Rod-shaped, multisegment article

Abstract

Described is a rod-shaped, multisegment article (1) defining or intended to define a smoking article or for generating aerosols comprising a plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5), positioned in succession along the axis of extension (X) of the article (1). The article (1) comprises an aerosol-generating segment (4), positioned in the proximity of an end (1a) of the article, and a terminal segment (3) positioned at the end (1a), both penetrable by a heating element (302). The terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and an insert (3b) located inside the outer tubular element (3a) and defined by at least one gathered sheet or web.

Description

[0001] ROD-SHAPED, MULTISEGMENT ARTICLE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to the tobacco industry and relates to a rod-shaped, multisegment article defining, or intended to define, a smoking article or for generating aerosols. More in detail, the invention relates to a multisegment article which can be penetrated by a heating element, for example pin- shaped or needle-shaped, of a heating device, such as, for example, an electronic cigarette.

[0004] In other words, this invention addresses the field of Heat-not-Burn (HNB) smokers’ articles.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Generally, an article of that type comprises, close to a relative end, an aerosol-generating segment which is able to release an aerosol when heated, containing, for example, strips of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine-based, or a gathered sheet of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine-based. According to a further alternative, the aerosol-generating segment could be formed by pieces of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine-based or cut tobacco. In general, an aerosol-generating segment which is able to release an aerosol when heated may comprise any substrate of organic origin, in particular of vegetable origin (for example, tobacco, cotton, linen, rapeseed, cellulose, alginates, hemp, paper).

[0007] In the reference sector of this invention, in order to produce aerosols which can be inhaled by a user, the prior art teaches the penetration of the aerosol-generating segment by means of the heating element of a heating device, such as, for example, an electronic cigarette.

[0008] Consequently, once the generation of aerosols is finished it is necessary to remove the heating element from the aerosol-generating segment. The withdrawal may, however, cause a pulling and consequent dispersion into the environment outside the article of portions of the aerosol-generating segment, such as, for example, powder, tobacco parts, ash. This dispersion is amplified if the aerosol-generating segment comprises pieces of tobacco or cut tobacco or strips of tobacco (or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine-based flavour) gathered and, if necessary, compressed, but not anchored in any way to an outer wrapper of the article.

[0009] In order to limit the dispersion, which may be harmful for an electronic heating device as well as annoying for a user, in the sector according to the invention the article is provided with a terminal segment, positioned at an end of the article proximal to the aerosol-generating segment, which can also be penetrated by the heating element of a heating device. In particular, the terminal segment is configured for retaining any portions of the aerosol-generating segment drawn during a withdrawal from the article of the heating element. In particular, it is known to make a terminal segment with a full cross- section provided with a hole, or a slot, in which the heating element of a heating device can be slidably inserted / removed, in such a way that a withdrawal of the heating element through the hole, or slot, considerably limits the dispersion (into the environment outside the article) of portions of the aerosol-generating segment. A solution of this kind is known from patent EP2797450B1.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The Applicant has found that this solution can be further improved, in particular in terms of production simplicity. The production of terminal segments provided with a hole, or a slot, requires considerable precision, since the hole, or the slot, must be positioned and sized in such a way as to be compatible with a heating device and in particular with a positioning of the respective heating element. In other words, it is necessary to use complex and non-traditional machines, if necessary to be integrated within a production line for the article, with a consequent increase in the processing times and costs.

[0012] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide an article with a terminal segment alternative to the prior art solutions, which allows a simplified production and with improved efficiency. The Applicant has found that the inclusion in the terminal segment of an insert defined by at least one gathered sheet or web, preferably but not necessarily obtained by folding and / or embossing and / or crimping a sheet or web, considerably simplifies production because traditional machines operating continuously may be used for this production, in particular machines with forming beams.

