Method and apparatus for manufacturing components of aerosol-generating articles

Abstract

A method and apparatus (2) for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus comprises a conveyor (44) for conveying a material band (40) through the apparatus (2) along a first path (42) and a device (1) disposed along the first path (42). The device (1) comprises one or more nozzles (20) configured to apply an additive to the material band (40) as the material band passes through the device (1) and a device body (10) comprising a contact surface (15) for contacting the conveyed material band (40) as the material band passes through the device (1), and wherein the contact surface (15) has a convex profile as viewed in the direction of the first path (42) at the device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing components of aerosol-generating articles. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying additives to a conveyed material belt to manufacture components of aerosol-generating articles. Background Technology

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

[0003] For some aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​formed from a sheet of material aggregated into strips. The strips are formed by passing the sheet through a funnel, which shapes the sheet into the strip. The formed strip is then cut into discrete units for inclusion in one or more aerosol-generating articles. In some cases, it is desirable to spray or otherwise apply additives (e.g., fragrances) onto the sheet material before it aggregates into strips. Therefore, some manufacturing equipment includes an additive chamber through which the sheet must pass before passing through the funnel. The additive deposition chamber may include an enclosed space containing a plurality of nozzles for depositing additives onto the sheet as it passes through the chamber.

[0004] The use of such additive deposition chambers can have several drawbacks. For example, additive deposition chambers may not allow for precise control over the amount and location of one or both additives deposited on the material sheet. Additive deposition chambers may also require regular cleaning.

[0005] Known additive deposition techniques may also involve applying the additive only to the top surface of the sheet as it passes through the chamber. This is likely because additive deposition relies on gravity. This can cause problems when the sheet passes through the funnel after the additive deposition chamber, as the top surface of the sheet carrying the additive may come into direct contact with the inner surface of the funnel. This contact can affect one or both of the amount or location of the additive carried by the sheet. The contact can also affect the performance of the funnel, including the amount of time the funnel can be used before cleaning is required. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is desirable to provide an improved method and apparatus for manufacturing components of aerosol-generating articles. It is also desirable to provide a method and apparatus that do not suffer from one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0007] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus may include a conveyor for conveying a material strip along a first path through the apparatus. The apparatus may include means disposed along the first path. The means may include one or more nozzles. The one or more nozzles may be configured to apply an additive to the material strip as it passes through the means. The means may include a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material strip as it passes through the means. The contact surface may have a convex profile as observed in the direction of the means along the first path.

[0008] This disclosure also relates to a method of applying an additive to a conveyed material strip in an apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article. The method may include: providing a means comprising one or more nozzles for applying the additive to the material strip. The method may include conveying the material strip through the apparatus and across the means. The conveying step may cause the material strip to contact a convex contact surface of the means. The method may include transferring the additive from one or more nozzles of the means to the material strip as it is conveyed across the means.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article is provided, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor for conveying a material strip through the apparatus along a first path; and means disposed along the first path. The means includes: one or more nozzles configured to apply an additive to the material strip as it passes through the means; and a means body including a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material strip as it passes through the means. The contact surface has a convex profile as observed in the direction of the means along the first path. The contact surface may be referred to herein as a convex contact surface or a convex surface. The convex profile can be observed from a point upstream of the means. The point may be exactly upstream of the means. The point may be between about 10 cm and about 20 cm.

[0010] The device may also include a funnel having a first open end configured to receive the material strip and a second open end configured to provide a departure point for the material strip, the first open end being located downstream of the device.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, a method is provided for applying an additive to a conveyed material strip in an apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article. The method includes: providing an apparatus including one or more nozzles for applying the additive to the material strip; conveying the material strip through the apparatus and past the apparatus such that the material strip contacts a convex contact surface of the apparatus; and transferring the additive from the one or more nozzles of the apparatus to the material strip as it is conveyed past the apparatus. The method may further include the steps of: providing a funnel having a first open end configured to receive the material strip and a second open end providing an exit point for the material strip, the first open end being located downstream of the apparatus; and conveying the material strip with the transferred additive through the first open end of the funnel and out from the second open end of the funnel.

