Aerosol-generating article having taggants

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article (10) includes an aerosol-generating substrate (12), a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a taggant (60) provided on the downstream section, the upstream end of the taggant being at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating system includes the aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device (1). The aerosol-generating device includes a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating article and a detector (8) capable of detecting the presence of the taggant. The detector is disposed such that it is substantially aligned with the taggant when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating article also comprising a taggant. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising such an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted, are well known in the art.Typically, in such heated smoking articles, aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source.During the use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article.As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles, including, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices, in which the aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Prior art aerosol generating devices may include a cavity for at least partially receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0004] A particular aerosol generating device may be configured for use with a particular aerosol generating article, for example the temperature reached by one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device may be configured to maximize aerosol generation in a particular aerosol generating substrate without leading to the generation of unpleasant flavors.

[0005] However, it is conceivable that a user may inadvertently or otherwise attempt to use an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device for which the aerosol-generating device was not designed to be used. For example, a user may attempt to use a conventional combustible cigarette, or a counterfeit aerosol-generating article, in an aerosol-generating device. This may result in poor aerosol generation and a reduced user experience, which may adversely affect the aerosol-generating device. Additionally, the use of an aerosol-generating article other than the intended aerosol-generating article may damage the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] Furthermore, it may be desirable for one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device to reach different temperatures at different times (i.e. have different heating profiles) depending on the type or flavor of the aerosol generating article being used with the aerosol generating device, in which case it would be desirable for the aerosol generating device to be able to automatically modify the temperature settings without the user having to manually input any details.

[0007] It would therefore be desirable to provide a system that allows an aerosol generating device to detect the presence of a particular aerosol generating article. If the aerosol generating device does not recognize a particular aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device may not activate the heater elements to prevent a poor user experience. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device detects a particular recognized aerosol generating article, it may execute a particular heating profile that is specifically configured for use with that type of aerosol generating article.

[0008] In addition, it would be desirable to provide a system that allows an aerosol generating device to detect the presence of a particular aerosol generating article reliably, even after several uses of the aerosol generating system. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a taggant provided on the downstream section. An upstream end of the taggant may be at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a taggant provided on the downstream section, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0011] Providing a taggant on an aerosol-generating article may enable the aerosol-generating article to be detected and identified by an aerosol-generating device including a suitable detector. This identification may be advantageously used, for example, to verify the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article or to determine an appropriate heating profile for the aerosol-generating article.

[0012] The term "taggant" as used herein with respect to the present invention refers to a chemical or physical marker that is added to a component, the presence of which may be detected by an appropriate detector, allowing the component to be identified. Physical taggants can take many different forms, but are typically very small in size, present at low levels, and easy to detect. Taggants may include uniquely coded materials.

[0013] The taggant may be any taggant, for example, the taggant may include a photoluminescent material that has a luminescence half-life of 50 microseconds to 1000 microseconds after optical excitation of the photoluminescent material.

[0014] The term "luminescence half-life" as used herein with reference to the present invention refers to the time taken for the intensity of the radiative emission by a photoluminescent material to decay by half after the photoluminescent material is irradiated by a radiation source and after the radiation source is removed or switched off.

[0015] Advantageously, taggants including photoluminescent materials may be more difficult to replicate during the manufacture of counterfeit aerosol-generating articles compared to known systems including identifiable ink patterns, For example, it may be impossible to manufacture a counterfeit article without determining the particular photoluminescent material and at least one of the one or more emission wavelengths at which the photoluminescent material may be excited and the one or more wavelengths at which the photoluminescent material may emit radiation.