[0013] The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are therefore achieved by a multisegment article comprising the technical features described in claim 1 and / or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

[0014] Brief description of drawings

[0015] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of it, in which:

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 show longitudinal cross sections of different embodiments of a rod-shaped, multisegment article according to this invention;

[0017] Figures 5 and 6 show transversal cross sections of different embodiments of an insert included in the rod-shaped, multisegment article according to this invention; - Figures 7 and 8 show variant embodiments of the embodiments of

[0018] Figures 5 and 6;

[0019] Figures 9 to 11 show transversal cross sections of different embodiments of an insert included in the rod-shaped, multisegment article according to this invention. In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a rod- shaped, multisegment article according to this invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0020] The term Tod-shaped, multisegment article” means a rod-shaped article divided into several segments and defining, or intended to define, a smoking article, in particular intended to form a smoking article suitable for generating aerosols by heating.

[0021] The article 1 , as shown in Figures 1 to 4, extends along a respective axis of extension “X” between ends 1 a and 1 b opposite to each other.

[0022] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the article 1 comprises a plurality of segments 2, 3, 4, 5, positioned in succession along the axis of extension “X”, and an outer wrapper 6, positioned around the axis of extension “X” and in contact with the segments 2, 3, 4, 5 to wrap them and connect them to each other.

[0023] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the outer wrapper 6 is made by a single sheet of wrapping material. According to variant embodiments not illustrated, the outer wrapper 6 could be formed by several sheets of wrapping material each wrapped around part of the segments 2, 3, 4, 5 and with a superposing zone; for example, a first sheet of wrapping material could wrap the segments 2, 5, 4 and a second sheet of wrapping material could wrap the segment 3 and part of the segment 4 (superposing the first sheet of wrapping material). According to a further example, a first sheet of wrapping material could wrap the segments 3, 4, 5 and a second sheet of wrapping material could connect the group of segments 3, 4, 5 wrapped by the first sheet of wrapping material with the segment 2; for this reason, according to this embodiment, the second wrapping sheet surrounds the segment 2 and superposes the first wrapping sheet (the superposing area may vary).

[0024] The Article 1 , according to the embodiment illustrated, is divided at least into a filter segment 2, a terminal segment 3 and, interposed between the filter segment 2 and the terminal segment 3, further segments 4, 5 designed for the formation and treatment of the aerosol. These further segments comprise an aerosol-generating segment 4, made of material suitable for generating aerosols by heating, and, preferably, at least one tubular segment 5. For this reason, the filter segment 2, the terminal segment 3, the aerosol-generating segment 4 and the tubular segment 5 are positioned in succession along the axis of extension “X”. More in detail, the terminal segment 3 and the filter segment 2 define the ends 1 a and 1 b of the article 1 .

[0025] The aerosol-generating segment 4 is positioned close to the terminal segment 3; in other words, the aerosol-generating segment 4 is positioned close to an end 1a of the article 1 defined by the terminal segment 3. The at least one tubular segment 5 is interposed between the aerosol- generating segment 4 and the filter segment 2.

[0026] The aerosol-generating segment 4 may contain a generic material suitable for releasing an aerosol when heated, for example strips of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine-based, or a gathered sheet of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine based. According to a further example, the aerosol-generating segment 4 may contain cut tobacco or pieces of tobacco or containing a tobacco aroma or nicotine- based. In general, the aerosol-generating segment 4 may comprise any substrate of organic origin, in particular of vegetable origin (for example, tobacco, cotton, linen, rapeseed, cellulose, alginates, hemp, paper).

[0027] The at least one tubular segment 5 may, on the other hand, act as a spacing element between the filter segment 2 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, and / or as a cooling element, suitable for defining a decrease in temperature in the aerosol generated by suction by a user and by heating the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0028] Alternatively, the tubular segment 5 is a spacer and is followed by a cooling segment with a non-tubular structure.

[0029] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the tubular segment 5 is divided into a pair of pieces 5a, 5b, suitable to perform, respectively, the function of spacing element and the function of cooling element. The article 1 made in this way can be inserted in a heating device 300, defining an aerosol-generating system 200 illustrated schematically in Figures 1 to 4.

