Rod-shaped multi-segment article

Abstract

The object described is a rod-shaped multi-segment article (1) that defines or is intended to define a smoking article or an aerosol, comprising a plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged in a continuous manner along the unfolding axis (X) of the article (1). The article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating segment (4) positioned adjacent to one end (1a) of the article and a terminal segment (3) positioned at the end (1a), both of which are passable by a heating element (302). The terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and a predetermined shaped molded insert (3b) positioned inside the outer tubular element (3a) and molded to partially block the cross-section of the outer tubular element (3a), and the terminal segment (3) is passable by the heating element (302) without particularly deforming the molded insert (3b).

Description

Technical Field

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

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

Background Art

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0010] The applicant has found that including a predetermined-shaped insert, which is formed to partially occupy the cross-section of the outer tubular element and which can be penetrated by a heating element, preferably a needle-shaped insert, in particular a formed insert obtained by folding a sheet or web, in the terminal segment would greatly simplify manufacturing, because conventional machines that operate continuously, especially machines equipped with forming beams, can be used for this type of manufacturing. These machines may be of the type described, for example, in the applicant's patent documents WO2020 / 128827 or WO2021 / 171186.

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

[0012] The present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1-4] The images show longitudinal cross-sections of different embodiments of the rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention. [Figure 5-7] This shows cross-sections of different embodiments of inserts included in a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention. [Figure 8-10] This shows cross-sections of different embodiments of inserts included in a rod-shaped multi-segment article according to the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the terminal segment 3 comprises an outer tubular element 3a and a molding insert 3b disposed inside the outer tubular element 3a, enabling simplified manufacturing that can be carried out using conventional machinery.

[0032] The techniques used to manufacture the molded insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, respectively, such as the molding of the sheet or web and the production of the outer tubular element, are widely used in the tobacco industry. As a result, the terminal segment 3 can be manufactured as a whole by an efficient manufacturing process, which can be done continuously by conventional machines equipped with a molding beam. In other words, there is no need to integrate an “ad hoc” machine optimized for the manufacture of the terminal segment 3 into the production line of item 1.

[0033] More specifically, the molded insert 3b is made by folding a web or sheet to give it a predetermined shape.

[0034] The term “predetermined shape” is used to mean a specific shape or contour that is obtained in particular by preparing appropriate means suitable for forming the contour. For example, a suitable solution for the purpose is described in the same applicant’s patent application WO2021 / 171186, which describes technical means used to obtain a continuous insert having a three-dimensional shape by folding a continuous web in stages.

[0035] Referring more specifically to Figures 5 to 7, the molded insert 3b is molded to partially occupy the cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a. Thus, the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises an area occupied by the molded insert 3b and an area not occupied by the molded insert 3b, which preferably does not contain any further type of filler. In other words, the molded insert 3b defines a space defined by a wall or partition, which is defined by a folded sheet or web.

[0036] Preferably, the molded insert 3b is molded such that the aforementioned area not occupied by the molded insert 3b is superior to the occupied area.

[0037] In other words, in the cross-section of the terminal segment 3, the number of spaces, i.e., the number of areas not occupied by the molding insert 3b and preferably not occupied by the filler, is greater than the number of "filled" areas, i.e., the number of areas occupied by the molding insert 3b or, if necessary, by the filler.

[0038] Preferably, the molding insert 3b divides the cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a such that the portion occupied by the molding insert 3a has a much smaller expansion than the portion not occupied.

[0039] For example, the total volume (in cross-section) occupied by the insert 3b is less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, and even more preferably less than 30% of the cross-section of the cavity defined by the outer tubular element 3a.

[0040] More preferably, the molded insert 3b is defined by a number of folds (i.e., the number of concave surfaces) between 1 and 5, more preferably between 2 and 4, and even more preferably equal to 3.

[0041] The term "cross-section" refers to a plane cross-section obtained in a direction lateral to, preferably perpendicular to, the unfolding axis "X".