[0016] In use, the aerosol-generating article may be partially inserted into a cavity of a corresponding aerosol-generating device. When the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity, the aerosol-generating substrate is generally aligned with one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol-generating device in order to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. It is understood that the term "fully inserted" describes the position of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is in its intended position for aerosol generation. It is not necessary for the entire length of the aerosol-generating article to be within the cavity. As explained below, a portion of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the mouthpiece) may protrude from the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0017] Providing the taggant at a position 0.5 millimeters downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate provides several advantages. First, it allows the detector to be located away from and downstream of the portion of the cavity that is heated by one or more electric heater elements. During repeated use, the portion of the cavity that is heated may experience a buildup of heating by-products and slurry, which may condense on the inner walls of the cavity. Locating the taggant at least 0.5 millimeters away from the aerosol-generating substrate may also allow the detector to be located at least 0.5 millimeters away from the portion of the cavity that is most susceptible to the buildup of heating by-products and slurry. This may advantageously improve the reliability of the detector.

[0018] Secondly, this provision prevents the taggant itself from being directly heated during use, as the taggant is located at a position downstream of the location of the aerosol-generating article that needs to be heated. It is expected that some taggants may degrade or be damaged when heated. Thus, locating the taggant downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate may prevent the taggant from being damaged, which may advantageously improve the reliability of taggant detection. In addition, this provision may prevent the taggant from coming into contact with heating by-products and slurry, which, as mentioned above, are most likely to be located in the portion of the cavity that is heated during use. Thus, this may further improve the reliability of taggant detection by preventing contamination of the taggant.

[0019] Third, this provision allows the taggant to be located very close to the opening of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity. This may allow the detector to be located close to the opening of the cavity. This may allow the detector to be easily cleaned using an appropriate tool if heating by-products and slurry build up on the detector. This may advantageously improve the reliability of the detector.

[0020] The upstream end of the taggant may be at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the upstream end of the taggant may be at least 1 millimeter, at least 1.5 millimeters, or at least 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0021] The upstream end of the taggant may be located within 5 millimeters of the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the upstream end of the taggant may be within 4 millimeters, within 3 millimeters, or within 2 millimeters of the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0022] The provision of a taggant located within 5 millimeters of the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may advantageously allow the aerosol generating device to remain relatively compact, as the taggant detector may still be relatively close to one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, this provision may also prevent the taggant from being covered by the user's lips during use. This may advantageously further improve the reliability of the taggant.

[0023] The upstream end of the taggant may be located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0024] The taggants may have any length. The taggants may have a length of at least 1 millimeter. For example, the taggants may have a length of at least 2 millimeters, at least 4 millimeters, at least 5 millimeters, or at least 6 millimeters.

[0025] Providing a taggant with this length may advantageously improve the likelihood that the taggant will be detected by a detector, and may allow the taggant to be detected even with small variations in the length of the aerosol-generating article and / or no matter how far the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, which may advantageously improve the reliability of the taggant.

[0026] The taggants may have a length of 10 millimeters or less. For example, the taggants may have a length of 5 millimeters or less. Providing taggants that do not exceed this length may advantageously improve the ease of manufacture of the taggants, as they may only need to be applied to one component.

[0027] The taggants may have a length of about 6.5 millimeters.

[0028] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article in a longitudinal direction from the component's furthest upstream point to the component's furthest downstream point. For example, the term may be used to refer to the dimension of a taggant from the taggant's furthest upstream point to the taggant's furthest downstream point in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The term "longitudinal" as used herein refers to a direction corresponding to a major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article or device extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article or device. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein describe the relative location of an element (or part of an element) of the aerosol-generating article or device with respect to the direction in which aerosol travels through the aerosol-generating article or device during use. During use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] The taggant may be provided on any component on the downstream section. For example, the taggant may be provided on one or more of the adhesive, wrapper, tipping paper, filter plug, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, or flavoring, if present. The taggant may be provided on more than one component. This may advantageously make detection of the taggant by the detector more reliable.

[0031] The downstream section may comprise a wrapper. The wrapper may surround one or more components of the downstream section. The wrapper may connect the downstream section to the aerosol-generating substrate. The downstream section may comprise two or more wrappers. For example, the downstream section may comprise a tipping paper or a binding wrapper. When the downstream section comprises two or more wrappers and the wrappers overlap, the taggant may be provided on the outermost wrapper. The outermost wrapper may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper. Suitable paper wrappers for use in certain embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper and filter plug wrap.

