Aerosol-generating product with marker

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generator.SUBSTANCE: aerosol-generating article (10) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (12), a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a marker (60) provided on the downstream section, wherein the upstream end of the marker is at least 0.5 millimetres away from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. Moreover, a marker is a chemical or physical label added to a component, the presence of which can be detected by a detector, allowing the component to be identified. The downstream section further comprises a wrapper, wherein a marker is provided on the wrapper, and wherein the upstream end of the marker is aligned with the upstream end of the wrapper.EFFECT: detection and identification of an aerosol-generating article using an aerosol-generating device that contains a detector, wherein such identification is used to verify the authenticity of an aerosol-generating product or to determine the appropriate heating profile of an aerosol-generating product.24 cl, 2 dwg

Description

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

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

[0003] A number of prior art documents disclose aerosol-generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol-generating devices, in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to an aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Prior art aerosol-generating devices may comprise a cavity for at least partially containing the aerosol-generating article.

[0004] Specific aerosol-generating devices can be designed for use with specific aerosol-generating articles. For example, the temperature achieved by one or more electric heating elements of an aerosol-generating device can be designed to maximize aerosol generation in specific aerosol-generating substrates without generating unpleasant odors.

[0005] However, it is conceivable that a user may accidentally or otherwise attempt to use an aerosol-generating product with an aerosol-generating device when the device is not intended for use with that product. For example, a user may attempt to use a regular combustible cigarette or a counterfeit aerosol-generating product with an aerosol-generating device. This may result in unsatisfactory aerosol generation and a degraded user experience, which may adversely affect the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the use of aerosol-generating products not intended for such use may damage the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] Furthermore, it may be desirable for one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to reach different temperatures over different periods of time (i.e., have a different heating profile) depending on the type or fragrance of the aerosol-generating product used with the aerosol-generating device. In this case, it would be desirable for the aerosol-generating device to automatically adjust the temperature settings without requiring the user to manually enter any detailed data.

[0007] Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a system in which an aerosol-generating device is capable of detecting the presence of specific aerosol-generating products. If the aerosol-generating device does not recognize a specific aerosol-generating product, the aerosol-generating device may not activate the heating element to prevent discomfort to the user. Furthermore, if the aerosol-generating device detects a specific recognized aerosol-generating product, it can activate a specific heating profile designed specifically for use with that type of aerosol-generating product.

[0008] Furthermore, it would be useful to provide a system in which the aerosol generating device is capable of reliably detecting the presence of specific aerosol generating articles even after multiple uses of the aerosol generating system.

[0009] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a marker located on the downstream section. The upstream end of the marker may be located at a distance of at least 0.5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

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

[0011] By providing a marker on an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article can be detected and identified by an aerosol-generating device that contains a suitable detector. Such identification can, for example, be used to verify the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article or to determine the appropriate heating profile of the aerosol-generating article.

[0012] As used in this document with respect to the present invention, the term "marker" refers to a chemical or physical label added to a component, the presence of which can be detected by a suitable detector, allowing the component to be identified. Physical markers can take various forms, but are typically microscopic in size, incorporated at low levels, and easily detected. A marker may contain a uniquely coded material.

[0013] The marker may be any marker. For example, the marker may contain a photoluminescent material that has an emission half-life of 50 microseconds to 1000 microseconds after photoexcitation of the photoluminescent material.

[0014] In the context of this document with respect to the present invention, the term "emission half-life" refers to the time required for the intensity of radiation emitted by a photoluminescent material to decrease by half after the photoluminescent material has been irradiated with a radiation source and after the radiation source has been removed or turned off.

[0015] Advantageously, a marker containing a photoluminescent material may be more difficult to copy when producing counterfeit aerosol-generating articles, compared to known systems containing identifiable paint patterns. For example, it may be impossible to produce a counterfeit article without identifying at least one of a specific photoluminescent material, one or more wavelengths of radiation at which the photoluminescent material can be excited, and one or more wavelengths at which the photoluminescent material can emit radiation.

