WO2023089008A1

WO2023089008A1 - Aerosol-generating article comprising wrapping paper with sections protruding in upstream direction

Info

Publication number: WO2023089008A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/082229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Bologna
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2021-11-22
Filing date: 2022-11-17
Publication date: 2023-05-25
Also published as: CN118201504A

Abstract

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

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE COMPRISING WRAPPING PAPER WITH SECTIONS PROTRUDING IN UPSTREAM DIRECTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream section and an upstream section with a wrapping paper. The invention furthermore relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article and an aerosolgenerating device comprising a cavity which is configured for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles are known wherein a user inhales the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article by sucking at the downstream section of the article. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article for example may comprise a filter section or a hollow tube section. The aerosol-generating article may be a “heat not burn" article, which generates an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-generating article also may be a conventional cigarette which generates an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

During consumption of the “heat not burn" aerosol-generating article the diameter of the article located in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may change. This may lead to the aerosol-generating article inadvertently getting loose in the cavity and falling out of the cavity. A changing diameter of the article during consumption also may negatively impact and airflow path between the inner walls of the cavity and the aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles also may comprise a tipping paper for covering a downstream section, wherein the tipping paper extends into upstream parts of the article in order to provide a connection between the downstream section and upstream parts of the article. The overlap of the tipping paper with upstream parts of the article needs to be large in order to provide a reliable connection between the downstream section and upstream parts of the article. This may require the use of excess tipping paper.

When smoking a conventional cigarette, the aerosol-forming substrate is normally smoked up to the portion of the wrapping paper surrounding the downstream section of the cigarette. This may result in parts of the aerosol-forming substrate which are adjacent to the downstream section of the cigarette not being consumed. The airflow path for ambient air to enter the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may be clogged after multiple uses. This may necessitate laborious cleaning procedures of the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article which allows the consumption of a larger fraction of the aerosol-forming substrate. It would furthermore be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article which can reliably provide an airflow path between the aerosol-generating article and the cavity of an aerosol-generating device which receives the article. It furthermore would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article which can reliably be received in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device without the risk of getting loose. It also would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article which may require less wrapping paper for the downstream section. It also would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article providing an airflow path into the article, which would reduce the necessity for regularly cleaning an aerosol-generating device used with the article.

According to an embodiment of the present invention and aerosol-generating article is provided which may comprise a downstream section, and upstream section and a downstream wrapping paper. The downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around the downstream section. The downstream wrapping paper may comprise protruding sections. The protruding sections may protrude in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention an aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating article comprises a downstream section, and upstream section and a downstream wrapping paper. The downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around the downstream section. The downstream wrapping paper comprises protruding sections, wherein the protruding sections protrude in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the terms “upstream", and “downstream", are used to describe the relative positions of sections of the aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating device used together with the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use. The aerosol-generating article according to the invention comprises a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. In use, a user draws on the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises an upstream end opposed to the downstream or mouth end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating article or the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-generating device during use of the article or the aerosol generating device.

The protruding sections protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article may allow proper positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of an aerosolgenerating device. In particular, the protruding sections may be in contact with the inner walls of the cavity. This may ease the positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. This may also reduce the risk of the aerosol-generating article falling out of the cavity of the aerosolgenerating device during use.

The protruding sections of the aerosol-generating article may also allow the formation of an airflow path between the aerosol-generating article and the inner walls of the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. This single use airflow path of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the necessity to clean an aerosol-generating device used with the article due to clogging after multiple uses. A used aerosol-generating article including the airflow path is discarded. A new aerosol-generating article may then be used, the article providing a new airflow path without any deposited debris. This may avoid or reduce the necessity to regularly clean the device.

The protruding sections protruding in upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article may also enable a better connection between the downstream section and the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article.

The protruding sections may protrude from the downstream direction in the upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article.

The protruding sections may be a plurality of elongated sections. The plurality of elongated sections may be positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article. The plurality of elongated sections may be positioned around the aerosol-generating article in an equidistant manner.

This may allow a more reliable positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. This may also allow a more reliable connection between the downstream section and the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow a connection between the downstream section and the upstream section of the aerosolgenerating article employing less material for the downstream wrapping paper in comparison to employing a continuous downstream wrapping paper section. This may save material for the downstream wrapping paper. This may be more cost effective.

The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper may have one or more of: a jagged shape, a comb-like shape, or a tentacle-like shape. These shapes may be particularly well suited in order to provide long extended protruding sections.

The protruding sections may protrude into the upstream section of the aerosolgenerating article. This may allow for a particular good connection between the downstream section and the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream section may be adjacent to the downstream section. The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper may protrude into the parts of the upstream section being adjacent to the downstream section. The protruding sections may partly cover the upstream section. This may allow the use of a relatively small amount of downstream wrapping paper for providing a good connection between large part of the upstream section and the downstream section.

The upstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around the surface of the aerosolgenerating article. The upstream wrapping paper may be the outermost layer of the aerosolgenerating article. This may allow an easy manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article, wherein in the last step the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around the downstream section and parts of the upstream section.

A diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be larger in parts of the aerosolgenerating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in parts of the aerosolgenerating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper. This may allow for an easy control of the diameter of the aerosol-generating article by using the downstream wrapping paper. This may also enable a better positioning of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

The downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around the downstream section as a continuous band. The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around a part of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The protruding sections may extend from the continuous band in an upstream direction.

This may allow for a particularly easy connection between the downstream section and parts of the upstream section which are adjacent to the downstream section.

The protruding sections may protrude from the continuous band of downstream wrapping paper in an upstream direction.

The continuous band of the downstream wrapping paper may be wrapped around at least 50 percent of the downstream section, preferably at least 60 percent of the downstream section, more preferably at least 70 percent of the downstream section, most preferred is wrapped around the complete downstream section.

A length of the protruding sections may be the same or smaller than the length of the continuous band of downstream wrapping paper. The length of the protruding sections may be measured from the downstream end of the protruding sections, where the protruding sections extend from the continuous band of the wrapping paper to the upstream end of the protruding sections.

The downstream wrapping paper may be air-impervious. This may prevent the accidental release of one or both of: air and aerosol through the downstream wrapping paper. This may also facilitate the protruding sections from blocking one or both of: air and aerosol from passing between the protruding sections and the inner wall of the cavity of an aerosolgenerating device when the protruding sections are in contact with the inner wall. Instead, one or both of: air and aerosol may be passing through the gaps between adjacent protruding sections and the inner wall of the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. Thus, the shape and positioning of the protruding sections on the aerosol-generating article may allow for the creation of an air flow path between the gaps of the protruding sections depending on the shape and the extension of the protruding sections. The wrapping paper may comprise one or both of flax and linen fiber.

A length of the continuous band of the downstream wrapping paper may be between 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably between 18 millimeters to 22 millimeters. Such a length may reliably cover the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The length of the continuous band may extend from the downstream end of the article in an upstream direction.

A length of the protruding sections may be between 6 millimeters to 20 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters to 15 millimeters. Such a length of the protruding sections may enable a reliable connection between the downstream section and upstream parts of the aerosol-generating article.

A gap may be located between two adjacent protruding sections. A width of the gap may be between 0.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters, preferably between 0.8 to 2 millimeters. The gap also may be between 1.2 to 1.5 millimeters. This may provide for sufficiently large gaps between adjacent protruding sections which can still reliably position an aerosol-generating article in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, this may allow for enough gap between adjacent protruding sections so that an airflow path can be created which is located in the gap of the protruding sections and the inner walls of a cavity of an aerosolgenerating article.

The thickness of the downstream wrapping paper may be between 0.03 millimeters and 0.12 millimeters. Preferably, the thickness of the downstream wrapping paper may be more than 0.04 millimeters, 0.06 millimeters, or 0.08 millimeters.

A ratio between the length of the protruding sections and the thickness of the protruding sections may be between 40 to 700, preferably between 100 to 300. In particular, the ratio may be 50 for a length of 6 millimeters and a thickness of 0.12 millimeters. The ratio may be 667 for a length of 20 millimeters and a thickness of 0.03 millimeters. More preferably the ratio of the length of the protruding sections and the thickness of the protruding sections may be between 150 to 200. Having longer protruding sections with higher thickness may allow to reduce the material of the downstream wrapping paper to a greater extent. In particular, having longer protruding sections with a greater thickness may compensate for not wrapping around the downstream wrapping paper around the whole circumference of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosolgenerating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosolforming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod shaped.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length including the downstream section and the upstream section of between approximately 30 mm and approximately 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm.

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

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article including the downstream section and the upstream section may have a total length of approximately 45 mm. The aerosolgenerating article may have an external diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

The upstream section may comprise one or more of: a substrate section, a hollow tube section, a ventilation zone and a filter section. The hollow tube section may comprise one or both of a support section and an aerosol-cooling section. Preferably, the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate section. The substrate section may comprise aerosol-forming substrate. Protruding sections extending from the downstream section into the aerosol-forming substrate containing upstream section may allow a user to consume more aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, aerosol-forming substrate which is adjacent to the upstream section may be consumed in a conventional aerosol-generating article by combustion of the substrate without risk of the upstream section becoming detached from the downstream section.

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

A density of the substrate section at the upstream end of the substrate section may be higher than the density of the substrate section at the downstream end of the substrate section. This may prevent any accidental leaking of aerosol-forming substrate from the upstream end of the substrate section out of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. An aerosol-former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the aerosol-generating system. Suitable aerosol-formers may include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Aerosol formers may be polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine. The aerosol-former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may only include glycerine.

The aerosol-former may be present in an amount of 20 weight percent to 58 percent, preferably 25 weight percent to 45 weight percent, more preferred 30 weight percent to 38 weight percent on a dry weight basis based on the total amount of the aerosol-forming substrate. The term “dry weight basis” throughout the application refers to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate calculated with the water removed via Karl-Fischer titration, for example after being heated to a temperature of 110 degrees Celsius at standard conditions for temperature and pressure and using potentiometry to determine the endpoint. The end point is detected by a bipotentiometric titration method. A second pair of Pt electrodes is immersed in the anode solution. The detector circuit maintains a constant current between the two detector electrodes during titration. Prior to the equivalence point, the solution contains I; but little I2. At the equivalence point, excess I2 appears and an abrupt voltage drop marks the endpoint. The amount of charge needed to generate I2 and reach the endpoint can then be used to calculate the amount of water in the original sample. The aerosol-former content can be measured by gas chromatography in combination with a flame ionization detector.