[0032] The taggants may be provided on an inner surface of the wrapper, which may advantageously further protect the taggants from damage or contamination, which may advantageously improve the reliability of the taggants.

[0033] The taggants may be provided on the inner surface of the outermost wrapper.

[0034] The taggants may be provided on the outer surface of the wrapper. The taggants may be provided on both the inner and outer surfaces of the wrapper.

[0035] The taggants may be printed onto the inner surface of the wrapper. The taggants may be sprayed or painted onto the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0036] The upstream edge of the taggant may be aligned with the upstream edge of the wrapper, which may advantageously simplify manufacture of the aerosol-generating article.

[0037] The upstream end of the taggant may be at least 10 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the upstream end of the taggant may be at least 10 millimeters, at least 15 millimeters, or at least 19 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. This may advantageously allow the aerosol generating device to be kept relatively compact.

[0038] The upstream end of the taggant may be approximately 19 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0039] The upstream end of the taggant may be at least 14 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the upstream end of the taggant may be at least 14 millimeters, at least 20 millimeters, or at least 26 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. This may prevent the taggant from being covered by the user's lips during use. This may advantageously further improve the reliability of the taggant.

[0040] The upstream end of the taggant may be approximately 26 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The downstream end of the taggant may be at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the downstream end of the taggant may be at least 15 millimeters, or at least 19 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. This may prevent the taggant from being covered by the user's lips during use. This may advantageously further improve the reliability of the taggant.

[0042] The downstream end of the taggant may be approximately 19.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0043] The downstream end of the taggant may be at least 14 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the downstream end of the taggant may be at least 20 millimeters, or at least 25 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] The downstream end of the taggant may be approximately 25.5 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0045] The downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element. The upstream end of the taggant may overlie the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise cardboard. The hollow tubular element may be a cardboard tube. The hollow tubular element may be formed from cardboard. Advantageously, cardboard is a cost-effective material that provides a balance between being deformable to provide ease of insertion of the article into the aerosol generating device, and being sufficiently rigid to provide proper engagement of the article with the interior of the device. Thus, a cardboard tube may provide adequate resistance to deformation or compression during use.

[0046] Locating the upstream end of the taggant on a hollow tubular element may advantageously mean that the taggant is located on a component that does not need to be heated during use. As a result, the taggant may avoid being heated during use, which may improve the reliability of the taggant. In addition, it may allow the detector of the corresponding aerosol-generating article to be located away from the at least one electric heater element of the aerosol-generating device. As set out above, this may advantageously improve the reliability of the taggant detector.

[0047] The downstream end of the taggant may overlie the hollow tubular element.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a vent zone at a location along the hollow tubular element of the downstream section, the taggant being provided upstream of the vent zone.

[0049] Such ventilated hollow tubular elements can provide particularly efficient cooling of the aerosol. Hence, satisfactory cooling of the aerosol can be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly desirable because it allows the provision of an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-generating substrate (and particularly those containing tobacco) is heated rather than burned, combining satisfactory aerosol delivery with efficient cooling of the aerosol to a temperature desirable for the consumer.

[0050] The inventors have surprisingly found that such rapid cooling of volatile species released upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate promotes and enhances the nucleation of aerosol particles. This effect is particularly felt when the ventilation zone is disposed at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article, as will be explained in more detail below. In fact, the inventors have found that the favorable effect of enhanced nucleation has the ability to significantly counteract the potentially less desirable effect of dilution induced by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0051] The ventilation zone may typically comprise a plurality of perforations through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone preferably comprises at least one circumferential row of perforations. In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may comprise two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on-line during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each circumferential row of perforations preferably comprises between 8 and 30 perforations. Aerosol-generating articles according to the invention may have a permeability level of at least about 2 percent.

