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 an axis of extension (X). 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 insert (3b) made from a homogeneous and compressible material, so that the terminal segment (3) is penetrable by a heating element (302), in particular through at least partly elastic deformation of the insert (3b) by radial compression exerted by the heating element (302).

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 pinshaped 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.

[0010] In particular, it is known to make a terminal segment with a full crosssection 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.

[0011] Aim of the invention 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.

[0013] The Applicant has found that the inclusion in the terminal segment of an insert (with a preferably full cross-section) made of a homogeneous material which can be elastically compressed in such a way that the terminal segment can be penetrated by a heating element positioned parallel to the axis of extension of the article, in particular by at least partial elastic deformation of the insert by radial compression applied by the heating element, constitutes a valid alternative, as well as allowing a reduction in costs as the insert can be made in a simple and inexpensive manner.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of it, in which:

[0017] - Figures 1 to 4 show longitudinal cross sections of different embodiments of a rod-shaped, multisegment article according to this invention;

[0018] - Figure 5 shows a transversal cross-section, in particular at the terminal segment, of a rod-shaped, multisegment article according to the invention.

[0019] In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a rodshaped, muitisegment 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).

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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 .

[0026] 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 aerosolgenerating segment 4 and the filter segment 2.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] Alternatively, the tubular segment 5 is a spacer and is followed by a cooling segment with a non-tubular structure.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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).

[0032] For this reason, the heating element 302 has an axial extension for inserting, preferably along the axis of extension “X” of the article 1 , inside the terminal segment 3 compressing and deforming the article along a radial direction and the aerosol-generating segment 4. 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Alternatively, it could adopt a flat plate shape.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the terminal segment 3 comprises (and is preferably defined by) an insert 3b made of homogeneous and elastically compressible material. The term “homogeneous” is used to mean a material whose structure, once formed, substantially defines the same structure over the entire transversal crosssection. In particular, it is important to underline that this property is to be defined by the material as such and not by the specific shape provided for during insertion in the article.

[0037] Moreover, the term “elastically compressible” means the mechanical property (intrinsic of the material and not given by the specific shape of the insert) of the material to deform by compression allowing an elastic return to the initial configuration when the cause of the compression is removed. For this reason, the insert 3b can be made by processing a homogeneous and elastically compressible material in such a way as to give it a shape which is compatible with its insertion in the article 1 .

[0038] Preferably, the insert 3b has a monolithic structure.

[0039] Preferably, also, the insert 3b is cylindrical in shape. According to an aspect of the invention, the insert 3b defines the entire terminal segment 3 and is directly positioned in contact with the outer wrapper 6. Preferably, the insert 3b is anchored to the outer wrapper 6, more preferably by gluing and / or seaming and / or pressed fitting. In particular, the insert 3b is in contact with, and preferably glued to, an inside wall 100 of the outer wrapper 6.

[0040] In other words, the outer wrapper 6 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

[0041] (by means of the insert 3b, which acts as a barrier for the portions) pulled by the heating element 302 in the case of withdrawal of the heating element 302 from the article 1 .

[0042] The insert 3b is such as to make the terminal segment 3 penetrable by at least one heating element 302, preferably in the shape of a pin or needle, positioned parallel to the axis of extension "X” of the article 1 (preferably coaxial to the axis of extension "X”), in particular by at least partial elastic deformation of the insert 3b by radial compression, exerted by the heating element 302.

[0043] Preferably, the insert 3b has a full cross-section and is therefore without openings or holes specially made for the passage of the heating element 302.

[0044] Preferably, the insert 3b is made of a material having a cellular structure, preferably spongy, in such a way that the terminal segment 3 can be penetrated by the at least one heating element 302, preferably needle- shaped and preferably positioned on the axis of extension,SX", in particular by tearing the insert 3b. In this situation, the material is homogeneous as it is defined by an almost uniform distribution of inclusions (cells or holes). An insert 3b of this type does not require complex processing, since only a cutting and / or finishing of a piece of material provided with a cellular structure is necessary in such a way as to give it a shape compatible with the insertion in the article 1 , for example cylindrical.

[0045] Alternatively, the insert 3b may be made of a filamentary material comprising filaments, in such a way that the terminal segment 3 can be penetrated by the heating element 302 preferably needle-shaped positioned on the axis of extension “X”, in particular by sliding the filaments along a radial direction (that is to say, transversal and preferably perpendicular to the axis of extension “X”). Preferably, the filaments have a diameter of between 1 tenth of mm and 2 mm so as to define a mesh structure. Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of an organic material, guaranteeing a sustainability of the article 1 .

[0046] 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 (or the heating elements 302) of the heating device 300 is inserted inside the article 1 , in particular in the terminal segment 3 and the aerosolgenerating segment 4, guaranteeing safety for the health of a user. 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. 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. More preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a material which is physically resistant to heat, which is able not to bum, 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 from the latter. Preferably, at least the insert 3b is made of a biodegradable and / or compostable material, guaranteeing a sustainability of the article 1.