In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant material, preferably a homogenised tobacco material.

As used herein, the term “homogenised plant material” encompasses any plant material formed by the agglomeration of particles of plant. For example, sheets or webs of homogenised tobacco material for the aerosol-forming substrates of the present invention may be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material obtained by pulverising, grinding or comminuting plant material and optionally one or more of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The homogenised plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, paper making processes or other any other suitable processes known in the art.

The homogenised plant material can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenised plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets. As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “sheet” describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof.

The homogenised plant material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

The homogenised plant material may be in the form of a plurality of strands, strips or shreds. As used herein, the term “strand” describes an elongate element of material having a length that is substantially greater than the width and thickness thereof. The term “strand” should be considered to encompass strips, shreds and any other homogenised plant material having a similar form. The strands of homogenised plant material may be formed from a sheet of homogenised plant material, for example by cutting or shredding, or by other methods, for example, by an extrusion method.

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

At least one susceptor element may be located in the substrate section. In general, the susceptor may comprise or maybe made of a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses", because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor particles. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the other components of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may facilitate the formation of an aerosol. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat.

The susceptor may be ferromagnetic. The ferromagnetic susceptor may comprise or consist of a metal or metal oxide. The ferromagnetic susceptor may comprise one or more of iron, cobalt and nickel or the oxides thereof. Preferably, the susceptor may comprise or consist of Fe₂C>3. The upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation zone. The ventilation zone may comprise perforations. The perforations may enable that ambient air is drawn into the ventilation zone. This ambient air may mix with air drawn through the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by an aerosol-generating device so that the aerosol-forming substrate is volatilized. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate may be entrained in the air flowing through the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. This airflow mixes with the ambient air downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate in the ventilation zone. The mix of ambient air with the air drawn through the rod of aerosol-forming substrate cools down to form an aerosol. Having a relatively low number of perforations, particularly 10 to 12 perforations, improves the mixing of ambient air drawn through the perforations into the ventilation zone with the air drawn into the ventilation zone through the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. This improved mixing may result in an improved aerosol generation. Without being bound to any theory, a number of 10 to 12 perforations have been found to lead to the best mixture of ambient air and air carrying volatilized aerosol-forming substrate. The reason may be that this relatively small number of perforations necessitate relatively large perforations to enable a sufficient amount of ambient air being drawn into the ventilation zone. Relatively large perforation may lead to relatively strong turbulences between the two airflows and thus to an improved mixing of the two airflows. The airflow coming from the perforations may be strong enough to break the main airflow coming from the aerosol-forming substrate thereby improving mixing of the airflows.

The ventilation zone may comprise 11 perforations.

This number of perforations has shown to lead to the best mixing of ambient air with air carrying volatilized aerosol-forming substrate.

The perforations may be arranged surrounding the ventilation zone. The perforations may be arranged at least partly surrounding the ventilation zone.

The ventilation zone may have a hollow tubular shape. The ventilation zone may be hollow. The ventilation zone may be cylindrical. The ventilation zone may have a ring-shaped cross-section. However, other shapes of the ventilation zone may be used such as an oval cross-section or a rectangular cross-section.

The ventilation zone may be located upstream of the protruding sections. The ventilation zone may be located in the area of the protruding sections. The ventilation zone may be located downstream of the protruding sections. The ventilation zone may comprise perforations in the downstream wrapping paper.

The downstream end of the protruding sections may be the most downstream positions of the gaps between two adjacent protruding sections. The upstream end of the protruding sections may be the upstream tip or the most upstream parts of the protruding sections. A length of the protruding sections may be determined between their downstream end and their upstream end.

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

The ventilation zone may be located at the downstream end of the protruding sections. This may enable the ventilation zone to be outside of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. This may further prevent a user from blocking the ventilation zone while taking a puff.

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

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

The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may also comprise a hollow tube section comprising an aerosol-cooling element arranged in alignment with, and downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream section may further comprise one or more downstream elements on top of the aerosol-cooling element. By way of example, the hollow tube section may further comprise a support element positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-cooling element may be located between the support element and the downstream end (or mouth end) of the aerosol-generating article. In more detail, the aerosol-cooling element may be positioned immediately downstream of the support element. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element may abut the support element. As will be described below, the downstream section may further comprise one or more elements at a location downstream of the hollow section.

The downstream section of aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention preferably comprises an intermediate hollow section comprising a support element arranged in alignment with, and downstream of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the support element may be located immediately downstream of the rod of aerosolforming substrate and may abut the rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

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

The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The support element is arranged substantially in alignment with the rod. This means that the length dimension of the support element is arranged to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod and of the article, for example within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the support element extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod.

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

The support element may have an outer diameter of between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, for example of between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres or of between 6 millimetres and 8 millimetres. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has an external diameter of 7.2 millimetres plus or minus 10 percent. The support element may have a length of between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of 8 millimetres. A peripheral wall of the support element may have a thickness of at least 1 millimetre, preferably at least about 1.5 millimetres, more preferably at least about 2 millimetres.