[0030] In particular, the heating device 300 comprises a cylindrical housing 301 , configured to receive at least partly the article 1 , and a heating element 302, positioned in the cylindrical housing 301. The terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4 can be penetrated by the heating element 302, in such a way that the heating element 302 is in contact with the material of the aerosol-generating segment 4 and heats the latter, with consequent generation of aerosols (which can be inhaled by a user).

[0031] For this reason, the heating element 302 has an axial extension for inserting inside the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, preferably along the axis of extension “X” of the article 1 . Thus, in a use configuration, the article 1 is inserted in the cylindrical housing 301 and the heating element 302 is inserted inside the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0032] In order to be inserted correctly in the terminal segment 3 and in the aerosol-generating segment 4, the heating element 302 has an elongate shape and is made preferably in the form of a needle or a pin. Alternatively, it could adopt a flat plate shape.

[0033] According to alternative embodiments not illustrated, the heating device 300 may comprise two or more heating elements 302 having axial extension and preferably parallel to each other (and to the axis of extension X). Thus, in a use configuration, the article 1 is inserted in the cylindrical housing 301 and the plurality of heating elements 302 is inserted inside the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0034] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the terminal segment 3 comprises an outer tubular element 3a and an insert 3b defined by at least one gathered sheet or web positioned inside the outer tubular element 3a, allowing a simplified production which can be performed using traditional machines.

[0035] Techniques such as making gathered sheets or webs and producing tubular elements, used respectively to make the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a, are widely used in the tobacco industry, so that the terminal segment 3 can advantageously be made entirely by efficient production processes and can be performed continuously by traditional machines with forming beams. In other words, it is not necessary to integrate “ad hoc” machines, optimised for the production of the terminal segment 3, in a production line of the article 1. The gathering can be performed by traditional machines provided with means for feeding a web and means for gathering in the form, for example, of a convergent element.

[0036] Preferably, and according to the embodiments illustrated, the insert 3b is defined by a single gathered web or sheet. Alternatively, the insert 3b could be defined by two or more gathered webs or sheets.

[0037] In detail, the insert 3b is made by at least one sheet or web comprising a predetermined pattern of weakening creases on a surface thereof, such as to facilitate the gathering up of the sheet or web.

[0038] The expression “predetermined pattern” means a predetermined geometry, in particular recurring along the surface of the sheet or web, such as, for example, a series of notches (preferably not through notches) longitudinally side by side, continuous or interrupted. In particular, the predetermined pattern defined on the sheet or web of material is such as to facilitate the subsequent operation of gathering the web or sheet to form the insert 3b.

[0039] Preferably, said predetermined pattern being obtained by subjecting the sheet or web to an operation of folding, crimping and / or embossing. In other words, the insert 3b is formed from at least one sheet or web of material which is subjected to an operation of folding, crimping and / or embossing and it is then gathered.

[0040] The term crimping and / or embossing operation means an operation by which the sheet or web of m ateria I is processed (for exampie, with pairs of rollers) to define the above-mentioned predetermined pattern on the surface of the sheet or web.

[0041] It is understood that this predetermined pattern could be obtained only on a portion of the surface of the web or sheet; in this case, some zones of the web or sheet will lack the pattern, that is to say, they are not subjected to any operation of crimping and / or embossing. Preferably, these zones without processing can be used as zones for anchoring the insert 3b to the outer tubular element 3a as will be described in more detail below. If the insert 3b is defined by two or more gathered webs or sheets, they could all have the same predetermined pattern of weakness or comprise different predetermined patterns of weakness; Alternatively, some web or sheets might have a predetermined pattern of weakness and others might be free of it. In more detail, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the insert 3b has adjacent portions curved or folded relative to each other and it is shaped in such a way as to occupy at least partly the transversal cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a. For this reason, the transversal cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises in particular zones occupied by the insert 3b and zones not occupied by the insert 3b, preferably without any further type of filler.

[0042] In other words, the insert 3b may define empty spaces delimited by walls or partitions defined by the gathered sheet or web. These empty spaces may, however, be substantially absent in the case of gathering with a high degree of compaction.

[0043] The term “transversal cross-section” means a cross-section obtained at a plane perpendicular to the axis of extension "X".

