Rod-shaped multi-segment article

Abstract

The object described is a rod-shaped multi-segment article (1) that defines or is intended to define a smoking article or an aerosol, comprising a plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged in a continuous manner along the unfolding axis (X) of the article (1). The article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating segment (4) positioned adjacent to one end (1a) of the article and a terminal segment (3) positioned at the end (1a), both of which are permeable by a heating element (302). The terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and an insert (3b) located inside the outer tubular element (3a), the insert (3b) being defined by at least one gathered sheet or web.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the tobacco industry, and to a rod-shaped multi-segment article that defines, is intended to define, or is used for generating aerosols. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-segment article that can be penetrated by a needle-shaped or pin-shaped heating element of a heating device such as an electronic cigarette.

[0002] In other words, the present invention relates to the field of heat-not-burn (HNB) smoking articles.

Background Art

[0003] In general, such articles are provided with an aerosol-generating segment proximate an associated end, the aerosol-generating segment being capable of releasing aerosol when heated, and may for example comprise a tobacco strip, comprise a tobacco aroma or nicotine base, comprise a gathered tobacco sheet, or comprise a tobacco aroma or nicotine base. As a further alternative, the aerosol-generating segment may be formed by pieces of tobacco, or may comprise a tobacco aroma or nicotine base or cut tobacco. In general, the aerosol-generating segment capable of releasing aerosol when heated may comprise any substrate of organic origin, in particular of plant origin (e.g., tobacco, cotton, linen, rapeseed, cellulose, alginate, hemp, paper).

[0004] In the relevant field of the present invention, in order to generate an aerosol inhalable by a user, the prior art teaches penetrating an aerosol-generating segment with a heating element of a heating device such as an electronic cigarette.

[0005] As a result, once aerosol generation is complete, the heating element must be removed from the aerosol-generating segment. However, the withdrawal process can cause some of the aerosol-generating segment, such as powder, tobacco pieces, or ash, to be pulled and dispersed into the environment outside the article. This dispersion is amplified if the aerosol-generating segment contains tobacco pieces, loose tobacco, or tobacco strips (or those containing tobacco aroma or nicotine-based flavors) that are stacked and compressed as necessary, but not secured in any way to the outer wrapper of the article.

[0006] To limit dispersion that may be harmful to the electronic heating device and inconvenient to the user, articles in the art of the present invention have a terminal segment located at the end of the article, proximal to the aerosol-generating segment, through which the heating element of the heating device can pass. In particular, the terminal segment is configured to hold any portion of the aerosol-generating segment that is pulled out while the heating element is withdrawn from the article.

[0007] In particular, it is known that heating elements of a heating device form terminal segments with a full cross-section, which have holes or slits into which they can be slidably inserted / removed, thereby significantly limiting the dispersion (to the environment outside the article) of a portion of the aerosol-generating segment when the heating elements are withdrawn from the holes or slits. This type of solution is known from patent EP2797450B1. [Overview of the project]

[0008] The applicant realized that this solution could be further improved, particularly in terms of ease of manufacture. Manufacturing terminal segments with holes or slots requires considerable precision because the holes or slots must be positioned and dimensioned to accommodate heating devices, and especially the arrangement of the heating elements. In other words, it requires the use of complex, non-traditional machinery, which should be integrated into the manufacturing line of the articles as needed, resulting in increased processing time and cost.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article having terminal segments that replaces conventional solutions, enabling simplified manufacturing and improved efficiency.

[0010] The applicant found that including an insert defined by at least one gathered sheet or web in the terminal segment, preferably but not necessarily obtained by folding and / or embossing and / or crimping the sheet or web, would greatly simplify production, as it would allow conventional machines operating continuously, particularly those with forming beams, to be used for this manufacturing.

[0011] Therefore, the stated technical objectives and specified objectives are achieved by a multi-segment article having the technical features described in claim 1 and / or one or more claims dependent thereon. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1-4] The images show longitudinal cross-sections of different embodiments of the rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention. [Figure 5-6] This shows cross-sections of different embodiments of inserts included in a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention. [Figure 7-8] Figures 5 and 6 show modified embodiments of the model. [Figure 9-11] This shows cross-sections of different embodiments of inserts included in a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention.

