central portion (40) of the inner body portion (24) and the at least two extension portions (50) of the inner body portion (24) define the inner channel (26). Each of the at least two extension portions (50) has a substantially constant thickness. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion (50) to the width (D) of the central portion (40) is 0.5 or less.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air channeling element or a cooling element for an aerosol generating article, preferably to an aerosol generating article comprising such air channeling element or cooling element, wherein the aerosol generating article is adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising such an aerosol generating article. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating articles are known in the art in which an aerosol generating material, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated without being burned. The goal of such 'heated' aerosol generating articles is to reduce certain smoke components of the type generated by the combustion and thermal decomposition degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in heated aerosol generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer to an aerosol generating substrate physically separated from the heat source. Upon use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol generating substrate and entrained in the air drawn in through the aerosol generating article. The released compounds condense as they cool, forming an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

[0004] A number of portable aerosol generators configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article are known in the art. These include electric heating aerosol generators in which aerosols are generated by heat transfer from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article. The known portable electric operating aerosol generators typically include a battery or other power source, control electronics, and one or more electric heating elements for heating an aerosol generating substrate of a heated aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generator.

[0005] Some disclosed electric aerosol generators include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an electric aerosol generator including an aerosol generating article and an external heating element surrounding the external periphery of the aerosol generating article.

[0006] Aerosol-generating articles in which the tobacco-containing material is heated rather than burned present a number of challenges not faced by conventional smoking articles. The tobacco-containing material is typically heated to a significantly lower temperature compared to the temperature reached by combustion in conventional cigarettes. This can affect the release of nicotine from the tobacco-containing material and the delivery of nicotine to the user. At the same time, if the heating temperature is increased in an attempt to facilitate nicotine delivery, the generated aerosol typically needs to be cooled more significantly and more rapidly before reaching the user.

[0007] Aerosol delivery and user experience can be significantly affected when the aforementioned type of aerosol generating article is used under particularly hot and humid weather conditions, which are commonly encountered in countries characterized by tropical climates. For example, high humidity levels, such as exceeding 90%, can cause the material of the aerosol generating substrate to have a higher moisture content. This higher moisture content can generate hotter aerosols when the substrate is heated along with humid air inhaled through the article. Consequently, the temperature at the mouthpiece of the article can be relatively high when the article is heated and inhaled by the user, which may be perceived as discomfort by some users because sensitive tissues, such as the lips, may come into direct contact with the surface of the mouthpiece during use.

[0008] However, technical solutions generally used to cool the main smoke in conventional smoking articles, such as providing a high filtration efficiency area at the end of a cigarette, may have undesirable effects in aerosol generating articles that are heated rather than burned, because the tobacco-containing material can reduce nicotine delivery. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a new aerosol generating article that can consistently ensure rapid and satisfactory aerosol delivery to the user.

[0009] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide novel and improved elements for an aerosol generating article adapted to optimize the cooling of the aerosol delivered to the user. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide novel and improved elements for an aerosol generating article adapted to optimize the cooling of the surface of the mouse extremity of the article that may come into contact with the user's sensitive tissues during use. At the same time, it would be desirable to provide a single such aerosol generating article that can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed without requiring major modifications to existing equipment and devices.

[0010] In addition, it would be desirable to provide an element of the aerosol generating article that reduces the risk of the material of the aerosol generating substrate moving excessively upstream or downstream from the aerosol generating substrate, or even escaping the aerosol generating article.

[0011] In addition, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article that can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, preferably with satisfactory resistance to inhalation (RTD) from one article to another and low RTD variability, without the need for significant modifications to existing equipment and processes. Furthermore, it would be 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 the user are improved compared to known heated tobacco products of the aforementioned type.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article. The air channeling element may include an outer tube. The air channeling element may include an inner body portion located within the outer tube. The air channeling element may include an inner channel defined within the inner body portion. The inner body portion may include a central portion in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube and at least two extension portions. Both the central portion of the inner body portion and the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion may define the inner channel. Each of the at least two extension portions may have a substantially constant thickness. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion may be 0.5 or less.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article, wherein the air channeling element comprises an outer tube and an inner body portion located within the outer tube, the inner body portion comprises a central portion in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube and at least two extension portions, and both the central portion of the inner body portion and the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion define an inner channel. Each of the at least two extension portions may comprise two substantially parallel extension walls extending from the central portion of the inner body portion into the outer tube. Each of the at least two extension portions may have a substantially constant thickness. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion may be 0.5 or less.

[0014] The present invention relates to an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article. The air channeling element comprises an outer tube. The air channeling element comprises an inner body portion located within the outer tube. The air channeling element comprises an inner channel defined within the inner body portion. The inner body portion comprises a central portion in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube and at least two extension portions. Both the central portion of the inner body portion and the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion define the inner channel. Each of the at least two extension portions has a substantially constant thickness. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion is 0.5 or less.

[0015] Preferably, by providing an internal channel defined within an inner body portion located within an outer tube of an air channeling element located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article, it is possible to ensure that hot aerosols and air moving downstream from the aerosol generating substrate can be cooled. The air channeling element may be located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate. This can help reduce the movement and discharge of any material of the aerosol generating substrate located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0016] When located downstream of an aerosol generating substrate, an air channeling element can be considered a cooling element. Air or aerosols moving downstream from the aerosol generating substrate can be separated by an inner body so that aerosols moving outside the inner channel can be cooled by heat exchange with the external environment through the material of the inner body and the walls of the air channeling element. In particular, at the mouse end of the article, these ambient aerosols moving in close proximity to the outer surface of the article will affect the external temperature of the article at the mouse end. This mouse end portion of the article may come into contact with sensitive body parts of the user, such as the lips. The airflow separation made possible by the air channeling element of the present invention can ensure that these ambient aerosols are sufficiently cooled to reduce the user's sensation that the periphery of the mouse end portion of the article may be too hot.

[0017] At least two extensions can ensure that the inner body is retained within the outer body of the air channeling element when the inner body is a separate component from the outer tube. The extensions that partially define the inner channel can allow aerosols moving within the inner channel to benefit from a more peripheral location closer to the wall of the outer tube. As a result, these aerosols can be cooled more than aerosols moving through the central part of the inner body by exchanging heat with the external environment through the wall of the air channeling element (or outer tube) and the wall of the inner body.

[0018] In addition, heat exchange between aerosols moving within the inner body and aerosols moving outside the inner body can occur through the extensions. Having extensions with substantially constant thickness and a ratio of the thickness of each extension to the width of the central part of 0.5 or less ensures that this heat exchange can occur more effectively. This is because each extension can be substantially flat, ensuring that the optimal amount of aerosol moving within the inner body moves within the extension, thereby allowing heat exchange to occur in a uniform and consistent manner. For example, a larger ratio of the thickness of the extension to the width of the central part may imply that the heat exchange benefits provided by the extensions are reduced.

[0019] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating article” is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol generating material that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

[0020] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is used to describe a material comprising an aerosol generating material capable of generating an aerosol and releasing upon heating of a volatile compound.

[0021] As used herein, the term “aerosol” is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include solid particles, liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, as well as vapors of substances that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature.

[0022] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0023] An aerosol generating item has a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the aerosol generating item to be delivered to the user upon use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating item may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouse end of the aerosol generating item. Upon use, the user inhales directly or indirectly from the proximal end of the aerosol generating item to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating item.

[0024] An aerosol-generating article 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.

[0025] The components of an aerosol generating article can be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" is used to refer to the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of an aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn in longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article.

[0027] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0028] As used herein, the term 'transverse direction' is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise noted, references to "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refer to a cross-section.

[0029] As used herein, the term “width” is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an aerosol generating article and a component of an aerosol generating article. If 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. If a component of the aerosol generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol generating article.

[0030] As used herein, the term “thickness” is used to describe the maximum dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions, unless otherwise specified.

[0031] As used herein, the term “slender” is used to describe a component or element having a length greater than its width or thickness. For example, the length of a slender component or element may be at least twice its width. A slender component or element may have a width substantially equal to its thickness. For example, a slender element may have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section. A slender component or element may have a width greater than its thickness. For example, a slender element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially elliptical or ovate cross-section.

[0032] As used herein in relation to aerosol generating materials, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of an aerosol generating material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0033] As used herein with respect to aerosol generating materials, the term "density" refers to the bulk density of the aerosol generating material of an aerosol generating article. The density of the aerosol generating material is calculated by dividing the mass of the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article by the volume occupied by the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating material of an aerosol generating article is substantially cylindrical and includes the mass of the aerosol generating material enclosed by a wrapper, the density of the aerosol generating material is equal to the mass of the aerosol generating material divided by the volume of the cylindrical area bounded by the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0034] The term “susceptor element” as used herein is used to describe an element comprising a susceptor material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field, at least one of hysteresis loss and eddy current induced within the susceptor element causes heating of the susceptor element.

[0035] As used herein, the term “nicotine” is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. In embodiments where the aerosol generating material comprises a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine cited herein is, respectively, the amount of free base nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine.

[0036] As used herein, the term “tobacco leaf” is used to describe an aerosol generating material comprising a strand of multiple tobacco leaf blades.

[0037] As used herein, the term “homogenized plant material” is used to refer to a material formed by aggregating particulate plant material. Homogenized plant material may be formed by aggregating particles of plant material obtained by crushing, grinding, or crushing plant material. Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0038] As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by aggregating particulate tobacco material.

[0039] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit flow under normal conditions.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “hollow tubular element” or “tube” are used to describe a generally cylindrical element having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element or tube 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 terms “hollow tubular element” or “tube” are used to describe an element that defines at least one airflow passage establishing an unimpeded fluid communication between the upstream end of the hollow tubular element and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0041] In the context of the present disclosure, a hollow tubular element or tube provides an unlimited flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element or tube provides a negligible level of resistance to suction (RTD). As used herein, the term “negligible level of RTD” is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mm H2O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element or tube, less than 0.4 mm H2O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element or tube, or less than 0.1 mm H2O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element or tube. Accordingly, the flow channel must not have any components that impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel may be substantially empty.

[0042] As used herein, the term “ventilation level” is used to denote the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the airflow exiting the aerosol generating article through the mouse end or downstream end. The larger the ventilation airflow, the higher the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user. Increasing the ventilation level can increase the cooling level of the aerosol flow before delivery to the user. The ventilation level is measured on the aerosol generating article itself, that is, without inserting the aerosol generating article into a suitable aerosol generating device adapted for heating the aerosol generating material.

[0043] Unless otherwise noted, the weight percentage of the components of the aerosol generating material cited herein is based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating material.

[0044] Unless otherwise noted, the weight percentage of the components of the aerosol generating material cited herein is based on the dry weight of the aerosol generating material.

[0045] Unless otherwise noted, the resistance to inhalation (RTD) of an aerosol generating article or a component of an aerosol generating article is measured according to ISO 6565-2015 at a temperature of 22°C, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60% at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article or a component of an aerosol generating article.

[0046] The air channeling element may include one or more peripheral channels located between the outer tube and the inner body. The one or more peripheral channels may reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the empty space within the air channeling element through which the aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating substrate may escape.

[0047] When an air channeling element is located downstream of the aerosol generating material, the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material during use of the aerosol generating article may flow through one or more peripheral channels and internal channels. This separation of aerosols downstream of the aerosol generating material may help prevent the user from experiencing an uncomfortablely warm sensation on their lips while using the aerosol generating article. Aerosols flowing through one or more peripheral channels may be cooled by conduction due to the proximity of one or more peripheral channels to the external environment. As further discussed below, the aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone that provides fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol generating article and one or more peripheral channels. This may help further cool the aerosols flowing through one or more peripheral channels.

[0048] Each of one or more peripheral channels can be defined by an outer tube and an inner body. In particular, each of one or more peripheral channels can be defined by an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner body.

[0049] Each of one or more peripheral channels can substantially extend along the entire length of the internal body.

[0050] The length of each of one or more peripheral channels may be substantially the same as the length of the internal body. The length of each of one or more peripheral channels may be substantially the same as the length of the internal channel.

[0051] One or more peripheral channels can effectively surround the internal channel.

[0052] The aerosol generating article may include multiple peripheral channels.

