A tobacco article designed to operate with an aerosol generating device and an assembly comprising such a 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 extends 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 the mouth end (11); - a tobacco portion (18) disposed between the upstream end (12) and the mouth end portion (16); - an upstream end portion (20) disposed adjacent to the tobacco portion (18) and defining the upstream end (12) of the tobacco article (10), the upstream end portion (20) including a robust stopper (32), the robust stopper (32) including an identification element (40) and / or a sensor (42) configured to provide data that can be used by an aerosol generating device to perform or modify at least one of its functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco article designed to operate with an aerosol generating device. The tobacco article is of a type that has a lower risk to the health of the consumer, particularly as compared to conventional tobacco articles, such as conventional cigarettes.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an assembly including such a tobacco article and an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers or aerosol generating devices) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0004] Aerosol generating consumable articles have been proposed that include a carbon-based heat source that is substantially the same size as a conventional cigarette. The carbon source is ignited like a cigarette and heats an adjacent vaporizable substrate. These consumable articles had the advantage of being as small as conventional cigarettes and being easy to handle during vaping. However, burning solid fragments or portions (e.g., carbon) tended to separate from the remaining portion of the consumable, thereby posing a risk of the consumer being burned. Thus, these consumable articles have not been commercially successful to date.

[0005] Another recently available type of risk reduction or risk modification device is a substrate - heated aerosol - generating device or so - called heat - not - burn device (i.e., 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. By heating the aerosol - generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol - generating substrate, vapor is generated, and the vapor typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0006] Some devices of this type can operate with, for example, a cigarette - shaped article having an elongated shape that may resemble the external shape of a conventional cigarette. Such a cigarette - shaped article may include a tobacco portion and a mouth - end portion. The tobacco portion generally contains an aerosol - generating substrate and is designed to be received in the device so as to be heated, in particular, by a heating system. The mouth - end portion is designed to project from the device and cooperate with the user's lips and / or mouth. For example, a number of different types of cigarette - shaped articles are available, with different types of aerosol - generating substrates, specific mouth - end portions, specific filters, etc.

[0007] In some cases, it may be possible for a user to insert a cigarette - shaped article that is not compatible with the device into which it is inserted. In such cases, for example, the operation of the device with the cigarette - shaped article may be altered, and the user experience may not always be optimal.

[0008] In addition, the functionality of the aerosol - generating device may depend on different characteristics or data regarding the cigarette - shaped article. In order to improve the user experience, it may be desirable to obtain a number of such data and / or for the device to be able to distinguish that cigarette - shaped article from other cigarette - shaped articles. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a tobacco article that provides an improved user experience, especially when used with a given aerosol generating device. **Means for Solving the Problem**

[0010] For this purpose, a tobacco article designed to operate with an aerosol generating device and extending along the article axis between the mouth-side end and the upstream end, - A mouth-side end portion defining the mouth-side end, - A tobacco portion between the upstream end and the mouth-side end portion, - An upstream end portion disposed adjacent to the tobacco portion and defining the upstream end of the article comprising the upstream end portion includes a robust stopper extending transversely to the article axis, The robust stopper comprises an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data that can be used by the aerosol generating device to perform or modify at least one of its functions, relating to a tobacco article.

[0011] According to these features, the tobacco article provides an improved user experience, especially when used with a given aerosol generating device. In particular, the tobacco article according to the present invention enables the transmission of data or information to the aerosol generating device, for example, in an active or passive manner. Thereby, for example, it becomes possible for the aerosol generating device to adapt its operation based on the data or information obtained from the tobacco article.

[0012] For example, the identification element enables the transmission of identification information regarding the tobacco article to the aerosol generating device, for example, in an active or passive manner, such as the type of the tobacco article, the manufacturer of the tobacco article, the tobacco article batch number, or specific features of the tobacco article. The identification element can, for example, prevent the operation of the device with non-genuine tobacco articles or fake tobacco articles that may not provide an optimal user experience.

[0013] The functionality of the device may include heating, operating or ceasing to operate a certain mode (e.g., switch on / off, energy-saving mode, etc.), providing signals or warnings (such as optical, tactile or acoustic signals or warnings), setting up a vaping mode, programming, invalidating a program, indicating information (such as battery charge level, puff count), and any combination thereof.

[0014] Since one or some of the functionality may be executed by using data from the sensor, the sensor can improve the user experience. For example, the heating operation can be controlled based on data received from the sensor, such as temperature or pressure data. Since the sensor is part of a robust stopper of the tobacco article, for example, the temperature data of the sensor can provide particularly accurate information about the tobacco in the tobacco portion disposed adjacent to the upstream end portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the combination of the robust stopper including both the identification element and the sensor improves the comfort and user experience of the user when consuming the tobacco article. For example, due to this combination of the identification element and the sensor, it becomes possible to identify a specific type of tobacco article and then control the operation of the aerosol-generating device, such as heating, so that the sensor data matches the target value specifically defined for the identified type of tobacco article.