The support element may have a length of between about 5 millimetres and about 15 millimetres.

Preferably, the support element has a length of at least about 6 millimetres, more preferably at least about 7 millimetres.

In preferred embodiments, the support element has a length of less than about 12 millimetres, more preferably less than about 10 millimetres.

In some embodiments, the support element has a length from about 5 millimetres to about 15 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 15 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 15 millimetres. In other embodiments, the support element has a length from about 5 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 12 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 12 millimetres. In further embodiments, the support element has a length from about 5 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 10 millimetres.

In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of about 8 millimetres.

A ratio between the length of the support element and the length of the rod of aerosolforming substrate may be from about 0.25 to about 1.

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

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

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

A ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosolgenerating article substrate may be from about 0.125 to about 0.375. Preferably, a ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is at least about 0.13, more preferably at least about 0.14, even more preferably at least about 0.15. A ratio between the length of the support element and the overall length of the aerosol-generating article substrate is preferably less than about 0.3, more preferably less than about 0.25, even more preferably less than about 0.20.

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

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

Preferably, in aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention the support element has an average radial hardness of at least about 80 percent, more preferably at least about 85 percent, even more preferably at least about 90 percent. The support element is therefore able to provide a desirable level of hardness to the aerosol-generating article.

If desired, the radial hardness of the support element of aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the invention may be further increased by circumscribing the support element by a stiff plug wrap, for example, a plug wrap having a basis weight of at least about 80 grams per square metre (gsm), or at least about 100 gsm, or at least about 110 gsm.

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

In aerosol-generating articles in accordance with the present invention the overall RTD of the article depends essentially on the RTD of the rod and optionally on the RTD of the mouthpiece and or upstream plug. This is because the hollow tubular section of the aerosolcooling element and the hollow tubular section of the support element are substantially empty and, as such, substantially only marginally contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosolgenerating article.

Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of a component or the aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. The RTD refers the pressure required to force air through the full length of a component. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” of a component or article may also refer to the “resistance to draw”. Such terms generally refer to the measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 are normally carried out at under test at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the output or downstream end of the measured component at a temperature of about 10 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

In practice, the hollow tubular section of the support element may be adapted to generate a RTD in the range of approximately 0 millimetre H2O (about 0 Pa) to approximately 20 millimetres H2O (about 200 Pa). Preferably, the hollow tubular section of the support element is adapted to generate a RTD between approximately 0 millimetres H2O (about 0 Pa) to approximately 10 millimetres H2O (about 100 Pa).

In some embodiments wherein the downstream section comprises both a support element comprising a first hollow tube section and an aerosol-cooling element comprising a second hollow tubular section, such that the support element and the aerosol-cooling element together define an intermediate hollow section, the internal diameter (DSTS) of the second hollow tubular section is preferably greater than the internal diameter (DFTS) of the first hollow tubular section.

The aerosol-cooling element may comprise a hollow tubular section that defines a cavity extending all the way from an upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element to a downstream end of the aerosol-cooling element and the ventilation zone may be provided at a location along the hollow tubular section.

As used herein, the term "hollow tubular section" is used to denote a generally elongate element defining a lumen or airflow passage along a longitudinal axis thereof. In particular, the term "tubular" will be used in the following with reference to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit establishing an uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the tubular element and a downstream end of the tubular element. However, it will be understood that alternative geometries (for example, alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible.

In the context of the present invention a hollow tubular section provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular section provides a negligible level of resistance to draw (RTD). The flow channel should therefore be free from any components that would obstruct the flow of air in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty.

When used for describing an aerosol-cooling element, the term “elongate” means that the aerosol-cooling element has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension or its diameter dimension, for example twice or more its width dimension or its diameter dimension.

The inventors have found that a satisfactory cooling of the stream of aerosol generated upon heating the aerosol-forming substrate and drawn through one such aerosol-cooling element is achieved by providing a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular section. Further, the inventors have found that, as will be described in more detail below, especially by arranging the ventilation zone at a defined location along the length of the aerosol-cooling element and by preferably utilising a hollow tubular section having a predetermined peripheral wall thickness or internal volume, it may be possible to counter the effects of the increased aerosol dilution caused by the admission of ventilation air into the article.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is hypothesised that, because the temperature of the aerosol stream is rapidly lowered by the introduction of ventilation air as the aerosol is travelling towards the mouthpiece section, the ventilation air being admitted into the aerosol stream at a location relatively close to the upstream end of the aerosol-cooling element (that is, sufficiently close to the susceptor extending within the rod of aerosol-forming substrate, which is the heat source during use), a dramatic cooling of the aerosol stream is achieved, which has a favourable impact on the condensation and nucleation of the aerosol particles. Accordingly, the overall proportion of the aerosol particulate phase to the aerosol gas phase may be enhanced compared with existing, non-ventilated aerosol-generating articles.

The aerosol-cooling element is arranged substantially in alignment with a rod of aerosol-forming substrate. This means that the length dimension of the aerosol-cooling element is arranged to be approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod and of the article, for example within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-cooling element extends along the longitudinal axis of the rod. The longitudinal axis of the rod is preferably identical with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating article is preferably identical with the central axis of the aerosol-generating article.

