Tobacco article designed to operate with aerosol-generating device, and assembly comprising such tobacco article

Abstract

A tobacco article designed to operate with an aerosol-generating device, and an assembly comprising such a tobacco article. The tobacco article (10) is designed to operate with an aerosol-generating device and to extend along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (11) and an upstream end (12). The tobacco article comprises:-a mouth end portion (16) defining a mouth end (11); -a tobacco portion (18) arranged between the upstream end (12) and the mouth mouth end portion (16); -an upstream end portion (20) arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion (18) and defining an upstream end (12) of the tobacco article (10); the upstream end portion (20) comprises a solid stop (32); the solid stop (32) comprises an identification element (40) and / or a sensor (42) configured to provide data usable by the aerosol-generating device to perform or change at least one of its functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco product designed to operate with an aerosol generating device. The tobacco product is particularly of a type that presents a reduced health risk to consumers compared to conventional tobacco products, such as conventional cigarettes.

[0002] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a tobacco product, and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the popularity and use of reduced-risk or improved-risk devices (also known as vaporizers or aerosol-generating devices) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of different devices and systems are available that heat or increase the temperature of an aerosol-generating substance to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0004] Aerosol-generating consumable products with carbon-based heating sources that are substantially the same size as conventional cigarettes have been proposed. The carbon source is ignited like a cigarette and heats a vaporizable substrate positioned adjacent thereto. The advantages of these consumable products are that they are as small as conventional cigarettes and are easy to handle when inhaled. However, the burning solid fragments or parts (e.g., charcoal) tend to separate from the rest of the consumable, thereby posing a risk of burns to the consumer. Therefore, these consumable products have not yet achieved significant commercial success.

[0005] A more recent common risk-reduced or risk-modified device is a heated substrate aerosol-generating device or a so-called heat-but-no-burn device (or HNB device). This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature typically in the range of 150° C. to 350° C. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating substrate generates a vapor that typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol that is inhaled by a user of the device.

[0006] Some devices of this type can be operated with tobacco products with for example elongated shapes, and this elongated shape can be similar to the external shape of conventional cigarettes.This tobacco product can include tobacco parts and mouth end parts.The tobacco parts usually comprise aerosol generation substrate and are designed to be received in the device, particularly so that heated by a heating system.The mouth end parts can be outstanding from the device and are designed to cooperate with the lip and / or mouth of the user.A large amount of different types of tobacco products can be obtained, and these tobacco products have for example different types of aerosol generation substrate, specific mouth end parts, specific filters etc.

[0007] In some cases, the user may insert a tobacco product that is not suitable for insertion into the device. In this case, for example, the operation of the device together with the tobacco product may be changed, and the user experience may not always be optimal.

[0008] In addition, the function of the aerosol generating device may depend on different characteristics or data about the tobacco product. In order to improve the user experience, it may be desirable to obtain a large amount of such data and / or enable the device to distinguish the tobacco product from other tobacco products. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tobacco product that provides an improved user experience, particularly when used with a given aerosol-generating device.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a tobacco product designed to operate with an aerosol generating device and extending along a product axis between a mouth end and an upstream end and comprising:

[0011] - a mouth end portion defining a mouth end;

[0012] - a tobacco portion between the upstream end and the mouth end portion;

[0013] - an upstream end portion arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion and defining an upstream end of the article;

[0014] The upstream end portion includes a solid stop extending transversely relative to the axis of the article;

[0015] The solid stopper comprises an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data usable by the aerosol-generating device to perform or alter at least one of its functions.

[0016] According to these features, the tobacco product provides an improved user experience, in particular when used with a given aerosol generating device. In particular, the tobacco product according to the invention allows, for example, data or information to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device in an active or passive manner. This allows, for example, the aerosol generating device to adapt its operation based on data or information obtained from the tobacco product.

[0017] For example, the identification element allows identification information about the tobacco product (such as the type of tobacco product, the producer of the tobacco product, the batch number of the tobacco product, or specific characteristics of the tobacco product) to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device in an active or passive manner. The identification element may, for example, allow the device to be prevented from operating with third-party tobacco products or counterfeit tobacco products that may not provide an optimal user experience.

[0018] Functionality of the device may include: heating, activating or deactivating modes (e.g., on / off, storage mode, etc.), providing signals or alarms (such as light, tactile or sound signals or alarms), setting puffing modes, programming, disabling programs, indicating information (e.g., battery charge level, number of puffs), and any combination thereof.

[0019] The sensor can improve the user experience, because one or several of the functions can be performed by using the data from the sensor. For example, a heating operation can be controlled based on data received from the sensor, such as temperature or pressure data. Since the sensor is part of the solid stopper of the tobacco product, for example the temperature data of the sensor can provide particularly accurate information about the tobacco in the tobacco portion arranged, for example, adjacent to the upstream end portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the combination of the solid stopper including both the identification element and the sensor improves user comfort and user experience when consuming tobacco products. For example, due to this combination of the identification element and the sensor, a particular type of tobacco product can be identified and then the operation of the aerosol generating device (such as heating) can be controlled so that the sensor data matches a target value specifically defined for the identified type of tobacco product.