[0016] In use, the aerosol-generating article may be partially inserted into the cavity of a corresponding aerosol-generating device. To heat the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate is typically aligned with one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity. It should be understood that the term "fully inserted" describes the position of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device when it is in the position intended for aerosol generation. This does not require that the entire length of the aerosol-generating article be located within the cavity. As described below, a portion of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., a mouthpiece) may protrude from the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0017] Providing the marker at a position 0.5 millimeters downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate offers several advantages. First, this positioning allows the detector to be positioned away from and downstream of the portion of the cavity heated by one or more electric heating elements. With repeated use, the heated portion of the cavity can accumulate heating byproducts and slurry, which can condense on the inner wall of the cavity. Placing the marker at least 0.5 millimeters from the aerosol-generating substrate also allows the detector to be positioned at least 0.5 millimeters away from the portion of the cavity most susceptible to the accumulation of heating byproducts and slurry. This can significantly improve the reliability of the detector.

[0018] Secondly, this arrangement prevents direct heating of the marker itself during use, as the marker is located downstream of the aerosol-generating article to be heated. It is expected that some markers may be destroyed or damaged by heating. Therefore, placing the marker downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate can significantly improve marker detection reliability, as it can prevent marker damage. Furthermore, such a provision can prevent the marker from coming into contact with heating byproducts and suspension, which, as discussed above, are likely to be located in the cavity portion that heats up during use. Consequently, this can further improve marker detection reliability by preventing marker contamination.

[0019] Thirdly, this arrangement allows the marker to be placed very close to the cavity opening when the aerosol-generating product is fully inserted into the cavity. This allows the detector to be positioned close to the cavity opening. This allows for easy cleaning of the detector with a suitable tool if heating byproducts and suspension become deposited on the detector. This can significantly improve the detector's reliability.

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

[0021] The upstream end of the marker may be positioned no more than 5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the upstream end of the marker may be positioned no more than 4 millimeters, no more than 3 millimeters, or no more than 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0022] Providing a marker positioned no more than 5 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may advantageously allow the aerosol-generating device to remain relatively compact, as the marker's detector can remain relatively close to one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, such a positioning may also prevent the user from obscuring the marker with their lips during use. This may advantageously further enhance the marker's reliability.

[0023] The upstream end of the marker may be positioned approximately 2 millimeters away from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0024] The marker may be of any length. The marker may be at least 1 millimeter long. For example, the marker may be at least 2 millimeters long, at least 4 millimeters long, at least 5 millimeters long, or at least 6 millimeters long.

[0025] Providing a marker of this length can significantly increase the likelihood of the marker being detected by the detector and can enable detection even with small changes in the length of the aerosol-generating article or the distance at which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. This can significantly improve the reliability of the marker.

[0026] The marker may be no longer than 10 millimeters. For example, the marker may be no longer than 5 millimeters. Providing a marker no longer than this length can significantly simplify marker manufacturing, as the marker may only need to be applied to one component.

[0027] The marker may be approximately 6.5mm long.

[0028] For the purposes of this document, the term "length" refers to the longitudinal dimension of a component of an aerosol-generating article, from the farthest upstream point of the component to the farthest downstream point of the component. For example, it may be used to refer to the length of a marker, from the farthest upstream point of the marker to the farthest downstream point of the marker in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] As used in this document, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device that extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device. As used in this document, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device during use. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The marker may be provided on any component in a downstream section. For example, the marker may be provided on one or more of the adhesive, wrapper, tipping paper, filter rod, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, separator tube, or flavoring agent, if present. The marker may be provided on more than one component. This may advantageously improve the reliability of marker detection by the detector.

[0031] The downstream section may comprise a wrapper. The wrapper may surround one or more components of the downstream section. The wrapper may connect the downstream section to the aerosol-generating substrate. The downstream section may comprise more than one wrapper. For example, the downstream section may comprise a tipping paper or a unifying wrapper. If the downstream section comprises more than one wrapper and these wrappers overlap, a marker may be provided on the outermost wrapper. The outermost wrapper may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper. Paper wrappers suitable for use in particular embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, varieties of cigarette paper and filter paper.

[0032] The marker can be placed on the inner surface of the wrapper. This can provide additional protection against damage or contamination. This can significantly increase the marker's reliability.

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

[0034] The marker may be provided on the outer surface of the wrapper. The marker may be provided on either the inner or outer surface of the wrapper.