[0013] In the attached drawing, the numerical value 1 represents the entire rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The term “rod-shaped multi-segmented article” refers to a rod-shaped article divided into several segments, and is intended to define or define a smoking article, in particular intended to form a smoking article suitable for generating an aerosol by heating.

[0015] Article 1 extends along its unfolding axis "X" between its opposite ends 1a and 1b, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0016] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, Article 1 comprises a plurality of segments 2, 3, 4, and 5 arranged in a continuous manner along the unfolding axis "X", and an outer wrapper 6 that is positioned around the unfolding axis "X" in contact with and encloses segments 2, 3, 4, and 5, and connects them to one another.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the outer wrapper 6 is made from a single sheet of packaging material. According to a modified embodiment not shown, the outer wrapper 6 may be formed from multiple sheets of packaging material, each enclosing a portion of segments 2, 3, 4, and 5 and having overlapping areas. For example, a first sheet of packaging material may enclose segments 2, 5, and 4, and a second sheet of packaging material may enclose segment 3 and a portion of segment 4 (overlapping with the first sheet of packaging material). In a further example, a first sheet of packaging material may enclose segments 3, 4, and 5, and a second sheet of packaging material may connect segment 2 to the group of segments 3, 4, and 5 enclosed by the first sheet of packaging material. Thus, according to this embodiment, the second packaging sheet surrounds segment 2 and overlaps with the first packaging sheet (the overlapping area may vary).

[0018] Article 1, according to the illustrated embodiment, is divided into at least a filter segment 2, a terminal segment 3, and further segments 4 and 5 interposed between the filter segment 2 and the terminal segment 3, which are designed for aerosol generation and processing. These further segments comprise an aerosol-generating segment 4 made of a material suitable for generating aerosols by heating, and preferably at least one tubular segment 5. Thus, the filter segment 2, terminal segment 3, aerosol-generating segment 4, and tubular segment 5 are arranged continuously along the deployment axis "X".

[0019] More specifically, terminal segment 3 and filter segment 2 define ends 1a and 1b of article 1.

[0020] The aerosol-generating segment 4 is positioned in close proximity to the terminal segment 3. In other words, the aerosol-generating segment 4 is positioned in close proximity to the end 1a of article 1 defined by the terminal segment 3.

[0021] At least one tubular segment 5 is interposed between the aerosol generation segment 4 and the filter segment 2.

[0022] The aerosol-generating segment 4 may include common materials suitable for releasing aerosols when heated, such as tobacco strips or those containing tobacco aroma or nicotine base, or tobacco gathered sheets or those containing tobacco aroma or nicotine base. In further examples, the aerosol-generating segment 4 may include shredded tobacco or tobacco pieces, or tobacco aroma or nicotine base. Generally, the aerosol-generating segment 4 may comprise any organic, particularly plant-derived, substrate (e.g., tobacco, cotton, linen, rapeseed, cellulose, alginate, hemp, paper).

[0023] On the other hand, the at least one tubular segment 5 can function as a spacing element between the filter segment 2 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, and / or as a cooling element suitable for defining a temperature reduction of the aerosol generated by suction by a user and heating of the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0024] Alternatively, the tubular segment 5 is a spacer, followed by a cooling segment having a non-tubular structure.

[0025] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the tubular segment 5 is divided into a pair of pieces 5a, 5b respectively suitable for performing the function of a spacing element and the function of a cooling element.

[0026] The article 1 produced in this way can be inserted into a heating device 300 to define an aerosol-generating system 200 schematically shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0027] In particular, the heating device 300 comprises a cylindrical housing 301 configured to at least partially receive the article 1, and a heating element 302 arranged in the cylindrical housing 301. The terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4 can be penetrated by the heating element 302, and the heating element 302 contacts the material of the aerosol-generating segment 4 to heat the aerosol-generating segment 4, thereby generating an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user.

[0028] For this purpose, the heating element 302 has an axial extension for insertion into the interior of the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, preferably along the deployment axis "X" of the article 1. Therefore, in a use configuration, the article 1 is inserted into the cylindrical housing 301, and the heating element 302 is inserted into the interior of the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0029] To ensure proper insertion into the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol generation segment 4, the heating element 302 has an elongated shape, preferably in the form of a needle or pin. Alternatively, it can take the form of a flat plate.