[0042] In particular, the molded insert 3b is molded such that the terminal segment 3 can be penetrated by the heating element 302 positioned on the unfolding axis "X" of article 1 without contact with the molded insert 3b or deformation of the molded insert 3b, ensuring easy insertion / removal of the heating element 302.

[0043] In other words, the terminal segment 3, and in particular the molded insert 3b, is molded in such a way that a heating element 302 (or multiple heating elements 302) can be inserted through the region occupied by the molded insert 3b.

[0044] Preferably, the terminal segment 3, and in particular the molded insert 3b, is molded such that one of the spaces accepts the heating element 302, so that the molded insert 3b does not deform and does not come into contact with the heating element 302 during the insertion of the heating element 302.

[0045] Preferably, in the usage configuration of article 1, that is, when article 1 is inserted into the cylindrical housing 301 of the heating device 300, the heating element 302 is positioned inside the terminal segment 3 along the unfolding axis "X" without contacting the molding insert 3b, ensuring easy insertion / removal of the heating element 302 and preventing incineration of the molding insert 3b during heating by the heating element 302.

[0046] More specifically, the molded insert 3b has a central portion 30 (shown in a simplified form in Figures 5 to 7), the central portion 30 extends around a central region through which the unfolding axis "X" passes, and is spaced from the unfolding axis "X" by a minimum distance between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, which is greater than the thickness of the heating element 302, thus allowing for easy insertion / removal of the heating element 302, particularly without contact with and / or deformation of the molded insert 3b.

[0047] In particular, referring to Figures 5 to 7, the molded insert 3b has a mainly curved shape in cross-section, and is preferably curved throughout.

[0048] The term "cross-section" refers to a cross-section formed in a plane perpendicular to the development axis "X".

[0049] The term "mainly" refers to the extended portion of the molded insert 3b.

[0050] More specifically, the molded insert 3b comprises a series of recessed and convex regions in which the concave surfaces are alternately oriented.

[0051] For example, according to one embodiment shown in Figure 5, the molded insert 3b has a completely curved shape, particularly a corrugated shape.

[0052] According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 6, the molding insert 3b has a fully curved shape, particularly an "Ω" shape. This particular embodiment can be obtained, for example, by the machine described in the patent application WO2021 / 171186 in the name of the same applicant.

[0053] According to another embodiment shown in Figure 7, the molded insert 3b has a “zigzag” shape.

[0054] According to the modified embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 10, the insert 3b may have a three-dimensional shape limited to an annular region spaced apart from the unfolding axis "X", the annular region defining the central region where the molded insert (3b) is absent, and preferably having a diameter (or minimum lateral dimension) between 3 and 6 mm.

[0055] According to one modified embodiment, the insert 3b may be molded so as not to hinder (or at least substantially not to hinder) the insertion of the heating element 302, in particular so that the heating element 302 does not come into contact with the insert 3b upon insertion of the heating element 302, or in any case the insert 3b is not damaged / deformed by the heating element 302.

[0056] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the insert 3b has an annular unfolding that is shaped so as not to interfere with or come into contact with the heating element 302 (or multiple heating elements 302) inserted coaxially with the unfolding axis "X".

[0057] In other words, the insert 3b is molded to clearly leave a central region 30 in the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 located around the unfolding axis "X". Thus, the cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises a region occupied in particular by the insert 3b and a region that coincides with the central region 30 and is not occupied by the insert 3b, preferably without any further type of filler.

[0058] Referring to Figure 8, the sheet or web has a substantially triangular wave profile in cross-section, consisting of a series of successive crests. In this situation, the outward-facing crests define the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0059] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the expansion axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0060] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0061] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 100. According to the first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to the crest of the insert 3b, which is intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the crests of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each crest is bonded to the inner wall 100 anyway.