[0053] Each peripheral channel may have substantially the same cross-sectional area as other peripheral channels. Multiple peripheral channels may be arranged around an internal channel at substantially equal intervals.

[0054] The aerosol generating article may include up to 6, up to 5, up to 4, or up to 3 peripheral channels. The aerosol generating article may have only 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 peripheral channels.

[0055] At least one of one or more surrounding channels may be substantially empty. Each of one or more surrounding channels may be substantially empty.

[0056] At least one of the one or more peripheral channels may be at least partially filled. For example, the air channeling element may include a porous body located in at least one of the one or more peripheral channels. As another example, the air channeling element may include a polylactic acid (PLA) film located in at least one of the one or more peripheral channels. This can improve the cooling of an aerosol flowing through at least one of the one or more peripheral channels.

[0057] The length of the inner body part may be at least 20%, at least 25%, or at least 30% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0058] The length of the inner body part may be 80% or less, 70% or less, or 60% or less of the length of the air channeling element.

[0059] The length of the inner body portion may be 20% to 80%, 20% to 70%, or 20% to 60% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0060] The length of the inner body portion may be 25% to 80%, 25% to 70%, or 25% to 60% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0061] The length of the inner body portion may be 30% to 80%, 30% to 70%, or 30% to 60% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0062] The length of the inner body portion can be selected based on the desired degree of cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. In particular, the length of the inner body portion can be selected based on the desired degree of cooling of the aerosol within the air channeling element near the periphery of the air channeling element.

[0063] Increasing the length of the inner body portion may mean that the aerosol flows through a longer inner channel having a reduced cross-sectional area. This can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material.

[0064] If the aerosol generating article includes one or more peripheral channels, increasing the length of the inner body portion can increase the length over which the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material is separated into one or more peripheral channels and an inner channel. This can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. In particular, this can increase the cooling of the aerosol within the air channeling element near the periphery of the air channeling element. This may be particularly desirable when the aerosol generating material is configured to be heated from the outside.

[0065] The inner body may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm.

[0066] The inner body may have a length of 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, or 14 mm or less.

[0067] The inner body may have a length of 4 mm to 18 mm, 4 mm to 16 mm, or 4 mm to 14 mm.

[0068] The inner body may have a length of 6 mm to 18 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm, or 6 mm to 14 mm.

[0069] The inner body may have a length of 8 mm to 18 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm.

[0070] The length of the inner body can define the length of the inner channel. The inner channel may extend substantially along the entire length of the inner body. The inner channel may extend from the upstream end of the inner body to the downstream end of the inner body. The inner channel may have substantially the same length as the inner body.

[0071] The length of the internal channel may be at least 20%, at least 25%, or at least 30% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0072] The length of the internal channel may be 80% or less, 70% or less, or 60% or less of the length of the cooling element.

[0073] The length of the internal channel may be 20% to 80%, 20% to 70%, or 20% to 60% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0074] The length of the internal channel may be 25% to 80%, 25% to 70%, or 25% to 60% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0075] The length of the internal channel may be 30% to 80%, 30% to 70%, or 30% to 60% of the length of the cooling element.

[0076] The length of the internal channel can be selected based on the desired degree of cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. In particular, the length of the internal channel can be selected based on the desired degree of cooling of the aerosol within the air channeling element near the periphery of the air channeling element.

[0077] Increasing the length of the internal channel may mean that the aerosol flows through a longer channel with a reduced cross-sectional area. This can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material.

[0078] If the aerosol generating article includes one or more peripheral channels, increasing the length of the internal channel can increase the length of the section where the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material is separated into one or more peripheral channels and the internal channel. This can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. In particular, this can increase the cooling of the aerosol within the air channeling element near the periphery of the air channeling element. This may be particularly desirable when the aerosol generating material is configured to be heated from the outside.

[0079] The internal channel may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm.

[0080] The internal channel may have a length of 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, or 14 mm or less.

[0081] The internal channel may have a length of 4 mm to 18 mm, 4 mm to 16 mm, or 4 mm to 14 mm.

[0082] The internal channel may have a length of 6 mm to 18 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm, or 6 mm to 14 mm.

[0083] The internal channel may have a length of 8 mm to 18 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm.

[0084] The upstream end of the inner body may be located apart from the upstream end of the air channeling element. That is, the upstream end of the inner body may not be aligned with the upstream end of the air channeling element, and there is a longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0085] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element by at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0086] The upstream end of the inner body part may be located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element by 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less of the length of the air channeling element.

[0087] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element by 20% to 80%, 20% to 75%, or 20% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0088] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element by 30% to 80%, 30% to 75%, or 30% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0089] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element by 40% to 80%, 40% to 75%, or 40% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0090] The longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the air channeling element can be selected based on the desired temperature profile of the aerosol crossing the air channeling element and exiting the air channeling element.

[0091] When the aerosol generating material is configured to be heated from the outside, it may be desirable to increase the longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the air channeling element. Increasing the longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the air channeling element can result in increased mixing of the aerosol within the air channeling element upstream of the inner body and a more homogeneous temperature profile of the aerosol across the air channeling element. This can help prevent the user from experiencing an uncomfortablely warm sensation on their lips during use of the aerosol generating article.

[0092] When the aerosol generating material is configured to be heated from the inside, it may be desirable to limit the longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the air channeling element. In an aerosol generating article having such an aerosol generating material, the aerosol within the air channeling element facing the periphery of the air channeling element may be colder than the aerosol within the air channeling element facing the center of the air channeling element or the longitudinal axis. It may be advantageous to maintain this temperature profile of the aerosol across the air channeling element to help prevent the user from experiencing an uncomfortablely warm sensation on their lips during use of the aerosol generating article.

[0093] The upstream end of the inner body part may be located at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm away from the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0094] The upstream end of the inner body part may be located at a distance of 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, or 14 mm or less from the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0095] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 4 mm to 18 mm, 4 mm to 16 mm, or 4 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0096] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 6 mm to 18 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm, or 6 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0097] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 8 mm to 18 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0098] The inner body may be shorter than the outer tube.

[0099] The upstream end of the inner body can be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0100] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0101] The upstream end of the inner body may be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less of the length of the air channeling element.

[0102] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by 20% to 80%, 20% to 75%, or 20% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0103] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by 30% to 80%, 30% to 75%, or 30% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0104] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by 40% to 80%, 40% to 75%, or 40% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0105] The longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the upstream end of the outer tube can be selected based on the desired temperature profile of the aerosol crossing the air channeling element and exiting the air channeling element.

[0106] The upstream end of the inner body may be located at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0107] The upstream end of the inner body may be located at a distance of 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, or 14 mm or less from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0108] The upstream end of the inner body may be located 4 mm to 18 mm, 4 mm to 16 mm, or 4 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0109] The upstream end of the inner body may be located 6 mm to 18 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm, or 6 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0110] The upstream end of the inner body may be located 8 mm to 18 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0111] The upstream end of the inner body can be located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0112] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0113] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by 80% or less, 75% or less, or 70% or less of the length of the air channeling element.

[0114] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by 20% to 80%, 20% to 75%, or 20% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0115] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be positioned away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by 30% to 80%, 30% to 75%, or 30% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0116] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by 40% to 80%, 40% to 75%, or 40% to 70% of the length of the air channeling element.

[0117] The longitudinal displacement between the upstream end of the inner body and the downstream end of the aerosol generating material can be selected based on the desired temperature profile of the aerosol crossing the air channeling element and exiting the air channeling element.

[0118] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0119] The upstream end of the inner body part may be located at a distance of 18 mm or less, 16 mm or less, or 14 mm or less from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0120] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 4 mm to 18 mm, 4 mm to 16 mm, or 4 mm to 14 mm away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0121] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 6 mm to 18 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm, or 6 mm to 14 mm away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0122] The upstream end of the inner body portion may be located 8 mm to 18 mm, 8 mm to 16 mm, or 8 mm to 14 mm away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0123] The air channeling element may include a cavity defined by the inner surface of the outer tube. The cavity is empty.

[0124] The air channeling element may include a cavity extending from the upstream end of the air channeling element toward the downstream end of the air channeling element. The air channeling element may include a cavity extending from the upstream end of the air channeling element toward the upstream end of the inner body portion. The air channeling element may include a cavity extending from the upstream end of the inner body portion toward the upstream end of the air channeling element. The air channeling element may include a cavity extending from the upstream end of the air channeling element to the upstream end of the inner body portion.

[0125] The aerosol generating article may include a cavity located between the aerosol generating substrate and the inner body portion of the air channeling element. The cavity may be separated by the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate and the upstream end of the inner body portion.

[0126] The air channeling element may have a length of at least 8 mm, at least 12 mm, or at least 15 mm.

[0127] The air channeling element may have a length of 28 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 22 mm or less.

[0128] The air channeling element may have a length of 8 mm to 28 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or 8 mm to 22 mm.

[0129] The air channeling element may have a length of 12 mm to 28 mm, 12 mm to 25 mm, or 12 mm to 22 mm.

[0130] The air channeling element may have a length of 15 mm to 28 mm, 15 mm to 25 mm, or 15 mm to 22 mm.

[0131] The length of the outer tube can define the length of the air channeling element. The length of the outer tube may be substantially the same as the length of the air channeling element. The outer tube may extend along substantially the entire length of the air channeling element. That is, the outer tube may extend from the upstream end of the air channeling element to the downstream end of the air channeling element.

[0132] The outer tube may have a length of at least 8 mm, at least 12 mm, or at least 15 mm.

[0133] The outer tube may have a length of 28 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 22 mm or less.

[0134] The outer tube may have a length of 8 mm to 28 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or 8 mm to 22 mm.

[0135] The outer tube may have a length of 12 mm to 28 mm, 12 mm to 25 mm, or 12 mm to 22 mm.

[0136] The outer tube may have a length of 15 mm to 28 mm, 15 mm to 25 mm, or 15 mm to 22 mm.

[0137] The air channeling element may include a single internal channel.

[0138] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane.

[0139] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​40% or less, 35% or less, or 30% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane.

[0140] Reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. In particular, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel can increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material passing through the internal channel.

[0141] If the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel is reduced, the volume of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material passing through one or more surrounding channels, if present, may be increased. This may further increase the cooling of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material.

[0142] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​15% to 40%, 15% to 35%, or 15% to 30% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane.

[0143] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​20% to 40%, 20% to 35%, or 20% to 30% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane.

[0144] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​25% to 40%, 25% to 35%, or 25% to 30% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane.

[0145] The cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel described herein may refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel at the downstream end of the internal channel. The cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel described herein may refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal channel at the downstream end of the internal body portion.

[0146] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 6 mm², at least 8 mm², or at least 10 mm².

[0147] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​16 mm² or less, 14 mm² or less, or 12 mm² or less.

[0148] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​6 mm² to 16 mm², 6 mm² to 14 mm², and 6 mm² to 12 mm².

[0149] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​8 mm² to 16 mm², 8 mm² to 14 mm², or 8 mm² to 12 mm².

[0150] The internal channel may have a cross-sectional area of ​​10 mm² to 16 mm², 10 mm² to 14 mm², or 10 mm² to 12 mm².

[0151] The width of the internal channel may be at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the width of the air channeling element.

[0152] The width of the internal channel may be substantially the same as the width of the air channeling element. For example, if the air channeling element is substantially cylindrical, the internal channel may extend substantially across the diameter of the air channeling element.

[0153] The width of the internal channel can be up to 90%, up to 80%, or up to 70% of the width of the air channeling element.

[0154] The width of the internal channel may be 30% to 90%, 30% to 80%, or 30% to 70% of the width of the air channeling element.

[0155] The width of the internal channel may be 40% to 90%, 40% to 80%, or 40% to 70% of the width of the air channeling element.

[0156] The width of the internal channel may be 50% to 90%, 50% to 80%, or 50% to 70% of the width of the air channeling element.

[0157] The internal channel may have a width of at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm.

[0158] The internal channel may have a width of 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, or 5 mm or less.

[0159] The internal channel may have a width of 2 mm to 7 mm, 2 mm to 6 mm, or 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0160] The internal channel may have a width of 3 mm to 7 mm, 3 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0161] The internal channel may have a width of 4 mm to 7 mm, 4 mm to 6 mm, or 4 mm to 5 mm.

