Rod-shaped aerosol-generating article having an electromagnetic information marker

Abstract

A method for producing a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article (1), comprising: arranging segments (3, 5, 7, 9) in a row along a longitudinal direction (11); winding a first sheet (13) around at least one of the segments (3, 5, 7, 9); and winding a second sheet (15) around at least one of the segments (3, 5, 7, 9) so as to at least partially overlap the first sheet (13), wherein an electromagnetic information marker (25) is generated when the second sheet (15) is wound, the electromagnetic information marker (25) comprising a first structure (17) provided on the first sheet (13) and a second structure (21) provided on the second sheet (15).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles. [Background technology]

[0002] EP1422168A1 describes a package of tobacco articles including a container, a group of tobacco articles contained within the container, and at least one shoplifting marker contained within the container. The shoplifting marker includes magnetic resonance means that resonates at a given resonant frequency. The shoplifting marker is remotely detectable by a shoplifting detector device by a magnetic field having a frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency. The shoplifting marker includes a support element provided with a segment of magnetic material. The shoplifting marker may be adhered to a different surface of the container. Alternatively, the shoplifting marker may be incorporated into at least one cigarette in the group of tobacco articles. Specifically, the shoplifting marker may be contained inside the cigarette filter, wrapped around the cigarette filter, supported by a connecting strip, or contained inside the tobacco rod of the cigarette. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. The method includes arranging segments in a row along a longitudinal direction. The method further includes wrapping a first sheet around at least one of the segments. The method further includes wrapping a second sheet around at least one of the segments so as to at least partially overlap the first sheet. The wrapping of the second sheet produces an electromagnetic information marker. The electromagnetic information marker includes a first structure provided on the first sheet and a second structure provided on the second sheet.

[0004] Because the electromagnetic information marker is produced by wrapping the second sheet around at least one of the segments, production of the electromagnetic information marker can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes for aerosol-generating articles. In this manner, advantageously, no additional means are required to attach the electromagnetic information marker to the aerosol-generating article. At least one of the first sheet and the second sheet can serve as a substrate for the first structure or the second structure in addition to having another function in the aerosol-generating article, such as covering one or more of the segments or connecting two or more of the segments.

[0005] At least one of the segments around which the second sheet is wrapped may be the segment around which the first sheet is wrapped. The overlap between the first and second sheets may at least partially surround one of the segments. The segment around which the second sheet is wrapped may be different from the segment around which the first sheet is wrapped. The overlap between the first and second sheets may surround the gap between the segments.

[0006] When the second sheet is rolled, the second structure may be positioned to at least partially overlap the first structure, the overlap between the first and second structures facilitating interaction between the first and second structures.

[0007] At least one of the rolling steps of the first sheet and the second sheet may connect two or more segments together. At least one of the rolling steps of the first sheet and the second sheet may connect three or more segments, or four or more segments, or six or more segments together. At least one of the rolling steps of the first sheet and the second sheet may connect fewer than 20 segments, fewer than 15 segments, fewer than 10 segments, fewer than 8 segments, or fewer than 4 segments together.

[0008] In a continuous rod maker, such as a tobacco rod maker or a filter rod maker, at least one of the steps of winding the first sheet and the second sheet can connect an almost indefinite number of segments (until the production of the continuous rod is interrupted), so that the upper limit of the number of segments connected, at least in time, may be in the millions. A plurality of first structures may be spaced apart on the first sheet, and a plurality of second structures may be correspondingly spaced apart on the second sheet. Upon winding the first and second sheets, a plurality of electromagnetic information markers may be produced, each including a first structure and a second structure. At a later stage, the continuous rod may be separated to form individual articles. Preferably, each of the individual articles includes one or more of the electromagnetic information markers.

[0009] Combining the segments of the aerosol-generating article to produce the electromagnetic information marker can be accomplished in a single process step.

[0010] The wrapping of the second sheet may be performed after wrapping the first sheet. The step of wrapping the second sheet around at least one of the segments may be performed after the first sheet is completely wrapped around the at least one segment.