[0044] In more detail, the adjacent portions curved or folded relative to each other of the gathered sheet or web are positioned in contact with each other and, at least around a central region 30 located around the axis of extension “X”, positioned at a distance from each other of less than 3 mm. For this reason, the sheet or web may be gathered in such a way as to be loose, that is to say, not completely compressed inside the outer tubular element 3a.

[0045] In particular, the insert 3b, that is to say, the gathered web or sheet, is shaped in such a way that the terminal segment 3 can be penetrated by the heating element 302 (or the heating elements 302) positioned parallel to the axis of extension “X” of the article 1 by radial deformation and / or movement of the gathered web or sheet, guaranteeing a facilitated insertion / removai of the heating element 302. In more detail, the terminal segment 3, and in particular the insert 3b, is shaped in such a way as to interfere or come into contact with the heating element 302 (or the heating elements 302) inserted coaxial to the axis of extension “X” and having a transversal dimension of between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, in such a way that the insertion of the heating element 302 determines a redistribution of the gathered web or sheet inside the transversal cross-section of the terminal segment 3 by radial deformation and / or movement.

[0046] The deformation and / or radial movement is located at least in a central portion 30 of the insert 3b, along which the axis of extension “X” passes. For this reason, in the configuration of use of the article 1 , that is to say, when it is inserted in the cylindrical housing 301 of the heating device 300, the heating element 302 is at least partly in contact with the insert 3b.

[0047] In particular, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the insert 3b defines, in cross section, a shape with an at least partly random trend. For example, if the insert 3b is made by inserting a web or sheet inside a converging element, its gathering (and therefore its shape in a transversal cross-section once inserted in the outer tubular element 3a) is unpredictable or in any case cannot be repeated in a precisely controllable manner. According to an aspect of the invention, the insert 3b has, in cross section, a mainly curved shape and preferably an entirely curved shape. This option is in particuiar obtainable from a gathered sheet which has not previously been subjected to crimping or folding.

[0048] The term “mainly” refers to a prevalent portion of the insert 3b.

[0049] In more detail, the insert 3b comprises a succession of curvatures having convexities and concavities, preferably oriented in an alternating fashion.

[0050] For example, according to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, the insert 3b has, in cross section, a shape formed mainly by a plurality of loops.

[0051] According the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 and 7, on the other hand, the insert 3b has, in cross section, a shape defined mainly by a broken line, having a plurality of fold lines “P” delimiting respective folding faces “F” of the sheet or web. Preferably, the folding faces “F” are at least partly detached from each other in such a way as to partly occupy the transversal cross-section of the outer tubular element 3a. The insert 3b may also have a mixed structure, defined by at least one portion equipped with loops and at least one portion defined mainly by a broken line. According to variant embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 , the insert 3b may be shaped in such a way as to not interfere (or at least not substantially interfere) with the insertion of the heating element 302, in particular in such a way that following insertion of the heating element 302 the latter is not in contact with the insert 3b or in any case the insert 3b is not damaged / deformed by the heating element 302.

[0052] According to variant embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 , the insert 3b may have a three-dimensional shape confined in an annular region spaced from the axis of extension “X” defining a central region free from said shaped insert (3b) and preferably having a diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm (preferably equal to approximately 4 mm) and / or a minimum transversal dimension of between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0053] As shown in Figures 9 to 11 , the insert 3b has an annular extension shaped in such a way as to not interfere or come into contact with the heating element 302 (or the heating elements 302) inserted coaxial to the axis of extensionS,X”.

[0054] In effect, as shown in Figures 9 to 11 , the gathered sheet or web defining the insert 3b is configured in such a way as to define a clear central space, extending about the axis of extension "X", in such a way that the gathered web does not interfere or enter into contact with the at least one heating element 302 inserted coaxial to the axis of extension "X".