[0162] The width of the air channeling element can be substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0163] The air channeling element may have a width of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm. The air channeling element may have a width of 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. For example, the air channeling element may have a width of 7.1 mm.

[0164] When an air channeling element has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the air channeling element corresponds to the diameter of the air channeling element.

[0165] The width of the outer tube may be substantially the same as the width of the air channeling element. The width of the outer tube may be substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

[0166] The outer tube may have a width of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm. The outer tube may have a width of 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. For example, the outer tube may have a width of 7.1 mm.

[0167] When the outer tube has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the air channeling element corresponds to the diameter of the outer tube.

[0168] The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones located downstream of the aerosol generating device. Air drawn into the aerosol generating article through the ventilation zones may help cool the stream of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device before it is delivered to the user.

[0169] The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones configured to establish fluid communication between the exterior of the aerosol generating article and the interior of an air channeling element. The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones at a location along the air channeling element. The aerosol generating article may include a single ventilation zone at a location along the air channeling element.

[0170] The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the aerosol generating article and the inside of the outer tube. The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones at a location along the outer tube. The aerosol generating article may include a single ventilation zone at a location along the outer tube.

[0171] The ventilation zone may include one or more holes or rows of perforations extending through the outer tube. The ventilation zone may include one or more holes or rows of perforations extending through the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article. The ventilation zone may include one or more holes or rows of perforations extending through both the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article and the outer tube.

[0172] The ventilation zone may include a single hole or a row of perforations. The hole, or row of perforations, may include 8 to 30 holes or perforations.

[0173] Each hole or perforation may have an open area of ​​at least 0.01 mm². Each hole or perforation may have an open area of ​​1 mm² or less.

[0174] Each hole or perforation may have a maximum dimension of at least 0.1 mm. Each hole or perforation may have a maximum dimension of 1 mm or less.

[0175] The ventilation zone may extend laterally around the aerosol-generating article. Such a ventilation zone may be referred to as a lateral ventilation zone.

[0176] A ventilation zone may surround an aerosol-generating article. For example, a ventilation zone may surround an air channeling element or the outer tube of an air channeling element. A ventilation zone may include one or more circumferential holes or rows of perforations.

[0177] The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone located along the outer tube and downstream of the upstream end of the inner body. The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone located along the outer tube and downstream of the upstream end of the inner channel. If the air channeling element includes one or more peripheral channels, the ventilation zone may be configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the aerosol generating article and one or more peripheral channels.

[0178] A ventilation zone located along the outer tube and downstream of the upstream end of the inner body can efficiently cool the aerosol within one or more peripheral channels because the volume of the aerosol passing through one or more peripheral channels is smaller than the volume of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material. This can help the user avoid experiencing an uncomfortable warm sensation on their lips while using the aerosol generating item.

[0179] The ventilation zone may be located at 50% or less of the length of the inner body, downstream of the upstream end of the inner body. That is, the ventilation zone may be located at 50% or less of the length of the inner body, downstream of the upstream end of the inner body. For example, the ventilation zone may be located downstream of the upstream end of the inner body, and may be located closer to the upstream end of the inner body than to the downstream end of the inner body.

[0180] The ventilation zone may be located at 40% or less, or 30% or less, of the length of the inner body at the upstream end downstream of the inner body.

[0181] The ventilation zone may be located at least 10% of the length of the inner body, downstream of the upstream end of the inner body.

[0182] The ventilation zone may be located at 10% to 50%, 10% to 40%, or 10% to 30% of the length of the inner body, downstream of the upstream end of the inner body.

[0183] A ventilation zone located closer to the upstream end of the inner body than to the downstream end can help efficiently cool aerosols in one or more peripheral channels along most of the length of the peripheral channel. This can help prevent the user from experiencing an uncomfortablely warm sensation on their lips during the use of aerosol-generating items.

[0184] Cooling of the aerosol along most of the length of the peripheral channel can help cool the aerosol within the internal channel along the corresponding length by conduction.

[0185] Positioning the ventilation zone closer to the upstream end of the inner body than to the downstream end can help avoid the ventilation zone being blocked by the user's lips.

[0186] The ventilation zone may be located 4 mm or less, 3 mm or less, or 2 mm or less downstream of the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0187] The ventilation zone can be located at least 1 mm downstream from the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0188] The ventilation zone may be located 1 mm to 4 mm, 1 mm to 3 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm downstream from the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0189] The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone located upstream of the upstream end of the inner body portion along the outer tube. If the aerosol generating article includes a cavity located between the aerosol generating material and the inner body portion of the air channeling element, the ventilation zone may be configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the aerosol generating article and the cavity.

[0190] A ventilation zone located along the outer tube and upstream of the upstream end of the inner body can provide a cooling and dilution effect to the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating material before any separation of the aerosol by the inner body. Thus, this ventilation zone can provide a cooling and dilution effect to the aerosol across the air channeling element.

[0191] When the aerosol generating material is configured to be heated from the inside, air flowing into the outer tube along the outer tube and through a ventilation zone located upstream of the upstream end of the inner body part can induce warmer aerosols through the inner channel in the central region of the outer tube. This can help prevent the user from experiencing an uncomfortable warm sensation on their lips while using the aerosol generating item.

[0192] An aerosol generating article may include both a ventilation zone located downstream of the upstream end of the inner body along the outer pipe and a ventilation zone located upstream of the upstream end of the inner body along the outer pipe. In this case, the ventilation zone located downstream of the upstream end of the inner body along the outer pipe may be referred to as a first ventilation zone or downstream ventilation zone, and the ventilation zone located upstream of the upstream end of the inner body along the outer pipe may be referred to as a second ventilation zone or upstream ventilation zone.

[0193] The ventilation level of the second ventilation zone may be greater than the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone. This can help reduce the average temperature of the aerosol delivered to the user across the aerosol-generating item to an acceptable level while minimizing any variation in the temperature of the aerosol across the aerosol-generating item.

[0194] The ventilation level of the second ventilation zone may be at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, or at least 2 times the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0195] The ventilation level of the second ventilation zone may be no more than three times the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0196] The ventilation level of the second ventilation zone may be 1.2 to 3 times, 1.5 to 3 times, or 2 to 3 times the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0197] The ventilation level of the first ventilation zone can be measured by occluding all other ventilation zones, if present, and drawing air from the mouse end of the aerosol generating item so that air can flow into the aerosol generating item through the front or upstream end of the aerosol generating item and the first ventilation zone. The ventilation level provided by the first ventilation level can be defined as the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol generating item through the first ventilation zone and the airflow exiting the aerosol generating item from the mouse end when measured in this way.

[0198] The ventilation level of the second ventilation zone can be measured by occluding all other ventilation zones, if present, and drawing air from the mouse end of the aerosol generating item so that air can flow into the aerosol generating item through the front or upstream end of the aerosol generating item and the second ventilation zone. The ventilation level provided by the second ventilation level can be defined as the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol generating item through the second ventilation zone and the airflow exiting the aerosol generating item from the mouse end when measured in this way.

[0199] The first ventilation zone may have a ventilation level of at least 10%. The first ventilation zone may have a ventilation level of 25% or less, 20% or less, or 15% or less.

[0200] The second ventilation zone may have a ventilation level of at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 35%. The second ventilation zone may have a ventilation level of 40% or less.

[0201] The suction resistance through the first ventilation zone may be greater than the suction resistance through the second ventilation zone. As such, during the use of the aerosol-generating article, more air may be drawn in through the second ventilation zone than through the first ventilation zone.

[0202] If the first ventilation zone includes a plurality of holes and the second ventilation zone includes a plurality of holes, the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the second ventilation zone may be larger than the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the first ventilation zone.

[0203] The total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the second ventilation zone may be at least 1.2 times, at least 1.5 times, or at least 2 times the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the first ventilation zone.

[0204] The total open area of ​​the multiple holes in the second ventilation zone may be three times or less the total open area of ​​the multiple holes in the first ventilation zone.

[0205] The total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the second ventilation zone may be 1.2 to 3 times, 1.5 to 3 times, or 2 to 3 times the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the first ventilation zone.

[0206] Aerosol-generating articles may have a total ventilation level of at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%.

[0207] Aerosol-generating products may have ventilation levels of 60% or less, 50% or less, or 40% or less.

[0208] Aerosol-generating articles may have ventilation levels of 10% to 60%, 10% to 50%, or 10% to 40%.

[0209] Aerosol-generating articles may have ventilation levels of 20% to 60%, 20% to 50%, or 20% to 40%.

[0210] Aerosol-generating articles may have ventilation levels of 30% to 60%, 30% to 50%, or 30% to 40%.

[0211] The total ventilation level of an aerosol generating item can be measured by drawing air from the mouse end of the aerosol generating item without obstructing any of the ventilation zones present within the aerosol generating item, allowing air to flow into the aerosol generating item through the anterior or upstream end and ventilation zones of the aerosol generating item. The total ventilation level of the aerosol generating item can be defined as the volume ratio between the sum of the airflows entering the aerosol generating item through each air ventilation and the airflows exiting the aerosol generating item at the mouse end.

[0212] The air channeling element can be configured so that substantially all air entering the internal channel during the use of the aerosol-generating item flows in only through the upstream end of the internal channel. In other words, the internal channel may not be ventilated.

[0213] An aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone configured such that, where one or more surrounding channels exist, the surrounding channels are ventilated but the internal channels are not ventilated.

[0214] The ventilation zone may not extend through the inner body portion of the air channeling element. In particular, multiple holes or perforations of the ventilation zone may not extend through the inner body portion of the air channeling element. The inner body portion may not include holes or perforations extending through the side walls of the inner body portion.

[0215] The air channeling element may be configured to establish fluid communication between an internal channel and one or more peripheral channels of the air channeling element. The air channeling element may be configured to draw aerosols from one or more peripheral channels into the internal channel during the use of an aerosol generating article. This may help to enhance the nucleation of aerosol particles within the internal channel and to cool the aerosols within the internal channel.

[0216] The aerosol generating article may include a plurality of holes or perforations penetrating the wall of the inner body to establish fluid communication between an internal channel and one or more peripheral channels of an air channeling element. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a plurality of holes or perforations penetrating the wall of the central portion of the inner body. The ventilation zone may extend longitudinally along the inner body.

[0217] The internal channel may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the internal channel may have a circular, triangular, rectangular, or hexagonal cross-sectional shape. As another embodiment, the internal channel may have an irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0218] The internal channel can have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and size along the entire length of the internal channel.

[0219] The internal channel can be substantially cylindrical.

[0220] The central or longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article may pass through an internal channel. This can help separate a portion of the aerosol with a higher temperature from a portion of the aerosol with a lower temperature downstream of the aerosol generating material.

[0221] The inner body part includes a central part that defines a portion of the inner channel. The central part may surround the inner channel. The central part may be arranged so that the central or longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article can pass through the inner channel.

[0222] The central portion of the inner body can substantially extend the entire length of the inner body. That is, the central portion can extend from the upstream end of the inner body to the downstream end of the inner body. The central portion of the inner body can substantially extend the entire length of the inner channel.

[0223] The central portion of the inner body may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the central portion of the inner body may have a substantially circular or substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The central portion of the inner body may have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape. As another embodiment, the central portion of the inner body may have an irregular cross-sectional shape.

[0224] The central part of the inner body can have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape and size along the entire length of the central part.

[0225] The central part of the internal body can be substantially tubular.

[0226] The inner body portion includes at least two extension portions that contact the inner surface of the outer tube. The at least two extension portions may function as holding means to help retain the inner body portion within the outer tube. The at least two extension portions may function as holding means to help center the inner body portion within the outer tube.

[0227] Each extension part may extend from the central part of the inner body to the outer tube. Each extension part may extend outwardly from the central part of the inner body to the outer tube. Each extension part may extend radially from the central part of the inner body to the outer tube.

[0228] At least two extension parts can divide the space between the outer tube and the central part of the inner body into one or more peripheral channels.

[0229] At least two extension portions may be substantially equally spaced around the central portion. If the inner body portion includes two extension portions, the extension portions may extend along the same plane. If the inner body portion includes two extension portions, the extension portions may be parallel to each other.

[0230] Each extension may have a substantially constant thickness. Each extension may have a substantially constant width along the transverse direction. Each extension may be substantially flat.