[0021] Furthermore, the arrangement of the identification element and / or the sensor in the portion defining the upstream end of the article allows for good identification, since this portion can be inserted first into the aerosol generating device. For example, the upstream end of the article can be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device so that, in the inserted position, the upstream end portion of the tobacco article can be arranged at the inner end of the cavity, thereby allowing for reliable identification or data transmission between the article and the aerosol generating device. For example, when the tobacco article is fixed in a predetermined position relative to the device and in a position protected from the external environment, data from the sensor can be transmitted to the aerosol generating device in a reliable manner at this position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the or each identification element extends transversely relative to the axis of the article, advantageously without contacting the lateral and / or outer faces of the solid stopper. For example, the identification element may be molded inside the solid step and / or wrapped by the front wrapper, or slightly inserted in a transverse position inside the filled solid stopper.

[0023] As used herein, the term "vaporizable material" or "aerosol-forming precursor" or "aerosol material" may refer to one or more of the following: liquid; solid; gel; mousse; foam or other substance. The vaporizable material may be heated to form an aerosol as defined below. The vaporizable material may contain one or more of the following: nicotine; caffeine or other active ingredients. The active ingredient may be carried by a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may include an aerosol former, such as a polyol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former includes one or more of the following: a polyol, such as propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; an ester of a polyol, such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate; and / or an aliphatic ester of a mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acid, triethyl citrate (TEC) or triacetin. A preferred carrier may be propylene glycol and / or glycerol. The carrier vaporizes when heated at a temperature of typically about 350°C or less. Flavoring agents may also be present. Flavoring agent refers to the material that can be used to produce the taste or fragrance of expectation. Flavoring agent can include the flavor material of naturally occurring, botanical medicine, extract of botanical medicine, synthetic obtained flavor material or its combination. Flavoring agent can include for example ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, berry, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), eugenol, cooling agent (for example, eucalyptol, WS-5 or WS-3) or analog. Solid aerosol formation material can be in the following form: the rod comprising processed tobacco material; Curled sheet; Oriented strip or fragment of reconstituted tobacco (RTB).

[0024] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursors, such as one or more of the following: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include vapor. Aerosol may contain one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0025] The aerosol generating device may be portable and may be carried by a user together with the tobacco product when the tobacco product is not being used to generate vapour. The aerosol generating device may in particular form a HNB device. In particular, the aerosol generating device may comprise a battery and a heater and / or a heating element.

[0026] The tobacco product may be designed for single use or multiple use. In the first case, the tobacco product may be discarded or recycled after use. In the second case, the tobacco product may last for several smoking sessions. The consumable product may be formed of cigarettes known in the art, for example for use with HNB devices.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the solid stopper is air-impermeable according to the article axis.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the solid stop prevents or at least reduces the flow of air through the upstream portion in the direction of the article axis.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the upstream end portion is air-impermeable according to the article axis. In particular, the solid stopper may extend transversely to the article axis over the entire section of the upstream end portion.

[0030] Due to these features, the incoming airflow is forced to enter the tobacco portion in a predefined manner, e.g. via additional perforations, since the solid stop extending transversely to the axis of the product is airtight. This allows a more versatile tobacco product to be provided, since, for example, the outer face of the end of the upstream end portion can be used for functions other than an air inlet.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the solid stopper defines at least one airflow channel defining an airflow outlet to the tobacco portion.

[0032] Thanks to these features, the solid stopper allows providing an air flow into the tobacco portion so as to obtain an optimal generation of aerosol in the tobacco portion.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the tobacco product comprises an absorbent material configured to at least partially absorb the aerosol from air, the air comprising the aerosol.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the air flow outlet is arranged on a contact face of the solid stopper, which contact face is in contact with the tobacco portion and extends transversely with respect to the axis of the article.

[0035] Due to these features, the air flow outlet allows good penetration of the air into the tobacco portion as it passes through the contact surface.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the or each gas flow channel defines at least one gas flow inlet, the at least one gas flow inlet being arranged on a lateral face of the solid stop, the lateral face extending according to the article axis.

[0037] Due to these features, the airflow is forced through at least one airflow inlet arranged on the lateral face of the solid stopper. This allows a more versatile tobacco product to be provided, since, for example, the outer face of the end of the upstream end portion can be used for functions other than an air inlet. Moreover, due to these features, the tobacco product can be designed to operate with a particularly compact aerosol generating device, since the lateral face of the tobacco product can be used to receive air.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the or each airflow channel defines a plurality of airflow inlets arranged circumferentially on a lateral face of the solid stop.

[0039] Due to these features, the tobacco article allows for the reception of large volumes of air and can at the same time be operated using a very compact aerosol generating device.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the tobacco product further comprises a wrapper wrapping at least the tobacco portion and extending around the product axis.

[0041] Due to these features, at least the tobacco is partially protected.In addition, the wrapper provides a high user comfort for the user handling the tobacco product.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the wrapper defines at least one airflow inlet to the tobacco portion.