[0016] The arrangement configuration of the identification element and / or the sensor in the portion defining the upstream end of the article also enables good identification because this portion can be first inserted into the aerosol-generating device. For example, the upstream end of the article can be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device such that the upstream end portion of the tobacco article is disposed at the inner end of the cavity at the insertion position, enabling reliable identification or data transmission between the article and the aerosol-generating device. For example, since the tobacco article is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the device and a position protected from the external environment, the data from the sensor can be transmitted to the aerosol-generating device in a reliable manner at this position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the or each identifying element preferably extends laterally with respect to the article axis without contacting the side and / or outer surface of the robust stopper. For example, the identifying element can be formed inside the robust stopper and / or can be wrapped by a front trapper, or can be slightly inserted laterally within the filling of the robust stopper.

[0018] As used herein, the term "vaporizable material", or "aerosol-forming precursor", or "aerosol material" can refer to one or more of a liquid, solid, gel, mousse, foam or other substance. The vaporizable material can be heated to form an aerosol as defined below. The vaporizable material can contain one or more of nicotine, caffeine or other active ingredients. The active ingredient can be carried by a carrier which can be a liquid. The carrier can contain an aerosol-forming agent such as a polyol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent includes one or more of polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin, esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate and / or mono-, di- or poly-carboxylic acids, aliphatic esters of triethyl citrate (TEC) or triacetin. Preferred carriers can be propylene glycol and / or glycerin. The carrier generally evaporates when heated at a temperature of about 350 °C or lower. Flavors can also be included. Flavors refer to substances that can be used to provide a desired taste or aroma. Those substances can include naturally occurring flavor materials, plants, extracts from plants, synthetically obtained flavor substances or combinations thereof. Flavors can include, for example, ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, berries, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), eugenol, cooling agents (such as eucalyptol, WS-5 or WS-3) or the like. The solid aerosol-forming material can be rod-shaped and include processed tobacco material, corrugated sheets or strips or pieces of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) with aligned orientation.

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol" can include a suspension of precursors as one or more of solid particles, droplets, and gases. The aforementioned suspension can be in the state of a gas containing air. The aerosol of the present specification generally refers to or can contain vapor. An aerosol can contain one or more components of a vaporizable material.

[0020] The aerosol generating device can be portable and can be carried by the user together with the tobacco article when the tobacco article is not being used to generate vapor. The aerosol generating device can in particular form an HNB device. In particular, this can include a battery and a heater and / or heating element.

[0021] The tobacco article can be designed for single use or multiple uses. In the first case, the tobacco article can be discarded or recycled after use. In the second case, it is possible to sustain the tobacco article over several vaping sessions. The consumable article can be formed, for example, by a cigarette known in the art for use in an HNB device.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the robust stopper is air-impermeable along the article axis.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the robust stopper prevents or at least reduces the airflow through the upstream portion in the direction of the article axis.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the upstream end portion is air-impermeable along the article axis. In particular, the robust stopper can extend across the entire section of the upstream end portion in a direction transverse to the article axis.

[0025] Due to these features, the incoming airflow is passed through the tobacco portion in a defined manner, for example via additional pre-perforations, because the robust stopper extending in a direction transverse to the article axis is air-impermeable. This makes it possible to provide a more versatile tobacco article, for example because the outer surface at the end of the upstream end portion can be used for other functionalities of the air inlet.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the robust stopper defines the boundary of at least one air flow channel that defines an air outlet opening into the tobacco portion.

[0027] Due to these features, the robust stopper enables the provision of an air flow into the tobacco portion to obtain optimal aerosol generation in the tobacco portion.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the tobacco article includes an absorbent material configured to at least partially absorb the aerosol from the air containing the aerosol.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the air outlet is disposed on the contact surface of the robust stopper, and the contact surface contacts the tobacco portion and extends in a direction transverse to the article axis.

[0030] Due to these features, when the air flow crosses the contact surface, the air can penetrate the tobacco portion well through the air outlet.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the or each air flow channel defines at least one air flow inlet disposed on the side surface of the robust stopper, and the side surface extends along the article axis.

[0032] Due to these features, the air flow is forced through at least one air flow inlet disposed on the side surface of the robust stopper. Thereby, for example, the outer surface of the end of the upstream end portion can be used for a different functionality than the air inlet, making it possible to provide a more versatile tobacco article. Due to these features, since the air can be received on the side surface of the tobacco article, the tobacco article can also be designed to operate with an aerosol generating device that is particularly small.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the or each air flow channel defines a plurality of air flow inlets circumferentially disposed on the side surface of the robust stopper.