[0011] The step of wrapping the second sheet around at least one of the segments may be performed after the step of arranging the segments in a row along the longitudinal direction. The step of wrapping the first sheet around at least one of the segments may be performed after the step of arranging the segments in a row along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the step of wrapping the first sheet around at least one of the segments may be performed before the step of arranging the segments in a row along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The first structure or the second structure may include or be formed from a first metallic material. The other of the first structure and the second structure may include or be formed from a second metallic material. The first metallic material may include a metallic component. The first metallic material may include a metallic ink or a metallic paste. The second metallic material may include a metallic component. The second metallic material may include a metallic ink or a metallic paste. The first metallic material or the second metallic material, or both, may include a metal-based alloy. The metal-based alloy may include manganese. The metal-based alloy may include 7 to 20 weight percent, or 9 to 18 weight percent, or 11 to 15 weight percent manganese. The metal-based alloy may include at least one ferromagnetic material. The metal-based alloy may include less than 10 weight percent, or less than 8 weight percent, of the at least one ferromagnetic material. The metal-based alloy may include iron (Fe). The metal-based alloy may include or be based on one or more of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

[0013] The first magnetic material may have a different magnetic coercivity than the second magnetic material. The first magnetic material may have a higher magnetic coercivity than the second magnetic material. The magnetic coercivity of a material is the ability of the material to withstand an external magnetic field without demagnetizing. The magnetic coercivity of the second metallic material may be in the range of 10 to 90 Oersteds (Oe), or in the range of 15 to 70 Oersteds (Oe). The magnetic coercivity may be measured, for example, using a direct current method at approximately 50 to 60 kilohertz (kHz).

[0014] The electromagnetic information marker can be configured to be read by exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field.

[0015] The method may further include reading the electromagnetic information marker, whereby information stored on the electromagnetic information marker can be obtained.

[0016] Reading the electromagnetic information marker can include exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field can have a frequency ranging from 10 Hertz (Hz) to 20 Kilohertz (kHz). When the electromagnetic information marker is subjected to the alternating electromagnetic field, the information marker can emit a response signal.

[0017] Exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field can include performing a frequency sweep on the alternating magnetic field. The frequency of the alternating magnetic field can be swept through a range of 10 hertz (Hz) to 20 kilohertz (kHz), or a subrange of the 10 hertz (Hz) to 20 kilohertz (kHz) range. For example, when a frequency sweep is performed, one or more resonant frequencies of the electromagnetic information marker can be determined.

[0018] Reading the electromagnetic marker may include detecting a response of the electromagnetic marker to an alternating magnetic field. The response of the electromagnetic marker may be in the form of an electromagnetic field. The response of the electromagnetic marker may be a resonant frequency of the electromagnetic marker.

[0019] Detecting the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field may include determining whether or not the electromagnetic information marker responds to the alternating magnetic field. By determining whether the electromagnetic information marker emits a response to the alternating electromagnetic field or does not emit a response to the alternating electromagnetic field, binary-type information can be obtained.

[0020] Detecting the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field can include determining at least one frequency of the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field. The frequency of the response of the electromagnetic information marker can correspond to a resonant frequency of the electromagnetic information marker. The electromagnetic information marker can have one or more resonant frequencies. The frequency of the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field can codify information stored on the information marker.

[0021] The first structure may include a first substructure. The second structure may include a second substructure. Each first substructure, together with a corresponding second substructure, may form a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker. The substructures may be, for example, dot-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or stripe-shaped. One or more first substructures may differ in size or shape, or size and shape, from one or more other first substructures. One or more second substructures may differ in size or shape, or size and shape, from one or more other second substructures.

[0022] Each sub-marker of the electromagnetic information marker may have at least one resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of one or more sub-markers may be different from the resonant frequency of one or more other sub-markers. Reading the electromagnetic information marker may include individually reading each of the sub-markers of the electromagnetic information marker. Increasing the number of sub-markers can increase the information storage capacity of the electromagnetic information marker.

[0023] The method may further include writing information onto the electromagnetic information marker. The step of writing information onto the electromagnetic information marker may be performed after rolling the second sheet. Writing information onto the electromagnetic information marker may be performed during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article or after manufacture of the aerosol-generating article is completed.

[0024] Writing information to the electromagnetic information marker can include subjecting the electromagnetic information marker to a direct current (DC) magnetic field, which is a magnetic field having a frequency of zero Hertz (Hz).

[0025] The method may further include printing the first structure onto the first sheet, or vapor depositing the first structure onto the first sheet, or laminating the first structure onto the first sheet.

[0026] The method may further include printing a second structure onto the second sheet, or vapor depositing the second structure onto the second sheet, or laminating the second structure onto the second sheet.

[0027] The method for producing rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles may be performed multiple times to produce a plurality of rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles. The positioning of the second structure relative to the first structure may be different for at least some of the produced aerosol-generating articles. Varying the positioning of the second structure relative to the first structure may change the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic information marker. How the second structure is positioned relative to the first structure may be changed at any time during the production of a plurality of rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles. Based on the relative positioning of the second structure relative to the first structure, individual aerosol-generating articles may originate from a particular lot of aerosol-generating articles.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, the rod-shaped aerosol-generating article including an electromagnetic information marker, the electromagnetic information marker storing information having information content greater than one bit.