[0030] According to alternative embodiments not shown, the heating device 300 may comprise two or more heating elements 302 having axial deployment and preferably parallel to each other (and to the deployment axis X). Thus, in the usage configuration, article 1 is inserted into the cylindrical housing 301, and the multiple heating elements 302 are inserted inside the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol generating segment 4.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the terminal segment 3 comprises an outer tubular element 3a and an insert 3b defined by at least one gathered sheet or web disposed inside the outer tubular element 3a, enabling simplified manufacturing that can be carried out using conventional machinery.

[0032] The techniques used to manufacture the insert 3b and outer tubular element 3a, respectively, such as the production of gathered sheets or webs and the production of outer tubular elements, are widely used in the tobacco industry. As a result, the terminal segment 3 can be advantageously manufactured as a whole by an efficient manufacturing process, which can be carried out continuously by conventional machines equipped with forming beams. In other words, there is no need to integrate an “ad hoc” machine optimized for the production of terminal segment 3 into the production line of article 1. Gathering can be carried out by conventional machines equipped with means for supplying webs and gathering means in the form of, for example, converging elements.

[0033] Preferably, according to the illustrated embodiment, the insert 3b is defined by a single gathered web or sheet. Alternatively, the insert 3b may be defined by two or more gathered webs or sheets.

[0034] More specifically, the insert 3b is made of at least one sheet or web having a predetermined pattern of weakening folds on its surface to facilitate gathering of the sheet or web.

[0035] The expression “predetermined pattern” means a predetermined geometric shape that is repeated along the surface of the sheet or web, such as a series of cuts (preferably non-penetrating cuts) that are aligned longitudinally, either continuously or interrupted. In particular, the predetermined pattern defined on the sheet or web of material is intended to facilitate the subsequent work of gathering the web or sheet to form the insert 3b.

[0036] Preferably, the predetermined pattern is obtained by folding, crimping, and / or embossing a sheet or web. In other words, the insert 3b is formed from at least one sheet or web of material that has been folded, crimped, and / or embossed, and is subsequently gathered.

[0037] The term clamping and / or embossing operation means an operation in which a sheet or web of material is processed (for example, with a pair of rollers) to define the aforementioned predetermined pattern on the surface of the sheet or web.

[0038] It is understood that this predetermined pattern can be obtained only on a portion of the surface of the web or sheet. In this case, some areas of the web or sheet lack the pattern, i.e., have not undergone any clamping and / or embossing operations. Preferably, these untreated areas can be used as areas for fixing the insert 3b to the outer tubular element 3a, as detailed below.

[0039] If insert 3b is defined by two or more gathered webs or sheets, they may all have the same predetermined pattern of weakening, or they may have different predetermined patterns of weakening. Alternatively, some webs or sheets may have a predetermined pattern of weakening, while others may not.

[0040] Referring more specifically to Figures 5 and 6, the inserts 3b have adjacent portions that are curved or folded relative to each other and are molded to occupy at least a portion of the cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a. Thus, the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises, in particular, the region occupied by the inserts 3b and the region not occupied by the inserts 3b, which preferably does not contain any further type of filler.

[0041] In other words, insert 3b may define spaces that are defined by walls or partitions stipulated by the gathered sheet or web. However, if the gathering is done with a high degree of compression, these spaces may not exist in effect.

[0042] The term "cross-section" refers to a cross-section obtained in a plane perpendicular to the development axis "X".

[0043] More specifically, adjacent curved or folded portions of the gathered sheet or web are positioned in contact with each other, at least around a central region 30 located around the unfolding axis "X", and at a distance of less than 3 mm from each other.

[0044] Therefore, the sheet or web can be gathered so that it is loose, that is, not completely compressed inside the outer tubular element 3a.

[0045] In particular, the insert 3b, i.e., the gathered web or sheet, is molded so that the terminal segment 3 can be penetrated by a heating element 302 (or multiple heating elements 302) positioned parallel to the unfolding axis "X" of the article 1 by radial deformation and / or movement of the gathered web or sheet, ensuring easy insertion / removal of the heating element 302.