[0047] The article 1 may be made according to different embodiments, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

[0048] With reference to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the insert 3b has a full cross-section for its entire extension along the axis of extension “X”. In other words, the insert 3b entirely fills a section of the terminal segment 3.

[0049] The term "section” means a section made on a plane perpendicular to the axis of extension “X”. According to this first embodiment, the terminal segment 3 is positioned in contact with the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Preferably, also, the insert 3b is positioned flush with the end 1a of the article 1 .

[0052] In accordance with a second embodiment of the article 1 illustrated in Figure 2, the insert 3b is 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.

[0053] 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. Moreover, preferably, also in this case, the insert 3b is positioned flush with respect to the end 1a of the article 1 . According to a third embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, 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.

[0054] The spacing segment 8 may also be anchored, preferably by gluing and / or fixing, to the wrapper 6 and / or to the insert 3b and / or to the aerosolgenerating segment 4.

[0055] More in detail, the spacing segment 8 is hollow, that is to say, it has a transversal section without filling.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 8 is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm (even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm).

[0058] For this reason, the spacing segment 8 acts as a reinforcement for the outer wrapper 6, without any type of filler or reinforcement in the second embodiment, giving the article 1 greater stability and robustness.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, 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.

[0060] Moreover, preferably, also in the third embodiment, the insert 3b is positioned flush with respect to the end 1a of the article.

[0061] According to a fourth embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the insert 3b has a solid section for a first portion of its extension along the axis of extension “X” and also has a central cavity 101 extending along a second portion of its extension along the axis of extension “X”. Preferably, the central cavity 101 has a constant cross-section along the axis “X”. The insert 3b is preferably adjacent, that is to say, in contact, with the aerosol-generating segment 4, more preferably proximal to the central cavity 101 .

[0062] For this reason, the central cavity 101 is preferably facing, and more preferably in contact with, the aerosol-generating segment 4.

[0063] The insert 3b may also be anchored, preferably by gluing and / or fixing, to the outer wrapper 6 and / or to the aerosol-generating segment 4. More in detail, the central cavity 101 is hollow, that is to say, it has a transversal section without filling.

[0064] More in detail, the central cavity 101 has an empty transversal crosssection, that is to say, not occupied by walls or internal components.

[0065] For this reason, the walls of the insert 3b delimiting the central cavity 101 act as a reinforcement for the outer wrapper 6, giving the article 1 greater stability and robustness.

[0066] Moreover, preferably, also in the fourth embodiment, the insert 3b is positioned flush with respect to the end 1 a of the article 1 .

[0067] The invention achieves the above-mentioned aims by eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art: in this regard, it should be noted that the insert

[0068] 3b has an extremely simple structure and can be made with low cost technologies, guaranteeing, however, an optimum behaviour during insertion of the heating element 302 in the condition of use.

[0069] Moreover, the insert 3b can be penetrated and torn locally by the heating element 302 maintaining an elastic behaviour in a radial direction against the outer surface of the heating element 302.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rod-shaped, multisegment 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 aerosolgenerating 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 a solid-section insert (3b) made from a homogeneous material and elastically compressible so that the terminal segment (3) is penetrable by a heating element (302), in particular through at least partly elastic deformation of the insert (3b) by radial compression exerted by the heating element (302).

2. The article (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the insert (3b) has a monolithic structure.

3. The article (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the insert (3b) is cylindrical in shape.

4. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is made from a material having a cellular, preferably spongy, structure, so that the terminal segment is penetrable by a heating element (302), in particular by tearing the insert (3b).

5. The article (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the insert(3b) is made from a filamentous materia! comprising filaments, so that the terminal segment (3) is penetrable by a heating element (302), in particular by sliding of the filaments along a radial direction.

6. The article (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is disposed directly in contact with the outer wrapper (6).

7. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) is anchored to the outer wrapper (6), preferably by gluing and / or seaming and / or pressed fitting.

8. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3b) has a solid section for the whole of its length along the axis of extension (X).

9. The article (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insert (3b) has a solid section for a first portion of its length along the axis of extension (X) and also has a central cavity (101 ) along a second portion of its length along the axis of extension (X).

10. The article (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the central cavity (101 ) faces the aerosol-generating segment (4) and is preferably constant in cross section.

11. The article (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) is disposed in contact with the aerosol-generating segment (4), in particular the insert (3b) being abutted against the aerosolgenerating segment (4).

12. The article (1 ) according to any one of ciaims 1 to 10, wherein the insert (3b) is spaced from the aerosol-generating segment (4) so as todefine a spacing region (7) between the insert (3b) and the aerosol generating segment (4).

13. The article (1 ) according to claim 12, further comprising a tubular spacing segment (8), preferably hollow, interposed between the insert (3b) and the aerosol-generating segment (4).

14. 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 ).

15. 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 (300) 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 the terminal segment (3) and compresses and radially deforms the insert (3b) at least partly elastically.

16. The aerosol-generating system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the at least one heating element (302) has an elongated shape and is made in the form of a needle or pin.

17. The aerosol-generating system (200) according to claim 15 or 16, 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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