[0034] Due to these features, the tobacco article can receive a lot of air and at the same time enables operation with a very small aerosol generating device.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the tobacco article further includes a wrapper that wraps at least the tobacco portion and extends around the article axis.

[0036] Due to these features, at least the tobacco portion is protected. In addition, the wrapper provides high comfort for the user operating the tobacco article.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the wrapper defines at least one air inlet opening into the tobacco portion.

[0038] Due to these features, the tobacco article can receive air through at least one predetermined opening, thus enabling efficient penetration of air into the tobacco portion.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the wrapper defines a plurality of air inlets that are circumferentially arranged and open into the tobacco portion.

[0040] Due to these features, the tobacco article can receive a lot of air into the tobacco portion.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the wrapper wraps the tobacco portion and the upstream end portion together.

[0042] Due to these features, the tobacco article is particularly small and its manufacture is simple. For example, there may be no need to provide additional attachment means between the tobacco portion and the upstream end portion. The upstream end portion can be arranged in direct contact with the tobacco portion, which makes it possible to obtain a very small tobacco article.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the robust stopper includes an identification element configured to provide identification data and / or authentication data related to the tobacco article.

[0044] Due to these features, the tobacco article enables the aerosol-generating device to provide specific identification or authentication of the tobacco article when the tobacco article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. This makes it possible, for example, to ensure that only pre-determined tobacco articles are used with the device. The authentication data makes it possible, for example, to detect tobacco articles from unauthorized manufacturers or sellers.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the identification element is arranged on the outer surface of the robust stopper, and the outer surface extends transversely to the article axis.

[0046] Due to these features, the identification of the tobacco article is particularly easy for the user, for example when the article is still not inserted into the aerosol-generating device. When the tobacco article is inserted into the device, the identification of the tobacco article is also particularly easy for a device having means for detecting the identification element.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the identification element is one of the following elements: - an antenna / spool, - an RFID tag, - an optical code, - a flat symbol, - an embossed symbol corresponding to at least one of.

[0048] Due to these features, the identification element may contain specific data depending on the application. Also, due to these features, the amount and type of data contained in the identification element can be easily adapted.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the tobacco portion further includes a heating element, especially a susceptor, arranged in contact with or crossing the robust stopper.

[0050] Due to these features, the tobacco article can be easily heated when energized, and the tobacco in the tobacco portion can be directly heated.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the robust stopper includes a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement of at least a portion of the tobacco portion.

[0052] Due to these features, for example, since heating can be adapted based on the temperature measurement, operating the aerosol device together with the tobacco article can be improved.

[0053] The present invention may also relate to an assembly including the above tobacco article and an aerosol generating device defining a boundary of a cavity configured to receive the tobacco article.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] The present invention and its advantages are given as merely non-limiting examples and will be better understood by reading the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0056] The First Embodiment of the Present Invention The tobacco article 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tobacco article 10 extends along the article axis X between the mouth-side end 11 and the upstream end 12.

[0057] The tobacco article 10 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is a circle that forms a circle with a specific radius particularly in a cross-section perpendicular to the article axis X. Advantageously, the tobacco article 10 has a shape and / or dimensions substantially equal to those of a conventional cigarette or an HNB article (heat-not-burn type article). However, in some alternative embodiments, the tobacco article 10 may have other shapes that are easier to use than conventional cigarettes, such as a parallelepiped type or a round stone type. The tobacco article 10 may be of a size larger (e.g., in the longitudinal direction or in the circumferential direction) than a conventional cigarette without adversely affecting the way the user handles and consumes it.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the tobacco article 10 is designed to operate with the aerosol generating device 13 so as to form the assembly 14. In the example of FIG. 3, 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 article 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 part of the aerosol generating device 13, as will be described in more detail below.

[0059] Referring again to FIG. 1, this figure shows a cross-section of the tobacco article 10 by a first face I extending along the article axis X. The tobacco article 10 defines a mouth-side end portion 16 that defines a mouth-side end 11 designed to contact the user's mouth / lips, in particular. The tobacco article 10 also includes a tobacco portion 18 disposed between the upstream end 12 and the mouth-side end portion 16, and an upstream end portion 20 disposed adjacent to the tobacco portion 18 and defining the upstream end 12 of the tobacco article 10. In particular, the mouth-side 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 disposed adjacent to, in particular directly adjacent to, the mouth-side end portion 16.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the tobacco article 10 may further include a wrapper 22 extending around the article axis X. The wrapper 22 may include, for example, paper, aluminum foil, or a combination thereof. According to an example, the wrapper 22 may wrap at least the tobacco portion 18, that is, it may extend around the article axis X to the outer surface of the tobacco portion 18. 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, in addition, wrap together from the mouth-side end portion 16 to the tobacco portion 18. In particular, the wrapper 22 can hold portions 18 and 20 and optionally 16 together, so that no additional fixing means are arranged between the respective portions.