[0231] Each extension may have a proximal end connected to the central part and a distal end engaging with the inner surface of the outer tube. The proximal end of each extension may be open. The distal end of each extension may be open or closed.

[0232] Both the central part of the inner body and at least two extended parts of the inner body define the inner channel.

[0233] Each extension may define a portion of the internal channel. Each extension may include two extension walls extending from the central portion of the internal body into the outer tube, wherein a space is defined between the two extension walls. The space defined between the two extension walls may form a portion of the internal channel. The space defined between the two extension walls may be empty. The two extension walls may be substantially parallel. Each extension may be substantially defined by two substantially parallel extension walls.

[0234] In one embodiment, the air channeling element comprises: an outer tube; an inner body portion located within the outer tube; and an inner channel defined within the inner body portion, wherein the inner body portion comprises a central portion and at least two extension portions, wherein both the central portion of the inner body portion and the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion define the inner channel, and each extension portion comprises two substantially parallel extension walls extending from the central portion of the inner body portion to the outer tube.

[0235] The ratio of the thickness of each extended part to the width of the central part may be 0.5 or less, or 0.25 or less. The ratio of the thickness of each extended part to the width of the central part may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the thickness of each extended part to the width of the central part may be 0.1 to 0.5, or 0.1 to 0.25.

[0236] The thickness of the extension portion can be measured in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the extension portion extends from the central part of the inner body to the outer tube. If the extension portion includes two substantially parallel extension walls, the thickness of the extension portion is measured perpendicular to the extension walls.

[0237] The air channeling element may comprise only two extension portions that are substantially parallel to each other. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion may be 0.5 or less or 0.25 or less, wherein the width of the central portion is measured in a direction parallel to the thickness of the extension portion. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion may be 0.1 or greater, wherein the width of the central portion is measured in a direction parallel to the thickness of the extension portion. The ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion may be 0.1 to 0.5 or 0.1 to 0.25, wherein the width of the central portion is measured in a direction parallel to the thickness of the extension portion.

[0238] Each extension may not define a portion of the internal channel. Each extension may include a single wall extending from the central portion of the internal body to the outer tube. Each extension may include a pin extending from the central portion of the internal body to the outer tube. Each extension may include a pin extending from the central portion of the internal body to the outer tube.

[0239] The inner body may include up to 6, up to 5, up to 4, or up to 3 extension parts. The inner body may have only 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 extension parts. If the inner body includes only 2 extension parts, the 2 extension parts may face each other. The 2 extension parts may be substantially aligned along the diameter of the air channeling element.

[0240] Each extension part can extend over the entire length of the inner body part.

[0241] The maximum width of the inner body portion can substantially correspond to the inner diameter of the outer tube. This maximum width can be measured from the distal end of the first extension portion to the distal end of the second extension portion.

[0242] The inner body may include an upstream end wall at the upstream end of the central portion. The upstream end wall may partition an opening for airflow between the inner channel and the outside of the inner body. Airflow entering the inner channel through the opening may increase the level of turbulence of the flow within the inner channel. This may help increase the nucleation of aerosol particles within the inner channel and cool the aerosols within the inner channel.

[0243] The upstream end wall may be a folded part of the internal body.

[0244] The inner body may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, paper-based materials such as paper and cardboard; and polylactic acid (PLA). Preferably, the inner body is formed from a paper-based material.

[0245] The inner body portion may be formed integrally. For example, if the inner body portion includes a central portion and at least two extension portions, the central portion and the at least two extension portions may be formed integrally. The inner body portion may be formed from a single sheet of material. The inner body portion may be formed by folding a single sheet of material. The distal end of each extension portion may be closed.

[0246] The inner body can be formed by compression molding a single material tube. The inner body can be formed by vacuum forming a single material tube. The inner body can be formed by placing a single material tube around a rod having a cross-section that matches the desired inner body shape, and using suction to draw air into the rod to fit the material tube to the shape of the rod.

[0247] The inner body may be formed from a plurality of components or parts. The inner body may be formed from two components or parts. The inner body may be formed from a plurality of material sheets. Each component or part of the inner body may be formed from a material sheet. For example, the inner body may be formed from two material sheets. The inner body may be formed by folding a plurality of material sheets. The components or parts of the inner body may have the same shape and size. The components or parts of the inner body may be formed using a press configured to deform the sheet into a desired shape. The distal end of each extension may be open.

[0248] Each component of the inner body may be formed from a modified material sheet having a semicircular central riser and two curved flanges on each longitudinal side of the sheet located on both sides of the semicircular central riser. The curved flanges may be formed by folding or bending the edges of the sheet of the component in the same direction as the central riser rises.

[0249] Each extension may include at least one sealing flange located at its distal end. The sealing flange may be configured to engage with the inner surface of the outer tube. The flange may cooperate and engage with the inner surface of the outer tube. This engagement effectively forms a seal at each flange to prevent air and aerosols moving within the inner channel from escaping from the inner body to the surrounding channel through the open distal end of the extension. Each flange may be attached to the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0250] The components of the inner body may be oriented in opposite directions and inserted into the outer tube parallel to each other (both longitudinal and transverse directions) to form the inner body. The central ridges of the opposing components of the inner body may cooperate to form the central portion of the inner body, which is substantially tubular. The other portions (i.e., the unridged portions) may cooperate to form two extension portions of the inner body. An internal channel may be defined between the two components. The distal ends of the extension portions may be open.

[0251] The internal channel can be practically empty.

[0252] The internal channel may be at least partially filled. For example, the air channeling element may include a porous body portion located within the internal channel. As another example, the air channeling element may include a polylactic acid (PLA) membrane located within the internal channel. This can improve the cooling of the aerosol flowing through the internal channel.

[0253] The aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation zones extending along an air channeling element. These ventilation zones may be referred to as longitudinal ventilation zones. One or more longitudinal ventilation zones may extend longitudinally along the length of an outer tube. The length of one or more longitudinal ventilation zones may correspond to the length of an inner body section. Each longitudinal ventilation zone may extend from an upstream end of an inner body section to a downstream end of an inner body section. The longitudinal ventilation zones may be configured to establish fluid communication between the outer and inner channels of the air channeling element through the distal end of one of the extensions. That is, the longitudinal ventilation zones may be configured to establish fluid communication between the outer and inner channels of the air channeling element through the end of one of the extensions that engages with the outer tube.

[0254] Each longitudinal ventilation zone may be aligned with the distal end of each extension. Each longitudinal ventilation zone is configured to establish fluid communication between the outside and the inside channel of the air channeling element through the distal end of the extension. External air may enter the inside channel through one or more longitudinal ventilation zones. Each longitudinal ventilation zone may include a perforation line extending through the wall of the outer tube. This perforation line may extend through any wrapper (not shown) surrounding the outer tube.

[0255] The outer tube may include or be formed of one or more tubular segments. The tubular segments are not integral with one another; that is, the tubular segments are physically distinct from one another. The outer tube may include one or more tubular segments in an abutting end-to-end arrangement.

[0256] Preferably, the outer tube comprises a single tubular segment. Preferably, the outer tube is a single tube.

[0257] The outer tube may include a plurality of tubular segments. For example, the outer tube may include or be formed by two tubular segments, namely a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment located upstream of the first tubular segment. The second tubular segment may be substantially empty. That is, the cavity may be defined by the inner surface of the second tubular segment. The inner body portion may be located within the first tubular segment. The upstream end of the inner body portion may be substantially aligned with the upstream end of the first tubular segment. The downstream end of the inner body portion may be substantially aligned with the downstream end of the first tubular segment. In an aerosol generating article comprising an air channeling element having an outer tube including a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment located upstream of the first tubular segment, a first ventilation zone and a second ventilation zone, the first ventilation zone may be located along the first tubular segment and the second ventilation zone may be located along the second tubular segment.

[0258] The upstream end of the second tubular segment can define the upstream end of the outer tube. The downstream end of the first tubular segment can define the downstream end of the outer tube.

[0259] The second tubular segment may extend from the upstream end of the outer tube to the upstream end of the inner tube. The first tubular segment may extend from the downstream end of the second tubular segment to the downstream end of the outer tube.

[0260] The outer tube can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0261] The outer tube can have a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the entire length of the outer tube.

[0262] The outer tube can be substantially cylindrical.

[0263] The outer tube may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, paper-based materials such as paper and cardboard; and polylactic acid (PLA). Preferably, the outer tube is formed from a paper-based material.

[0264] The outer tube and the inner body may be formed separately. The outer tube and the inner body may be formed integrally.

[0265] The inner body portion may extend to the downstream end of the air channeling element. The inner body portion may extend from the downstream end of the air channeling element toward the upstream end of the air channeling element. The inner body portion may extend from the downstream end of the air channeling element to the upstream end of the air channeling element.

[0266] The downstream end of the inner body can be aligned longitudinally with the downstream end of the outer tube.

[0267] The air channeling element may include a porous body portion surrounding at least a portion of the inner body portion. This may help retain the inner body portion within the outer tube. This may be particularly applicable when the inner body portion does not come into contact with the outer tube. For example, the air channeling element may include a porous body portion surrounding the inner body portion when the inner body portion does not include an extension portion in contact with the outer tube. The porous body portion may be annular.

[0268] The porous body can have a width substantially equal to the inner width of the outer tube.

[0269] The porous body portion may extend from the downstream end of the inner body portion toward the upstream end of the inner body portion. The porous body portion may extend from the upstream end of the inner body portion toward the downstream end of the inner body portion. The porous body portion may extend from the downstream end of the inner body portion to the upstream end of the inner body portion.

[0270] The aerosol generating material may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0271] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 45 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0272] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0273] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 6 mm to 45 mm, 6 mm to 35 mm, 6 mm to 25 mm, or 6 mm to 15 mm.

[0274] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 6 mm to 45 mm, 6 mm to 35 mm, 6 mm to 25 mm, or 6 mm to 15 mm.

[0275] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 8 mm to 45 mm, 8 mm to 35 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or 8 mm to 15 mm.

[0276] The aerosol generating material may have a length of 10 mm to 45 mm, 10 mm to 35 mm, 10 mm to 25 mm, or 10 mm to 15 mm. For example, the aerosol generating material may have a length of 11 mm or 12 mm.

[0277] The aerosol generating material can be substantially cylindrical.

[0278] The aerosol generating material can have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0279] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter substantially identical to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0280] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0281] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.

[0282] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0283] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0284] The aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0285] For example, the aerosol generating material may have an outer diameter of 7 mm to 7.1 mm.

[0286] The aerosol generating material may have a density of at least 100 mg / cm3, at least 150 mg / cm3, at least 200 mg / cm3, at least 250 mg / cm3, or at least 275 mg / cm3.

[0287] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 700 mg / cm3 or less, 650 mg / cm3 or less, 600 mg / cm3 or less, 550 mg / cm3 or less, or 500 mg / cm3 or less.

[0288] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 100 mg / cm3 to 700 mg / cm3, 100 mg / cm3 to 650 mg / cm3, 100 mg / cm3 to 600 mg / cm3, 100 mg / cm3 to 550 mg / cm3, or 100 mg / cm3 to 500 mg / cm3.

[0289] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 150 mg / cm3 to 700 mg / cm3, 150 mg / cm3 to 650 mg / cm3, 150 mg / cm3 to 600 mg / cm3, 150 mg / cm3 to 550 mg / cm3, or 150 mg / cm3 to 500 mg / cm3.

[0290] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 200 mg / cm3 to 700 mg / cm3, 200 mg / cm3 to 650 mg / cm3, 200 mg / cm3 to 600 mg / cm3, 200 mg / cm3 to 550 mg / cm3, or 200 mg / cm3 to 500 mg / cm3.

[0291] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 250 mg / cm3 to 700 mg / cm3, 250 mg / cm3 to 650 mg / cm3, 250 mg / cm3 to 600 mg / cm3, 250 mg / cm3 to 550 mg / cm3, or 250 mg / cm3 to 500 mg / cm3.

[0292] The aerosol generating material may have a density of 275 mg / cm3 to 700 mg / cm3, 275 mg / cm3 to 650 mg / cm3, 275 mg / cm3 to 600 mg / cm3, 275 mg / cm3 to 550 mg / cm3, or 275 mg / cm3 to 500 mg / cm3.