[0055] In other words, the insert 3b is shaped in such a way as to leave clear the central region 30 of the transversal section of the terminal segment 3 located around the axis of extension “X”. For this reason, the transversal cross-section of the terminal segment 3 comprises in particular zones occupied by the insert 3b and a zone, coinciding with the central region 30, not occupied by the insert 3b, preferably without any further type of filler.

[0056] According to an aspect of the invention, the insert 3b may have a plurality of contact regions 31 (illustrated in Figures 5 and 8) with the outer tubular element 3a.

[0057] Preferably, the contact regions are angularly distributed around the axis of extension “X” and / or mutually spaced, in particular in an at least partly random manner, defined each time by the shape in cross section adopted by the insert 3b.

[0058] Preferably, the contact regions 31 define zones of attachment, more preferably by gluing, between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a. In particular, the contact regions 31 are in contact with, and preferably glued to, an inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. For this reason, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are connected to each other and integral, for example glued, guaranteeing a stability of the terminal segment 3 in the case of withdrawal of the heating element 302 from the article 1. This results in a sturdiness of the terminal segment 3 and an effective retaining of portions of the aerosol-generating segment 4 (by means of the insert 3b, which acts as a barrier for the portions) pulled by the heating element 302 when the heating element 302 is withdrawn from the article 1 .

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the contact regions 31 may be defined by lateral end edges 32 of the gathered sheet or web, preferably curved for adhering to an inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. An insert 3b shaped in this way may be made using a convergent element provided with grooves, configured to exclude from a gathering the lateral end edges of the sheet or web.

[0060] With reference to Figure 7, the insert 3b is formed from a sheet or web of material subjected to the formation of longitudinal lines of weakness of the material (that is, subjected to crimping) at least at a central longitudinal band of the sheet or web. At the lateral longitudinal bands, alongside the central longitudinal band, the sheet or web defines the lateral end edges 32 which are without lines of weakness and to which glue is applied for fixing the lateral end edges 32 to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a.

[0061] With reference to Figures 9 to 11 , the insert 3b is configured in such a way as to define, in a transversal cross-section, a shape with an ordered and repeated trend about the axis of extension “X”.

[0062] Preferably, according to the embodiments of Figures 9 to 11 , the insert 3b is formed from a sheet or web of material subjected to the formation of longitudinal lines of weakness of the material (that is, subjected to crimping) for the entire width of the sheet or web and / or subjected to preforming, for example lying in a planar fashion having protrusions and recesses corresponding to the radial trend of the insert. With reference to Figure 9, the sheet or web has, in a transversal cross- section, substantially a triangular wave profile wherein a plurality of crests follow one another in succession. In this situation, the crests facing towards the outside define the regions of contact 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a. The contact regions 31 are angularly distributed around the axis of extension “X” and mutually spaced. The contact regions 31 define zones of attachment, more preferably by gluing, between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a.

[0063] In particular, the contact regions 31 are in contact with, and preferably glued to, an inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. According to a first possibility, an adhesive material (for example vinyl glue) is applied at the crests of the insert 3b intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying the glue to each of the crests of the insert 3b, the glue could be applied uniformly on the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a in such a way that each crest is in any case glued to the inner wall 100.

[0064] With reference to Figure 10, the sheet or web has, in a transversal cross- section, substantially a square wave profile wherein a plurality of substantially rectilinear portions follow one another in succession. In this situation, the portions define the regions of contact 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0065] The contact regions 31 are angularly distributed around the axis of extension “X” and mutually spaced.

[0066] The contact regions 31 define zones of attachment, more preferably by gluing, between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a. In particular, the contact regions 31 are in contact with, and preferably glued to, an inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. According to a first possibility, an adhesive material (for example vinyl glue) is applied at the portions of the insert 3b intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying the glue to each of the above-mentioned portions of the insert 3b, the glue could be applied uniformly on the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a in such a way that each portion is in any case glued to the inner wall 100.

[0067] With reference to Figure 11 , the sheet or web has, in a transversal cross- section, substantially a profile wherein two substantially consecutive rectilinear portions are alternated by an edge or crest. In this situation, the substantially rectilinear portions define the regions of contact 31 between the insert 3b and the tubular element 3a.