[0043] Thanks to these features, the tobacco article allows receiving air via the at least one predefined opening and thus allows effective penetration of air into the tobacco portion.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the wrapper defines a plurality of airflow inlets arranged circumferentially and opening into the tobacco portion.

[0045] Due to these features, the tobacco product allows for the reception of large amounts of air in the tobacco portion.

[0046] According to some embodiments, a wrapper wraps the tobacco portion and the upstream end portion together.

[0047] Due to these features, tobacco product is particularly compact and its manufacture is simple. For example, it may not be necessary to provide any additional attachment device between tobacco portion and the upstream end portion. And the upstream end portion can be arranged to directly contact with the tobacco portion, which allows to obtain a very compact tobacco product.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the solid stopper comprises an identification element configured to provide identification data and / or authentication data relative to the tobacco product.

[0049] Due to these features, when a tobacco product is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the tobacco product allows providing the aerosol generating device with a specific identification or authentication of the tobacco product. This allows, for example, to ensure that only predefined tobacco products are used with the device. The authentication data allows, for example, to detect tobacco products of unauthorized manufacturers or sellers.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the identification element is arranged on an outer face of the solid stopper, the outer face extending transversely with respect to the axis of the article.

[0051] Due to these features, it is particularly easy for a user to identify a tobacco product, for example, when the product has not yet been inserted into an aerosol generating device. Moreover, once the tobacco product is inserted into the device, identification of the tobacco product is particularly easy for a device having, for example, means for detecting an identification element.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the identification element corresponds to at least one of the following elements:

[0053] -Antenna / spool;

[0054] -RFID tags;

[0055] - optical code;

[0056] - Flat symbols;

[0057] -Embossed symbol.

[0058] Due to these features, the identification element can include specific data depending on the application. Moreover, due to these features, the amount and type of data included in the identification element can be easily adapted.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the tobacco portion further comprises a heating element, in particular a susceptor, arranged in contact with or across the solid stopper.

[0060] Due to these features, the tobacco product can be easily heated when receiving energy, and the tobacco in the tobacco portion can be directly heated.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the solid stop comprises a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of at least a portion of the tobacco portion.

[0062] Due to these features, the operation of the aerosol-generating device together with the tobacco product may be improved, since, for example, the heating may be adapted based on temperature measurements.

[0063] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a tobacco article as described above, and an aerosol-generating device defining a cavity configured to receive the tobacco article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] - Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tobacco product according to a first embodiment of the invention according to a first plane I extending along a product axis of the tobacco product;

[0066] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the outside of a tobacco product showing the wrapper of the tobacco product;

[0067] - Figure 3 It includes the first plane I Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a tobacco product and components of an aerosol generating device;

[0068] - Figures 4 to 7 is based on a second plane II perpendicular to the first plane I Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of different examples of solid stoppers for tobacco products;

[0069] - Figure 8 is a component comprising a tobacco product and an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention similar to Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a view of;

[0070] - Fig. 9 is similar to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a tobacco product of view of ;

[0071] - Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the outside of a tobacco product showing the wrapper of the tobacco product, and

[0072] - Fig.11 is an alternative example of the third embodiment of the present invention similar to Fig. 9 Schematic cross-sectional view of a tobacco product of view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] First embodiment of the present invention

[0074] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A tobacco product 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.

[0075] The tobacco product 10 can have a generally cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is circular in a cross section perpendicular to the product axis X, particularly forming a circle with a constant radius. Advantageously, the shape and / or size of the tobacco product 10 is substantially the same as the shape and / or size of a conventional cigarette or HNB product (heating but not burning product). However, in some alternative embodiments, the tobacco product 10 can have other handy shapes that are different from conventional cigarettes, such as parallelepiped, pebble-shaped shapes, etc. The tobacco product 10 can also have a larger size (e.g., in the longitudinal or circumferential direction) than a conventional cigarette and will not be disadvantageous in the way of being manipulated and consumed by a user.

[0076] refer to Figure 3 , the tobacco article 10 is designed to operate with an aerosol generating device 13 so as to form an assembly 14. Figure 3 In the example of , the tobacco article 10 is partially inserted into the aerosol generating device 13 along the device axis Y. The device axis Y may be the same as the product axis X. The insertion position of the tobacco article 10 may be defined as a position where the upstream end 12 contacts at least a portion of the aerosol generating device 13, as described in further detail below.

[0077] Reference again Figure 1 , which shows a cross section of a tobacco product 10 according to a first plane I extending along an article axis X. The tobacco product 10 comprises: a mouth end portion 16 defining a mouth end 11 (particularly designed to be in contact with a user's mouth / lips); a tobacco portion 18 arranged between the upstream end 12 and the mouth end portion 16; and an upstream end portion 20 arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion 18 and defining the upstream end 12 of the tobacco product 10. In particular, the mouth end portion 16, the tobacco portion 18 and the upstream end portion 20 are arranged in this order along the article axis X. According to an example, the tobacco portion 18 is arranged adjacent to the mouth end portion 16, in particular directly adjacent to the mouth end portion.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 , the tobacco product 10 may further include a wrapper 22 extending around the product axis X. The wrapper 22 may, for example, include paper, aluminum foil, or a combination thereof. According to an example, the wrapper 22 may at least wrap the tobacco portion 18, i.e., may extend on the outer surface of the tobacco portion 18 around the product axis X. For example, the wrapper 22 may wrap the tobacco portion 18 and the upstream end portion 20 together. According to an example, the wrapper 22 may additionally wrap the mouth end portion 16 with the tobacco portion 18. In particular, the wrapper 22 may hold the portion 18 and the portion 20 and optionally the portion 16 together, so that no additional fixing means are arranged between the portions.