[0293] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of at least 100 mg, at least 120 mg, at least 130 mg, at least 140 mg, at least 150 mg, or at least 160 mg.

[0294] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 340 mg or less, 310 mg or less, 280 mg or less, 250 mg or less, or 220 mg or less.

[0295] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 100 mg to 340 mg, 100 mg to 310 mg, 100 mg to 280 mg, 100 mg to 250 mg, or 100 mg to 220 mg.

[0296] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 120 mg to 340 mg, 120 mg to 310 mg, 120 mg to 280 mg, 120 mg to 250 mg, or 120 mg to 220 mg.

[0297] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 130 mg to 340 mg, 130 mg to 310 mg, 130 mg to 280 mg, 130 mg to 250 mg, or 130 mg to 220 mg.

[0298] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 140 mg to 340 mg, 140 mg to 310 mg, 140 mg to 280 mg, 140 mg to 250 mg, or 140 mg to 220 mg.

[0299] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 150 mg to 340 mg, 150 mg to 310 mg, 150 mg to 280 mg, 150 mg to 250 mg, or 150 mg to 220 mg.

[0300] The aerosol generating material may have a mass of 160 mg to 340 mg, 160 mg to 310 mg, 160 mg to 280 mg, 160 mg to 250 mg, or 160 mg to 220 mg.

[0301] The aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped by a wrapper. The aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped by a paper wrapper. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped by a plug wrap.

[0302] The aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol generating material.

[0303] The aerosol generating substrate may include a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material. The plurality of strands of aerosol generating material may be randomly oriented within the aerosol generating substrate. When in use, this can help retain aerosols generated between puffs within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0304] Aerosol-generating materials can be plant materials.

[0305] The aerosol-generating material may be a non-tobacco material. Examples of suitable non-tobacco plant materials include cannabis materials, ginger materials, eucalyptus materials, clove materials, and star anise materials.

[0306] Aerosol-generating substances can be tobacco materials.

[0307] The aerosol-generating substance can be tobacco sticks.

[0308] The aerosol-generating material may be homogenized plant material.

[0309] Strands of homogenized plant material can be formed by cutting or crushing sheets of homogenized plant material. Strands of homogenized plant material can be formed by other methods. For example, strands of homogenized plant material can be formed by extrusion.

[0310] The aerosol generating material may be homogenized non-tobacco plant material.

[0311] The aerosol generating material may be homogenized tobacco material.

[0312] The aerosol generating material can be a gel material.

[0313] Strands of the gel material can be formed by cutting or crushing a sheet of the gel material. Strands of the gel material can be formed by other methods. For example, strands of the gel material can be formed by extrusion.

[0314] Aerosol generating substances may include aerosol forming agents.

[0315] The aerosol forming agent may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol upon use. The aerosol forming agent may be substantially resistant to thermal sensitivity at temperatures typically reached during the use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0316] Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols 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.

[0317] The aerosol forming agent may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol forming agent may consist of glycerin. The aerosol forming agent may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol forming agent may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0318] The aerosol generating material may comprise at least 1 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, at least 5 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, at least 10 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, or at least 15 weight% of an aerosol forming agent. That is, the aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of at least 1 weight%, at least 5 weight%, at least 10 weight%, or at least 15 weight%.

[0319] The aerosol generating material may contain 30% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent, 25% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent, or 20% by weight or less of an aerosol forming agent. That is, the aerosol generating material may have an aerosol forming agent content of 30% by weight or less, 25% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less.

[0320] The aerosol generating material may include 1% to 30% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 1% to 25% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 1% to 20% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0321] The aerosol generating material may include 5% to 30% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 5% to 25% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 5% to 20% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0322] The aerosol generating material may include 10% to 30% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 10% to 25% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 10% to 20% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0323] The aerosol generating material may include 15% to 30% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 15% to 25% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 15% to 20% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0324] The aerosol generating material may comprise at least 50 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, at least 60 weight% of an aerosol forming agent, or at least 70 weight% of an aerosol forming agent.

[0325] The aerosol generating material may include 85 weight% or less of an aerosol forming agent, 80 weight% or less of an aerosol forming agent, or 75 weight% or less of an aerosol forming agent.

[0326] The aerosol generating material may comprise 50% to 85% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 50% to 80% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 50% to 75% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0327] The aerosol generating material may comprise 60% to 85% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 60% to 80% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 60% to 75% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0328] The aerosol generating material may comprise 70% to 85% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, 70% to 80% by weight of an aerosol forming agent, or 70% to 75% by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

[0329] Aerosol-generating substances may contain nicotine.

[0330] The aerosol generating material may include natural nicotine, synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine.

[0331] The aerosol generating material may contain at least 0.5% by weight of nicotine, at least 1% by weight of nicotine, at least 1.5% by weight of nicotine, or at least 2% by weight of nicotine. That is, the aerosol generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5% by weight, at least 1% by weight, at least 1.5% by weight, or at least 2% by weight.

[0332] The aerosol generating material may contain 10% by weight or less of nicotine, 8% by weight or less of nicotine, 6% by weight or less of nicotine, or 4% by weight or less of nicotine. That is, the aerosol generating material may have a nicotine content of 10% by weight or less, 8% by weight or less, 6% by weight or less, or 4% by weight or less.

[0333] The aerosol generating material may contain 0.5% to 10% by weight of nicotine, 0.5% to 8% by weight of nicotine, 0.5% to 6% by weight of nicotine, or 0.5% to 4% by weight of nicotine.

[0334] The aerosol generating material may contain 1% to 10% by weight of nicotine, 1% to 8% by weight of nicotine, 1% to 6% by weight of nicotine, or 1% to 4% by weight of nicotine.

[0335] The aerosol generating material may contain 1.5% to 10% by weight of nicotine, 1.5% to 8% by weight of nicotine, 1.5% to 6% by weight of nicotine, or 1.5% to 4% by weight of nicotine.

[0336] The aerosol generating material may contain 2% to 10% by weight of nicotine, 2% to 8% by weight of nicotine, 2% to 6% by weight of nicotine, or 2% to 4% by weight of nicotine.

[0337] The aerosol generating article may include an internal heating element located within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0338] The aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may include an internal heating element for inserting into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0339] An internal heating element may be in contact with an aerosol generating material. An internal heating element may be in contact with multiple strands of aerosol generating material. An internal heating element may be in thermal contact with an aerosol generating material. An internal heating element may be in thermal contact with multiple strands of aerosol generating material. When in use, heat from the internal heating element may be transferred to multiple strands of aerosol generating material. Advantageously, the internal heating element may be in direct contact with the aerosol generating material.

[0340] The internal heating element may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0341] The internal heating element may have a length of 45 mm or less, 35 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 15 mm or less.

[0342] For example, the internal heating element may have a length of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0343] The internal heating element may have a width of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0344] The internal heating element may have a width of 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less.

[0345] For example, the internal heating element may have a width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0346] The internal heating element can be slender.

[0347] The internal heating element can be substantially cylindrical.

[0348] The internal heating element can have a thickness substantially equal to its width.

[0349] The internal heating element can have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0350] The internal heating element can have the form of a needle or a pin.

[0351] The internal heating element may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0352] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 5 mm or less, 4.5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, 3.5 mm or less, or 3 mm or less.

[0353] For example, the internal heating element may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0354] The internal heating element can have a width greater than its thickness.

[0355] The internal heating element can have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0356] The internal heating element can take the form of a heating blade or a strip.

[0357] The internal heating element can have a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the internal heating element.

[0358] The internal heating element may have a thickness of at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.03 mm, or at least 0.05 mm.

[0359] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less.

[0360] For example, the internal heating element may have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0361] For example, the internal heating element can have a thickness of 60 μm.

[0362] As described herein, an internal heating element of the article may be located within an aerosol generating substrate. The internal heating element may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol generating substrate. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate. For example, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate within ±10 degrees.

[0363] The internal heating element may be arranged in the center of the aerosol generating substrate. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0364] The internal heating element can extend from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate toward the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0365] The internal heating element can extend from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate toward the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0366] The internal heating element can extend from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. That is, the internal heating element can extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0367] The length of the internal heating element can be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol generating material.

[0368] The internal heating element can be partially extended along the length of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0369] The internal heating element can be spaced apart from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0370] The internal heating element can be spaced apart from the upstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0371] The internal heating element can be spaced apart from both the downstream and upstream ends of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0372] The length of the internal heating element may be smaller than the length of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0373] The internal heating element can be completely surrounded within the aerosol generating substrate. That is, the aerosol generating substrate or the aerosol generating material can completely surround the internal heating element.

[0374] The internal heating element can be a susceptor element.

[0375] The susceptor element may comprise any susceptor material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal, an alloy, or carbon.

[0376] The susceptor element may include a ferromagnetic material. The susceptor element may include a ferromagnetic material, for example, a ferrite alloy, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic iron or stainless steel. The susceptor element may include aluminum. The susceptor element may include 400 series stainless steel. For example, the susceptor element may include Grade 410, or Grade 420, or Grade 430 stainless steel. Different susceptor materials will lose different amounts of energy when placed in an electromagnetic field having similar values ​​of frequency and magnetic field strength.

[0377] Therefore, parameters of the susceptor element, such as material type, length, width, and thickness, can all be modified to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor element is 250 It can be heated to a temperature exceeding .

[0378] The susceptor element may include a non-metal core in which a metal layer is disposed on a non-metal core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0379] The susceptor element may include a protective outer layer. The susceptor may include, for example, a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer, or a protective outer inert metal layer.

[0380] The susceptor element may include a protective coating. For example, the susceptor element may include a protective coating formed by glass, ceramic, or an inert metal.

[0381] The susceptor element may be a multi-material susceptor element. For example, the susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0382] The internal heating element can be a resistive heating element.

[0383] An aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure may include an upstream section located upstream of an aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may be located immediately upstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may be in contact with the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream end of the upstream section may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream end of the upstream element of the upstream section may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream end of the aerosol generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the upstream section. The upstream element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0384] The upstream section may include one or more upstream elements. The upstream section and its upstream elements advantageously prevent direct physical contact between the upstream end of the aerosol generating material and the aerosol generating material.

[0385] The upstream element may be an air channeling element described in the present disclosure. Such an air channeling element may have any of the features, characteristics, or properties associated with the air channeling element described in the present disclosure.

[0386] For example, as described herein, if an aerosol generating substrate comprises a susceptor element located within the aerosol generating substrate, an upstream element can prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the susceptor element. This helps prevent displacement or deformation of the susceptor element during handling or transport of the aerosol generating article. This ultimately helps fix the shape and position of the susceptor element. Furthermore, the presence of an upstream element helps prevent any loss of the substrate, which may be advantageous, for example, if the substrate contains particulate plant material.

[0387] If the aerosol generating material comprises multiple strands or crushed tobacco, such as tobacco sticks, the upstream section and its elements can additionally help prevent the loss of loose particles of tobacco from the upstream end of the article. This may be particularly important, for example, when the bulk density of the aerosol generating material is relatively low.

[0388] The upstream section, or its upstream element, can additionally provide some degree of protection to the aerosol generating material during storage, as the presence of the upstream section offsets the aerosol generating section away from the upstream end of the article and also covers at least to some extent the upstream end of the aerosol generating material that may otherwise be exposed.

[0389] In the case of an aerosol generating article intended to be inserted into a cavity within an aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating material can be heated externally within the cavity, an upstream section can advantageously facilitate the insertion of the upstream end of the article into the cavity. The inclusion of the upstream element can additionally protect the end of the aerosol generating material during insertion into the cavity so as to minimize the risk of damage to the material.

[0390] An upstream section or its upstream element may also provide an improved appearance at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article. Additionally, if desired, the upstream section may be used to provide information about the aerosol generating article, for example, information about the brand, flavor, content, or details of the aerosol generating device in which the article is intended to be used.

[0391] The upstream element may include a plug element or may be a plug element. The upstream element may include a porous plug element or may be a porous plug element. The upstream element may be formed as a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross-section. Such a plug element may be referred to as a 'plain' element. The solid plug element may be porous as described above, but does not have a tubular shape and therefore does not provide a longitudinal flow channel. The solid plug element may have a substantially uniform transverse cross-section.