[0029] The information stored by the electromagnetic information marker has higher information content than information obtained from the device based solely on whether the device is activated or deactivated, the activated or deactivated state of the shoplifting marker, etc. The electromagnetic information marker of the aerosol-generating article allows information of a particular complexity to be stored. Because the electromagnetic information marker is part of the aerosol-generating article, the information stored on the electromagnetic information marker is accessible from the individual aerosol-generating article. The information stored by the electromagnetic information marker may include information about the individual aerosol-generating article.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may comprise tobacco material. The length of the aerosol-generating article along its longitudinal direction may be between 1 centimeter (cm) and 20 centimeters (cm), or between 2 centimeters (cm) and 15 centimeters (cm), or between 4 centimeters (cm) and 12 centimeters (cm).

[0031] The electromagnetic information marker may store information regarding one or more of the location of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the date of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the time of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the type of aerosol-generating article, and verification information. Information regarding the location of manufacture may include, for example, information regarding the country or information regarding a specific factory. Information regarding the date of manufacture may include one or more of information regarding the year, information regarding the month, and information regarding the date of manufacture. Information regarding the type of aerosol-generating article may include, for example, a code corresponding to the type of aerosol-generating article, such as an item number. The verification information may enable verification of the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article. Information on the electromagnetic information marker may be correlated or compared with other information. Other information may be provided, for example, on the packaging of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] The electromagnetic information marker may include a first structure and a second structure, and the second structure may at least partially overlap the first structure.

[0033] The first structure or the second structure may include a first metallic material. The other of the first structure and the second structure may include a second metallic material. The first metallic material may have a higher magnetic coercivity than the second metallic material.

[0034] The first structure or the second structure may exhibit magnetic contraction. Magnetic contraction is a property of a magnetic material that causes the shape or dimensions of the magnetic material to change during the magnetization process. If the first structure or the second structure exhibits magnetic contraction, application of an external magnetic field changes the shape or dimensions of the first structure or the second structure. This may result in a magnetic response that can be detected. Information stored by the electromagnetic information marker may be represented by the response of the first structure or the second structure.

[0035] The first structure may include a first substructure, the second structure may include a second substructure, and each first substructure may form with a corresponding second substructure a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker.

[0036] Each of the sub-markers may have a magnetic resonance frequency that is different from the magnetic resonance frequencies of the remaining sub-markers.

[0037] The aerosol-generating article may include segments arranged along the longitudinal direction of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a first sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments. The aerosol-generating article may include a second sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments and at least partially overlapping the first sheet. The first structure may be provided on the first sheet. The second structure may be provided on the second sheet.

[0038] At least a portion of the information stored on the electromagnetic information marker may be rewritable. At least a portion of the information stored on the electromagnetic information marker may be rewritable by magnetic interaction with the electromagnetic information marker.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system includes a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article and an electronic holder. The electronic holder is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article and enable aerosol generation. The aerosol-generating article includes an electromagnetic information marker. The electronic holder includes a data reader configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker.

[0040] The electromagnetic information marker allows for information to be stored directly on the aerosol-generating article. Incorporating a data reader into the electronic holder eliminates the need for a separate device to read data from the electromagnetic information marker. Data from the electromagnetic information marker can be made available to the electronic holder via the data reader. Data from the electromagnetic information marker may be processed by the electronic holder. Operation of the electronic holder may be controlled based on data from the electromagnetic information marker.

[0041] The data reader may be configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially received in the electronic holder. When reading the data, the aerosol-generating article may be received in the electronic holder in the same or substantially the same manner as required to generate an aerosol.

[0042] The electronic holder may include an input device configured to receive user input and, in response to the user input, to trigger the data reader to read data from the electromagnetic information marker. The input device may include, for example, a button or a switch.

[0043] The data reader may be configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the electronic holder. The electronic holder may include a sensor that detects insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the electronic holder and triggers the data reader to read data from the electronic information marker upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the electronic holder.

[0044] The data reader may include a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to read data from the electromagnetic information marker.

[0045] The coil may also be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to enable generation of the aerosol. Costs can be reduced if the same coil is used to heat the aerosol-generating article and read data from the electromagnetic information marker.

[0046] The data reader may be configured to perform a frequency sweep on the alternating magnetic field.

[0047] The data reader may be configured to detect the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a sheet for assembling at least two segments of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article and as a substrate for a metal structure of an electromagnetic information marker for storing information about the aerosol-generating article.