[0079] exist Figure 2 In the drawing, the upstream end portion 20 is indicated by a dotted line in order to show that this portion is covered by the wrap 22 in this view.

[0080] according to Figure 2 For example, the wrapper 22 may define at least one airflow inlet 24 leading to the tobacco portion 18. The airflow inlet or each airflow inlet 24 may be formed by perforations of the wrapper 22. Advantageously, the wrapper 22 defines a plurality of airflow inlets 24 that are circumferentially arranged and lead to the tobacco portion 18. Figure 2As shown in the example of , each air flow inlet 24 may have substantially the same shape and / or be arranged at the same distance from adjacent air flow inlets 24 along the circumferential direction around the article axis X.

[0081] The wrapper 22 can also define a cooling airflow inlet 26 leading to the mouth end portion 16, so as to allow the airflow filled with aerosol from the tobacco portion 18 to be mixed with the cooler air received in the mouth end portion 16 via the cooling airflow inlet 26 to cool the airflow. In particular, the cooling airflow inlet 26 can lead to a cooling portion (described below) of the mouth end portion 16. Each cooling airflow inlet 26 can, for example, have substantially the same shape. For example, each cooling airflow inlet 26 can be arranged along the circumferential direction around the article axis X at the same distance from adjacent cooling airflow inlets 26. For example, each cooling airflow inlet 26 can have the same shape and size as each airflow inlet 24. In some other embodiments, each cooling airflow inlet 26 can have a smaller size than each airflow inlet 24.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the example of, the mouth end portion 16 includes a cooling portion 28 extending along the product axis X, and a filter portion 30 extending along the product axis X (particularly extending between the cooling portion 28 and the mouth end 11). The cooling portion 28 can be designed to cool the airflow including the aerosol formed therein by further heating the tobacco portion 18. For example, the cooling portion 28 can be formed by at least one hollow tubular element (e.g., a paper tube). The filter portion 30 can have an end forming the mouth end 11 and an opposite end facing the cooling portion 28. The filter portion 30 may include one or more filters, which are configured to filter the aerosol formed in the tobacco portion 18.

[0083] In some embodiments, no cooling portion 28 is provided and / or no filter portion 30 is provided. For example, in this case, the mouth end portion 16 can be formed by the end of the tobacco portion 18 that defines the mouth end 11. In addition, in this case, a replaceable filter / cooler mouthpiece that can be connected to the tobacco article 10 can be used.

[0084] The tobacco portion 18 also extends along the article axis X and may for example be shorter than the mouth end portion 16. According to another example, the tobacco portion 18 has the same length as the mouth end portion 16 or is longer than the mouth end portion 16.

[0085] The tobacco portion 18 may contain vaporizable material 31 as defined above.

[0086] The upstream end portion 20 comprises a solid stop 32 extending transversely with respect to the article axis X. In other words, the solid stop 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the article axis X.

[0087] The solid stopper 32 may include, for example, a polymer material (preferably biodegradable) and / or a molded cellulose pulp material. Preferably, all parts of the solid stopper 32 except for the identification element 40 (described below) and / or the sensor 42 (described below) may be composed of such materials.

[0088] The solid stopper 32 may, for example, have a cylindrical shape having an axis of symmetry identical to the product axis X. According to an example, the solid stopper 32 may have: a contact face 34 extending transversely relative to the product axis X; an external face 36 also extending transversely relative to the product axis X; and a lateral face 38 extending according to the product axis X, in particular parallel to the product axis X and perpendicular to the contact face 34 and / or the external face 36. The contact face 34 may in particular be in contact with the tobacco portion 18, while the external face 36 may form the upstream end 12 of the tobacco product 10. The lateral face 38 may connect the contact face 34 and the external face 36 and be in a second plane II perpendicular to the product axis X (in particular at Figure 1 ) presents a circular cross-section.

[0089] The solid stopper 32 may be air-impermeable according to the article axis X. By “air-impermeable according to the article axis”, it is particularly understood that the solid stopper 32 prevents any air from passing through the solid stopper 32 along a direction parallel to the article axis X. In particular, it is understood that the solid stopper 32 prevents air from flowing from the exterior face 36 to the contact face 34 and vice versa.

[0090] According to the first embodiment, the solid stopper 32 may also be air-impermeable according to a direction perpendicular to the article axis X. In other words, according to the first embodiment, the solid stopper 32 may prevent any air from entering the solid stopper 32 through the lateral surface 38 .