[0052] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio between the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The higher the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of at least 5 percent, more preferably at least 10 percent, and even more preferably at least 12 percent or at least 15 percent.

[0053] Aerosol-generating articles according to the invention may have a breathability level of up to about 90 percent. Preferably, aerosol-generating articles according to the invention have a breathability level of no more than 80 percent, more preferably no more than 70 percent, even more preferably no more than 60 percent, and most preferably no more than 50 percent.

[0054] In use, when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into a cavity of an aerosol generating device, a ventilation zone is provided on a portion of the aerosol-generating article that protrudes from the cavity to allow air to enter the ventilation zone. As a result, providing a taggant at a location upstream of the ventilation zone allows the taggant to be located within the cavity and detected by the detector, while the ventilation zone extends outside of the cavity to prevent the ventilation zone from becoming blocked.

[0055] The downstream ends of the taggants may be provided at least 1 millimeter from the vent zone. For example, the downstream ends of the taggants may be provided at least 2 millimeters, or at least 3 millimeters from the vent zone. The downstream ends of the taggants may be provided approximately 3.5 millimeters from the vent zone.

[0056] Providing the downstream end of the taggant near the ventilation zone allows both the taggant and the ventilation zone to be located near the opening of the cavity, such that when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity, the taggant is provided within the cavity and the ventilation zone is provided outside the cavity. As mentioned above, this may advantageously allow the taggant to be away from the portion of the cavity that is heated. This may also prevent the ventilation zone from being covered by the user's lips in use.

[0057] The downstream section may further comprise a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located downstream of the hollow tubular element. The mouthpiece element may be adjacent to the hollow tubular element. A downstream end of the mouthpiece element may define a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] The mouthpiece element may extend all the way to the oral end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece element may comprise at least one mouthpiece filter segment formed from a fibrous filtration material. The mouthpiece element may be located downstream of the hollow tubular element, as described above. The mouthpiece element may extend between the hollow tubular element and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0059] The fibrous filtration material may be for filtering the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable fibrous filtration materials will be known to those skilled in the art. It is particularly preferred that the at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0060] The downstream end of the taggant may be provided at least 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. For example, the downstream end of the taggant may be provided at least 10 millimeters, or at least 12.5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element. Providing the taggant upstream of the mouthpiece element may prevent the taggant from being covered by the user's lips during use. This may advantageously further improve the reliability of the taggant.

[0061] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and abutting the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0062] The provision of an upstream element may advantageously protect the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, which would otherwise be exposed, and may reduce the risk of loose particles of cut tobacco material being lost from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0063] Furthermore, providing an upstream element may facilitate insertion of the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the heating device and may protect the upstream end of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate during insertion.

[0064] In the context of the present invention, the upstream element may also be sized to advantageously allow the taggant to be located directly adjacent to the detector of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, which may advantageously improve the reliability of the taggant detector.

[0065] The upstream end of the taggant may be provided at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the upstream element. For example, the upstream end of the taggant may be provided at least 12 millimeters, or at least 14 millimeters from the downstream end of the upstream element.

[0066] This may advantageously allow the taggant to be located near the opening of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0067] The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element that defines a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel. This arrangement may provide an optimized balance of RTD within the aerosol-generating article. In the arrangement of the article of the present invention, the length and RTD of the upstream element and the aerosol-generating substrate are adapted such that changes in the material or structure of any of these elements do not significantly affect the overall RTD. The tubular form of the upstream element provides an unrestricted flow channel, which ensures that the RTD of the upstream element is very low and depends only on the length of the upstream element and not on the material from which it is formed. This means that changes can easily be made to the material of the upstream element, which may affect properties such as porosity, but will not affect the RTD contributed by the upstream element.

[0068] The upstream end of the taggant may be provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article.The downstream end of the taggant may be provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article.