[0392] The upstream element may be manufactured from a porous material or may include multiple openings. This can be achieved, for example, through laser perforation. The multiple openings may be uniformly distributed across the cross-section of the upstream element.

[0393] The porosity or permeability of the upstream element can be advantageously designed to provide an aerosol generating article having a specific total resistance to suction (RTD) without substantially affecting the filtration provided by other parts of the article.

[0394] It may be desirable to minimize the RTD of the upstream element. For example, this may be the case for an article intended to have a cavity of an aerosol generator inserted so that the aerosol generating substrate is heated externally. It may be desirable to provide an article having the lowest possible RTD so that most of the RTD experience by the user is provided by the aerosol generator rather than the article.

[0395] The RTD of the upstream element may be 30 mmH2O. The RTD of the upstream element may be 20 mmH2O. The RTD of the upstream element may be 10 mmH2O. The RTD of the upstream element may be 5 mmH2O. The RTD of the upstream element may be 2 mmH2O.

[0396] The RTD of the upstream section may be at least 0 mmH2O, or at least 0.1 mmH2O, or at least 0.25 mmH2O, or at least 0.5 mmH2O.

[0397] The upstream element may be formed as a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unlimited flow channel. Such an upstream element can provide protection for the aerosol generating substrate, as described above, while having minimal impact on the overall resistance to suction (RTD) and filtration characteristics of the article.

[0398] The upstream element of the upstream section may be manufactured from any material suitable for use in an aerosol generating article. The upstream element may be made of the same material used in one of the other components of the aerosol generating article, such as, for example, a downstream filter element or a downstream hollow tubular element. Suitable materials for forming the upstream element of the present disclosure include filter materials, ceramics, polymer materials, cellulose acetate, cardboard, zeolite, or aerosol generating substrates. The upstream element may include a plug of cellulose acetate. The upstream element may include a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube.

[0399] The upstream section or its upstream element may have an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0400] The upstream section or its upstream element may have a length of 2 mm to 10 mm, or 3 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm. The upstream section or upstream element may have a length of 5 mm.

[0401] The length of the upstream section or upstream element may advantageously be varied to provide the desired total length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if it is desirable to reduce the length of one of the other components of the aerosol-generating article, the length of the upstream section or upstream element may be increased to maintain the same total length of the article.

[0402] Additionally, the length of the upstream section, or its upstream element, can be used to control the position of an aerosol generating article within the cavity of the aerosol generating device for an article intended to be heated externally. This can advantageously ensure that the position of the aerosol generating material within the cavity can be optimized for heating and that the position of any ventilation can also be optimized.

[0403] The upstream section can be surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper can be a plug wrapper.

[0404] The upstream section may be connected to an aerosol generating substrate by an external wrapper. The upstream section may also be connected to at least a portion of the downstream section by an external wrapper, which is either the same external wrapper connecting the upstream section to the aerosol generating substrate or a different external wrapper.

[0405] An aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure comprises a downstream section located downstream of an aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section may be in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream end of the downstream section may be in contact with the aerosol generating substrate. The downstream section of the aerosol generating article may extend between the aerosol generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The downstream end of the aerosol generating article may be defined by the downstream end of the downstream section. The downstream end of the aerosol generating article may coincide with the downstream end of the downstream section. The downstream section may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0406] The downstream section may include one or more elements, each of which is described in more detail within this disclosure. The upstream end of an element of the downstream section may be in contact with an aerosol generating substrate. The downstream end of an element of the downstream section may define a downstream end of an aerosol generating article.

[0407] The length of the downstream section may be at least 20 mm. The length of the downstream section may be at least 25 mm. The length of the downstream section may be at least 30 mm.

[0408] The length of the downstream section may be 45 mm or less. The length of the downstream section may be 40 mm or less. The length of the downstream section may be 35 mm or less.

[0409] The length of the downstream section may be 20 mm to 45 mm, or 25 mm to 45 mm, or 30 mm to 45 mm. The length of the downstream section may be 20 mm to 40 mm, or 25 mm to 40 mm, or 30 mm to 40 mm. The length of the downstream section may be 20 mm to 35 mm, or 25 mm to 35 mm, or 30 mm to 35 mm.

[0410] Providing a relatively long downstream section can ensure that an appropriate length of the aerosol-generating article protrudes from the aerosol-generating device when the article is received therein. This appropriate protrusion length facilitates the ease of inserting and extracting the article from the device, which also ensures that the upstream portion of the article is properly inserted into the device, particularly while reducing the risk of damage during insertion.

[0411] The downstream section of the aerosol generating article may include a cooling element provided downstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The cooling element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate; that is, the cooling element may border the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The cooling element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article. The cooling element may also define the downstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article. The cooling element may also extend to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The downstream section of the aerosol generating article may include a single cooling element; that is, the downstream section of the aerosol generating article may include only one cooling element.

[0412] An air channeling element as described in the present disclosure may be a cooling element provided downstream of an aerosol generating substrate.

[0413] The downstream section may include a filter element. The filter element may be referred to as a mouthpiece element. The filter element may extend to the downstream end of the downstream section. The filter element may also extend to the downstream end of an aerosol-generating article. The filter element may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the filter element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0414] The filter element may be located downstream of the cooling element in the downstream section. The filter element may extend between the cooling element and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter element may be in contact with the cooling element in the downstream section. The upstream end of the filter element may be in contact with the downstream end of the cooling element in the downstream section.

[0415] For example, an aerosol generating article may include an air channeling element located downstream of an aerosol generating substrate and a filter element located downstream of the air channeling element.

[0416] The filter element may be in the form of a plug element or a solid plug. Such a filter element may be referred to as a filter plug. The filter element may be a porous plug element. The filter element may be formed as a solid cylindrical plug element having a filled cross-section. The solid cylindrical filter plug element may be porous as described above, but does not have a tubular shape and therefore does not provide a longitudinal flow channel. The solid filter plug element may have a substantially uniform transverse cross-section.

[0417] The aerosol generating article or downstream section may not include a cavity or recess defined at the mouse end or downstream end of the article. The aerosol generating article or downstream section may not include a cavity or recess extending from the filter element to the mouse end or downstream end of the article. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a filter plug located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter plug may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article toward the upstream end of the aerosol generating article. This may help achieve a desired temperature profile of the aerosol across the aerosol generating article from the mouse end of the aerosol generating article.

[0418] The filter element may be formed from a fibrous filtration material. The fibrous filtration material may be intended to filter aerosols generated from an aerosol generating substrate. Suitable fibrous filtration materials are known to those skilled in the art. The filter element may comprise cellulose acetate. The filter element may comprise cellulose acetate tow. The filter element may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0419] The filter element may include a flavoring agent, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the filter element may include one or more capsules, beads or granules of a flavoring agent, or threads or filaments loaded with one or more flavoring agents.

[0420] Filter elements can have low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0421] The filter element may be surrounded by a plug wrap. The filter element may be impermeable to prevent air from entering the aerosol-generating article along the filter element.

[0422] The filter element can be connected to one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by a tipping wrapper.

[0423] The filter element may have an outer diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. The diameter of the filter element may be substantially the same as the outer diameter or outer diameter of the cooling element. The diameter of the filter element may be substantially the same as the outer diameter or outer diameter of the air channeling element.

[0424] The diameter of the filter element may be 5 mm to 10 mm. The diameter of the filter element may be 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0425] The length of the filter element may be at least 5 mm. The length of the filter element may be at least 6 mm. The length of the filter element may be 12 mm or less. The length of the filter element may be 10 mm or less.

[0426] For example, the length of the filter element may be 5 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 12 mm, or 5 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 12 mm.

[0427] An aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure may comprise an aerosol generating substrate, an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol generating substrate, and a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate. The upstream section may comprise an upstream element according to the present disclosure. The downstream section may comprise an aerosol cooling element and a filter or mouthpiece element according to the present disclosure. The cooling element may be located between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter element. The cooling element may be an air channeling element according to the present disclosure.

[0428] All components of an aerosol generating article according to the present disclosure may be assembled in an axial, sequential, and abutting manner within one or more wrapping materials of the aerosol generating article. Each component of the aerosol generating article may also be individually wrapped, for example, by a corresponding plug wrap.

[0429] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of at least 38 mm, at least 40 mm, or at least 42 mm.

[0430] Aerosol-generating articles may have a total length of 70 mm or less, 60 mm or less, or 50 mm or less.

[0431] For example, the aerosol generating article may have a total length of 38 mm to 70 mm, 38 mm to 60 mm, or 38 mm to 50 mm.

[0432] For example, an aerosol generating article can have a total length of 45 mm.

[0433] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0434] The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0435] Aerosol-generating articles may have an outer diameter of 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.

[0436] The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm. For example, the aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of 7.1 mm or 7.2 mm.

[0437] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article described herein and an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. That is, the aerosol generating system may include a consumable aerosol generating article and a reusable aerosol generating device.

[0438] The aerosol generator may be a portable aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be an electric aerosol generator.

[0439] The aerosol generating device may have a distal end and a mouse end. The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing of the aerosol generating device may define a device cavity (or heating chamber) for removably receiving an aerosol generating article at the mouse end of the device. The aerosol generating device may include a heating element and a heater for heating the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating article is received within the device cavity.

[0440] The device cavity may be referred to as the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The device cavity may extend between the distal end and the mouse, or between the proximal end. The distal end of the device cavity may be a closed end, and the mouse, or proximal end of the device cavity may be an open end. An aerosol generating article may be inserted into the device cavity or the heating chamber through the open end of the device cavity. The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least the aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating article. The device cavity may be substantially cylindrical. The device cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section. The device cavity may be cylindrical in shape to fit the same shape of the aerosol generating article.

[0441] The above aerosol generating device may include a heating element.

[0442] The aerosol generating device may include an external heating element. The heating element may externally heat the aerosol generating article when housed within the aerosol generating device. Such an external heater may be inserted into the aerosol generating device or may surround the aerosol generating article when housed within the aerosol generating device. The heater may be arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate. The external heating element may be located around the periphery of the device cavity. The external heating element may be a resistive heating element. The external heating element may be a susceptor element (or inductor element).

[0443] As mentioned in the present disclosure, an aerosol generating article may include an internal heating element located inside an aerosol generating substrate.

[0444] As described in the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device may include an internal heating element for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article. The internal heating element of the aerosol generating device may be located within a device cavity or a heating chamber. The internal heating element may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the device cavity. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device cavity. The internal heating element may be arranged centrally within the device cavity. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity. The internal heating element may be elongated. The internal heating element may be substantially cylindrical. The internal heating element may have a thickness substantially equal to its width. The internal heating element may have a substantially circular cross-section. The internal heating element may have the form of a needle or a pin. The internal heating element may have a width greater than its thickness. The internal heating element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade or a strip.

[0445] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element. The internal heating element may be a susceptor element (or inductor element).

[0446] The aerosol-generating device may include an inductive element. The inductive element may include one or more inductive coils. The inductive element may be located around the periphery of the device cavity. The power supply of the device may be configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor element and the inductor coil. The inductor element and the inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when receiving a high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The inductor element and the inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within the device cavity. The inductor coil may substantially surround the device cavity. The inductor element and the inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.

[0447] When a susceptor element of either an aerosol generating article or an aerosol generating device is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. The heating of the susceptor element may be the result of at least one of hysteresis loss or eddy current induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. The susceptor element may be arranged so that when the aerosol generating article is received within the device cavity of the aerosol generating device, the vibrating electromagnetic field generated by the induction element induces a current within the susceptor element, thereby heating the susceptor element (either the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating device).

[0448] A susceptor element of the present disclosure, which is either an aerosol generating article or an aerosol generating device, may be formed of any material capable of being induced heated to a temperature sufficient to heat the aerosol generating substrate so that a volatile compound is released from the substrate. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal, an alloy, or carbon.

[0449] The susceptor element may include a ferromagnetic material. The susceptor element may include a ferromagnetic material, for example, a ferrite alloy, ferrite iron, or ferromagnetic iron or stainless steel. The susceptor element may include aluminum. The susceptor element may include 400 series stainless steel. For example, the susceptor element may include Grade 410, or Grade 420, or Grade 430 stainless steel. Different susceptor materials will lose different amounts of energy when placed in an electromagnetic field having similar values ​​of frequency and magnetic field strength.