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

The aerosol-cooling element may have an outer diameter of between 5 millimetres and 12 millimetres, for example of between 5 millimetres and 10 millimetres or of between 6 millimetres and 8 millimetres. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-cooling element has an external diameter of 7.2 millimetres plus or minus 10 percent.

Preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol-cooling element has an internal diameter of at least about 2 millimetres. More preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol-cooling element has an internal diameter of at least about 3.5 millimetres. Even more preferably, the hollow tubular section of the aerosol-cooling element has an internal diameter of at least about 5millimetres.

A peripheral wall of the aerosol-cooling element may have a thickness of less than about 2.5 millimetres, preferably less than 22 millimetres. In particularly preferred embodiments, the peripheral wall of the aerosol-cooling element has a thickness of between 1.2 millimetres and 1.8 millimetres.

In an embodiment, a peripheral wall of the aerosol-cooling element has a thickness of about 1.5 millimetres. the aerosol-cooling element may have a length of less than about 10 millimetres.

The aerosol-cooling element may have a length of at least about 5 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-cooling element has a length of at least about 6 millimetres, more preferably at least about 7 millimetres.

The aerosol-cooling element may have a length from about 5 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, preferably from about 6 millimetres to about 10 millimetres, more preferably from about 7 millimetres to about 10 millimetres.

The aerosol-cooling element therefore may have a relatively short length compared to the aerosol-cooling elements of prior art aerosol-generating articles. A reduction in the length of the aerosol-cooling element is possible due to the optimised effectiveness of the hollow tubular section forming the aerosol-cooling element in the cooling and nucleation of the aerosol. The reduction of the length of the aerosol-cooling element advantageously reduces the risk of deformation of the aerosol-generating article due to compression during use, since the aerosol-cooling element typically has a lower resistance to deformation than the mouthpiece. Furthermore, the reduction of the length of the aerosol-cooling element may provide a cost benefit to the manufacturer since the cost of a hollow tubular section is typically higher per unit length than the cost of other elements such as a mouthpiece element. A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 0.25 to about 1 .

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

A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 0.3 to about 0.9, preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.9, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 0.9. In other embodiments, a ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate is from about 0.3 to about 0.8, preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.8, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 0.8. A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate is from about 0.3 to about 0.7, preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.7, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 0.7.

A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the length of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate may be about 0.66.

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

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

A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 0.13 to about 0.3, more preferably from about 0.14 to about 0.3, even more preferably from about 0.15 to about 0.3. In other embodiments, a ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 0.13 to about 0.25, more preferably from about 0.14 to about 0.25, even more preferably from about 0.15 to about 0.25. In further embodiments, a ratio between the length of the aerosolcooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is preferably from about 0.13 to about 0.2, more preferably from about 0.14 to about 0.2, even more preferably from about 0.15 to about 0.2.

A ratio between the length of the aerosol-cooling element and the overall length of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article is about 0.18. The ventilation zone may be arranged in a second hollow tubular section of the aerosolcooling element. The second hollow tubular section may have an inner volume of between 130 mm³ and 200 mm³, preferably between 155 mm³ and 185 mm³, more preferably of 170 mm³.

The second hollow tubular section may a hollow inner part of the ventilation zone or adjacent the ventilation zone, air may be drawn through the second hollow tubular section. The second hollow tubular section may be the area in which ambient air is mixed with air drawn through the rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The second hollow tubular section is preferably the peripheral wall of the ventilation zone.

An inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may be between 2.5 millimeter and 7.5 millimeter, preferably between 3.5 millimeter and 6.5 millimeter, more preferably between 4.0 millimeter and 6.0 millimeter, more preferably between 4.5 millimeter and 5.5 millimeter, most preferably 5.0 millimeter.

The inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may the inner diameter between inner walls of the peripheral wall of the ventilation zone. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular ventilation zone may span the hollow part of the ventilation zone through which air can be drawn.

One or more of the perforations may have a non-circular cross-section. One or more of the perforations may be slit-shaped or may have an oval cross-section. Preferably, the one or more of the perforations may have an ovality, the ovality being the ratio of a large diameter of a perforation divided by a small diameter of the perforation, of at least 1.5, preferably at least 2, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 4, most preferably at least 5.

According to an embodiment of the present invention an airflow path is created when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The airflow path is present between the inner walls of the cavity and the gaps between adjacent protruding sections. Preferably, the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are in contact with the inner wall of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. This leaves a gap for ambient air to be drawn into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device during a user’s puff. This ambient air may enter the aerosol-generating article via the perforations present in the ventilation zone.

The aerosol-generating article also may be configured for providing an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, the protruding sections protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosol-generating article may extend into the substrate section of such an aerosol-generating article. This may allow a user to consume more aerosol-forming substrate, in particular aerosol-forming substrate, which is adjacent to the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article without the substrate section being detached from the downstream section. Substrate section of an aerosol-generating article being configured for providing an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material, preferably one or more of tobacco, herbs, and flavors similar to the components of the substrate section as described above for a “heat not burn" aerosol-generating article.