[0091] According to an example, each of the contact face 34 , the outer face 36 and the lateral face 38 may form a surface which is closed and in particular prevents any entry of air into the internal volume of the solid stop 32 .

[0092] For example, the solid stopper 32 may be formed in one piece, in particular from a homogeneous material.

[0093] According to the invention, the solid stopper 32 comprises an identification element 40 and / or a sensor 42 configured to provide data usable by the aerosol generating device to perform or change at least one of its functions.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the solid stopper 32 may include one or several identification elements 40. The identification element or each identification element 40 may be arranged on the outer face 36 of the solid stopper 32. According to another example, the identification element or each identification element 40 is integrated inside the solid stopper 32 and in particular does not contact the contact face 34, the outer face 36 and the lateral face 38. In this case, the identification element or each identification element 40 may extend transversely with respect to the product axis X without contacting the lateral face 38 and / or the outer face 36. For example, the identification element 40 may be molded into the solid step 32 and / or wrapped by the front wrapping, or slightly inserted in a lateral position inside the filling of the solid stopper 32.

[0095] The or each identification element 40 may be configured to provide identification data relative to the tobacco product 10. The identification data may include, for example, the type of tobacco product 10, the name or identifier of the manufacturer of the tobacco product 10, a batch or serial number of the tobacco product 10, or a specific characteristic of the tobacco product 10.

[0096] According to an example, the or each identification element 40 may be configured to provide authentication data relative to the tobacco product 10. The authentication data may, for example, comprise data that is the same as or similar to the identification data. According to an example, the authentication data may be encrypted.

[0097] Figures 4 to 7 An example of an identification element 40 is shown in FIG.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 , the identification element 40 may include an antenna or a bobbin adapted to send data to the aerosol generating device 13 via wireless data transmission. In this case, the identification element 40 may also include a control circuit (not shown). For example, the antenna or the bobbin may be a passive element that is activated for data transmission upon receiving a trigger signal and / or a corresponding wireless energy transmission from the aerosol generating device 13. According to another example, the antenna or the bobbin may be an active element that is configured to transmit data further according to the command of the control circuit.

[0099] refer to Figure 5 , the identification element 40 may comprise an RFID tag (from “radio frequency identification tag”) which is arranged on the outer face 36 or inside the solid stopper 36. The RFID tag may be adapted to transmit identification or authentication data to the aerosol generating device 13 by wireless data transmission. The RFID tag may be an active tag or a channel tag, as known per se.

[0100] refer to Figure 6, the identification element 40 may comprise an optical code, such as a QR code (from “Quick Response”). The optical code may be adapted to be read from a corresponding camera of the aerosol generating device 13 in order to obtain identification and / or authentication data.

[0101] refer to Figure 7 , the identification element 40 may comprise a shape, such as a cross, a triangle, a circle, any combination thereof or any other predefined geometric shape. The shape may be adapted to be detected by a detector or camera of the aerosol generating device 13. Advantageously, the shape may be arranged on the outer face 36 of the solid stopper 32. According to another example, the shape may be arranged on the lateral face 38. In this case, there may be no wrapper 22 on the lateral face 38.

[0102] The identification element 40 can be, for example, a flat symbol or an embossed symbol, in particular arranged on the outer face 36 of the solid stopper 32. The flat symbol or the embossed symbol can have the form of a shape or an optical code. The flat symbol can, for example, be a symbol having at least one color different from the background color. The embossed symbol can, for example, be a protrusion extending from the outer face 36 in at least one plane parallel to the outer face 36. According to an example, the identification element 40 can be an embossed symbol with a different color, for example only on a part of the embossed symbol, in order to provide additional identification or authentication data.

[0103] The sensor 42 of the solid stop 32 may be molded into the solid stop 32 or disposed on a face of the solid stop 32 , such as the contact face 34 or on the exterior face 36 .

[0104] The sensor 42 may be a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of at least a portion of the tobacco portion 18. In this case, the sensor 42 may be arranged on or near the contact surface 34 to provide a temperature measurement of the vaporizable material 31. According to another example, the sensor 42 may be a pressure sensor, for example, arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion 18. The pressure sensor may be configured to detect, for example, a puff by a user.

[0105] The sensor 42 may be connected to a transmission module (not shown) configured to transmit measurement data (such as temperature or pressure measurements) to the aerosol generating device 13, for example in order to allow heating control based on these data. In some embodiments, the transmission module is implemented according to one or several of the technologies explained in relation to the identification element 40. For example, the transmission module may comprise an antenna or an RFID tag as explained above.

[0106] Reference again Figure 3The aerosol generating device 13 may be a HNB (heat but not burn) device. The aerosol generating device 13 may have a housing 43 forming a cavity 44 configured to at least partially receive the tobacco product 10. Figure 3 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the tobacco article 10 is partially received in the cavity 44. In particular, the cavity 44 is adapted to completely receive the tobacco portion 18 when the solid stopper 32 is in contact with the bottom of the cavity 44. Advantageously, the total length of the tobacco portion 18 and the upstream end portion 20 is substantially equal to the length of the cavity 44 along the device axis Y.