[0069] The upstream end of the taggant may be provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article and the downstream end of the taggant may be provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the taggant is provided at a midpoint along the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0070] The taggants may be provided as a continuous band surrounding the downstream section.

[0071] The band may have a constant width around the circumference of the downstream section. Providing the taggant as a continuous band surrounding the downstream section may advantageously allow the taggant to be detected by a detector regardless of the orientation in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating article. This may advantageously improve the reliability of the taggant detector.

[0072] The taggants may be provided in a concentration of at least 30 milligrams per square meter. For example, the taggants may be provided in a concentration of at least 50 milligrams per square meter, at least 100 milligrams per square meter, or at least 150 milligrams per square meter.

[0073] The taggants may be provided in a concentration of 420 milligrams per square meter or less. For example, the taggants may be provided in a concentration of 400 milligrams per square meter or less, 350 milligrams per square meter or less, or 300 milligrams per square meter or less.

[0074] The taggants may be provided in concentrations from 30 milligrams per square meter to 420 milligrams per square meter.

[0075] The taggants may be provided in a concentration of at least 620 milligrams per square meter. For example, the taggants may be provided in a concentration of at least 670 milligrams per square meter, at least 720 milligrams per square meter, at least 770 milligrams per square meter, or at least 820 milligrams per square meter.

[0076] The taggants may be provided in a concentration of 1000 milligrams per square meter or less. For example, the taggants may be provided in a concentration of 950 milligrams per square meter or less, 900 milligrams per square meter or less, or 850 milligrams per square meter or less.

[0077] Providing taggants in this concentration range may advantageously ensure reliable detection of the taggants.

[0078] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article as described above. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may comprise a detector capable of detecting the presence of a taggant. The detector may be arranged to be substantially aligned with the taggant when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0079] According to the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating article and a detector capable of detecting the presence of a taggant, the detector being arranged to be substantially aligned with the taggant when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0080] The device cavity may be referred to as the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The device cavity may extend between a distal end and an oral (or proximal) end. The distal end of the device cavity may be a closed end and the oral (or proximal) end of the device cavity may be an open end. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the device cavity or heating chamber through the open end of the device cavity. The device cavity may be cylindrical in shape to fit the same shape of the aerosol-generating article.

[0081] Providing a taggant that is substantially aligned with the detector when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity may advantageously enable reliable detection of the taggant by the detector.

[0082] The aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more additional components, such as a heater, a user interface, a power source, a controller, etc.

[0083] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. The heater may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the heater is an external heater. Preferably, the heater is capable of externally heating the aerosol-generating article when received within the aerosol generating device. Such an external heater may surround the aerosol-generating article when inserted or received within the aerosol generating device.

[0084] The heater may be configured to surround the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate. In some embodiments, the heater is arranged for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating substrate is received within the cavity. The heater may be located within the device cavity or heating chamber. Such a heater may be described as an external heater.

[0086] The detector may be located within 4 millimeters of the downstream end of the cavity.

[0087] For example, the detector may be located within 2 millimeters, or within 1 millimeter, of the downstream end of the cavity.

[0088] As mentioned above, providing the detector near the opening of the cavity may allow the detector to be easily cleaned using an appropriate tool if heating by-products and slurry build up on the detector.

[0089] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. EXAMPLES

[0090] Example 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a taggant provided on the downstream section, wherein an upstream end of the taggant is at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0091] Example 2. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the taggants have a length greater than 2 millimeters.

[0092] Example 3. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the taggants have a length greater than 4 millimeters.

[0093] Example 4. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1-3, wherein the downstream section further comprises a wrapper, and wherein a taggant is provided on the wrapper.

[0094] Example 5. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 4, wherein a taggant is provided on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0095] Example 6. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 5, wherein the taggants are printed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0096] Example 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein the upstream edge of the taggant is aligned with the upstream edge of the wrapper.

[0097] Example 8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 4 to 7, wherein the taggant is provided in a concentration of between 30 milligrams per square meter per square meter and 420 milligrams per square meter per square meter.