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

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article as described herein and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

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

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may comprise inner walls. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may comprise one single tubular inner wall. The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper of the aerosol-generating article may be configured to be in contact with one of the inner walls or the single wall when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

This may allow an easy positioning of the aerosol-generating article centrally within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may provide one or both of friction and a grip to be formed between the aerosol-generating article and the cavity. This may also allow to reliably maintain the aerosol-generating article in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may reduce the risk of the aerosol-generating article accidentally falling out of the cavity. This may also allow the formation of an air flow path between the inner walls of the cavity and the gaps between adjacent protruding sections of the aerosol-generating article. This may also allow the formation of an airflow path leading to the above-described ventilation zone of the aerosolgenerating article. This may allow the formation of an airflow path to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article to allow ambient air to enter the article.

The protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper of the aerosol-generating article may be configured to extend from outside the cavity into the cavity of the aerosolgenerating device when the aerosol-generating article is completely received in the cavity.

This may allow the entry of ambient air through the gaps between adjacent protruding sections from outside the cavity into the cavity. This may allow the entry of ambient air from outside the cavity into the cavity and further through the perforations of above-described ventilation zone of the aerosol-generating article. This may allow the formation of an airflow path to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article to allow ambient air to enter the article.

The aerosol-generating device may include a heating element, in particular an inductive heating element, such as an inductive coil. Upon inductive heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article received in the aerosol-generating device, the susceptor may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the inductive heating element. This may also heat the aerosol-forming substrate. For induction heating, the heating element preferably comprises an induction coil. An alternating current may be supplied to the induction coil for generating an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may have a high frequency. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably from about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz and more preferably from about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to a temperature ranging from 220 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, preferably from 250 degrees Celsius to 290 degrees Celsius. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article, in particular the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may allow the use of an aerosol generated from a “heat not burn” aerosol-generating article.

The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element. The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating coil, at least partly surrounding the cavity, for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

The heating element may be located adjacent to the cavity for receiving the aerosolgenerating article. The heating element may be located at least partly around the cavity for heating an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity. The heating element may surround a perimeter of the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. This may allow a reliable and uniform heating of the substrate section of the aerosol-generating article.

The heating element may take any suitable form. For example, a heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. A heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. A heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within the casing of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium- ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron- Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a control unit. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element, particularly to the resistive heating element or the conductive heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example A: An aerosol-generating article comprising: a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section, wherein the downstream wrapping paper comprises protruding sections, the protruding sections protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosolgenerating article.

Example B: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example, wherein the protruding sections are a plurality of elongated sections, preferably wherein the plurality of elongated sections are positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article, more preferably wherein the plurality of elongated sections are positioned around the aerosolgenerating article in an equidistant manner. Example C: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the protruding sections have one or more of a: jagged shape, a comb-like shape, or a tentacle-like shape.

Example D: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the protruding sections protrude into the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, preferably wherein the upstream section is adjacent to the downstream section and wherein the protruding sections protrude into the parts of the upstream section being adjacent to the downstream section.

Example E: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example, wherein the protruding sections partly cover the upstream section.

Example F: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the upstream wrapping paper is wrapped around the surface of the aerosol-generating article, preferably wherein the upstream wrapping paper is the outermost layer of the aerosolgenerating article.

Example G: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein a diameter of the aerosol-generating article is larger in parts of the aerosol-generating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in parts of the aerosol-generating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper.

Example H: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around the downstream section as a continuous band and wherein the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are wrapped around a part of the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Example I: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example, wherein the continuous band of the downstream wrapping paper is wrapped around at least 50 percent of the downstream section, preferably at least 60 percent of the downstream section, more preferably is wrapped around the complete downstream section.

Example J: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples H or I, wherein a length of the protruding sections is the same or smaller than a length of the continuous band of downstream wrapping paper.

Example K: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples H to J, wherein the length of the continuous band of the downstream wrapping paper is between 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably between 18 millimeters to 22 millimeters.

Example L: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein a length of the protruding sections is between 6 millimeters to 20 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters to 15 millimeters. Example M: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein a gap is located between two adjacent protruding sections, preferably wherein a width of the gap is between 0.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters, preferably between 0.8 to 2 millimeters.

Example N: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the downstream wrapping paper is air-impervious, preferably wherein the wrapping paper comprises one or both of flax and linen fibre.

Example O: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the thickness of the downstream wrapping paper is between 0.03 millimeters and 0.12 millimeters.

Example P: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the downstream section comprises one or both of a filter section and a hollow tube section, preferably a filter section.

Example Q: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, wherein the upstream section comprises a substrate section, the substrate section comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

Example R: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example, wherein a density of the substrate section at the upstream end of the substrate section is higher than a density of the substrate section at the downstream end of the substrate section.

Example S: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples Q or S, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-former, preferably wherein the aerosol-former is selected from a group consisting of: polyhydric alcohols, glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, more preferably wherein the aerosol-former is selected from a group consisting of: propylene glycol and glycerin, most preferably wherein the aerosol-former is glycerin.

Example T : The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples Q to S, wherein at least one susceptor element is located in the substrate section.

Example II: The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding examples, comprising a ventilation zone, preferably wherein the ventilation zone is located downstream of the protruding sections.

Example V: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example, wherein the ventilation zone comprises perforations, preferably wherein the perforations are configured to draw ambient air into the ventilation zone.