[0107] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 44 corresponds, for example, to the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco product 10. In this case, the aerosol generating device 13 may further include an anchoring device (not shown) designed to fix the tobacco product 10 in a desired position relative to, for example, the cavity 44. According to one example, the anchoring device includes protruding surfaces designed to protrude radially in the interior of the cavity 44 to fix the tobacco product 10 by friction. According to another example, the anchoring device includes a needle or a blade designed to protrude from the cavity 44 and penetrate the tobacco product 10 to fix it in an engaged position.

[0108] According to another example, no anchoring means is provided. In this case, the cross section of the cavity 44 can be slightly smaller than the cross section of the tobacco product 10 to compress and fix the tobacco product in the cavity 44.

[0109] The housing 43 includes various internal components (not shown) of the device 13 to ensure its various functions. For example, the housing 43 includes: one or more heating elements; a controller for controlling the operation of the (multiple) heating elements; and a battery for powering the (multiple) heating elements and the controller.

[0110] The battery is, for example, a known battery designed to be charged using a power supply provided by an external power source and to provide a direct current having a predetermined voltage. The battery may be associated with a battery charger capable of connecting the battery to an external power source and comprising for this purpose a power connector (such as, for example, a mini-USB or USB-C connector) or a wireless charging connector.

[0111] The controller is configured to control the operation of (multiple) heating elements by controlling the heating elements to be powered by batteries. For this purpose, the controller can, for example, apply a predetermined heating curve to control the operation of (multiple) heating elements. In certain embodiments, the heating curve can be selected according to the data obtained from the identification element 40 and / or from the sensor 42. For example, if the authentication data of the identification element 40 relative to the tobacco product 10 indicates that the product 10 is the product of an unauthorized manufacturer, the user can be warned and / or the controller can prevent the heating of (multiple) heating elements. According to another example, the heating curve can be adapted based on the measurement results of temperature or other types provided by the sensor 42.

[0112] The heating element or each heating element may include, for example, a resistor element designed to convert electrical energy into heat, and / or a magnetic element designed to generate a magnetic field around (multiple) heating elements. According to an example, assembly 14 includes a susceptor, and each heating element includes a magnetic element such as a magnetic coil. In this case, each heating element is, for example, adapted to generate a magnetic field according to the entire length of each heating element, and the heating element heats the tobacco portion 18 and particularly the vaporizable material 31 contained therein.

[0113] According to a first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 13 may include a detector 46. The detector 46 may be arranged at the bottom of the cavity 44, such as Figure 3 According to an alternative, the detector 46 can be arranged on a lateral wall of the housing 43.

[0114] The detector 46 may be configured to detect the identification element 40, and in particular to detect identification and / or authentication data relative to the tobacco article 10. For example, the detector may be a camera or another electromagnetic receiver or antenna.

[0115] According to an example, the detector 46 can be configured to receive data from the sensor 42 of the tobacco product 10, and for example send these data to the controller of the device 13, so that the device can perform or change at least one of its functions according to the data. The functions performed or changed may include, for example, heating, activating or deactivating a mode (e.g., turning on / off, saving mode, etc.), providing a signal or alarm (such as light, tactile, sound signal or alarm), setting a suction mode, programming, disabling a program, etc.

[0116] Second embodiment of the present invention

[0117] Reference now Figure 8 A second embodiment of the present invention is described. Corresponding elements of the second embodiment include the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, increased by 100. Compared to the first embodiment of the assembly 14, Figure 8However, the assembly 114 according to the second embodiment may also include one, several or all of the elements of the assembly 14.

[0118] Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are described in detail, and the same or corresponding elements will not be described again.

[0119] The tobacco portion 118 may include a heating element 48 arranged to contact the solid stop 132. The heating element 48 may, for example, be a susceptor. The heating element may be arranged to contact the solid stop 132. The heating element 48 may, for example, extend through at least a portion of the tobacco portion 118 and through at least a portion of the upstream end portion 120 according to the article axis X. Figure 8 , the heating element 48 may extend through the entire length of the tobacco portion 118 and the upstream end portion 120 along the article axis X. For example, a portion of the exterior face 136 may be formed by one end of the heating element 48. In particular, the solid stopper 132 may include a hole receiving portion of the heating element 48. In this case, when the heating element 48 is inserted into the solid stopper 132, the solid stopper 132 is advantageously airtight according to the article axis X.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 13 according to the second embodiment may comprise, for example, a heat generator 50 (such as a magnetic coil) configured to generate a magnetic field which heats the heating element 48 (ie the susceptor) and thereby heats the tobacco portion 18 .

[0121] According to an example, the aerosol generating device 113 may include a sensor (not shown), such as a temperature sensor, which is arranged in the cavity 144 and is configured to measure the temperature of the heating element 48 (such as a susceptor), advantageously by non-contact measurement. In addition or according to an alternative example, the tobacco product 110 may include a sensor in the solid stopper 132, forming a temperature sensor.