[0061] In FIG. 2, the upstream end portion 20 is represented by a dotted line to indicate that this portion is covered by the wrapper 22 in this figure.

[0062] According to the example of FIG. 2, the wrapper 22 may define at least one air inlet 24 opening into the tobacco portion 18. The or each air inlet 24 may be formed by perforating the wrapper 22. Advantageously, the wrapper 22 defines a plurality of air inlets 24 arranged circumferentially and opening into the tobacco portion 18. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, each air inlet 24 may have substantially the same shape and / or may be arranged at the same distance from adjacent air inlets 24 along the circumferential direction around the article axis X.

[0063] The wrapper 22 can further define a cooling air inlet 26 that opens into the mouth-side end portion 16 so as to enable cooling of the aerosol-filled air stream from the tobacco portion 18 by mixing this air stream with cooler air received into the mouth-side end portion 16 through the cooling air inlet 26. In particular, the cooling air inlet 26 can open into a cooling section, described below, of the mouth-side end portion 16. Each cooling air inlet 26 can have, for example, substantially the same shape. For example, each cooling air inlet 26 can be arranged at the same distance from an adjacent cooling air inlet 26 along the circumferential direction around the article axis X. For example, each cooling air inlet 26 can have the same shape and dimensions as each air inlet 24. In some embodiments, each cooling air inlet 26 can have dimensions smaller than those of each air inlet 24.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 1, the mouth-side end portion 16 includes a cooling section 28 that extends along the article axis X and a filter section 30 that extends along the article axis X, particularly between the cooling section 28 and the mouth-side end 11. The cooling section 28 can be designed to further cool the air stream containing the aerosol formed in the tobacco portion 18 up to its heating. For example, the cooling section 28 can be formed by at least one hollow tubular element (e.g., a paper tube). The filter section 30 can have an end that forms the mouth-side end 11 and an opposite end that faces the cooling section 28. The filter section 30 can include one or several filters configured to filter the aerosol formed in the tobacco portion 18.

[0065] In some embodiments, the cooling section 28 and / or the filter section 30 are not provided. For example, the mouth-side end portion 16 can be formed by the end of the tobacco portion 18 that defines the mouth-side end 11 in this case. Additionally, in this case, a replaceable filter / cooling mouthpiece that can be connected to the tobacco article 10 can be used.

[0066] The tobacco portion 18 also extends along the article axis X and can be shorter than the mouth-side end portion 16, for example. According to another example, the tobacco portion 18 can have the same length as the mouth-side end portion 16 or be longer than this mouth-side end portion 16.

[0067] The tobacco portion 18 may contain the vaporizable material 31 as defined above.

[0068] The upstream end portion 20 includes a robust stopper 32 that extends in a lateral direction with respect to the article axis X. In other words, the robust stopper 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the article axis X.

[0069] The robust stopper 32 may include, for example, a polymer material, preferably a biodegradable and / or formed cellulose pulp material. Preferably, all portions of the robust stopper 32 except for the identification element 40 (described below) and / or the sensor 42 (described below) may be made of such a material.

[0070] The robust stopper 32 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape having the same axis of symmetry as the article axis X. According to an example, the robust stopper 32 has a contact surface 34 that extends in a lateral direction with respect to the article axis X, an outer surface 36 that also extends in a lateral direction with respect to the article axis X, and a side surface 38 that extends along the article axis X, in particular parallel to the article axis X and perpendicular to the contact surface 34 and / or the outer surface 36. The contact surface 34 may particularly contact the tobacco portion 18, while the outer surface 36 may form the upstream end 12 of the tobacco article 10. The side surface 38 may connect the contact surface 34 and the outer surface 36 and may exhibit a circular cross-section on a second plane II that is perpendicular to the article axis X and particularly visible in FIG. 1.

[0071] The robust stopper 32 may be air-impermeable along the article axis X. By being "air-impermeable along the article axis", it is particularly understood that the robust stopper 32 prevents any air from passing through the robust stopper 32 in a direction parallel to the article axis X. In particular, it is understood that the robust stopper 32 prevents air from passing from the outer surface 36 to the contact surface 34 and vice versa.

[0072] According to a first embodiment, the robust stopper 32 may also be air-impermeable in a direction perpendicular to the article axis X. In other words, according to the first embodiment, the robust stopper 32 may prevent air from entering the robust stopper 32 through the side surface 38.