[0062] Referring to Figure 9, the sheet or web has a substantially square wave profile in cross-section, consisting of a series of substantially linear portions. In this situation, the outermost radial portion defines the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0063] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the deployment axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0064] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0065] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 100. According to the first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to the portion of the insert 3b that is intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the aforementioned portions of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each portion is bonded to the inner wall 100 in any case.

[0066] Referring to Figure 10, the sheet or web has substantially a profile in cross-section in which two substantially continuous linear portions are alternately arranged by edges or crests. In this situation, the substantially linear portions define the contact area 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0067] The contact areas 31 are distributed angularly around the deployment axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other.

[0068] The contact area 31 defines the area of ​​adhesion between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding.

[0069] In particular, the contact area 31 is in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably is bonded to the inner wall 00. According to a first possibility, an adhesive (e.g., vinyl adhesive) is applied to a substantially linear portion of the insert 3b intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying adhesive to each of the substantially linear portions of the insert 3b, the adhesive can be applied uniformly to the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a so that each apex is bonded to the inner wall 100 in any case.

[0070] According to alternative embodiments, not shown but included in the concept of the present invention, the molded insert 3b may be molded to prevent the insertion of a heating element 302 (or a plurality of heating elements 302), in particular, such that it deforms or is radially displaced after at least a portion of the molded insert 3b has been inserted. If there are a plurality of heating elements 302, the molded insert 3b may be molded to prevent the insertion of only a portion of the plurality of heating elements 302.

[0071] According to one aspect of the present invention, the molded insert 3b has a plurality of contact regions 31 (shown in Figures 5 to 7) with the outer tubular element 3a, the plurality of contact regions 31 are distributed angularly around the unfolding axis "X" and are spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the contact regions 31 define areas of adhesion between the molded insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, more preferably by bonding. In particular, the contact regions 31 are in contact with the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a, and preferably bonded to the inner wall 100.

[0072] Therefore, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are connected to each other and integrated, for example, by bonding, to ensure the stability of the terminal segment 3 when the heating element 302 is withdrawn from the article 1. This results in effective retention of the portion of the aerosol-generating segment 4 that is pulled by the heating element 302 when the heating element 302 is withdrawn from the article 1 (by the molded insert 3b which acts as a barrier to that portion) and the robustness of the terminal segment 3.

[0073] Preferably, the molded insert 3b has a single-layer structure. However, the molded insert 3b may have a multilayer structure.

[0074] Preferably, the terminal segment 3, and therefore the molded insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, are made of organic material to ensure the sustainability of article 1.

[0075] Preferably, at least the molded insert 3b is made of a material that does not release any substance when heated, i.e., when the heating element 302 of the heating device 300 is inserted into the inside of the article 1, particularly into the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, thereby ensuring safety to the user's health.

[0076] Preferably, at least the molded insert 3b is made of a material that can withstand combustion even when heated up to 350°C, or a material that does not release any substances that are considered harmful or toxic when heated at least within that temperature range, thereby ensuring safety for the user's health.

[0077] In addition or alternatively, according to embodiments not shown, the heating element 302 (or more heating elements 302) may include a portion of insulating material intended to be axially positioned on the terminal segment 3 during use. In this way, only the aerosol-generating segment 4 is heated by the heating element 302.

[0078] More preferably, at least the molded insert 3b is made of a physically heat-resistant material that does not burn, incinerate, or collapse when heated, thereby significantly limiting the extraction of powder and / or material into the environment outside the article by the withdrawal of the heating element from the article.

[0079] Preferably, at least the molded insert 3b is made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material to ensure the sustainability of the article.

[0080] For example, at least the molded insert 3b is made from a material selected from paper, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, alginates, plastic materials, metals (e.g., aluminum or steel), carbon compounds, and non-metallic materials (e.g., ceramics). In the case of ceramic materials, the molded insert 3b is obtained by a technique other than folding.

[0081] Article 1 may be made according to different embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0082] According to the first embodiment of article 1 shown in Figure 1, the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating segment 4.