[0098] Example 9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 4-7, wherein the taggant is provided in a concentration of at least 620 milligrams per square meter.

[0099] Example 10. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is at least 10 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0100] Example 11. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is at least 14 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] Example 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] Example 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is at least 14 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0103] Example 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1-13, wherein the downstream section further comprises a hollow tubular element, and the upstream end of the taggant overlies the hollow tubular element.

[0104] Example 15. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 14, wherein the downstream end of the taggant overlies the hollow tubular element.

[0105] Example 16. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 14 or Example 15, further comprising a ventilation zone located along the hollow tubular element in the downstream section, wherein a taggant is provided upstream of the ventilation zone.

[0106] Example 17. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 16, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is provided at least 1 millimeter from the ventilation zone.

[0107] Example 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element.

[0108] Example 19. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 18, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is provided at least 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0109] Example 20. An aerosol-generating article as described in any of Examples 1 to 19, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and abutting the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0110] Example 21. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 20, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is provided at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the upstream element.

[0111] Example 22. The aerosol-generating article of example 20 or example 21, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel.

[0112] Example 23. An aerosol-generating article as described in any of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article and the downstream end of the taggant is provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article.

[0113] Example 24. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1-23, wherein the taggants are provided as a continuous band surrounding the downstream section.

[0114] Example 25. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 24 and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol generating article and a detector capable of detecting the presence of a taggant, the detector being arranged to be substantially aligned with the taggant when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0115] Example 26. The aerosol generation system of example 25, wherein the detector is located within 2 millimeters of the downstream end of the cavity.

[0116] The present invention will now be further described in the following non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0117] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to one embodiment of the invention and an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0118] 1 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate 12 and a downstream section at a location downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The aerosol-generating article 10 extends from an upstream or distal end 16 to a downstream or oral end 18. The downstream section comprises a hollow tubular element 20 and a mouthpiece element 50.

[0119] The aerosol-generating article 10 has an overall length of about 45 millimeters and an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm.

[0120] The aerosol-generating substrate 12 comprises a cut tobacco material. The aerosol-generating substrate 12 comprises 150 milligrams of cut tobacco material containing 13 weight percent to 16 weight percent glycerin. The density of the aerosol-generating substrate is approximately 300 mg per cubic centimeter. The RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is approximately 6 to 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating substrates 12 are individually wrapped with plug wrap (not shown).

[0121] The hollow tubular element 20 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, such that the hollow tubular element 20 is longitudinally aligned with the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0122] The hollow tubular element 20 defines a hollow section of the aerosol-generating article 10. The hollow tubular element does not contribute substantially to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. More specifically, the RTD of the hollow tubular element 20 is about 0 mmH2O.

[0123] The hollow tubular element 20 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard. The hollow tubular element 20 defines an interior cavity 22 that extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 all the way to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 20. The interior cavity 22 is substantially empty, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted airflow therealong. The hollow tubular element 20 does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0124] The hollow tubular element 20 has a length of about 21 millimeters, an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters, and an inner diameter of about 6.7 millimeters. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 20 is therefore about 0.25 millimeters.

[0125] The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a ventilation zone 30 provided at a location along the hollow tubular element 20. More specifically, the ventilation zone 30 is provided approximately 16 millimeters from the downstream end 18 of the article 10. The ventilation zone 30 is provided approximately 12 mm downstream from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The ventilation zone 30 is provided approximately 9 mm upstream from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 50. The ventilation zone 30 comprises a circumferential array of openings or perforations surrounding the hollow tubular element 20. The perforations of the ventilation zone 30 extend through the wall of the hollow tubular element 20 to permit ingress of fluid from the exterior of the article 10 into the interior cavity 22. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 10 is approximately 16 percent.