[0073] According to an example, each of the contact surface 34, the outer surface 36, and the side surface 38 can be a surface that is closed and forms a surface that prevents air from entering the internal volume of the particularly robust stopper 32.

[0074] For example, the robust stopper 32 can be formed of a single piece of a particularly homogeneous material.

[0075] According to the present invention, the robust stopper 32 includes an identification element 40 and / or a sensor 42 configured to provide data usable by an aerosol generating device and to perform or modify at least one of its functionalities.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the robust stopper 32 can include one or several identification elements 40. The or each identification element 40 can be arranged on the outer surface 36 of the robust stopper 32. According to another example, the or each identification element 40 is integrated within the robust stopper 32 and in particular does not contact the contact surface 34, the outer surface 36, and the side surface 38. In this case, the or each identification element 40 can extend transversely with respect to the article axis X without contacting the side surface 38 and / or the outer surface 36. For example, the identification element 40 can be molded within the robust stopper 32 and / or can be wrapped by a front wrapper, or can be slightly inserted at a lateral position inside the filling material of the robust stopper 32.

[0077] The or each identification element 40 can be configured to provide identification data for the tobacco article 10. The identification data can include, for example, the type of the tobacco article 10, the name or identifier of the manufacturer of the tobacco article 10, the batch or serial number of the tobacco article 10, or specific characteristics of the tobacco article 10.

[0078] According to an example, the or each identification element 40 can be configured to provide authentication data for the tobacco article 10. The authentication data can include, for example, data that is the same as or similar to the identification data. According to an example, the authentication data can be encrypted.

[0079] Examples of the identification element 40 are shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, the identification element 40 may include an antenna or a spool 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 spool may be a passive element that is activated for data transmission upon receipt of a trigger signal from the aerosol generating device 13 and / or a corresponding wireless energy transmission. According to another example, the antenna or the spool may be an active element configured to further issue data to commands of the control circuit.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the identification element 40 may include an RFID tag (from "radio frequency identification tag") disposed on the outer surface 36 or inside the robust fastener 36. The RFID tag may be adapted to issue identification or authentication data to the aerosol generating device 13 by wireless data transmission. The RFID tag may be an active tag or a passive tag as is known in the art.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, the identification element 40 may include an optical code such as a QR code (from "quick response code"). The optical code may be adapted to be read by a corresponding camera of the aerosol generating device 13 to obtain identification and / or authentication data.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, the identification element 40 may include 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 a camera of the aerosol generating device 13. Advantageously, the shape may be disposed on the outer surface 36 of the robust fastener 32. According to another example, the shape may be disposed on the side surface 38. In this case, the wrapper 22 may not be provided on the side surface 38.

[0084] The identification element 40 can be, for example, a flat symbol or an embossed symbol arranged on the outer surface 36 of the particularly robust fastener 32. The flat symbol or the embossed symbol can have the form of a shape or an optical code. The flat symbol can be, for example, a symbol having at least one color different from the background color. The embossed symbol can be, for example, a protrusion from the outer surface 36 extending to at least one surface parallel to the outer surface 36. According to an example, the identification element 40 can be an embossed symbol having different colors only in a part of the embossed symbol to provide additional identification or authentication data.

[0085] The sensor 42 of the robust fastener 32 can be molded within the robust fastener 32 or can be arranged on a surface of the robust fastener 32, such as the contact surface 34 or the outer surface 36.

[0086] The sensor 42 can be a temperature sensor configured to provide a temperature measurement value of at least a part of the tobacco portion 18. In this case, the sensor 42 can be arranged on or near the contact surface 34 to provide a temperature measurement value of the vaporizable material 31. According to another example, the sensor 42 can be, for example, a pressure sensor arranged adjacent to the tobacco portion 18. The pressure sensor can be configured to detect, for example, a puff by the user.

[0087] The sensor 42 can be connected to a transmission module (not shown) configured to transmit data of measurement values, such as temperature or pressure measurement values, to the aerosol generating device 13 to enable heating control according to these data, for example. In some embodiments, the transmission module is implemented by one or several techniques described in relation to the identification element 40. For example, the transmission module can include the antenna or the RFID tag described above.

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 13 can be a HNB (heated non - burning) device. The aerosol generating device 13 can have a housing 43 that forms a cavity 44 configured to at least partially receive the tobacco article 10. In the example of FIG. 3, the tobacco article 10 is partially received in the cavity 44. In particular, the cavity 44 is adapted to receive the entire tobacco portion 18 when the robust stopper 32 comes into 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.