[0049] The metal structure may be formed directly on the sheet.

[0050] The metal structures may, for example, be printed onto the sheet, vapor-deposited onto the sheet, or laminated onto the sheet.

[0051] An additional sheet may be wrapped around at least one of the segments, which may be used as a substrate for an additional metal structure of the electromagnetic information marker. [Example]

[0052] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples of the present invention, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0053] Example A1: 1. A method for producing a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, comprising: Arranging the segments in a row along the longitudinal direction; wrapping a first sheet around at least one of the segments; and wrapping a second sheet around at least one of the segments so as to at least partially overlap the first sheet; The method wherein an electromagnetic information marker is produced upon rolling the second sheet, the electromagnetic information marker comprising a first structure provided on the first sheet and a second structure provided on the second sheet. Example A2: The method of embodiment A1, wherein the second structure is positioned to at least partially overlap the first structure when the second sheet is rolled. Example A3: The method of any one of embodiments A1 or A2, wherein at least one of rolling the first sheet and rolling the second sheet connects two or more of the segments to one another. Example A4: The method of any one of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the rolling of the second sheet is performed after the rolling of the first sheet. Example A5: The method of any one of Examples A1 to A4, wherein the first structure or the second structure comprises a first metallic material, and the other of the first structure and the second structure comprises a second metallic material, and the first metallic material has a higher magnetic coercivity than the second metallic material. Example A6: The method of any one of Examples A1-A5, further comprising reading the electromagnetic information marker. Example A7: The method of example A6, wherein reading the electromagnetic information marker comprises exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field. Example A8: The method of example A7, wherein exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field comprises performing a frequency sweep on the alternating magnetic field. Example A9: The method of any one of Examples A7 and A8, wherein reading the electromagnetic information marker comprises detecting a response of the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field. Example A10: The method of example A9, wherein detecting the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field comprises determining whether or not the electromagnetic information marker responds to the alternating magnetic field. Example A11: The method of example A9 or example A10, wherein detecting the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field includes determining at least one frequency of the response of the electromagnetic information marker to the alternating magnetic field. Example A12: The method of any one of Examples A1-A11, wherein the first structure includes a first substructure and the second structure includes a second substructure, each first substructure together with a corresponding second substructure forming a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker. Example A13: The method of any one of Examples A1-A12, further comprising writing information onto the electromagnetic information marker after rolling the second sheet. Example A14: The method of example A13, wherein writing information on the electromagnetic information marker comprises subjecting the information marker to a DC magnetic field. Example A15: The method of any one of Examples A1-A14, further comprising printing the first structure onto the first sheet, or vapor-depositing the first structure onto the first sheet, or laminating the first structure onto the first sheet. Example A16: The method of any one of Examples A1-A15, further comprising printing a second structure onto the second sheet, or vapor-depositing a second structure onto the second sheet, or laminating a second structure onto the second sheet. Example A17: The method of any one of Examples A1-A16, wherein the electromagnetic information marker is configured to be read by exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field. Example A18: A method for producing a plurality of rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles, comprising performing the method described in any one of Examples A1 to A17 a plurality of times, wherein the positioning of the second structure relative to the first structure varies for at least some of the aerosol-generating articles produced. Example B19: A rod-shaped aerosol-generating article comprising an electromagnetic information marker, the electromagnetic information marker storing information having information content greater than one bit. Example B20: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example B19, wherein the electromagnetic information marker stores information regarding one or more of the manufacturing location of the aerosol-generating article, the manufacturing date of the aerosol-generating article, the manufacturing time of the aerosol-generating article, the type of aerosol-generating article, and verification information. Example B21: The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims B19 to B20, wherein the electromagnetic information marker comprises a first structure and a second structure that at least partially overlaps the first structure. Example B22: An aerosol-generating article described in Example B21, wherein the first structure or the second structure comprises a first metal material, and the other of the first structure and the second structure comprises a second metal material, and the first metal material has a higher magnetic coercivity than the second metal material. Example B23: The aerosol-generating article of example B21 or B22, wherein the first structure or the second structure exhibits magnetic contraction. Example B24: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples B21 to B23, wherein the first structure includes a first substructure, the second structure includes a second substructure, and each first substructure, together with the corresponding second substructure, forms a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker. Example B25: The aerosol-generating article of example B24, wherein each of the submarkers has a magnetic resonance frequency that is different from the magnetic resonance frequencies of the remaining submarkers. Example B26: An aerosol-generating article described in any one of Examples B21 to B25, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises segments arranged along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, a first sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments, and a second sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments and at least partially overlapping the first sheet, wherein the first structure is provided on the first sheet and the second structure is provided on the second sheet. Example B27: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples B19 to B26, wherein at least a portion of the information stored on the electromagnetic information marker is rewritable. Example C28: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, in particular as described in any one of Examples B19 to B27; an electronic holder configured to receive the aerosol-generating article and enable aerosol generation; the aerosol-generating article includes an electromagnetic information marker; An aerosol generating system, wherein the electronic holder includes a data reader configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker. Example C29: The aerosol generating system of example C28, wherein the data reader is configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker when the disposable aerosol generating article is at least partially received in the electronic holder. Example C30: An aerosol generating system as described in example C28 or C29, wherein the data reader is configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker upon insertion of the disposable aerosol generating article into the electronic holder. Example C31: The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples C28-C30, wherein the data reader includes a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to read data from the electromagnetic information marker. Example C32: The aerosol generation system of example C31, wherein the coil is also configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to enable generation of the aerosol. Example C33: The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples C28-C32, wherein the data reader is configured to perform a frequency sweep with the alternating magnetic field. Example C34: The aerosol generating system of any one of Examples C28-C33, wherein the data reader is configured to detect a response of the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field. Example D35: Use of a sheet for assembling at least two segments of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article and as a substrate for a metal structure of an electromagnetic information marker for storing information about the aerosol-generating article. Example D36: Use according to example D35, in which the metal structure is formed directly on the sheet. Example D37: Use according to example D35 or D36, wherein the metal structure is printed on the sheet or vapor-deposited on the sheet or laminated on the sheet. Example D38: The use according to any one of the embodiments D35 to D37, wherein an additional sheet is wrapped around at least one of the segments and used as a substrate for an additional metallic structure of the electromagnetic information marker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0055] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the first and second sheets of the aerosol-generating article according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 at the location of the electromagnetic information marker, the cross-sectional plane being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing process for a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment in which the electronic holder includes separate coils for heating the aerosol-generating article and for reading data from the electromagnetic information marker. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment having an electronic holder with a common coil for heating the aerosol-generating article and reading data from the electronic information marker. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for producing an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises multiple segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 1 includes four segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. However, a different number of segments is possible. The segments 3, 5, 7, and 9 may be rod-shaped. The illustrated segments include a mouthpiece segment 3 including a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article, a diffuser segment 5 including a diffuser, a tobacco material segment 7 including tobacco material, and, in some embodiments, a heat source for the aerosol-generating article and a cap segment 9 including a cap for the aerosol-generating article. The segments 3, 5, 7, and 9 are arranged in a row along a longitudinal direction 11.