Example W: The aerosol-generating article of any of the examples II or V, wherein the ventilation zone has a hollow tubular shape.

Example X: The aerosol-generating article of the preceding example Q, being configured for providing an aerosol upon combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises plant-based material, preferably wherein the plantbased material comprises one or more of tobacco, herbs, and flavours.

Example Y: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article of any of the examples A to W, and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

Example Z: The aerosol-generating system of the preceding example, wherein the cavity comprises inner walls, and wherein the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are configured to be in contact with the inner walls when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

Example AA: The aerosol-generating system of the preceding example, wherein an airflow path is present between the inner walls of the cavity and the gaps between adjacent protruding sections.

Example AB: The aerosol-generating system of any of the examples Y to AA, wherein the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are configured to extend from outside the cavity into the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is completely received in the cavity.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

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

Fig. 1A and 1 B show a perspective view of the downstream section of the aerosolgenerating article and schematic drawing of the complete aerosol-generating article according to the invention;

Fig. 2B depicts a schematic perspective drawing of a downstream portion and an upstream portion of an aerosol-generating article in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 3A to 3C depicts schematic drawings of different embodiments of an aerosolgenerating article including a ventilation zone;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic sequence of introducing an aerosol-generating article of the present invention in cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 5A to 5C depict schematic drawings of different embodiments of an aerosolgenerating article including a ventilation zone.

In the following the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals throughout all the figures.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of the downstream section 18 of an aerosolgenerating article. The downstream section 18 includes a filter plug 42 which is surrounded by tipping paper 11. Further downstream wrapping paper 13 is present, which includes protruding sections 13A. The protruding sections 14 extend from the downstream section in an upstream direction beyond the downstream section 18.

Fig. 1 B depicts a schematic drawing of a complete aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes a downstream section 18 as shown in Fig. 1A which is wrapped around with the downstream wrapping paper 13. This downstream wrapping paper includes a continuous band 13B of downstream wrapping paper, which is wrapped around the downstream section and the protruding sections 13A which extend in upstream direction into the upstream section 15. The upstream section 15 can for example comprise a substrate section including aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article 10 has a downstream end 10A and an upstream end 10B. The protruding sections 13A have a length which can be measured from the most downstream positions of the gaps 13B between two adjacent protruding sections 13A, indicated by the dashed line denoted with 9, to the most upstream extension of the protruding sections 13A. The position indicated by the dashed line denoted with 9 may also be referred to as the downstream end of the protruding sections. It can be seen that the protruding sections 13A extend from the downstream section 18 into the upstream section 15 and therefore can improve the connection between both sections of the aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 2 depicts a schematic perspective drawing of a separate downstream section and a separate upstream section which can be assembled by connecting both the upstream section and the downstream section and by wrapping the downstream wrapping paper around the sections so that the protruding sections 13A of the downstream wrapping paper are wrapped around parts of the upstream section 15. The upstream section 15 comprises aerosol-forming substrate 12 and a substrate wrapping paper 17 wrapped around the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream wrapping paper 13 therefore forms the outermost layer of the aerosol-generating article. This allows the downstream wrapping paper 13 to increase a diameter of the aerosol-generating article in portions of the article which are wrapped around with the downstream wrapping paper.

Fig. 3A depicts a schematic drawing of an aerosol-generating article 10 including a ventilation zone 60 located in the area of the protruding sections. The protruding sections have tentacle-like shape with the downstream end of the protruding sections having a greater with compared to the upstream end of the sections. The ventilation zone 60 includes a plurality of perforations indicated by the dashed line 60. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes a downstream section 10A with a filter plug 42 adjacent to an aerosol-cooling element 24 as a second hollow tube section and support element 22 as a first hollow tube section. Both, the aerosol-cooling element and the support element have a hollow tubular structure so that internal cavities 28 and 36 are formed which together form an intermediate hollow section 50. Upon a user’s puff ambient air can be drawn through the perforations of the ventilation zone 60 into the hollow tubular structures and the cavities 28 and 36. Upstream of the support element 22 a rod of aerosol-forming substrate 12 is located including an elongate susceptor 44. The upstream end 10B of the aerosol-generating article 10 is formed by a filter plug 16. A downstream wrapping paper 13 is wrapped around the downstream section 18 as the outermost layer including protruding sections 13A indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 3A. The downstream wrapping paper 13 forms the outermost layer also providing additional stability to the connection between the downstream section and the upstream section. The ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding sections 13A. Such an aerosol-generating article can be received in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device including a conductive coil as a heating element. Upon applying a variable magnetic field, the elongate susceptor 44 is heated, also heating the surrounding rod of aerosol-forming substrate 12, thereby forming an aerosol. Upon a user’s puff this aerosol is drawn from the rod of aerosol-forming substrate into the intermediate hollow section 50 for cooling. The aerosol is also mixed with ambient air drawn into the intermediate hollow section 50 through the ventilation zone 60. The gaps between adjacent protruding sections 13A and the inner walls of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device can provide an airflow path for ambient air to enter the cavity of the device and finally the intermediate hollow section through the ventilation zone 60 when a user sucks on the downstream end 10A of the aerosol-generating article. Ambient air also may be drawn into the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article via the airflow path formed by the gaps between adjacent protruding sections. The upstream section 15 comprises the upstream section 16 with a filter plug, the rod of aerosol-forming substrate 12, and the intermediate hollow section 50.