[0450] Therefore, parameters of the susceptor element, such as material type, length, width, and thickness, can all be modified to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor element is 250 It can be heated to a temperature exceeding .

[0451] The susceptor element may include a non-metal core in which a metal layer is disposed on a non-metal core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0452] The susceptor element may include a protective outer layer. The susceptor may include, for example, a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer, or a protective outer inert metal layer.

[0453] The susceptor element may include a protective coating. For example, the susceptor element may include a protective coating formed by glass, ceramic, or an inert metal.

[0454] The susceptor element may be a multi-material susceptor element. For example, the susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0455] If the aerosol generating article includes one or more ventilation zones, at least one or all ventilation zones may be arranged to be exposed when the aerosol generating article is housed within the device cavity. Thus, the length of the device cavity or heating chamber may be shorter than the distance from the upstream end of the aerosol generating article to the ventilation zone located along the downstream section. That is, when the aerosol generating article is housed within the aerosol generating device, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the upstream element may be greater than the length of the heating chamber. This positioning of the ventilation zone ensures that the ventilation zone is not obstructed within the device cavity itself, and also minimizes the risk of obstruction by the user's lips or hands as the ventilation zone is located as far upstream as reasonably possible from the downstream end of the article without being obstructed within the device cavity.

[0456] A non-limiting, non-comprehensive list of embodiments is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0457] EX1: An air channeling element or cooling element for an aerosol generating article, wherein the cooling element comprises: an outer tube; an inner body portion located within the outer tube; and an inner channel defined within the inner body portion.

[0458] EX2: An air channeling element or cooling element in EX1, comprising one or more peripheral channels located between the outer tube and the inner body portion.

[0459] EX3: An air channeling element or cooling element comprising up to six peripheral channels located between the outer tube and the inner body portion in EX1 or EX2.

[0460] EX4: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the length of the inner body portion is at least 20% of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0461] EX5: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the length of the inner body portion is 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0462] EX6: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX5, wherein the inner body portion has a length of at least 4 mm.

[0463] EX7: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the inner body portion has a length of 18 mm or less.

[0464] EX8: In any one of EX1 to EX7, the internal channel is an air channeling element or cooling element that extends along substantially the entire length of the internal body portion.

[0465] EX9: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX8, wherein the length of the internal channel is at least 20% of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0466] EX10: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX9, wherein the length of the internal channel is 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0467] EX11: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the internal channel has a length of at least 4 mm.

[0468] EX12: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX11, wherein the internal channel has a length of 18 mm or less.

[0469] EX13: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX12, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0470] EX14: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at a distance of at least 20% of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element from the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0471] EX15: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX14, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at a distance of 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element from the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0472] EX16: An air channeling element or cooling element, wherein in any one of EX1 to EX15, the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at least 4 mm away from the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0473] EX17: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at a distance of 18 mm or less from the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0474] EX18: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX17, wherein the upstream end of the inner body part is located away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0475] EX19: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX18, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is positioned away from the upstream end of the outer tube by at least 20% of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0476] EX20: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX19, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located away from the upstream end of the outer tube by a distance of 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0477] EX21: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX20, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at least 4 mm away from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0478] EX22: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX21, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is located at a distance of 18 mm or less from the upstream end of the outer tube.

[0479] EX23: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX22, comprising a cavity defined by the inner surface of the outer tube, wherein the cavity extends from the upstream end of the inner body portion toward the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0480] EX24: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX23, wherein the air channeling element or cooling element has a length of at least 8 mm.

[0481] EX25: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the air channeling element or cooling element has a length of 28 mm or less.

[0482] EX26: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX25, wherein the outer tube extends along substantially the entire length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0483] EX27: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX26, wherein the outer tube has a length of at least 8 mm.

[0484] EX28: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX27, wherein the outer tube has a length of 28 mm or less.

[0485] EX29: In any one of EX1 to EX28, the cooling element is an air channeling element or a cooling element comprising a single internal channel.

[0486] EX30: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX29, wherein the internal channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 15% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element or cooling element in the same transverse plane.

[0487] EX31: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX30, wherein the internal channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​40% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element or cooling element in the same transverse plane.

[0488] EX32: An air channeling element or cooling element, wherein in any one of EX1 to EX31, the width of the internal channel is at least 30% of the width of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0489] EX33: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX32, wherein the width of the internal channel is substantially the same as the width of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0490] EX34: An air channeling element or cooling element, wherein in any one of EX1 to EX32, the width of the internal channel is up to 90% of the width of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0491] EX35: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX34, wherein the width of the air channeling element or cooling element is substantially the same as the width of the aerosol generating article.

[0492] EX36: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX35, wherein the width of the outer tube is substantially the same as the width of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0493] EX37: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX36, wherein the internal channel has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0494] EX38: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX37, wherein the internal channel is substantially cylindrical.

[0495] EX39: In any one of EX1 to EX38, the central axis of the aerosol generating article is an air channeling element or a cooling element passing through the internal channel.

[0496] EX40: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX39, wherein the inner body portion comprises a central portion defining the inner channel and at least two extension portions in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0497] EX41: In EX40, the central portion of the inner body part has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, an air channeling element or a cooling element.

[0498] EX42: In EX40 or EX41, each of the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion extends from the central portion of the inner body portion to the outer tube, an air channeling element or a cooling element.

[0499] EX43: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX40 to EX42, wherein the at least two extension portions are substantially equally spaced around the central portion.

[0500] EX44: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX40 to EX43, wherein each of the at least two extension portions is substantially planar.

[0501] EX45: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX40 to EX44, wherein both the central portion of the inner body and at least two extended portions of the inner body define the inner channel.

[0502] EX46: An air channeling element or cooling element in which, in EX45, each of the at least two extension portions comprises two extension walls extending from the central portion of the inner body portion to the outer tube, and a space is defined between the two extension walls.

[0503] EX47: In EX46, the two extension walls of each of the at least two extension parts are substantially parallel to each other, air channeling elements or cooling elements.

[0504] EX48: An air channeling element or cooling element in which, in EX45 to EX47, the ratio of the thickness of each of the at least two extended portions to the width of the central portion is 0.5 or less.

[0505] EX49: An air channeling element or cooling element in which, in EX45 to EX48, the ratio of the thickness of each of the at least two extended portions to the width of the central portion is at least 0.1.

[0506] EX50: In any one of EX40 to EX44, each of the at least two extension parts is an air channeling element or cooling element that does not define a part of the internal channel.

[0507] EX51: In EX50, each of the at least two extension portions comprises a single wall extending from the central portion of the inner body portion to the outer tube, an air channeling element or cooling element.

[0508] EX52: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX40 to EX51, wherein the inner body portion comprises up to six extension portions in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0509] EX53: In any one of EX40 to EX52, each of the at least two extension portions extends over the entire length of the inner body portion, an air channeling element or a cooling element.

[0510] EX54: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX53, wherein the internal channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 6 mm2.

[0511] EX55: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX54, wherein the internal channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​16 mm2 or less.

[0512] EX56: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX55, wherein the internal channel has a width of at least 2 mm.

[0513] EX57: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX56, wherein the internal channel has a width of 7 mm or less.

[0514] EX58: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX57, wherein the outer tube is a single tube.

[0515] EX59: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX57, wherein the outer tube is formed by two tubular segments in a bordering end-to-end relationship.

[0516] EX60: In EX59, the outer tube is formed by the first or downstream tubular segment and the second or upstream tubular segment located upstream of the first or downstream tubular segment, and the inner body portion is entirely located within the first or downstream tubular segment, an air channeling element or cooling element.

[0517] EX61: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX60, wherein the inner body part comprises an upstream end wall at an upstream end of the central part of the inner body part, and the upstream end wall partitions an opening for airflow between the inner channel and the outside of the inner body part.

[0518] EX62: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX61, wherein one or both of the inner body portion and the outer tube are formed of a paper sheet.

[0519] EX63: An air channeling element or cooling element in any one of EX1 to EX62, wherein the inner body portion and the outer tube are formed integrally or separately.

[0520] EX64: An air channeling element or cooling element, wherein in any one of EX1 to EX63, the outer tube is substantially cylindrical.

[0521] EX65: An air channeling element or cooling element comprising a porous body portion surrounding at least a portion of the inner body portion according to any one of EX1 to EX64.

[0522] EX66: An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating material and an air channeling element or a cooling element according to any one of EX1 to EX65.

[0523] EX67: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX66, the air channeling element or cooling element is located downstream of the aerosol generating material.

[0524] EX68: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX67, the upstream end of the air channeling element or cooling element is in contact with the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0525] EX69: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX67 or EX68, the upstream end of the inner body portion is located away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0526] EX70: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX67 to EX69, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is positioned away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by at least 20% of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0527] EX71: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX67 to EX69, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is positioned away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material by a distance of 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element or cooling element.

[0528] EX72: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX67 to EX70, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is positioned at least 4 mm away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0529] EX73: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX67 to EX72, wherein the upstream end of the inner body portion is positioned at a distance of 18 mm or less from the downstream end of the aerosol generating material.

[0530] EX74: An aerosol generating article comprising one or more ventilation zones located downstream of the aerosol generating material in any one of EX66 to EX73.

[0531] EX75: An aerosol generating article comprising one or more ventilation zones located along the outer tube, configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the aerosol generating article and the inside of the outer tube, in any one of EX67 to EX74.

[0532] EX76: An aerosol generating article comprising, in any one of EX67 to EX75, a ventilation zone located along the outer tube and downstream of the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0533] EX77: An aerosol generating article in EX76, wherein the ventilation zone is located at 50% or less of the length of the inner body, downstream of the upstream end of the inner body.

[0534] EX78: An aerosol generating article in EX76 or EX77, wherein the ventilation zone is located at least 10% of the length of the inner body portion downstream of the upstream end of the inner body portion.

[0535] EX79: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX76 to EX78, wherein the ventilation zone is located 4 mm or less downstream of the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0536] EX80: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX76 to EX78, wherein the ventilation zone is located at least 1 mm downstream of the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0537] EX81: An aerosol generating article comprising, in any one of EX67 to EX80, a ventilation zone located along the outer tube and upstream of the upstream end of the inner body portion.

[0538] EX82: An aerosol generating article comprising, in any one of EX75 to EX81, a first ventilation zone located along the outer tube and downstream of the upstream end of the inner body part, and a second ventilation zone located along the outer tube and upstream of the upstream end of the inner body part.

[0539] EX83: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX82, the ventilation level of the second ventilation zone is greater than the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0540] EX84: An aerosol generating article in which, in EX83, the ventilation level of the second ventilation zone is at least 1.2 times the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0541] EX85: An aerosol generating article in EX83 or EX84, wherein the ventilation level of the second ventilation zone is three times or less the ventilation level of the first ventilation zone.

[0542] EX86: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX85, wherein the first ventilation zone has a ventilation level of at least 10%.

[0543] EX87: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX86, wherein the first ventilation zone has a ventilation level of 25% or less.

[0544] EX88: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX87, wherein the second ventilation zone has a ventilation level of at least 25%.

[0545] EX89: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX88, wherein the second ventilation zone has a ventilation level of 40% or less.

[0546] EX90: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX89, wherein the suction resistance through the first ventilation zone is greater than the suction resistance through the second ventilation zone.

[0547] EX91: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX82 to EX90, wherein the first ventilation zone comprises a plurality of holes and the second ventilation zone comprises a plurality of holes, and the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the second ventilation zone is greater than the total open area of ​​the plurality of holes in the first ventilation zone.

[0548] EX92: An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of EX82 to EX91, the outer tube of the air channeling element or cooling element is formed by a first tubular segment and a second tubular segment located upstream of the first tubular segment, the first ventilation zone is provided through the first tubular segment and the second ventilation zone is provided through the second tubular segment.

[0549] EX93: An aerosol generating article in any one of EX66 to EX92, wherein the air channeling element or cooling element is configured such that substantially all air flowing into the internal channel during use of the aerosol generating article flows in through the upstream end of the internal channel.