[0035] The marker can be printed on the inside surface of the wrapper. The marker can be sprayed or applied to the inside surface of the wrapper.

[0036] The upstream end of the marker can be aligned with the upstream end of the wrapper. This can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the aerosol-generating product.

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

[0038] The upstream end of the marker may be located approximately 19 millimeters away from the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0045] The downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element. The upstream end of the marker may overlap the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise cardboard. The hollow tubular element may be a cardboard tube. The hollow tubular element may be formed from cardboard. Cardboard is advantageously an economical material that provides a balance between deformability to ensure easy insertion of the article into the aerosol-generating device and sufficient rigidity to ensure proper engagement of the article within the device. Consequently, the cardboard tube can provide suitable resistance to deformation or compression during use.

[0046] Locating the upstream end of the marker on a hollow tubular element can advantageously mean that the marker is positioned on a component that does not require heating during use. This prevents the marker from heating up during use, which can improve the marker's reliability. Furthermore, this allows the detector of the corresponding aerosol-generating article to be positioned away from at least one electrical heating element of the aerosol-generating device. As described above, this can advantageously improve the reliability of the marker's detector.

[0047] The downstream end of the marker may overlap the hollow tubular element.

[0048] The aerosol generating article may further comprise a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular member of the downstream section, wherein the marker is provided upstream of the ventilation zone.

[0049] Such a ventilated hollow tubular element can provide particularly effective aerosol cooling. Thus, satisfactory aerosol cooling can be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly advantageous, as it allows for the delivery of an aerosol-generating product where the aerosol-generating substrate (and, in particular, the tobacco-containing substrate) is heated rather than burned, thereby combining satisfactory aerosol delivery with effective aerosol cooling to temperatures desired by the consumer.

[0050] The inventors of the present invention unexpectedly discovered that such rapid cooling of volatile compounds released during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate promotes improved nucleation of aerosol particles. This effect is particularly noticeable when, as will be described in more detail below, the ventilation zone is located at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article. Indeed, the inventors of the present invention discovered that the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation can significantly counteract the potentially less desirable dilution effects caused by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0051] The ventilation zone may typically comprise a plurality of perforations in the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone comprises at least one annular row of perforations. In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may comprise two annular rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on a production line during the manufacturing process of an aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each annular row of perforations comprises from 8 to 30 perforations. The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may have a ventilation level of at least approximately 2 percent.

[0052] The term "ventilation level" is used throughout this description to denote the volumetric ratio between the airflow admitted into the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol-containing airflow and the ventilation airflow. The higher the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of at least 5 percent, more preferably at least 10 percent, even more preferably at least 12 percent, or at least 15 percent.

[0053] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may have a ventilation level of up to approximately 90 percent. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention has a ventilation level that is less than or equal to 80 percent, more preferably less than or equal to 70 percent, even more preferably less than or equal to 60 percent, and most preferably less than or equal to 50 percent.

[0054] When used, when the aerosol-generating device is fully inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, a ventilation zone is provided on the portion of the aerosol-generating device that protrudes from the cavity to allow air to enter the ventilation zone. Therefore, providing a marker upstream of the ventilation zone allows the marker to be positioned within the cavity and detected by the detector, while the ventilation zone extends beyond the cavity to prevent obstruction of the ventilation zone.

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

[0056] Providing the downstream end of the marker near the ventilation zone can allow the marker and ventilation zone to be positioned near the cavity opening, with the marker inside the cavity and the ventilation zone outside the cavity when the aerosol-generating product is fully inserted into the cavity. As described above, this can advantageously keep the marker away from the heated portion of the cavity. This can also prevent the user's lips from obscuring the ventilation zone during use.

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

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

[0059] The fibrous filter material can be used to filter an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferred is that at least one filter segment of the mouthpiece comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0060] The downstream end of the marker may be provided at least 5 millimeters away from the upstream end of the mouthpiece. For example, the downstream end of the marker may be provided at least 10 millimeters or at least 12.5 millimeters away from the upstream end of the mouthpiece. Providing the marker upstream of the mouthpiece may prevent the user's lips from covering the marker during use. This may advantageously further enhance the reliability of the marker.