[0083] More specifically, according to the first embodiment, the outer tubular element 3a is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4, and the molding insert 3b extends along the entire axial dimension of the terminal segment 3, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X". Preferably, the tubular insert 3b is also positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0084] The outer tubular element 3a and / or molded insert 3b may also be fixed to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or outer wrapper 6, preferably by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0085] Preferably, the molded insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of the article 1.

[0086] According to a second embodiment of Article 1 shown in Figure 2, the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4 by an outer tubular element 3a, while the (axially short) molding insert 3b is spaced away from the aerosol-generating segment 4 so as to define a gap region 7 between the molding insert 3b and the aerosol-generating segment 4. Thus, the gap region 7 is defined radially, i.e., around the unfolding axis "X", by the outer tubular element 3a, and axially, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X", by the molding insert 3b and the aerosol-generating segment 4. The outer tubular element 3a may also be fixed to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or outer wrapper 6 by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0087] Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of article 1.

[0088] According to a third embodiment of article 1 shown in Figure 3, the outer tubular element 3a and the molded insert 3b are spaced apart from the aerosol-generating segment 4 so as to define a gap region 7' ​​between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0089] Furthermore, the outer tubular element 3a and the molded insert 3b have the same axial length. Thus, the spacing region 7' ​​is defined only by the outer wrapper 6 in the radial direction, i.e., around the unfolding axis "X", and by the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4 in the axial direction, i.e., along the unfolding axis "X". Preferably, the molded insert 3b is also positioned coplanar with the end 1a of the article 1. As shown in Figure 3, the length of the spacing region 7' ​​(measured along the unfolding axis X) is substantially equal to the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). According to one modified embodiment, the length of the spacing region 7' ​​(measured along the unfolding axis X) is shorter than the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X).

[0090] According to the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4, article 1 comprises a tubular or ring-shaped spacing segment 8 interposed between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4. The spacing segment 8 is preferably adjacent to, i.e., in contact with, at least one, more preferably both, of the aerosol-generating segment 4 and the terminal segment 3.

[0091] The spacing segments 8 can also be fixed to the outer tubular elements 3a and / or the molded inserts 3b and / or the aerosol-generating segments 4 and / or the outer wrapper 6, preferably by adhesive and / or attachment.

[0092] More specifically, the spacing segment 8 is hollow, i.e., it has a cross-section without filler.

[0093] More specifically, the spacing segments 8 are made in the form of tubular or ring-shaped elements and have an empty cross-section, i.e., are not occupied by an inner wall or component.

[0094] For example, the diameter of the spacing segment 8 is preferably equal to the diameter of the other segments, and the thickness of the tubular wall defining the spacing segment is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm (more preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm).

[0095] Therefore, the spacing segments 8 function as reinforcement for the outer wrapper 6 without the use of any type of filler, giving article 1 high stability and structural stability.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4, the length of the spacing segment 8 (measured along the unfolding axis X) is substantially equal to the length of the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). According to one modified embodiment, the length of the spacing segment 8 (measured along the unfolding axis X) is shorter than the terminal segment 3 (measured along the unfolding axis X). Preferably, the spacing segment 8 is a ring with a length between 1 mm and 8 mm.

[0097] Furthermore, preferably in the fourth embodiment as well, the molded insert 3b has the same axial length as the outer tubular element 3a and is positioned coplanar with the end 1a of the article 1.

[0098] The present invention achieves the aforementioned objective by overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art. In this regard, it should be noted that the outer tubular element 3a and the molded insert 3b can be manufactured using conventional machinery, thus ensuring improved manufacturing efficiency. For this reason, the present invention can reduce the manufacturing time and cost of article 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the central region 30 defined by the molded insert ensures that the heating element 302 can be easily inserted into the interior of the terminal segment 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0100] [Patent Document 1] EP2797450B1 [Patent Document 2] WO2020 / 128827 [Patent Document 3] WO2021 / 171186