[0089] The cross - sectional shape of the cavity 44 corresponds to, for example, the cross - sectional shape of the tobacco article 10. In this case, the aerosol generating device 13 can further include fixing means (not shown) designed to fix the tobacco article 10 in a desired position with respect to the cavity 44. According to one example, the fixing means includes a protruding surface that projects radially into the inner portion of the cavity 44 and is designed to fix the tobacco article 10 by friction. According to another example, the fixing means includes a needle or blade that projects from the cavity 44, penetrates the tobacco article 10, and is configured to fix it in an engaged position.

[0090] According to another example, no fixing means is provided. In this case, the cross - section of the cavity 44 may be slightly smaller than the cross - section of the tobacco article 10, thereby compressing the tobacco article 10 and fixing it within the cavity 44.

[0091] The housing 43 includes various internal components (not shown) of the device 13 that ensure various functions. For example, the housing 43 includes one or several heating elements, a controller for controlling the operation of the heating elements, and a battery for powering the heating elements and the controller.

[0092] The battery is a known battery designed to be charged using a power source provided by an external supply source and to supply a direct current at a predetermined voltage. The battery can be associated with a battery charger that can connect the battery to an external supply source and includes a power connector (such as, for example, a mini-USB or USB-C connector) or a wireless charging connector for this purpose.

[0093] The controller is configured to control the operation of the heating element by controlling its power supply by the battery. For this purpose, the controller can, for example, provide a predetermined heating profile to control the operation of the heating element. In some embodiments, the heating profile can be selected depending on the data obtained from the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42. For example, if the authentication data of the tobacco article 10 for the identification element 40 indicates that the article 10 is a product of an unauthorized manufacturer, the user can be warned and / or the controller can prevent the heating element from heating. According to another example, the heating profile can be adapted based on the temperature or other type of measurement provided by the sensor 42.

[0094] Each or the heating element can include, for example, a resistance element configured to convert electrical energy into a heating and / or magnetic element designed to generate a magnetic field around the heating element. According to an example, the 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 adapted to generate a magnetic field along the entire length of each heating element that heats the tobacco portion 18 and in particular the vaporizable material 31 contained therein.

[0095] According to a first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 13 can include a detector 46. The detector 46 can be disposed at the bottom of the cavity 44 as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. According to an alternative embodiment, the detector 46 can be disposed on the side wall of the housing 43.

[0096] Detector 46 may be configured to detect identification element 40 for tobacco article 10, in particular identification and / or authentication data. For example, the detector may be a camera or another electromagnetic receiver or antenna.

[0097] According to an example, detector 46 may be configured to receive data from sensor 42 of tobacco article 10 and, for example, transmit these data to the controller of device 13, whereby the device can execute or change at least one of its functionalities according to the data. The functionalities to be executed or changed may include, for example, heating, operating or stopping a certain mode (e.g., switch on / off, energy-saving mode, etc.), providing a signal or warning (such as a light, tactile, acoustic signal or warning), setting up a vaping mode, programming, invalidating a program, etc.

[0098] Second Embodiment of the Invention The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. Corresponding elements of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment include those with 100 added to the same reference numerals. There are also elements that are omitted in FIG. 8 compared to the first embodiment of assembly 14. However, assembly 114 according to the second embodiment may also include one, some or all of the elements of assembly 14.

[0099] In the following, the differences of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment in particular will be described. The same or corresponding elements will not be described again.

[0100] The tobacco portion 118 may include a heating element 48 disposed in contact with a robust stopper 132. The heating element 48 may be, for example, a susceptor. The heating element may be disposed in contact with the robust stopper 132. The heating element 48 may extend along the article axis X, for example, through at least a portion of the tobacco portion 118 and at least a portion of the upstream end portion 120. Referring to FIG. 8, the heating element 48 may extend along the article axis X through the entire length of the tobacco portion 118 and the upstream end portion 120. For example, a portion of the outer surface 136 may be formed by an end of the heating element 48. In particular, the robust stopper 132 may include a hole for receiving a portion of the heating element 48. In this case, the robust stopper 132 is preferably airtight along the article axis X when the heating element 48 is inserted into the robust stopper 132.

[0101] The aerosol generating device 13 according to the second embodiment may include a heating element 48, i.e., a susceptor and thus a heater 50 such as a magnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field for heating the tobacco portion 18.

[0102] According to an example, the aerosol generating device 113 may advantageously include a sensor (not shown), such as a temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature of a heating element 48, such as a susceptor, disposed in the cavity 144 by non-contact measurement. Additionally or alternatively, the tobacco article 110 may include a sensor in the robust stopper 132 forming the temperature sensor.