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

[0062] Providing an upstream element can advantageously protect the otherwise exposed upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. This can also reduce the risk of loss of loose particles of shredded tobacco material from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

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

[0064] In the context of the present invention, the upstream element may also have a size that advantageously allows the marker to be positioned directly adjacent to the detector of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may advantageously improve the reliability of marker detection.

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

[0066] This can advantageously allow the marker to be placed close to the cavity opening when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

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

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

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

[0070] The marker may be provided as a continuous strip that surrounds the downstream section.

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

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

[0073] The marker may be provided in a concentration of no more than 420 milligrams per square meter. For example, the marker may be provided in a concentration of no more than 400 milligrams per square meter, no more than 350 milligrams per square meter, or no more than 300 milligrams per square meter.

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

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

[0076] It may be provided at a concentration of no more than 1000 milligrams per square meter. For example, the marker may be provided at a concentration of no more than 950 milligrams per square meter, no more than 900 milligrams per square meter, or no more than 850 milligrams per square meter.

[0077] Providing the marker in this concentration range can advantageously ensure reliable detection of the marker.

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

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

[0080] The cavity of the device may be referred to as the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The cavity of the device may extend between the distal end and the mouthpiece, or near end. The distal end of the cavity of the device may be a closed end, and the mouthpiece, or near end, of the cavity of the device may be an open end. An aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity of the device, or heating chamber, through the open end of the cavity of the device. The cavity of the device may be cylindrical in shape to match the shape of the aerosol-generating article.

[0081] Providing a marker that is substantially aligned with the detector when the aerosol generating article is fully inserted into the cavity can advantageously ensure reliable detection of the marker by the detector.

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

[0083] The aerosol-generating device may include a heater. The heater may be any suitable type. Preferably, the heater is an external heater. Preferably, the heater can externally heat the aerosol-generating article when it is housed within the aerosol-generating device. Such an external heater may surround the aerosol-generating article when it is inserted into or housed within the aerosol-generating device.

[0084] The heater may be adapted to surround the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is accommodated within the cavity of the device.

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

[0086] The detector can be placed at a distance of no more than 4 millimeters from the downstream end of the cavity.

[0087] For example, the detector may be placed no more than 2 millimeters or no more than 1 millimeter from the downstream end of the cavity.

[0088] As described above, providing the detector close to the cavity opening can make it easy to clean the detector with a suitable tool if the heating by-products and slurry are deposited on the detector.

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

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

[0091] Example 2. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1, wherein the marker has a length of more than 2 millimeters.

[0092] Example 3. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the marker has a length of more than 4 millimeters.

[0093] Example 4. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream section further comprises a wrapper, and the marker is provided on the wrapper.

[0094] Example 5. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 4, wherein the marker is provided on the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0095] Example 6. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 5, wherein the marker is printed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

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

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

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

[0099] Example 10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the upstream end of the marker is at least 10 millimeters away from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0100] Example 11. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the upstream end of the marker is at least 14 millimeters away from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0101] Example 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream end of the marker is at least 10 millimeters away from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] Example 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream end of the marker is at least 14 millimeters away from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0103] Example 14. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream section further comprises a hollow tubular member, and wherein the upstream end of the marker overlaps the hollow tubular member.

[0104] Example 15. An aerosol generating article according to example 14, wherein the downstream end of the marker overlaps the hollow tubular member.

[0105] Example 16. The aerosol generating article according to example 14 or example 15, further comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element of the downstream section, wherein the marker is provided upstream of the ventilation zone.

[0106] Example 17. An aerosol generating article according to example 16, wherein the downstream end of the marker is provided at a distance of at least 1 millimeter from the ventilation zone.

[0107] Example 18. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element.

[0108] Example 19. An aerosol generating article according to example 18, in which the downstream end of the marker is provided at a distance of at least 5 millimeters from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element.

[0109] Example 20. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0110] Example 21. An aerosol generating article according to example 20, wherein the upstream end of the marker is provided at least 10 millimeters away from the downstream end of the upstream element.

[0111] Example 22. An aerosol generating article according to example 20 or example 21, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity providing a channel for unrestricted flow.