[0122] The solid stopper 132 according to the second embodiment may also include an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data that can be used by the aerosol generating device 113 to perform or change at least one of its functions. The identification element and / or sensor are the same or similar to those described in the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the solid stopper 132 may provide the same or similar functions as the solid stopper 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0123] Third embodiment of the present invention

[0124] Reference now Fig. 9A third embodiment of the present invention is described. Corresponding elements of the third embodiment include the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, increased by 200. Compared to the first embodiment of the tobacco article 10, Fig. 9 However, the tobacco product 210 according to the third embodiment may also include one, several or all of the elements of the tobacco product 10.

[0125] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, only the tobacco product 210 is shown, and the aerosol generating device is omitted. The tobacco product 210 is designed to operate with the aerosol generating device 13, 113 according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment having the features described above.

[0126] Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment are described in detail, and the same or corresponding elements will not be described again.

[0127] The upstream end portion 220 of the third embodiment may include a solid stopper 232 delimiting an airflow channel 52. The airflow channel 52 may define an airflow outlet 54 leading to the tobacco portion 218. The airflow outlet 54 may, for example, be arranged on a contact surface 234 of the solid stopper 232. The contact surface 234 is particularly arranged in the same position and orientation as the contact surface 34 of the first embodiment. In particular, the contact surface 234 may be in contact with the tobacco portion 218 and extend transversely relative to the product axis X. The airflow channel 52 may define at least one airflow inlet 56 arranged on a lateral surface 238 of the solid stopper 232. The lateral surface 238 is particularly arranged in the same position and orientation as the lateral surface 38 of the first embodiment, i.e., extending according to the product axis X.

[0128] According to an example, the air flow channel 52 may present a curve having an angle substantially equal to 90 degrees, in particular in a first plane I including the product axis X. For example, the flow direction at the air flow inlet 56 may be substantially perpendicular to the flow direction at the air flow outlet 54. For example, the air flow channel 52 may present an L-form in the first plane I.

[0129] According to an example, the airflow channel 52 may define a plurality of airflow inlets 56 that are circumferentially arranged on the lateral surface 238 of the solid stop 232. For example, each airflow inlet 56 may have the same shape and / or the same distance as adjacent airflow inlets 56.

[0130] According to an example, the solid stopper 232 may include a plurality of airflow channels 52 as described above. For example, each airflow channel 52 may include a single airflow inlet 56 and a single airflow outlet 54. In this case, the airflow inlet 56 of each airflow channel 52 may have the same shape and / or the same distance as the adjacent airflow inlet 56. According to another example, each airflow channel 52 may include a plurality of airflow inlets 56 and / or airflow outlets 54.

[0131] refer to Fig.10 , the tobacco product 210 includes a wrapper 222. The wrapper 222 may define a cooling airflow inlet 226 that is the same as or similar to the cooling airflow inlet 26 of the first embodiment. The wrapper 222 according to the third embodiment may include at least one, preferably several, end airflow inlets 58. Each end airflow inlet 58 may be arranged to face the corresponding airflow inlet 56 of the solid stopper 232. For example, each end airflow inlet 58 may have the same shape as the corresponding airflow inlet 56. As in Fig.10 As can be seen in the example of , the wrap 222 can define a plurality of end airflow inlets 58 arranged circumferentially around the article axis X. Preferably, each end airflow inlet 58 has the same distance from an adjacent end airflow inlet 58 .

[0132] Additionally, the wrapper 222 may include one or more air flow inlets (not shown) leading to the tobacco portion 18. The air flow inlet or inlets may be the same as the air flow inlet 24 of the first embodiment.

[0133] exist Fig.10 In the figure, the upstream end portion 220 is represented by a dotted line to show that the portion is covered by the wrap 222 in this view.

[0134] The solid stopper 232 according to the third embodiment may also include an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data that can be used by the aerosol generating device to perform or change at least one of its functions. The identification element and / or sensor are the same or similar to those described in the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the solid stopper 232 may provide the same or similar functionality as the solid stopper 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0135] The solid stopper 232 according to the third embodiment having one or several airflow channels 52 can be combined with the tobacco product 10 of the first embodiment or the tobacco product 110 of the second embodiment. Moreover, the solid stopper 232 of the third embodiment can be adapted so that it includes a hole for receiving the heating element 48 of the second embodiment.

[0136] Furthermore, the wrapper 222 according to the third embodiment may be combined with the tobacco product 10 of the first embodiment or the tobacco product 110 of the second embodiment.

[0137] refer to Fig.11 , the tobacco product 210 can have an air intake area 240 and a rod identification area 242. The air intake area 240 can include, for example, at least a portion of the mouth end portion 216, and also include the tobacco portion 218. The rod identification area 242 can include at least a portion of the solid stopper 232. In particular, the rod identification area 242 can form an airflow barrier along the product axis X, that is, in particular, no airflow can flow from one end of the rod identification area 242 to the opposite end of the rod identification area 242, these ends being defined along a direction parallel to the product axis X.