[0550] EX94: An aerosol generating article, wherein in any one of EX66 to EX93, the aerosol generating article further comprises a filter plug element located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0551] The present invention will be further explained merely as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a component of an inner body located within the air channeling element illustrated in FIG. 3a; FIG. 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an air channeling element for an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the air channeling element illustrated in Figure 4a. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0552] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating article (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating article (1) is substantially cylindrical and has an overall length of 45 mm and an outer diameter of 7.1 mm.

[0553] The aerosol generating article (1) includes a load, a downstream section (14), and an upstream section (16) of an aerosol generating material (12).

[0554] The aerosol generating material (12) has a length of about 12 mm.

[0555] The downstream section (14) is located downstream of the aerosol generating material (12). The downstream end of the downstream section (14) corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article (1). The downstream section has a length of 28 mm.

[0556] The downstream section (14) includes air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) and mouthpiece elements (18). The air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) are located immediately downstream of the aerosol generating substrate (12). The upstream end of the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) borders the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate (12). The air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) may also be referred to as cooling elements (30, 31, 32). The air channeling elements have a length of 21 mm.

[0557] Different embodiments of the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) are illustrated in FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, FIGS. 3b, FIGS. 4a, and FIGS. 4b. Features shared by all these embodiments are described immediately below.

[0558] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) are hollow tubular elements. The air channeling elements (30, 31, 32) include an outer tube (22, 221) which is a hollow tube and an inner body portion (24, 241) located within the outer tube (22, 221). The central axes of both the outer tube (22, 221) and the inner body portion (24, 241) are parallel and aligned with each other. The inner body portion (24, 241) is configured to be held within the outer tube (22, 221).

[0559] The outer tube (22) illustrated in FIG. 1 is a single tube. In some other embodiments, the outer tube (22) may include a plurality of tubular segments, such as two tubular segments (an upstream tubular segment and a downstream tubular segment), arranged in an adjacent end-to-end longitudinal arrangement. In this example, the upstream tubular segment may be empty, and the inner body may be located within the downstream tubular segment.

[0560] As illustrated in FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3a, FIGS. 4a & 4b, the inner body portion (24, 241) is also hollow and extends between an open upstream end and a downstream end (25a, 25b). The inner body portion (24, 241) includes a central portion (40, 41) and two extension portions (50, 51) that contact the inner surface of the outer tube (22, 221). The central portion (40, 41) is substantially cylindrical, and the extension portions (50, 51) extend parallel to each other from both sides of the central portion (40, 41). Each extension portion (50, 51) has a proximal end (50a, 51a) connected to the central portion (40, 41) and a distal end (50b, 51b) that engages with the inner surface of the outer tube (22, 221). The extension portions (50, 51) act as holding means that engage with the outer tube to hold the inner body portion (24, 241) within the outer tube (22, 221) at a desired central position. The extension portions (50, 51) extend along the entire length of the inner body portion (24, 241). The length of each extension portion (50, 51) corresponds to the length of the inner body portion (24, 241) and its central portion (40, 41).

[0561] The inner body portion (24, 241) defines an inner channel (26) that extends longitudinally from the upstream end (25a) of the inner body portion (24, 241) to the downstream end (25b) of the inner body portion (24, 241). The central portion (40, 41) and the extension portion (50, 51) are both hollow and contribute to defining the inner channel (26) within the inner body portion (24, 241). The inner channel (26) is continuous and unobstructed. One or more peripheral channels (28) are defined around the inner channel (26) between the inner body portion (24, 241) and the outer tube (22, 221) and extend longitudinally from the upstream end (25a) of the inner body portion (24, 241) to the downstream end (25b) of the inner body portion (24, 241). One or more surrounding channels (28) are also continuous and unblocked.

[0562] The inner body portion (24, 241) is shorter than the outer tube (22, 221). The length of the outer tube (22, 221) defines the length of the air channeling element (30, 31, 32). The inner body portion (24, 241) has a length of 10 mm. The outer tube (22, 221) has a length of 21 mm. The upstream end (25a) of the inner body portion (24, 241) is offset longitudinally from the upstream end (27a) of the outer tube (22, 221). The downstream end (25b) of the inner body portion (24, 241) is aligned longitudinally with the downstream end (27b) of the outer tube (22, 221). Accordingly, the longitudinal distance between the upstream end (25a) of the inner body portion (24, 241) and the upstream end (27a) of the outer tube (22, 221) is 11 mm. This offset provides a hollow cavity (29) located within the outer tube (22, 221), immediately downstream of the aerosol generating material (12), and immediately upstream of the inner body portion (24, 241). The hollow cavity (29) is effectively 11 mm long.

[0563] The maximum outer width or diameter (D) of the central portion (40, 41) of the inner body portion (24, 241) defining the inner channel (26) is 3.7 mm. The maximum width of the inner body portion (24, 241) substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the outer tube (22, 221). This maximum width can be measured from the distal end (50b, 51b) of the first extension portion (50, 51) to the distal end (50b, 51b) of the second extension portion (50, 51).

[0564] Each extension part (50, 51) has a substantially constant thickness. The ratio of the thickness of each extension part (50, 51) to the width of the central part (40, 41) is 0.5 or less.

[0565] The aerosol generating article (1) includes a ventilation zone (15) at a location along the downstream section (14). The distance between the ventilation zone (15) and the downstream end of the downstream section (14) (or the downstream end of the aerosol generating article (1)) is 24 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone (15) and the downstream end of the aerosol generating material (12) is 4 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone (15) and the upstream end of the aerosol generating material (12) is 16 mm.

[0566] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ventilation zone (15) is located along the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32). The ventilation zone (15) includes two columns of circumferential perforations. The perforations extend through the peripheral walls of the outer tube (22) of the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32). In use, the perforations allow airflow from the outside of the aerosol generating article (1) into the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32), particularly into the cavity (29). The perforations also extend through any wrapping material surrounding the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32).

[0567] The mouthpiece element (18) is located immediately downstream of the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32). The downstream end of the mouthpiece element (18) borders the downstream end of the air channeling elements (30, 31, 32). The downstream end of the mouthpiece element (18) corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article (1). The mouthpiece element (18) has a length of 7 mm. The mouthpiece element (18) is a cylindrical plug of low-density cellulose acetate tow surrounded by a wrapper (not shown).

[0568] The aerosol generating article (1) includes an upstream section (16). The upstream section (16) is located upstream of the aerosol generating material (12). The upstream end of the upstream section (16) corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article (1). The upstream section (16) has a length of 5 mm.

[0569] The upstream section (16) includes an upstream element (13). The upstream element (13) is located immediately upstream of the aerosol generating substrate (12). The downstream end of the upstream element (13) borders the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate (12). The upstream end of the upstream element (13) corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article (1). The upstream element (13) has a length of 5 mm. The upstream element (13) is a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate surrounded by a wrapper (not shown).

[0570] In the air channeling element (30) illustrated in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional shape of the inner body portion (24) forms a closed structure. Consequently, air and aerosols moving through the inner channel (26) can only enter and exit through the open upstream and downstream ends (25a, 25b). In this embodiment, the inner body portion (24) is formed as a single body portion or component. The proximal end (50a) of each extension portion (50) is open to provide fluid communication between the interior of the extension portion (50) and the central portion (40). The distal end (50b) of each extension portion (50) is closed.

[0571] FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 4a illustrate cross-sectional views of additional embodiments of air channeling elements (31, 32). The air channeling elements (31, 32) differ from the air channeling element (30) shown in FIG. 2 in that the inner body portion (241) is formed of two components (241a, 241b).

[0572] As illustrated in FIG. 3b, each component (241a, 241b) is formed from a sheet of modified material having a semicircular central rise portion (242) and two curved flanges (243) on each longitudinal side of the semicircular rise portion (242). The curved flanges (243) are formed by folding or bending the edges of the sheet of components (241a, 241b) in the same direction as the central rise portion (242). The components (241a, 241b) of the inner body portion (241) are inserted into the outer tube (22, 221) in an opposing orientation and parallel to each other (both longitudinal and transverse directions) to form an inner body portion (241) that has a cross-sectional shape similar to the inner body portion (24) of the air channeling element (30). The central rising portions of the opposing components (241a, 241b) cooperate with each other to form the central portion (41) of the substantially tubular inner body portion (241). The other portions (i.e., the non-rising portions) cooperate with each other to form the two extended portions (51) of the inner body portion (241). An inner channel (26) is defined between the two components (241a, 241b) and within the central portion (41) and the two extended portions (51).

[0573] The distal end (51b) of the extension portion (51) is open. The flange (243) of the component (241a, 241b) works in conjunction with and engages with the inner surface of the outer tube (22, 221). This engagement effectively forms a seal on each flange so that air and aerosols moving within the inner channel (26) cannot escape from the inner body portion (241) to the surrounding channel (48) through the open distal end (51b) of the extension portion (51). Each flange (243) can be attached to the inner surface of the outer tube (22, 221).

[0574] An embodiment of the air channeling element (32) shown in FIG. 4a and 4b differs from the air channeling element (31) shown in FIG. 3a in that the aerosol generating article includes two additional ventilation zones (60) that extend along the air channeling element (32). The ventilation zones (60) extend longitudinally along the length of the outer tube (221). The length of the ventilation zones (60) corresponds to the length of the inner body part (241). Thus, each ventilation zone (60) extends 10 mm along the air channeling element (32) from the upstream end (25a) of the inner body part (241) to the downstream end (25b) of the inner body part (241).

[0575] Each ventilation zone (60) is aligned with the distal end (51b) of each extension part (51). Each ventilation zone (60) is configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the air channeling element (32) and the internal channel (26) through the distal open end (51b) of the extension part (51). The discontinuous arrows shown in FIG. 4a indicate external air that can enter the internal channel (26) through the ventilation zone (60).

[0576] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, each ventilation zone (60) includes a perforation line (61) that extends through the wall of the outer tube (221) and any wrapper (not shown) surrounding the outer tube (221).

[0577] The specific embodiments and examples described above are for the purpose of illustrating the invention and are not intended to limit it. Other embodiments of the invention may be made, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0578] The aerosol generating article of the specific embodiment described above may further include susceptor elements arranged longitudinally within the aerosol generating substrate. The susceptor may be positioned centrally within the aerosol generating substrate and may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The susceptor elements may conform to any description in the present disclosure regarding susceptor elements or susceptors.

[0579] For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood in all cases to be modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as 10% of A ± A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value within the general standard error for measuring the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not significantly affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically listed in this specification.

Claims

Claim 1 An air channeling element for an aerosol generating article, wherein the air channeling element comprises: an outer tube; an inner body portion located within the outer tube; and an inner channel defined within the inner body portion, wherein the inner body portion comprises a central portion and at least two extension portions in contact with the inner surface of the outer tube, wherein both the central portion of the inner body portion and the at least two extension portions of the inner body portion define the inner channel, wherein the inner channel is substantially empty, wherein each of the at least two extension portions has a substantially constant thickness, and wherein the ratio of the thickness of each extension portion to the width of the central portion is 0.5 or less. Claim 2 An air channeling element according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the thickness of each extended portion to the width of the central portion is 0.25 or less. Claim 3 An air channeling element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the central portion of the inner body is substantially tubular and each extension portion is substantially planar. Claim 4 An air channeling element in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the distal end of each extended portion is closed. Claim 5 An air channeling element in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the distal end of each extended portion is open. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, each extension portion comprises an air channeling element including at least one sealing flange located at the distal end and configured to engage with the inner surface of the outer tube. Claim 7 An air channeling element according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a ventilation zone extending longitudinally along the outer tube, wherein the ventilation zone is configured to establish fluid communication between the outside of the air channeling element and the inner channel through the distal end of one of the extension portions. Claim 8 An air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising one or more peripheral channels defined by the outer tube and the inner body portion. Claim 9 An air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the length of the inner body portion is 80% or less of the length of the air channeling element. Claim 10 An air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upstream end of the inner body part is located away from the upstream end of the air channeling element or the outer tube. Claim 11 An air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the internal channel has a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air channeling element in the same transverse plane. Claim 12 An air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the outer pipe. Claim 13 In Clause 12, the ventilation zone is an air channeling element located upstream of the upstream end of the inner body part. Claim 14 An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate and an air channeling element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air channeling element is a cooling element located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate. Claim 15 An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to claim 14; and an aerosol generating device configured to heat an aerosol generating substrate of said aerosol generating article.

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