[0112] Example 23. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the upstream end of the marker is provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article, and the downstream end of the marker is provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article.

[0113] Example 24. An aerosol generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the marker is provided in the form of a continuous strip that surrounds the downstream section.

[0114] Example 25. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol-generating article and a detector capable of detecting the presence of a marker, wherein the detector is positioned so as to be substantially aligned with the marker when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0115] Example 26. An aerosol generating system according to example 25, wherein the detector is located at a distance of no more than 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the cavity.

[0116] In the following non-limiting examples, the present invention will be further described with reference to the graphic materials of the attached figures, in which:

[0117] Fig. 1 is a schematic side perspective view of an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0118] Fig. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention and an aerosol generating device.

[0119] The aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 comprises an aerosol generating substrate 12 and a downstream section at a location downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating article 10 extends from an upstream, or distal, end 16 to a downstream, or mouthpiece, end 18. The downstream section comprises a hollow tubular element 20 and a mouthpiece element 50.

[0120] The aerosol generating article 10 has a total length of approximately 45 millimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0121] The aerosol-generating substrate 12 contains shredded tobacco material. The aerosol-generating substrate 12 contains 150 milligrams of shredded tobacco material containing 13% by weight to 16% by weight of glycerin. The density of the aerosol-generating substrate is approximately 300 mg per cubic centimeter. The RTD of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is approximately 6-8 mm H2O. The aerosol-generating substrate 12 is individually wrapped in a filament (not shown).

[0122] The hollow tubular element 20 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, wherein the hollow tubular element 20 is in longitudinal alignment with the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12.

[0123] The hollow tubular element 20 defines a hollow section of the aerosol-generating article 10. The hollow tubular element does not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. In more detail, the RTD of the hollow tubular element 20 is approximately 0 mm H2O.

[0124] The hollow tubular element 20 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard. The hollow tubular element 20 defines an internal cavity 22, which extends over the entire distance from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 20. The internal cavity 22 is substantially empty, and therefore, a substantially unlimited air flow through the internal cavity 22 is possible. The hollow tubular element 20 does not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0125] The hollow tubular member 20 has a length of approximately 21 millimeters, an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters, and an inner diameter of approximately 6.7 millimeters. Therefore, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular member 20 is approximately 0.25 millimeters.

[0126] The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a ventilation zone 30 provided in a location along the hollow tubular element 20. In more detail, the ventilation zone 30 is provided at a distance of approximately 16 millimeters from the downstream end 18 of the article 10. The ventilation zone 30 is provided at a distance of approximately 12 mm downstream from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The ventilation zone 30 is provided at a distance of approximately 9 mm upstream from the upstream end of the mouthpiece element 50. The ventilation zone 30 comprises an annular row of holes or perforations surrounding the hollow tubular element 20. The perforations of the ventilation zone 30 extend through the wall of the hollow tubular element 20 to allow fluid to enter the internal cavity 22 from the outside of the article 10.The ventilation level of the aerosol generating product 10 is approximately 16 percent.

[0127] Above the aerosol generating substrate 12 and the downstream section at a location downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 12, the aerosol generating article 100 comprises an upstream section at a location upstream of the aerosol generating substrate 12. Thus, the aerosol generating article 10 extends from the distal end 16, substantially coinciding with the upstream end of the upstream section, to the mouth end, or downstream end 18, substantially coinciding with the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0128] The upstream section comprises an upstream element 42 positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate 12, wherein the upstream element 42 is in longitudinal alignment with the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The downstream end of the upstream element 42 is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The upstream element 42 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical plug made of cellulose acetate tow, having a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm and defining an internal cavity 23. The upstream element 42 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters. The outer diameter of the upstream element 42 is approximately 7.1 mm.The internal diameter of the element 42 located upstream of the flow is approximately 5.1 mm.

[0129] The mouthpiece element 50 extends from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 20 to the downstream or mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The mouthpiece element 50 has a length of approximately 7 mm. The outer diameter of the mouthpiece element 50 is approximately 7.2 mm. The mouthpiece element 50 comprises a filter segment made of low-density cellulose acetate. The RTD of the mouthpiece element 50 is approximately 8 mm H2O. The mouthpiece element 50 can be individually wrapped with a filament (not shown).