[0103] The robust stopper 132 according to the second embodiment may also include an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data usable by the aerosol generating device 113 to perform or modify at least one of its functionalities. The identification element and / or the sensor are the same or similar to those described in the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the robust stopper 132 may provide the same or similar functionality as the robust stopper 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0104] The third embodiment of the present invention Here, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Corresponding elements of the third embodiment include those with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment plus 200. There are also elements that are omitted in FIG. 9 compared to the first embodiment of the tobacco article 10. However, the tobacco article 210 according to the third embodiment may include one, some, or all of the elements of the tobacco article 10.

[0105] In FIG. 9, only the tobacco article 210 is shown, and the aerosol generating device is omitted. The tobacco article 210 is designed to operate with the aerosol generating devices 13, 113 according to the first and second embodiments having the features described above.

[0106] Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment in particular will be described. The same or corresponding elements will not be described again.

[0107] The upstream end portion 220 of the third embodiment may include a robust stopper 232 that defines the boundary of the air flow channel 52. The air flow channel 52 may define an air flow outlet 54 that opens into the tobacco portion 218. The air flow outlet 54 may be disposed, for example, on the contact surface 234 of the robust stopper 232. The contact surface 234 is disposed in the same position and orientation as the contact surface 34 of the first embodiment in particular. In particular, the contact surface 234 may contact the tobacco portion 218 and extend laterally with respect to the article axis X. The air flow channel 52 may define at least one air flow inlet 56 disposed on the side surface 238 of the robust stopper 232. The side surface 238 is disposed in the same position and direction as the side surface 38 of the first embodiment in particular, that is, extending along the article axis X.

[0108] By way of example, the air flow channel 52 may present a curve having an angle substantially equal to 90 degrees in a first plane I including the article axis X. For example, the flow direction of 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-shape in the first plane I.

[0109] According to an example, the air flow channel 52 may define a plurality of air flow inlets 56 circumferentially disposed on the side surface 238 of the robust stopper 232. For example, each air flow inlet 56 may have the same shape and / or the same distance to an adjacent air flow inlet 56.

[0110] According to an example, the robust stopper 232 may include the plurality of air flow channels 52 described above. For example, each air flow channel 52 may include a single air flow inlet 56 and a single air flow outlet 54. In this case, the air flow inlet 56 of each air flow channel 52 may have the same shape and / or the same distance to an adjacent air flow inlet 56. According to another example, each air flow channel 52 may include a plurality of air flow inlets 56 and / or air flow outlets 54.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 10, the tobacco article 210 includes a wrapper 222. The wrapper 222 may define a cooling air flow inlet 226 that is the same as or similar to the cooling air flow inlet 26 of the first embodiment. The wrapper 222 according to the third embodiment may include at least one, preferably several end air flow inlets 58. Each end air flow inlet 58 may be arranged to face a corresponding air flow inlet 56 of the robust stopper 232. For example, each end air flow inlet 58 may exhibit the same shape as the corresponding air flow inlet 56. As can be seen in the example of FIG. 10, the wrapper 222 may define a plurality of end air flow inlets 58 circumferentially disposed around the article axis X. Preferably, each end air flow inlet 58 exhibits the same distance to a neighboring end air flow inlet 58.

[0112] In addition, the wrapper 222 may include one or several air flow inlets (not shown) that open into the tobacco portion 18. This or these air flow inlets are identical to the air flow inlet 24 of the first embodiment.

[0113] In FIG. 10, the upstream end portion 220 is represented by a dotted line to indicate that this portion is covered by the wrapper 222 in this figure.

[0114] The robust stopper 232 according to the third embodiment may also include an identification element and / or a sensor configured to provide data usable by an aerosol generating device and to perform or modify at least one of its functionalities. The identification element and / or the sensor are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the robust stopper 232 may provide the same or similar functionality as the robust stopper 32 according to the first embodiment.

[0115] The robust stopper 232 according to the third embodiment having one or several air flow channels 52 may be combined with the tobacco articles 10, 110 of the first and second embodiments. The robust stopper 232 of the third embodiment may also be adapted to include a hole for receiving the heating element 48 of the second embodiment.

[0116] The wrapper 222 according to the third embodiment may also be combined with the tobacco articles 10, 110 of the first or second embodiment.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 11, the tobacco article 210 may present an air inlet region 240 and a stick identification region 242. The air inlet region 240 may include, for example, at least a part of the mouth-side end portion 216 and may further include the tobacco portion 218. The stick identification region 242 may include at least a part of the robust stopper 232. In particular, the stick identification region 242 may form an air flow shield along the article axis X, i.e., there may be no air flow passing from one end of the stick identification region 242 to the other end of the stick identification region 242, the ends being defined along a direction parallel to the article axis X.