[0068] The contact regions 31 are angularly distributed around the axis of extension “X” and mutually spaced. The contact regions 31 define zones of attachment, more preferably by gluing, between the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a.

[0069] In particular, the contact regions 31 are in contact with, and preferably glued to, an inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. According to a first possibility, an adhesive material (for example, vinyl glue) is applied at the substantially rectilinear portions of the insert 3b intended to be fixed to the inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a. Alternatively, instead of applying the glue to each of the substantially rectilinear portions of the insert 3b, the glue could be applied uniformly on the entire inner wall 100 of the outer tubular element 3a in such a way that each crest is in any case glued to the inner wall 100. Preferably, the insert 3b has a single layer structure. The insert 3b might, however, have a multi-layer structure.

[0070] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of an organic material, guaranteeing a sustainability of the article 1 .

[0071] Preferably, at least the insert 3b Is made of a material which is able not to release substances when heated, that is to say, when the heating element 302 of the heating device 300 is inserted inside the article 1 , in particular in the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4, guaranteeing safety for the health of a user.

[0072] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a material which is able to be heated to 350°C resisting the combustion, or at least is able not to release substances recognised as harmful or toxic if it is heated in that temperature range, guaranteeing safety for the health of a user.

[0073] In addition or alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the heating element 302 (or the heating elements 302) may comprise a portion of insulating material intended, during use, to be axially positioned at the terminal segment 3. In this way, only the aerosol-generating segment 4 will be heated by the heating element 302.

[0074] More preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a material which is physically resistant to heat, which is able not to burn, incinerate or crumble when heated, thus significantly limiting any powder and / or materials from being drawn into the environment outside the article by extraction of the heating element 302 from the latter.

[0075] Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material, guaranteeing a sustainability of the article 1.

[0076] For example, at least the insert 3b is made of a material selected from among: paper, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, alginates, plastic material, metal (for example aluminium or steel), carbon compounds and non- metallic materials (for example ceramics). In the case of ceramic materials, the insert 3b is obtained by technologies other than folding, embossing and crimping. According to a possible embodiment, the insert 3b and the outer tubular element 3a are made using the same cellulose-based material (in sheet or web form). In this situation, nicotine or other aroma is also added to the material intended to form the insert.

[0077] In other words, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are made of the same material to which, only in the case of the insert 3b, nicotine or other aroma is added.

[0078] Alternatively, both the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b may be made with a tobacco-based or cellulose-based sheet or web to which nicotine or other aroma may be added. According to one aspect of the invention, the sheet or web from which the insert 3b is formed may have a plurality of longitudinal cords of adhesive material, for example vinyl glue, in such a way that, when the sheet or the web is gathered to form the actual insert 3b, some of its portions stick together at the cords giving the insert 3b robustness and rigidity. According to one aspect of the invention, the longitudinal cords can be made on the sheet or web before the formation of longitudinal lines of weakness (if present) or they can be made on the sheet or web after the formation.

[0079] The article 1 may be made according to different embodiments, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. According to a first embodiment of the article 1 , illustrated in Figure 1 , the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0080] In more detail, according to the first embodiment, the outer tubular element 3a is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4, whilst the insert 3b extends for the entire axial dimension, that Is to say, along the axis of extension “X”, of the terminal segment 3. Preferably, the insert 3b is also positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0081] The outer tubular element 3a and / or the insert 3b may also be anchored, preferably by gluing and / or fixing, to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or to the outer wrapper 6.

[0082] Preferably, also, the insert 3b is positioned flush with the end 1a of the article 1 .

[0083] According to a second embodiment of the article 1 , illustrated in Figure 2, the terminal segment 3 Is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4 at the outer tubular element 3a, whilst the insert 3b (axially shorter) is spaced from the aerosol-generating segment 4 in such a way as to define a spacing region 7 between the insert 3b and the aerosol- generating segment 4. For this reason, the spacing region 7 is delimited radially, that is to say, about the axis of extension “X”, by the outer tubular element 3a and axially, that is to say, along the axis of extension “X”, by the insert 3b and by the aerosol-generating segment 4. The outer tubular element 3a may also be anchored, by gluing and / or fixing, to the aerosol- generating segment 4 and / or to the outer wrapper 6.