[0126] Above the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, the aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The aerosol-generating article 10 thus extends from a distal end 16 that is substantially coincident with the upstream end of the upstream section, to an oral or downstream end 18 that is substantially coincident with the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0127] The upstream section comprises an upstream element 42 located immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, the upstream element 42 being longitudinally aligned therewith. The downstream end of the upstream element 42 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream element 42 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow having a wall thickness of about 1 mm and defining an internal cavity 23. The upstream element 42 has a length of about 5 millimeters. The outer diameter of the upstream element 42 is about 7.1 mm. The inner diameter of the upstream element 42 is about 5.1 mm.

[0128] The mouthpiece element 50 extends from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 to the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The mouthpiece element 50 has a length of about 7 mm. The outer diameter of the mouthpiece element 50 is about 7.2 mm. The mouthpiece element 50 comprises a low density cellulose acetate filter segment. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 50 is about 8 mmH2O. The mouthpiece element 50 may be individually wrapped with a plug wrap (not shown).

[0129] 1, the article 10 comprises an upstream wrapper 44 that surrounds the upstream element 42, the aerosol-generating substrate 12, and the hollow tubular element 20. The ventilation zone 30 may also comprise a circumferential row of perforations provided on the upstream wrapper 44. The perforations in the upstream wrapper 44 overlap the perforations provided on the hollow tubular element 20. As a result, the upstream wrapper 44 overlies the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 provided on the hollow tubular element 20.

[0130] The article 10 also includes a tipping wrapper 52 that surrounds the hollow tubular element 20 and the mouthpiece element 50. The tipping wrapper 52 overlies the portion of the upstream wrapper 44 that overlies the hollow tubular element 20. In this manner, the tipping wrapper 52 effectively connects the mouthpiece element 50 to the remaining components of the article 10. The width of the tipper wrapper 52 is about 26 mm. Additionally, the ventilation zone 30 may include a circumferential row of perforations provided on the tipping wrapper 52. The perforations of the tipping wrapper 52 overlap the perforations provided on the hollow tubular element 20 and on the upstream wrapper 44. As a result, the tipping wrapper 52 overlies the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 that are provided on the hollow tubular element 20 and on the upstream wrapper 44.

[0131] The taggants 60 are provided as a continuous band surrounding the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article 10. The taggants 60 are printed on the inner surface of the tipping wrapper 52. The upstream end of the taggants 60 is located 2 millimeters downstream of the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The taggants 60 have a length of 6.5 millimeters. The upstream end of the taggants 60 is aligned with the upstream end of the tipping wrapper 52. The downstream end of the taggants 60 is 3.5 millimeters upstream from the ventilation zone 30. As a result, the entire length of the taggants 60 overlaps the hollow tubular element 20. The taggants 60 are provided at a concentration of approximately 200 milligrams per square meter.

[0132] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating system 100 comprising an exemplary aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol-generating article 10 equivalent to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a downstream oral end portion of the aerosol generating device 1 in which a device cavity is defined and in which the aerosol-generating article 10 can be received. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing (or body) 4 extending between an oral end 2 and a distal end (not shown). The housing 4 comprises a peripheral wall 6. The peripheral wall 6 defines a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article 10. The device cavity is defined by a closed distal end and an open oral end. The oral end of the device cavity is located at the oral end of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol-generating article 10 is configured to be received through the oral end of the device cavity and configured to abut the closed end of the device cavity.

[0133] An airflow channel 5 of the device is defined in a peripheral wall 6. The airflow channel 5 extends between an inlet 7 located at the mouth end of the aerosol-generation device 1 and a closed end of the device cavity. Air may enter the aerosol-generation substrate 12 via an opening (not shown) provided in the closed end of the device cavity, ensuring fluid communication between the airflow channel 5 and the aerosol-generation substrate 12.

[0134] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a heater (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided for controlling the supply of such power to the heater. The heater is configured to controllably heat the aerosol-generating article 10 during use when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received within the device 1. The heater is preferably arranged to externally heat the aerosol-generating substrate 12 for optimal aerosol generation. The ventilation zone 30 is arranged to be exposed to the aerosol-generating article 10 when it is received within the aerosol generating device 1.