[0046] More specifically, the terminal segment 3, in particular the insert 3b, is molded to interfere with or contact a heating element 302 (or multiple heating elements 302) inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis "X" and having a transverse dimension between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, the insertion of the heating element 302 determines the redistribution of the gathered web or sheet within the transverse surface of the terminal segment 3 by radial deformation and / or movement.

[0047] The deformation and / or radial movement is located at least in the central region 30 of the insert 3b, through which the unfolding axis "X" passes.

[0048] Therefore, in the usage configuration of article 1, that is, when it is inserted into the cylindrical housing 301 of the heating device 300, the heating element 302 is in at least partial contact with the insert 3b.

[0049] In particular, referring to Figures 5 and 6, insert 3b defines a shape that, in cross-section, has at least partially random tendencies.

[0050] For example, if insert 3b is made by inserting a web or sheet inside a converging element, its gathers (and therefore its shape in the cross-section after insertion into the outer tubular element 3a) are unpredictable, or in any case, cannot be repeated in a precisely controllable manner.

[0051] According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert 3b has a mainly curved shape in cross-section, preferably a curved shape overall. This option can be obtained in particular from a gathered sheet that has not been pre-clamped or folded.

[0052] The term "primarily" refers to the widespread portion of insert 3b.

[0053] More specifically, the insert 3b comprises a series of curved portions having convex and concave portions, which are preferably oriented alternately.

[0054] For example, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 8, the insert 3b has a shape in cross-section that is mainly formed by a plurality of loops.

[0055] According to embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 7, on the other hand, the insert 3b has a shape in cross-section that is mainly defined by dashed lines having a plurality of fold lines "P" that define the extent of each fold surface "F" of the sheet or web. Preferably, the fold surfaces "F" are at least partially separated from each other so as to partially occupy the cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a.

[0056] The insert 3b may also have a hybrid structure defined by at least a portion having a loop and at least a portion mainly defined by a dashed line. According to the modified embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11, the insert 3b may be molded so as not to hinder (or at least substantially not to hinder) the insertion of the heating element 302, in particular so that the heating element 302 does not come into contact with the insert 3b upon insertion of the heating element 302, or in any case the insert 3b is not damaged / deformed by the heating element 302.

[0057] According to the modified embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11, the insert 3b may have a three-dimensional shape limited to an annular region spaced apart from the unfolding axis "X", the annular region defining a central region without the molded insert (3b), and having a diameter between 3 mm and 6 mm (preferably equal to about 4 mm) and / or a minimum transverse dimension between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0058] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the insert 3b has an annular unfolding that is shaped so as not to interfere with or come into contact with the heating element 302 (or multiple heating elements 302) inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis "X".

[0059] In fact, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the gathered sheet or web defining the insert 3b is configured such that the gathered web does not interfere with or come into contact with at least one heating element 302 inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis "X", thereby defining a distinct central space extending around the unfolding axis "X".

[0060] In other words, the insert 3b is molded to clearly leave a central region 30 in the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 located around the unfolding axis "X". Thus, the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises a region occupied in particular by the insert 3b and a region that coincides with the central region 30 and is not occupied by the insert 3b, preferably without any further type of filler.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present invention, the insert 3b may have a plurality of contact areas 31 (shown in Figures 5 and 8) with the outer tubular element 3a.

[0062] Preferably, the contact areas are angularly distributed around the unfolding axis "X" and / or spaced apart from one another, and particularly in a partially random correspondence, as defined each time by the cross-sectional shape of the insert 3b.

[0063] Preferably, the contact region 31 defines an area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding. In particular, the contact region 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a and preferably bonded to the inner wall 100.

[0064] Therefore, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are connected to each other and integrated, for example, by bonding, to ensure the stability of the terminal segment 3 when the heating element 302 is withdrawn from the article 1. This results in effective retention of the portion of the aerosol-generating segment 4 that is pulled by the heating element 302 when the heating element 302 is withdrawn from the article 1 (by the insert 3b which acts as a barrier to that portion) and the robustness of the terminal segment 3.