[0084] Preferably, also, the insert 3b is positioned flush with the end 1a of the article 1 .

[0085] According to a third embodiment of the article 1 illustrated in Figure 3, both the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b are spaced from the aerosol-generating segment 4 in such a way as to define a spacing region 7’ between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4. Moreover, the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b have the same axial length. For this reason, the spacing region 7:is delimited radially, that is to say, about the axis of extension “X”, only by the outer wrapper 6 and axially, that is to say, along the axis of extension “X”, by the terminal segment 3 and by the aerosol-generating segment 4. Preferably, also, the insert 3b is positioned flush with the end 1a of the article 1 . As shown in Figure 3, the spacing region 7’ has a length (measured along the axis of extension X) substantially equal to the length (measured along the axis of extension X) of the terminal segment 3. According to a variant embodiment, the spacing region 7’ has a length (measured along the axis of extension X) less than the length (measured along the axis of extension X) of the terminal segment 3.

[0086] According to a fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the article 1 comprises a tubular or ring-shaped spacing segment 8 interposed between the terminal segment 3 and the aerosol-generating segment 4. The spacing segment 8 is preferably adjacent to, that is to say, in contact with, at least one between the aerosol-generating segment 4 and the terminal segment 3, more preferably both.

[0087] The spacing segment 8 may also be anchored, preferably by gluing and / or fixing, to the outer tubular element 3a and / or to the insert 3b and / or to the aerosol-generating segment 4 and / or to the outer wrapper 6. More in detail, the spacing segment 8 is hollow, that is to say, it has a transversal section without filling.

[0088] More in detail, the spacing segment 8 is made in the form of a tubular or ring-shaped element and has an empty transversal cross-section, that is to say, not occupied by internal walls or components. For example, the spacing segment 8 has diameter preferably equal to the diameter of the other segments, whilst the thickness of the tubular wall defining the spacing segment is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm (even more preferabiy between 0.1 mm and 1 mm).

[0089] For this reason, the spacing segment 8 acts as a reinforcement for the outer wrapper 6, without any type of filler, giving the article 1 greater stability and robustness.

[0090] As shown in Figure 4, the spacing segment 8 has a length (measured along the axis of extension X) substantially equal to the length (measured along the axis of extension X) of the terminal segment 3. According to a variant embodiment, the spacing segment 8 has a length (measured along the axis of extension X) which is less than the length (measured along the axis of extension X) of the terminal segment 3. Preferably, the spacing segment 8 is a ring with a length of between 1 mm and 8 mm.

[0091] Moreover, preferably, also in the fourth embodiment, the insert 3b has the same axial length as the outer tubular element 3a and is positioned flush with respect to the end 1 a of the article 1 .

[0092] The invention achieves the above-mentioned aims by eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art: In this regard, it should be noted that the outer tubular element 3a and the insert 3b guarantee production with improved effectiveness, since they can be made using traditional machines. For this reason, this invention allows a reduction in the production times and costs of the article 1 .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rod-shaped, muitisegment article (1 ) defining or intended to define a smoking or aerosol-generating article, wherein the article (1 ) extends along a respective axis of extension (X) and comprises: a plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5), disposed in succession along the axis of extension (X), and an outer wrapper (6), disposed around the axis of extension (X) to join the segments (2, 3, 4, 5) to each other, wherein the plurality of segments (2, 3, 4, 5) comprises an aerosol- generating segment (4), disposed in proximity to one end (1a) of the article, and a terminal segment (3) disposed at the end (1a), and wherein the terminal segment (3) and the aerosol-generating segment (4) are penetrable by a heating element (302) of a heating device (300), characterized in that the terminal segment (3) comprises an outer tubular element (3a) and an insert (3b) located inside the outer tubular element (3a), wherein the insert (3b) is defined by at least one gathered sheet or web.