[0057] As shown in the first section of Figure 1, first sheet 13 is wrapped around segments 3, 5, 7, and 9, and segments 3, 5, 7, and 9 are interlocked together. First sheet 13 may comprise foil. First sheet 13 may comprise paper. First sheet 13 may be metallized or laminated.

[0058] After the first sheet 13 is wrapped around segments 3, 5, 7, and 9, the second sheet 15 is wrapped around the heat source segment 7 and the cap segment 9. The second sheet 15 is wrapped over the first sheet 13. The second sheet 15 may comprise foil. The second sheet 15 may comprise paper. The second sheet 15 may be metallized or laminated.

[0059] A first structure 17 is provided on the first sheet 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first structure 17 comprises three substructures 19. The three substructures 19 are formed as parallel lines or stripes oriented to form parallel circles around the central axes of the segments 3, 5, 7, and 9 after the first sheet 13 is wrapped. The first structure 17 may be formed on the first sheet 13 before wrapping the first sheet 13 around the segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. The first structure 17 may be printed, vapor-deposited, or laminated onto the first sheet 13. The first structure 17 is integral with the first sheet 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first structure 17 is provided on the outer surface of the first sheet 13, which is the side of the first sheet 13 facing away from the segments 3, 5, 7, and 9 after the first sheet 13 is wrapped around the segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. However, the first structure 17 or one or more first substructures 19 may alternatively be provided on the inner surface of the first sheet 13 facing the segments 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 .

[0060] The second structure 21 is provided on the second sheet 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the second structure 21 comprises three second substructures 23. The second structure 21 may be formed on the second sheet 15 before wrapping the second sheet 15 around the segments 7 and 9. The second structure 21 may be printed, vapor-deposited, or laminated onto the second sheet 15. The second structure 21 is integral with the second sheet 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the second structure 21 is provided on the outer surface of the second sheet 15, which is the side of the second sheet 15 that faces away from the segments 7 and 9 after the second sheet 15 is wrapped around the segments 7 and 9. However, the second structure 21 or one or more second substructures 23 may alternatively be provided on the inner surface of the second sheet 15 that faces the segments 7 and 9.