[0065] According to preferred embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8, the contact area 31 may be defined by a side edge 32 of a gathered sheet or web, which is curved to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. The insert 3b thus formed can be manufactured using a converging element with grooves configured to exclude the side edge of the sheet or web from the gathers.

[0066] Referring to Figure 7, the insert 3b is formed from a sheet or web of material that has undergone (i.e., clamped) the formation of a longitudinal weakening line of the material in at least the central longitudinal band of the sheet or web. In the lateral longitudinal bands adjacent to the central longitudinal band, the sheet or web defines a side edge 32 without a weakening line, to which adhesive is applied to fix the side edge 32 to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a.

[0067] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, insert 3b is configured to define a shape in cross-section that is ordered and repeating around the development axis "X".

[0068] Preferably, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 11, the insert 3b is formed from a sheet or web of material that has undergone the formation of longitudinal weakening lines of the material across the entire width of the sheet or web (i.e., crimped), and / or has undergone pre-forming that extends planarly and has projections and depressions corresponding to, for example, the radial tendencies of the insert.

[0069] Referring to Figure 9, the sheet or web has a substantially triangular wave profile in cross-section, consisting of a series of successive crests. In this situation, the outward-facing crests define the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0070] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the expansion axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0071] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0072] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 100. According to the first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to the crest of the insert 3b, which is intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the crests of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each crest is bonded to the inner wall 100 anyway.

[0073] Referring to Figure 10, the sheet or web has a substantially square wave profile in cross-section, consisting of a series of substantially linear portions. In this situation, these portions define the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0074] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the deployment axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0075] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0076] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 100. According to the first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to the portion of the insert 3b that is intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the aforementioned portions of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each portion is bonded to the inner wall 100 in any case.

[0077] Referring to Figure 11, the sheet or web has substantially a profile in cross-section in which two substantially continuous linear portions are alternately arranged by edges or crests. In this situation, the substantially linear portions define the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0078] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the deployment axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0079] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0080] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 00. According to a first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to a substantially linear portion of the insert 3b intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the substantially linear portions of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each crest is bonded to the inner wall 100 in any case. Preferably, the insert 3b has a single-layer structure. However, the insert 3b may have a multilayer structure.

[0081] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of an organic material to ensure the sustainability of article 1.

[0082] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a material that does not release any substance when heated, i.e., when the heating element 302 of the heating device 300 is inserted into the inside of the article 1, particularly into the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol generating segment 4, thereby ensuring safety to the user's health.

[0083] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a material that can withstand combustion even when heated up to 350°C, or a material that does not release any substances that are considered harmful or toxic when heated at least within that temperature range, thereby ensuring safety to the user's health.

[0084] In addition or alternatively, according to embodiments not shown, the heating element 302 (or more heating elements 302) may include a portion of insulating material intended to be axially positioned on the terminal segment 3 during use. In this way, only the aerosol-generating segment 4 is heated by the heating element 302.

[0085] More preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a physically heat-resistant material that does not burn, incinerate, or collapse when heated, thereby significantly limiting the extraction of powder and / or material into the environment outside the article by the withdrawal of the heating element 302 from the article.

[0086] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of biodegradable and / or compostable material to ensure the sustainability of the article.

[0087] For example, at least the insert 3b is made of a material selected from paper, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, alginates, plastic materials, metals (e.g., aluminum or steel), carbon compounds, and non-metallic materials (e.g., ceramics). In the case of ceramic materials, the insert 3b is obtained by techniques other than folding, embossing, and crimping.

[0088] According to one possible embodiment, the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a are made from the same cellulose-based material (in sheet or web form). In this scenario, nicotine or other aromas are also added to the material intended to form the insert.

[0089] In other words, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are made of the same material, and only in the case of the insert 3b is nicotine or other aroma added to that material.

[0090] Alternatively, the outer tubular element 3a and insert 3b may be made of a tobacco-based or cellulose-based sheet or web to which nicotine or other aromas can be added.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sheet or web from which an insert 3b is formed may have a plurality of longitudinal ridges of an adhesive, such as a vinyl adhesive, and when the sheet or web is gathered to form the actual insert 3b, a portion of the sheet or web will stick together at the ridges, giving the insert 3b structural stability and rigidity.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present invention, longitudinal ridges may be formed on the sheet or web before the formation of longitudinal weakening lines (if any) or after their formation.