[0118] Still referring to FIG. 11, by way of example, a part 244 of the robust stopper 232 may project from the stick identification region 242 into the air inlet region 240. The air inlet region 240 may include, for example, an L-shaped portion of the robust stopper 232 that forms the air flow channel 52. The stick identification region 242 may include a part of the robust stopper 232 that includes the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42, not shown in FIG. 11.

[0119] According to an example, the robust fastener 232 may include at least one seal 246 configured to prevent water vapor and / or an air flow from penetrating into the stick identification region 242 along a direction perpendicular to the article axis X. According to an example, the seal 246 may extend circumferentially around a portion of the robust fastener 232 that includes the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42.

[0120] According to an example, the tobacco article 210 may include an absorbent material configured to allow an air flow to pass therethrough and further configured to at least partially capture or absorb an aerosol from water vapor, such as air containing an aerosol from the tobacco portion 218. The absorbent material may be disposed, for example, in the form of a layer 248 extending perpendicular to the article axis X, for example, between the tobacco portion 218 and the robust fastener 232. This particularly prevents water vapor, such as air containing an aerosol, from passing from the tobacco portion 218 into the upstream end portion 220 and thus enables protecting the identification element 40 and / or the sensor 42 of the robust fastener 232 from the aerosol.

[0121] According to an example, the air flow channel 52 may be at least partially filled with an absorbent material. According to an alternative example, the air flow channel 52 may be empty, i.e., filled only with ambient air.

[0122] Some of the above features have been described with reference to FIG. 11 as an example of a third embodiment, but at least one feature, preferably all of these features, may alternatively be combined with the tobacco articles 10, 110 according to the first or second embodiment.

Claims

1. A tobacco article (10, 110, 210) designed to operate with an aerosol generating device (13, 113) and extending along an article axis (X) between a mouth end (11, 111, 211) and an upstream end (12, 112, 212), comprising: - a mouth end portion (16, 116, 216) defining the mouth end (11, 111, 211); - a tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) disposed between the upstream end (12, 112, 212) and the mouth end portion (16, 116, 216); - an upstream end portion (20, 120, 220) disposed adjacent to the tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) and defining the upstream end (12, 112, 212) of the tobacco article (10, 110, 210). The tobacco article (10, 110, 210) further comprises: The upstream end portion (20, 120, 220) includes a robust stopper (32, 132, 232) extending transversely to the article axis (X). The robust stopper (32, 132, 232) includes 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 modify at least one of its functions. The tobacco article (10, 110, 210).

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

3. The robust stopper (232) defines a boundary of at least one air flow channel (52) defining an air outlet (54) opening into the tobacco portion (218). Preferably, the tobacco article (10, 110, 210) comprises an absorbent material configured to at least partially absorb aerosol from aerosol-containing air. The tobacco article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The air outlet (54) is disposed on a contact surface (234) of the robust stopper (232). The contact surface (234) contacts the tobacco portion (218) and extends transversely to the article axis (X). The tobacco article according to claim 3.

5. The or each air flow channel (52) defines at least one air inlet (56) disposed on a side surface (238) of the robust stopper (232). The side surface (238) extends along the article axis (X). The tobacco article according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The tobacco article according to claim 5, wherein said or each air flow channel (52) defines a plurality of air inlets (56) circumferentially arranged on said side surface (238) of said robust fastener (232).

7. The tobacco article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a wrapper (22, 222) that at least wraps said tobacco portion (18, 118, 218) and extends around said article axis (X).

8. Said wrapper (22) defines at least one air inlet (24) that opens into said tobacco portion (18). Advantageously, the tobacco article according to claim 7, wherein said wrapper (22) defines a plurality of air inlets (24) arranged circumferentially and opening into said tobacco portion (18).

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

10. The tobacco article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said robust fastener (32, 132, 232) includes an identification element (40) configured to provide identification data and / or authentication data related to said tobacco article (10, 110, 210).

11. The tobacco article according to claim 10, wherein said identification element (40) is arranged on an outer surface (36, 136, 236) of said robust fastener (32, 132, 232), and said outer surface (36, 136, 236) extends transversely to said article axis (X).

12. Said identification element (40) is the following element: - Antenna / spool, - RFID tag, - Optical code, - Flat symbol, - Embossed symbol The tobacco article according to claim 11, corresponding to at least one of them.

13. The tobacco article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said tobacco portion (118) further includes a heating element (48), especially a susceptor, arranged in contact with said robust fastener (132).

14. The tobacco article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said robust fastener (32, 132, 232) includes a temperature sensor (42) configured to provide temperature measurement values of at least a part of said tobacco portion (18, 118, 218).

15. - A tobacco article (10, 110, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and - An aerosol generating device (13, 113) defining a boundary of a cavity (44, 144) configured to receive the tobacco article (10, 110, 210), An assembly (14, 114) including the same.

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