[0061] The second structures 21 are positioned on the second sheet 15 such that the second structures 21 overlap the first structures 17 after the second sheet 15 is wrapped around the segments 7 and 9. In particular, each second substructure 23 overlaps a corresponding first substructure 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and size of the second substructures 23 correspond to the shape and size of the first substructures 19. However, the first substructures 19 and the second substructures 23 may have different shapes. The first structures 17 and the second structures 21 may touch after the first sheet 13 and the second sheet 15 are wrapped. Alternatively, the first structures 17 and the second structures 21 may not touch after the first sheet 13 and the second sheet 15 are wrapped. The first structures 17 and the second structures 21 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0062] The first structure 17 or the second structure 21 may include or be formed from a first metallic material. The other of the first structure 17 and the second structure 21 may include or be formed from a second metallic material. The first metallic material may include a metallic component. The first metallic material may include a metallic ink or a metallic paste. The second metallic material may include a metallic component. The second metallic material may include a metallic ink or a metallic paste. The first metallic material, the second metallic material, or both may include a metal-based alloy. The metal-based alloy may include manganese. The metal-based alloy may include 7 to 20 weight percent, or 9 to 18 weight percent, or 11 to 15 weight percent manganese. The metal-based alloy may include at least one ferromagnetic material. The metal-based alloy may include less than 10 weight percent, or less than 8 weight percent, of the at least one ferromagnetic material. The metal-based alloy may include iron (Fe). The metal-based alloy may include or be based on one or more of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and aluminum (Al).

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view through first sheet 13 and second sheet 15 after they have been wrapped around segments 3, 5, 7, and 9, with the cross-sectional plane parallel to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the second substructures 23 provided on second sheet 15 overlaps a corresponding one of the first substructures 19 provided on first sheet 13. First structure 17 and second structure 21 together form information marker 25. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, information marker 25 includes three submarkers 27. Each submarker 27 includes a first substructure 19 and a corresponding second substructure 23. The first substructure 19 and the corresponding second substructure 23 of a particular submarker 27 overlap each other.

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates the manufacture of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 1 according to another embodiment. Only selected differences are described with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the electromagnetic information marker 25 includes only one submarker 27. The first structure 17 provided on the first sheet 13 includes only one first substructure 19. The second structure 21 provided on the second sheet 15 includes only one second substructure 23. When the first sheet 13 and the second sheet 15 are rolled, the second structure 21 is positioned to overlap the first structure 17. The first structure 17 and the second structure 21 are the same size and shape in the embodiment of FIG. 3. However, it is contemplated that the first structure 17 and the second structure 21 may also differ in size or shape. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, after the first sheet 13 is rolled around segments 3, 5, 7, and 9, the first structure 17 is provided on the side of the first sheet 13 facing inward toward segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. In the embodiment of Figure 3, after the second sheet 15 is wrapped around segments 3, 5, 7, and 9, second structures 21 are provided on the side of the second sheet 15 facing outward from segments 3, 5, 7, and 9. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the second sheet 15 is wrapped around all four segments 3, 5, 7, and 9.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows an aerosol-generating system 31 including an aerosol-generating article 1 and an electronic holder 33. The aerosol-generating article 1 is shown inserted into the electronic holder 33 in an inserted position. The aerosol-generating article 1 may be the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in FIG. 1 or the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in FIG. 3. The electronic holder 33 has a receiving opening 35 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 1. The holder 33 further includes an aerosol opening 37 for discharging the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating article 1. The electronic holder 33 further includes a heater 39 for heating the aerosol-generating article 1 to generate the aerosol. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 39 is an electric heater and includes a heating coil. A filter element 41 for filtering the aerosol is provided between the receiving opening 35 and the aerosol opening 37. The electronic holder 33 includes a control unit 43 for controlling the operation of the heater 39. The electronic holder 33 further includes a data reader 45 configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker 25 of the aerosol-generating article 1. The data reader 45 comprises a coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. The data reader 45 may be controlled by the control unit 43.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first structure 17 has a higher magnetic coercivity than the second structure 21 and is referred to as the switching structure, and the second structure 21, which has a lower magnetic coercivity, is referred to as the switch structure. According to another embodiment, the second structure 21 has a higher magnetic coercivity than the first structure 17 and is referred to as the switching structure, and the first structure 17, which has a lower magnetic coercivity, is referred to as the switch structure.