[0138] Still reference Fig.11 According to an example, a portion 244 of the solid stopper 232 may protrude from the rod identification region 242 into the air intake region 240. The air intake region 240 may include a portion of the solid stopper 232 that forms (a plurality of) air flow channels 52 (e.g., in the form of an L). The rod identification region 242 may include a portion of the solid stopper 232 that includes the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42, Fig.11 Not shown.

[0139] According to an example, the solid stop 232 may include at least one seal 246 configured to prevent vapor and / or gas flow from penetrating into the rod identification region 242, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the article axis X. According to an example, the seal 246 may extend circumferentially around a portion of the solid stop 232 including the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42.

[0140] According to an example, the tobacco product 210 may comprise an absorbent material which is in particular configured to allow an airflow to pass through and which is further configured to at least partially capture or absorb aerosols, for example, from the vapor, for example air comprising aerosols, for example from the tobacco portion 218. The absorbent material may, for example, be arranged between the tobacco portion 218 and the solid stop 232, for example in the form of a layer 248 extending perpendicularly to the product axis X. This in particular allows preventing vapor, for example air comprising aerosols, from flowing from the tobacco portion 218 into the upstream end portion 220 and thus allows protecting the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42 of the solid stop 232 from the influence of aerosols.

[0141] According to an example, the air flow channel(s) 52 may be at least partially filled with an absorbent material. According to an alternative example, the air flow channel(s) 52 may be empty, ie filled with ambient air only.

[0142] Although some of the above characteristics are reference Fig.11 This is described as an example of the third embodiment, but at least one feature, preferably all of these features, may alternatively be combined with the tobacco product 10 according to the first embodiment or the tobacco product 110 of the second embodiment.

Claims

1. - A tobacco product (10, 110, 210) designed to operate with an aerosol generating device (13, 113) and extending along a product axis (X) between a mouth end (11, 111, 211) and an upstream end (12, 112, 212), and comprising: - a mouth end portion (16, 116, 216) defining the mouth end (11, 111, 211); - a tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) arranged between the upstream end (12, 112, 212) and the mouth end portion (16, 116, 216); - an upstream end portion (20, 120, 220) arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) and defining an upstream end (12, 112, 212) of the tobacco product (10, 110, 210); The upstream end portion (20, 120, 220) includes a solid stop (32, 132, 232) extending transversely relative to the article axis (X); The solid stopper (32, 132, 232) comprises an identification element (40) and / or a sensor (42) configured to provide data that can be used by the aerosol generating device (13, 113) to perform or change at least one of its functions.

2. The tobacco product according to claim 1, wherein The solid stopper (32, 132, 232) is air-impermeable relative to the article axis (X).

3. The tobacco product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The solid stopper (232) defines at least one airflow channel (52), the at least one airflow channel defining an airflow outlet (54) leading to the tobacco portion (218), wherein preferably, the tobacco product (10, 110, 210) includes an absorbent material configured to at least partially absorb an aerosol from air, the air including the aerosol.

4. The tobacco product according to claim 3, wherein: The airflow outlet (54) is disposed on a contact surface (234) of the solid stopper (232), the contact surface (234) being in contact with the tobacco portion (218) and extending transversely relative to the article axis (X).

5. The tobacco product according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The or each airflow channel (52) defines at least one airflow inlet (56) arranged on a lateral face (238) of the solid stop (232), the lateral face (238) extending according to the article axis (X).

6. The tobacco product according to claim 5, wherein: The or each airflow channel (52) defines a plurality of airflow inlets (56) arranged circumferentially on a lateral face (238) of the solid stop (232).

7. The tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a wrapper (22, 222) wrapping at least the tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) and extending around the product axis (X).

8. The tobacco product according to claim 7, wherein: The wrapper (22) defines at least one airflow inlet (24) leading to the tobacco portion (18), Advantageously, the wrapper (22) defines a plurality of airflow inlets (24) arranged circumferentially and leading to the tobacco portion (18).

9. The tobacco product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The wrapper (22, 222) wraps the tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) and the upstream end portion (20, 120, 220) together.

10. The tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The solid stopper (32, 132, 232) includes an identification element (40) configured to provide identification data and / or authentication data relative to the tobacco product (10, 110, 210).

11. The tobacco product according to claim 10, wherein: The identification element (40) is disposed on an outer face (36, 136, 236) of the solid stop (32, 132, 232), the outer face (36, 136, 236) extending transversely relative to the article axis (X).

12. The tobacco product according to claim 11, wherein The identification element (40) corresponds to at least one of the following elements: -Antenna / spool; -RFID tags; - optical code; - Flat symbols; -Embossed symbol.

13. A tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tobacco portion (118) further comprises a heating element (48), in particular a susceptor, arranged in contact with the solid stopper (132).

14. A tobacco product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The solid stop (32, 132, 232) includes a temperature sensor (42) configured to provide a temperature measurement of at least a portion of the tobacco portion (18, 118, 218).

15. An assembly (14, 114), comprising: - a tobacco product (10, 110, 210) according to any one of the preceding claims, and - an aerosol generating device (13, 113) defining a cavity (44, 144) configured to receive the tobacco article (10, 110, 210).

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