[0093] Article 1 may be made according to different embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0094] According to the first embodiment of article 1 (shown in Figure 1), the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating segment 4.

[0095] More specifically, according to the first embodiment, the outer tubular element 3a is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4, and the insert 3b extends along the entire axial dimension of the terminal segment 3, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X". Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0096] The outer tubular element 3a and / or insert 3b may also be fixed to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or outer wrapper 6, preferably by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0097] Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of article 1.

[0098] According to a second embodiment of Article 1 shown in Figure 2, the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4 by an outer tubular element 3a, while the (axially short) insert 3b is spaced away from the aerosol-generating segment 4 so as to define a spacing region 7 between the insert 3b and the aerosol-generating segment 4. Thus, the spacing region 7 is defined radially, i.e., around the unfolding axis "X", by the outer tubular element 3a, and axially, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X", by the insert 3b and the aerosol-generating segment 4. The outer tubular element 3a may also be fixed to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or the outer wrapper 6 by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0099] Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of article 1.

[0100] According to a third embodiment of article 1 shown in Figure 3, the outer tubular element 3a and insert 3b are spaced apart from the aerosol-generating segment 4 so as to define a gap region 7' ​​between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0101] Furthermore, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b have the same axial length. Therefore, the spacing region 7' ​​is defined only by the outer wrapper 6 in the radial direction, i.e., around the unfolding axis "X", and by the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol generation segment 4 in the axial direction, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X". Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of the article 1.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, the length of the spacing region 7' ​​(measured along the unfolding axis X) is substantially equal to the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). According to one modified embodiment, the length of the spacing region 7' ​​(measured along the unfolding axis X) is shorter than the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X).

[0103] According to the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4, article 1 comprises a tubular or ring-shaped spacing segment 8 interposed between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4. The spacing segment 8 is preferably adjacent to, i.e., in contact with, at least one, more preferably both, of the aerosol-generating segment 4 and the terminal segment 3.

[0104] The spacing segments 8 can also be fixed to the outer tubular elements 3a and / or inserts 3b and / or aerosol-generating segments 4 and / or outer wrappers 6, preferably by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0105] More specifically, the spacing segment 8 is hollow, i.e., it has a cross-section without filler.

[0106] More specifically, the spacing segments 8 are made in the form of tubular or ring-shaped elements and have an empty cross-section, i.e., are not occupied by an inner wall or component.

[0107] For example, the diameter of the spacing segment 8 is preferably equal to the diameter of the other segments, and the thickness of the tubular wall defining the spacing segment is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm (more preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm).

[0108] Therefore, the spacing segments 8 function as reinforcement for the outer wrapper 6 without the use of any type of filler, giving article 1 high stability and structural stability.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, the length of the spacing segment 8 (measured along the unfolding axis X) is substantially equal to the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). According to one modified embodiment, the length of the spacing segment 8 (measured along the unfolding axis X) is shorter than the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). Preferably, the spacing segment 8 is a ring with a length between 1 mm and 8 mm.

[0110] Furthermore, preferably in the fourth embodiment as well, the insert 3b has the same axial length as the outer tubular element 3a and is positioned coplanar with the end 1a of article 1.

[0111] The present invention achieves the aforementioned objective by overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art. In this regard, it should be noted that the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b can be manufactured using conventional machinery, thus ensuring improved manufacturing efficiency. For this reason, the present invention can reduce the manufacturing time and cost of article 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0112] [Patent Document 1] EP2797450B1

Claims

1. A rod-shaped multi-segmented article (1) that defines or is intended to define a smoking article or aerosol product, the article (1) extending along its unfolding axis (X), - Multiple segments (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged in a continuous manner along the aforementioned expansion axis (X), - comprising an outer wrapper (6) positioned around the unfolding axis (X) to connect the segments (2, 3, 4, 5) to each other, The plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5) each include an aerosol-generating segment (4) positioned close to one end (1a) of the article and a terminal segment (3) positioned at the end (1a). The terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generation segment (4) are passable by the heating element (302) of the heating device (300), The terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and an insert (3b) located inside the outer tubular element (3a), the insert (3b) being defined by at least one gathered sheet or web, the rod-shaped multi-segment article (1).