[0067] Each substructure 19, 23 of the switch structures 17, 21 may be switched between an activated state and an inactivated state. In the activated state, the switch substructure 19, 23 of a particular submarker 27 emits a detectable electromagnetic response when subjected to an alternating magnetic field generated by a data reader 45 at the submarker's 27 resonant frequency. The submarkers 27 may have different resonant frequencies, allowing the submarkers 27 to be read individually. The response by the submarkers 27 to the alternating magnetic field generated by the data reader 45 may be detected by the data reader 45. The control unit 43 may control the data reader 45 to determine, for each submarker 27, whether the submarker 27 is in an activated state (responsive to the alternating magnetic field) or an inactivated state (not responsive to the alternating magnetic field). Based on this approach, the electromagnetic information marker 25 may store information corresponding to as many bits of information content as there are submarkers 27.

[0068] Additional information may be encoded in the resonant frequency of each individual sub-marker 27. The sub-markers 27 may be specifically designed to respond to an alternating magnetic field at a particular resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of a particular sub-marker 27 may be determined by the data reader 45 by performing a frequency sweep over a range of frequencies and detecting at which frequency a response is received from the sub-marker 27. The resonant frequency of the sub-marker 27 may depend on the precise positioning of the first sheet 13 relative to the second sheet 15, and the particular shapes and material compositions of the first structure 17 and second structure 21.

[0069] The switch structures 17, 21 may exhibit magnetic contraction. In this case, when the switch structures 17, 21 are subjected to an alternating magnetic field by the data reader 45 at the natural resonant frequency of the switch structures 17, 21, the switch structures 17, 21 change their shape or size. In particular, the switch structures 17, 21 may periodically change their shape or size at a rate corresponding to the resonant frequency of the switch structures 17, 21. The change in size and shape of the switch structures 17, 21 leads to the emission of an electromagnetic response signal. The emission of the electromagnetic response signal may continue for a short period of time after the alternating magnetic field is no longer generated by the data reader 45 due to the continued change in size and shape of the switch structures 17, 21.

[0070] The electromagnetic information marker 25 may store information about the aerosol-generating article 1. For example, the electromagnetic information marker 25 may store information about one or more of the manufacturing location of the aerosol-generating article 1, the manufacturing date of the aerosol-generating article 1, the manufacturing time of the aerosol-generating article 1, the type of the aerosol-generating article 1, and verification information. The information on the electromagnetic information marker 25 may be used by the control unit 43 of the electronic holder 33 to improve the operation of the electronic holder 33. For example, the control unit 43 may control heating of the aerosol-generating article 1 based on the type of the aerosol-generating article 1 derived from the data stored on the electromagnetic information marker 25. The control unit 43 may control the electronic holder 33 to start heating of the aerosol-generating article 1 only if it is determined that the verification information on the electronic information marker 25 is valid. The control unit 43 may start heating of the aerosol-generating article 1 only if the date, such as the manufacturing date or expiration date, stored on the information marker 25 is within a predetermined range.

[0071] The electronic holder 33 may be configured to communicate with an external device or an external network, and may transmit information obtained from the electromagnetic information marker 25 to the external device or the external network.

[0072] The electronic holder 33 may include an input device 48 configured to receive user input and, in response to the user input, to trigger the data reader 45 to read data from the electromagnetic information marker 25. The input device may include, for example, a button or a switch.

[0073] Alternatively, or additionally, the data reader 45 may be configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker 25 upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article 1 into the electronic holder 33. The electronic holder 33 may include a sensor 50 that detects insertion of the aerosol-generating article 1 into the electronic holder 33 and triggers the data reader 45 to read data from the electronic information marker 25 upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article 1 into the electronic holder 33.

[0074] Figure 5 shows an alternative electronics holder 33. The electronics holder 33 shown in Figure 5 is substantially the same as the electronics holder 33 shown in Figure 4. However, in the embodiment of Figure 5, the coil of the heater 39 is controlled by the control unit 43 and also performs the function of the data reader 45, so a separate coil due to the data reader 45 is not required.

[0075] By changing the state of an individual sub-marker 27 from active to inactive or from inactive to active, data may be newly written to the electromagnetic information marker 25, or data on the electronic information marker 25 may be rewritten. The state of a sub-marker 27 may be changed by subjecting the sub-structures 19, 23 of the switching structures 17, 21 corresponding to the respective sub-marker 27 to a DC magnetic field. The field strength of the DC magnetic field may be high enough to permanently change the magnetization of the sub-structures 19, 23. In the inactive state of a sub-marker 27, the switching sub-structures 19, 23 of the sub-marker 27 may be magnetized to prevent the switch sub-structures 19, 23 of the sub-marker 27 from responding to an alternating magnetic field from the data reader 45, thereby emitting a response to the alternating magnetic field. Alternatively, placing the switching sub-structures 19, 13 of the sub-marker 27 in the inactive state may change the resonant frequency of the switch sub-structures 19, 13 of the sub-marker 27, which may be detected by the data reader 45.