[0130] As shown in Fig. 1, the article 10 comprises an upstream wrapper 44 surrounding an upstream element 42, an aerosol generating substrate 12, and a hollow tubular element 20. The ventilation zone 30 may also comprise an annular row of perforations provided on the upstream wrapper 44. The perforations of the upstream wrapper 44 overlap the perforations provided on the hollow tubular element 20. Accordingly, the upstream wrapper 44 overlaps the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 provided on the hollow tubular element 20.

[0131] The article 10 also comprises a rim wrap 52 that encloses the hollow tubular element 20 and the mouthpiece element 50. The rim wrap 52 overlaps a portion of the upstream wrap 44 that overlaps the hollow tubular element 20. Thus, the rim wrap 52 effectively connects the mouthpiece element 50 to the remaining components of the article 10. The width of the rim wrap 52 is approximately 26 mm. Additionally, the ventilation zone 30 may comprise an annular row of perforations provided on the rim wrap 52. The perforations of the rim wrap 52 overlap the perforations provided on the hollow tubular element 20 and the wrap 44 located upstream of the flow. Accordingly, the rim wrap 52 overlaps the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 provided on the hollow tubular element 20 and the wrap 44 located upstream of the flow.

[0132] Marker 60 is provided in the form of a continuous strip surrounding the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article 10. Marker 60 is printed on the inner surface of the rim wrap 52. The upstream end of marker 60 is located at a distance of 2 millimeters downstream from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. Marker 60 has a length of 6.5 millimeters. The upstream end of marker 60 is aligned with the upstream end of rim wrap 52. The downstream end of marker 60 is located at a distance of 3.5 millimeters upstream from the ventilation zone 30. Accordingly, marker 60 covers the entire length of the hollow tubular element 20. Marker 60 is provided in a concentration of approximately 200 milligrams per square meter.

[0133] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating system 100, comprising an illustrative aerosol generating device 1 and an aerosol generating article 10, equivalent to that shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a downstream portion of the mouthpiece end of the aerosol generating device 1, where a cavity of the device is defined and can accommodate the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a housing (or main part) 4, extending between the mouthpiece end 2 and a distal end (not shown). The housing 4 includes a peripheral wall 6. The peripheral wall 6 defines a cavity of the device for accommodating the aerosol generating article 10. The cavity of the device is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouthpiece end. The mouthpiece end of the cavity is positioned on the mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating device 1.The aerosol generating article 10 is configured to be received through the mouthpiece end of the cavity of the device and is configured to be adjacent to the closed end of the cavity of the device.

[0134] The air flow channel 5 of the device is defined inside the peripheral wall 6. The air flow channel 5 extends between the inlet opening 7 located at the mouthpiece end of the aerosol generating device 1 and the closed end of the cavity of the device. Air can enter the aerosol generating substrate 12 through an opening (not shown) provided at the closed end of the cavity of the device, providing fluid communication between the air flow channel 5 and the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0135] The aerosol generating device 1 further comprises a heater (not shown) and a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided for controlling such power supply to the heater. The heater is configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating article 10 during use, when the aerosol generating article 1 is placed inside the device 1. The heater is preferably configured to externally heat the aerosol generating substrate 12 for optimal aerosol generation. The ventilation zone 30 is arranged to be open when the aerosol generating article 10 is placed inside the aerosol generating device 1.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the cavity of the device defined by the peripheral wall 6 has a length of 28 mm. When the article 10 is accommodated inside the cavity of the device, the upstream section, the aerosol generating substrate 12, and the upstream portion of the hollow tubular element 20 are accommodated inside the cavity of the device. The length of such upstream portion of the hollow tubular element 20 is 11 mm. Accordingly, approximately 28 mm of the article 10 is accommodated inside the device 1, and approximately 17 mm of the article 10 is located outside the device 1. In other words, approximately 17 mm of the article 10 protrudes from the device 1 when the article 10 is accommodated therein. Such a length PL of the article 10 protruding from the device 1 is shown in Fig. 2.