2. The article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the gathered sheet or web comprises curved or folded adjacent portions, and in at least one central region (30) around the unfolding axis (X), the adjacent portions are in contact with each other or are at a distance of less than 3 mm from each other.

3. Article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gathered sheet or web is configured to interfere with or come into contact with at least one heating element (302) inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis (X), and the insertion of the heating element (302) causes the sheet or web to be redistributed by deformation or radial displacement within the cross-section of the terminal segment (3).

4. The article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gathered sheet or web is configured such that the gathered web does not interfere with or come into contact with at least one heating element (302) inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis (X), thereby defining a distinct central space extending about the unfolding axis (X).

5. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insert (3b) is gathered to form at least partially irregular shapes in cross-section.

6. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insert (3b) is configured to define a shape in cross-section that is ordered and repeating in nature around the unfolding axis (X).

7. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the insert (3b) has a three-dimensional shape limited to an annular region spaced apart from the unfolding axis (X), and the three-dimensional shape defines a central region without the molded insert (3b) and preferably has a diameter between 3 and 6 mm.

8. Article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insert (3b) is made in the form of a sheet or web, the sheet or web having a predetermined pattern of predetermined weakening folds on its surface to facilitate gathering of the sheet or web, preferably the predetermined pattern being obtained by folding, clamping and / or embossing the sheet or web.

9. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insert (3b) has a single layer structure.

10. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the insert (3b) has a mainly curved shape in cross-section defined by an alternating series of convex and concave portions.

11. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insert (3b) has a shape in cross-section that is mainly defined by a polyline.

12. The article (1) according to claim 11, wherein the insert (3b) comprises a plurality of fold lines (P) that define the extent of each fold surface (F) of the sheet or web, the fold surfaces (F) being at least partially separated from each other, and at least partially closing the cross section of the outer tubular element (3a).

13. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the insert (3b) has a plurality of contact areas (31) that contact the outer tubular element (3a).

14. The article (1) according to claim 13, wherein the contact area (31) defines an area of ​​adhesion, preferably by bonding, between the insert (3b) and the outer tubular element (3a).

15. The article (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the contact area (31) is defined by the side edge of the sheet or web, preferably the side edge is curved and adheres to the inner wall (100) of the outer tubular element (3a).

16. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the insert (3b) is made of a material selected from one of the following: paper, a cellulose derivative, an alginate, a plastic material, a metal, a carbon compound, or a ceramic material.

17. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the terminal segment (3) is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating segment (4), and in particular the outer tubular element (3a) is in contact with the aerosol generating segment (4).

18. The article (1) according to claim 17, wherein the insert (3b) extends along the entire axial dimension of the terminal segment (3) and preferably contacts the aerosol-generating segment (4).

19. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the insert (3b) is spaced apart from the aerosol generating segment (4), and a spacing region (7, 7') is defined between the insert (3b) and the aerosol generating segment (4).

20. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a preferably hollow, tubular spacing segment (8) interposed between the terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generating segment (4).

21. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the insert (3b) is coplanar with the end portion (1a) of the article (1).

22. Aerosol generating system (200) comprising an article (1) and a heating device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the heating device (300) comprises a cylindrical housing (301) configured to at least partially receive the article (1), and at least one heating element (302) located within the cylindrical housing (301), the heating element (302) extending axially to such an extent that the article (1) is inserted into the terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generating segment (4) in an operating configuration in which the article (1) is located inside the cylindrical housing (301), and the insert (3b) of the article (1) is configured such that, in the operating configuration, the heating element (302) passes through the terminal segment (3) and contacts the insert (3b), in particular to deform and / or radially displace at least a portion of the gathered sheet or web defining the insert (3b).

23. The aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 22, wherein the at least one heating element (302) has an elongated shape and is made in the form of a needle or pin.

24. The aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one heating element (302) comprises a portion of insulating material intended to be axially positioned on the terminal segment (3) in the operating configuration in which the article (1) is located inside the cylindrical housing (301).

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