[0076] According to an embodiment, information is written to the electromagnetic information marker 25 during the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating article 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one or more writing devices 49 may be provided in a manufacturing apparatus 51 for performing one or more manufacturing steps of the aerosol-generating article 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first writing device 49 includes a coil 53 that surrounds a linear path along which the aerosol-generating article 1 or a precursor product of the aerosol-generating article 1 is transported. The coil 53 may generate a DC magnetic field. The aerosol-generating article 1 or a precursor product of the aerosol-generating article 1 passing through the coil 53 is subjected to the DC magnetic field, thereby allowing information to be written to the electromagnetic information marker 25.

[0077] 6 also shows a second writing device 49 integrated into a drum device for rotary transport of the aerosol-generating article 1 or a precursor product of the aerosol-generating article 1. The drum device includes two rotating drums for transporting the aerosol-generating article 1 or a precursor product of the aerosol-generating article 1. The first of the rotating drums is configured to provide the aerosol-generating article 1 or a precursor product of the aerosol-generating article 1 to the second drum in a transfer region. In the transfer region, the coil of the first drum and the coil of the second drum mate, allowing writing to the electromagnetic information marker 25.

[0078] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, as well as any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is to be understood as A±10% of A.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, comprising: Arranging the segments in a row along the longitudinal direction; wrapping a first sheet around at least one of the segments; and wrapping a second sheet around at least one of the segments so as to at least partially overlap the first sheet; The method of claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic information marker is generated upon rolling the second sheet, the electromagnetic information marker comprising a first structure provided on the first sheet and a second structure provided on the second sheet.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second structure is positioned to at least partially overlap the first structure when the second sheet is rolled.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first structure includes a first substructure and the second structure includes a second substructure, each first substructure together with a corresponding second substructure forming a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising writing information onto the electromagnetic information marker after rolling the second sheet.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electromagnetic information marker is configured to be read by exposing the electromagnetic information marker to an alternating magnetic field.

6. 6. A method for producing a plurality of rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles, the method comprising performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 a plurality of times, wherein the positioning of the second structure relative to the first structure is different for at least some of the produced aerosol-generating articles.

7. A rod-shaped aerosol-generating article comprising an electromagnetic information marker, the electromagnetic information marker storing information having an information content of more than 1 bit, the electromagnetic information marker comprising a first structure and a second structure at least partially overlapping the first structure, the first structure or the second structure comprising a first metallic material, the other of the first structure and the second structure comprising a second metallic material, the first metallic material having a higher magnetic coercivity than the second metallic material, the aerosol-generating article comprising segments arranged along the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising a first sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments and a second sheet wrapped around at least one of the segments and at least partially overlapping the first sheet, the first structure being provided on the first sheet and the second structure being provided on the second sheet.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein the electromagnetic information marker stores information regarding one or more of the location of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the date of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the time of manufacture of the aerosol-generating article, the type of the aerosol-generating article, and verification information.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first structure or the second structure exhibits magnetic contraction.

10. 10. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first structure includes a first substructure, the second structure includes a second substructure, and each first substructure, together with a corresponding second substructure, forms a submarker configured to be read by magnetic interaction with the submarker.

11. 11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 10, wherein each of the sub-markers has a magnetic resonance frequency that is different from the magnetic resonance frequencies of the remaining sub-markers.

12. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A rod-shaped aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 7 to 11; an electronic holder configured to receive the aerosol-generating article and enable aerosol generation; the aerosol-generating article comprises an electromagnetic information marker; The aerosol generating system, wherein the electronic holder includes a data reader configured to read data from the electromagnetic information marker.

13. Use of a first sheet for assembling at least two segments of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article and as a substrate for a first metal structure of an electromagnetic information marker for storing information about the aerosol-generating article, comprising: the first sheet is wrapped around at least one of the segments; a second sheet is wrapped around at least one of the segments and at least partially overlaps the first sheet, and is used as a substrate for a second metal structure of the electromagnetic information marker; Use of a first sheet, wherein the electromagnetic information marker comprises a base of the first metal structure and a base of the second metal structure at least partially overlapping the base of the first metal structure.

14. 14. The use according to claim 13, wherein the metal structure is printed on the sheet, or vapor-deposited on the sheet, or laminated on the sheet.

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