[0137] As a result, the ventilation zone 30 is predominantly located outside the device 1 when the article 10 is inserted into the device 1. If the cavity of the device has a length of 28 mm, the ventilation zone 30 is located at a distance of 1 mm downstream from the mouthpiece end 2 of the device 1 when the article 10 is placed inside the device 1.

[0138] The aerosol-generating device 1 further comprises a marker detector 8 positioned near the cavity of the device. The marker detector 8 is positioned approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end, or mouthpiece end, of the cavity of the device. The marker detector can be configured to detect the presence, absence, and type of marker 60 positioned on the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0139] In use, the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the device cavity belonging to the aerosol-generating device 1. When the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully inserted into the device cavity, the marker 60 of the aerosol-generating article 10 is aligned with the marker detector 8 of the aerosol-generating device 1. The marker detector 8 detects the marker 60, confirming the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article. Then, according to a predetermined heating profile, a heater (not shown) is activated to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating substrate 12. The marker 60 remains at a distance from the heated area, thereby preventing damage to the marker 60. Similarly, the detector 60 also remains at a distance from the heated area, thereby preventing the accumulation of heating byproducts and suspension on the detector 8.

[0140] For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the normal standard error for measuring the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases, when used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.All ranges also include the disclosed high and low points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article comprising: aerosol generating substrate, a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a marker provided on the downstream section, wherein the upstream end of the marker is at least 0.5 millimeters away from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the marker is a chemical or physical label added to the component, the presence of which can be detected by a detector that allows the component to be identified, wherein the further downstream section further comprises a wrapper, wherein the marker is provided on the wrapper, and wherein the upstream end of the marker is aligned with the upstream end of the wrapper.

2. An aerosol-generating product according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the marker has a length of more than 2 millimeters.

3. An aerosol-generating product according to paragraph 1 or 2, characterized in that the marker has a length of more than 4 millimeters.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marker is provided on the inner surface of the wrapper.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, characterized in that the marker is printed on the inner surface of the wrapper.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the marker is provided in a concentration of from 30 milligrams per square meter to 420 milligrams per square meter.

7. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marker is provided in a concentration of at least 620 milligrams per square meter.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upstream end of the marker is at least 10 millimeters away from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upstream end of the marker is located at a distance of at least 14 millimeters from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the downstream end of the marker is at least 10 millimeters away from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

11. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the downstream end of the marker is at least 14 millimeters away from the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

12. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the downstream section further comprises a hollow tubular element, and the upstream end of the marker overlaps the hollow tubular element.

13. An aerosol generating article according to claim 12, characterized in that the end of the marker located further downstream of the flow covers the hollow tubular element.

14. An aerosol generating article according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises a ventilation zone in a location along the hollow tubular element of the section located further downstream of the flow, wherein the marker is provided upstream of the flow relative to the ventilation zone.

15. An aerosol generating article according to claim 14, characterized in that the end of the marker located further downstream of the flow is provided at a distance of at least 1 millimeter from the ventilation zone.

16. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the downstream section further comprises a mouthpiece element.

17. An aerosol generating article according to claim 16, characterized in that the end of the marker located further downstream is provided at a distance of at least 5 millimeters from the end of the mouthpiece element located upstream.

18. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol generating substrate and adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate.

19. An aerosol generating article according to claim 18, characterized in that the upstream end of the marker is provided at a distance of at least 10 millimeters from the downstream end of the upstream element.

20. An aerosol generating article according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular element defining a longitudinal cavity providing a channel for unrestricted flow.

21. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upstream end of the marker is provided in the upstream half of the aerosol-generating article, and the downstream end of the marker is provided in the downstream half of the aerosol-generating article.

22. An aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marker is provided in the form of a continuous strip that surrounds a downstream section.

23. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding paragraphs and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: a cavity for containing a portion of the aerosol-generating article, and a detector capable of detecting the presence of a marker, wherein the detector is positioned to be aligned with the marker when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the cavity, wherein the marker is a chemical or physical label added to a component, the presence of which can be detected by a detector that allows the component to be identified.

24. An aerosol generating system according to claim 23, characterized in that the detector is located at a distance of no more than 2 millimeters from the end of the cavity located further downstream of the flow.

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