Fig. 3B depicts an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Fig. 3A, wherein the ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding sections. This results in the ventilation zone being located inside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. Ambient air can be drawn into the ventilation zone by the airflow path formed between adjacent protruding sections.

Fig. 3C depicts an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Fig. 3A, wherein the ventilation zone 60 is located downstream of the protruding sections. This may result in the ventilation zone 60 being located outside of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may allow ambient air to freely enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic sequence of consecutive steps for assembling an aerosolgenerating system including the aerosol-generating device 70 and the aerosol-generating article 10. On the left-hand side the aerosol-generating article 10 with the upstream section 15 and the protruding sections 13A of the downstream wrapping paper is shown. This aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the cavity 72 of an aerosol-generating device 70 as indicated by the arrow. Finally, on the right-hand side of Fig. 4 a completely assembled aerosol- generating system is shown, wherein the protruding sections 13A extend from outside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 70 into the cavity, thereby creating an airflow path for ambient air to enter the cavity, as indicated by the dashed arrow.

Fig. 5A shows a schematic drawing of another aerosol-generating article 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this aerosol-generating article 10 contains a ventilation zone with perforations 60 in the area of the protruding sections. The aerosolgenerating article contains a downstream section 18 and an upstream section 15. The downstream section 18 includes a mouthpiece filter 42. The upstream section includes at the upstream end 10B the upstream element 42, a hollow cylindrical plug, followed by the rod of aerosol-generating substrate 12. Downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 a hollow tubular element 50 is located, which includes the ventilation zone 60 with perforations. This hollow tubular element 50 serves to cool down the aerosol generated from the upstream aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream section 15 is circumscribed by an upstream wrapping paper 44. Perforations present in the upstream wrapping paper 44 overlap with perforations of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 50. This enables air to be drawn through the perforations of the upstream wrapping paper 44 into the hollow tubular element 50 upon a user’s puff. The downstream section 18 is wrapped around by the downstream wrapping paper 13 including protruding sections 13A as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 5. The protruding sections 13A have a jagged shape enabling the formation of an airflow path between the gaps of the protruding sections when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 5B depicts an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Fig. 5A, wherein the ventilation zone 60 is located upstream of the protruding sections. This results in the ventilation zone being located inside the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the device. Ambient air can be drawn into the ventilation zone by the airflow path formed between adjacent protruding sections.

Fig. 5C depicts an embodiment of the aerosol-generating article shown in Fig. 5A, wherein the ventilation zone 60 is located downstream of the protruding sections. This may result in the ventilation zone 60 being located outside of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may allow ambient air to freely enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone.

Claims

-28- CLAIMS

1 . An aerosol-generating article comprising: a downstream section, an upstream section, and a downstream wrapping paper wrapped around the downstream section, wherein the downstream wrapping paper comprises protruding sections, the protruding sections protruding in an upstream direction of the aerosolgenerating article.

2. The aerosol-generating article of the preceding claim, wherein the protruding sections are a plurality of elongated sections, preferably wherein the plurality of elongated sections are positioned circumferentially around the aerosol-generating article, more preferably wherein the plurality of elongated sections are positioned around the aerosolgenerating article in an equidistant manner.

3. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding sections have one or more of a: jagged shape, a comb-like shape, or a tentacle-like shape.

4. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the protruding sections protrude into the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article, preferably wherein the upstream section is adjacent to the downstream section and wherein the protruding sections protrude into the parts of the upstream section being adjacent to the downstream section.

5. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the aerosol-generating article is larger in parts of the aerosol-generating article wrapped with the downstream wrapping paper than in parts of the aerosol-generating article lacking the downstream wrapping paper.

6. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream section comprises one or both of a filter section and a hollow tube section, preferably a filter section.

7. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream section comprises a substrate section, the substrate section comprising aerosolforming substrate.

8. The aerosol-generating article of the preceding claim, wherein the aerosolforming substrate comprises an aerosol-former, preferably wherein the aerosol-former is selected from a group consisting of: polyhydric alcohols, glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, more preferably wherein the aerosol-former is selected from a group consisting of: propylene glycol and glycerin, most preferably wherein the aerosol-former is glycerin.

9. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein at least one susceptor element is located in the substrate section.

10. The aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims, comprising a ventilation zone, preferably wherein the ventilation zone is located upstream of the protruding sections.

11. The aerosol-generating article of the preceding claim, wherein the ventilation zone comprises perforations, preferably wherein the perforations are configured to draw ambient air into the ventilation zone.

12. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article of any of the preceding claims 1 to 11 , and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

13. The aerosol-generating system of the preceding claim, wherein the cavity comprises inner walls, and wherein the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are configured to be in contact with the inner walls when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

14. The aerosol-generating system of the preceding claim, wherein an airflow path is present between the inner walls of the cavity and the gaps between adjacent protruding sections, when the article is received in the cavity.

15. The aerosol-generating system of any of the preceding claims 12 to 14, wherein the protruding sections of the downstream wrapping paper are configured to extend from outside the cavity into the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is completely received in the cavity.