[0135] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the device cavity defined by the peripheral wall 6 has a length of 28 mm. When the article 10 is received in the device cavity, the upstream section, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and the upstream portion of the hollow tubular element 20 are received in the device cavity. Such upstream portion of the hollow tubular element 20 has a length of 11 mm. As a result, about 28 mm of the article 10 is received in the device 1 and about 17 mm of the article 10 is located outside the device 1. In other words, about 17 mm of the article 10 protrudes from the device 1 when the article 10 is received in the device 1. Such length PL of the article 10 protruding from the device 1 is shown in Fig. 2.

[0136] As a result, ventilation zone 30 is advantageously located outside of device 1 when article 10 is inserted therein. If the device cavity is 28 mm long, ventilation zone 30 is located 1 mm downstream of mouth end 2 of device 1 when article 10 is received therein.

[0137] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a taggant detector 8 located near the device cavity. The taggant detector 8 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream or mouth end of the device cavity. The taggant detector may be configured to detect the presence, absence, and type of taggant 60 located on the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0138] In use, the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the device cavity of the aerosol-generating device 1. When the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully inserted into the device cavity, the taggant 60 of the aerosol-generating article 10 is aligned with the taggant detector 8 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The taggant detector 8 detects the taggant 60 which confirms the identity of the aerosol-generating article. A heater (not shown) is then activated according to a predetermined heating profile to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The taggant 60 remains away from the area to be heated, thereby preventing the taggant 60 from being damaged. Similarly, the detector 60 also remains away from the area to be heated, thereby preventing the accumulation of heating by-products and slurry on the detector 8.

[0139] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all cases as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate; a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate; a taggant provided on the downstream section, the upstream end of the taggant being at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate; said taggant may be a chemical or physical marker added to a component, the presence of which may be detected by a suitable detector making it possible to identify said component; the downstream section further comprises a wrapper, the taggant being provided on the wrapper; the upstream section of the taggant is aligned with the upstream end of the wrapper.

2. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggant has a length greater than 2 millimeters.

3. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggant has a length greater than 4 millimeters.

4. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggant is provided on an inner surface of the wrapper.

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 4, wherein the taggant is printed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

6. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggant is provided in a concentration of from 30 milligrams per square meter to 420 milligrams per square meter.

7. 10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggant is provided in a concentration of at least 620 milligrams per square meter.

8. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is at least 10 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

9. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is at least 14 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

10. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

11. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is at least 14 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

12. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the downstream section further comprises a hollow tubular element, the upstream end of the taggant overlying the hollow tubular element.

13. 13. The aerosol-generating article of claim 12, wherein the downstream end of the taggant overlies the hollow tubular element.

14. 13. The aerosol-generating article of claim 12, further comprising a ventilation zone located along the hollow tubular element in the downstream section, the taggant being provided upstream of the ventilation zone.

15. 15. The aerosol-generating article of claim 14, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is provided at least 1 millimeter from the ventilation zone.

16. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1 , wherein the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element.

17. 17. The aerosol-generating article of claim 16, wherein the downstream end of the taggant is provided at least 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

18. 2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and abutting the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

19. 19. The aerosol-generating article of claim 18, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is provided at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the upstream element.

20. 20. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel.

21. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the upstream end of the taggant is provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article and the downstream end of the taggant is provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article.

22. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the taggants are provided as a continuous band surrounding the downstream section.

23. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device: a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating article; a detector capable of detecting the presence of the taggant, the detector being disposed so as to be substantially aligned with the taggant when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity; An aerosol generating system wherein the taggant is a chemical or physical marker added to a component, the presence of which can be detected by an appropriate detector allowing the component to be identified.

24. 24. The aerosol generation system of claim 23, wherein the detector is located within 2 millimeters of the downstream end of the cavity.

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