Claims

1. A rod-shaped multi-segmented article (1) that defines or is intended to define a smoking article or aerosol product, the article (1) extending along its unfolding axis (X), - Multiple segments (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged in a continuous manner along the aforementioned expansion axis (X), - comprising an outer wrapper (6) positioned around the unfolding axis (X) to connect the segments (2, 3, 4, 5) to each other, The plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5) each include an aerosol-generating segment (4) positioned close to one end (1a) of the article and a terminal segment (3) positioned at the end (1a). The terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generation segment (4) are passable by the heating element (302) of the heating device (300), The terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and a molded insert (3b) having a predetermined shape, which is disposed inside the outer tubular element (3a) and molded to partially close the cross-section of the outer tubular element (3a), and the terminal segment (3) can be penetrated by a heating element (302) without particularly deforming the molded insert (3b), thus forming a rod-shaped multi-segment article (1).

2. The article (1) according to claim 1, wherein the molded insert (3b) is made by folding a web or sheet into a predetermined shape.

3. The article (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the molded insert (3b) has a single layer structure.

4. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the molded insert (3b) has a mainly curved shape in cross-section.

5. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the molded insert (3b) has a completely curved shape in cross-section.

6. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the molded insert (3b) has a series of convex / concave regions, the concave surfaces of which alternately face different directions.

7. The shape of the molded insert (3b) is selected from one of the following: "Ω", "zigzag", or wave, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, article (1).

8. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the molding insert (3b) has a central portion (30) extending around a central region through which the unfolding axis (X) passes, and the central portion (30) is preferably spaced from the unfolding axis (X) by a minimum distance between 0.5 mm and 8 mm.

9. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the molded insert (3b) has a plurality of contact regions (31) that contact the outer tubular element (3a), and the contact regions (31) are angularly distributed around the unfolding axis (X) and preferably spaced apart from one another.

10. The article (1) according to claim 9, wherein the contact area (31) defines an area of ​​adhesion, preferably by bonding, between the molded insert (3b) and the outer tubular element (3a).

11. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the molding insert (3b) has a three-dimensional shape limited to an annular region spaced apart from the unfolding axis (X), and the three-dimensional shape defines a central region without the molding insert (3b) and preferably has a diameter between 3 and 6 mm.

12. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the terminal segment (3) is made of a material selected from the following: paper, a cellulose derivative, an alginate, a plastic material, a metal, a carbon compound, or a ceramic material.

13. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the terminal segment (3) is positioned in contact with the aerosol generating segment (4), and in particular the outer tubular element (3a) is in contact with the aerosol generating segment (4).

14. The article (1) according to claim 13, wherein the molded insert (3b) extends along the entire axial dimension of the terminal segment (3) and preferably contacts the aerosol-generating segment (4).

15. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molded insert (3b) is spaced apart from the aerosol generating segment (4), and a spacing region (7, 7') is defined between the molded insert (3b) and the aerosol generating segment (4).

16. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a preferably hollow, tubular spacing segment (8) interposed between the terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generating segment (4).

17. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the molding insert (3b) is coplanar with the end portion (1a) of the article (1).

18. Aerosol generating system (200) comprising an article (1) and a heating device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heating device (300) comprises a cylindrical housing (301) configured to at least partially receive the article (1), and at least one heating element (302) located within the cylindrical housing (301), the heating element (302) extending axially to such an extent that it is inserted into the terminal segment (3) and the aerosol generating segment (4) of the article (1) in an operating configuration in which the article (1) is inside the cylindrical housing (301).

19. The aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 17, wherein the molding insert (3b) of the article (1) is configured such that, in the operating configuration, the heating element (302) passes through the terminal segment (3) without coming into contact with the molding insert (3b).

20. The aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one heating element (302) has an elongated shape and is made in the form of a needle or pin.

21. The aerosol generating system (200) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the at least one heating element (302) comprises a portion of insulating material intended to be axially positioned on the terminal segment (3) in the operating configuration in which the article (1) is located inside the cylindrical housing (301).

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