2. The article (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the gathered sheet or web comprises adjacent portions which are curved or folded and wherein, in at least one central region (30) around the axis of extension (X), the adjacent portions are in contact with each other or at a distance of less than 3 mm from each other.

3. The article (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gathered sheet or web is configured in such a way as to interfere or come into contact with at least one heating element (302) inserted coaxially with the axis of extension (X) so that inserting the heating element (302) causes the web or sheet to be redistributed by deformation or radial displacement within the transverse cross section of the terminal segment (3).

4. The article (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said gathered sheet or web is configured in such a way as to define a clear central space, extending about the axis of extension (X), in such a way that said gathered web does not interfere or enter into contact with at least one heating element (302) inserted coaxial to the axis of extension (X).

5. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is gathered up in such a way as to form an at least partly erratic shape in transverse cross section.

6. The article (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insert (3b) is configured in such a way as to define, in a transversal cross- section, a shape with an ordered and repeated trend about the axis of extension (X).

7. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said insert (3b) has a three-dimensional shape confined in an annular region spaced from said axis of extension (X) defining a central region free of said shaped insert (3b) and preferably having a diameter of between 3 and 6 mm.

8. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is made in the form of a sheet or web comprising a predetermined pattern of weakening creases on the surface thereof, such as to facilitate the gathering up of the sheet or web; preferably, the predetermined pattern being obtained by subjecting the sheet or web to folding, crimping and / or embossing.

9. The article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) has a single-layer structure.

10. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) has, in cross section, a predominantly curved shape defined by an alternating succession of convexities / concavities.

11. The article (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the insert (3b) has, in cross section, a shape that is defined predominantly by a polyline.

12. The article (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the insert (3b) comprises a plurality of fold lines (P) delimiting respective fold faces (F) of the sheet or web, and wherein the fold faces (F) are at least partly separate from each other so as to partly obstruct the transverse cross section of the outer tubular element (3a).

13. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) has a plurality of contact regions (31 ) in contact with the outer tubular element (3a).

14. The article (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the contact regions (31 ) define zones of attachment, preferably by gluing, between the insert (3b) and the outer tubular element (3a).

15. The article (1 ) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the contact regions (31 ) are defined by lateral end edges of the sheet or web, preferably the lateral end edges being curved so as to adhere to the inside wall (100) of the outer tubular element (3a).

16. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is made from a material selected from one of the following: paper, cellulose derivatives, alginates, plastic material, metal, carbon compounds and ceramic materials.

17. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal segment (3) is disposed in contact with the aerosol-generating segment (4), in particular the outer tubular element (3a) being abutted against the aerosol-generating segment (4).

18. The article (1 ) according to claim 17, wherein the insert (3b) extends across the full axial dimension of the terminal segment (3) and is preferably in contact with the aerosol-generating segment (4).

19. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is spaced from the aerosol-generating segment (4) so as to define a spacing region (7, 7') between the insert (3b) and the aerosol- generating segment (4).

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

21. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is flush with the end (1a) of the article (1 ).

22. An aerosol-generating system (200) comprising an article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims and a heating device (300), the heating device (200) comprising a cylindrical housing (301 ) configured to at least partly receive the article (1 ), and at least one heating element(302) located in the cylindrical housing (301) and extending axially to an extent such that it is inserted into the terminal segment (3) and into the aerosol-generating segment (4) of the article (1 ) in an operating configuration in which the article (1 ) is inside the cylindrical housing (301 ), wherein the insert (3b) of the article (1) is configured in such a way that, in the operating configuration, the heating element (302) passes through theterminal segment (3) and comes into contact with the insert (3b), in particular deforming and / or radially displacing at least part of the gathered sheet or web defining the insert (3b).

23. The aerosol-generating system (200) according to claim 22, wherein the at least one heating element (302) has an elongated shape and is made in the form of a needle or pin.

24. The aerosol-generating system (200) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one heating element (302) comprises a portion of insulating material which, in the operating configuration where the article (1 ) is inside the cylindrical housing (301 ), is intended to be axially disposed at the terminal segment (3).

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