[0012] By providing the device with a contact surface having a convex profile as observed in the direction of the first path, the shape of the material strip can be modified as it passes through the device. Specifically, the convex surface can be used to allow the material strip to extend in a curved shape or otherwise unfold around the device as it passes through. This provides numerous advantages. For example, unfolding the material strip around the device as it passes through can help prevent or otherwise suppress undesirable folds or deformations in the material strip. This can contribute to increasing either the accuracy of additive application to the material strip or the consistency of additive application to the material strip.

[0013] Furthermore, when the material strip is a rolled material sheet, the convex surface helps increase the accessible surface area of ​​the rolled sheet available for additive application by reducing the severity of curling in the sheet material as it passes through the device. Therefore, using such a rolled material sheet can achieve an increase in either or both of the accuracy and consistency of additive application.

[0014] When the material strip is to be formed into a strip after it has passed through the device, it may also be advantageous to extend the material strip in a curved shape or otherwise unfold it around the device as it passes through. In particular, manipulating the material strip into a curved shape around the device using the convex surface of the device can advantageously serve as a preparatory step for forming the strip from the material strip. This is because the device can position the material strip into a curved shape, which is more suitable for passing through a funnel or other devices used to form the strip. This can result in one or both an improvement in the consistency of the strip formed by the device and an improvement in the operation of the device.

[0015] The device may include a device body. The device body may have a first side. The first side may be oriented in a downstream direction of a first path of the conveyed material belt. That is, the first side may face the direction in which the material belt travels after passing the device.

[0016] The device body may have a second side. This second side may be oriented upstream of the first path of the conveyed material strip. That is, the second side may face the material strip as it approaches the device. The second side of the device body can therefore be opposite to the first side of the device body. The device body may have a first axis extending through it between the first and second sides. This first axis may be substantially aligned with the direction of the first path of the material strip at the device.

[0017] The contact surface may be part of the device body and may be located between a first side and a second side of the device body. The contact surface may therefore have a convex profile as observed along a first axis of the device body.

[0018] Therefore, this disclosure also provides an apparatus for applying an additive to a conveyed material strip in an apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: an apparatus body having a first axis extending therethrough among: a first side of the apparatus body configured to face downstream of the conveyed material strip; and an opposing second side of the apparatus body configured to face upstream of the conveyed material strip; a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material strip as it passes through the apparatus, the contact surface being located between the first side and the second side of the apparatus body; and one or more nozzles for applying the additive to the conveyed material strip as it passes the contact surface, wherein the contact surface has a convex profile as observed along the first axis of the apparatus body.

[0019] The contact surface has a convex profile as observed in the direction of the device along the first path. Therefore, the contact surface can extend in a direction perpendicular to the first path.

[0020] Each of the one or more nozzles may include an outlet defined by a contact surface. For example, the contact surface may define one or more orifices on the surface of the device, each orifice defining an outlet for the nozzle. Therefore, when portions of the material strip contact the contact surface of the device, the one or more nozzles may allow additives to be applied directly to those portions of the material strip. This can help improve the transfer of additives to the material strip. For example, this can help improve the efficiency of additive transfer to the material strip due to a reduced likelihood of additive settling on other components of the system.

[0021] One or more nozzles may be disposed within the device body. In this embodiment, the device may include one or more bores, each bore forming a nozzle of the one or more nozzles. Alternatively or additionally, the device may include a housing providing contact surfaces, and the one or more nozzles may be located within the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more nozzles are multiple nozzles. The multiple nozzles can be distributed on the device in any suitable manner. Preferably, the multiple nozzles have outlets distributed along a convex profile of the contact surface. The outlets of the multiple nozzles can be uniformly distributed along the convex profile of the contact surface. This distribution can provide improved application of additives to the material strip. For example, this distribution can enable the additive to be uniformly distributed on at least a portion of the material strip.

[0023] The device may include a device body of any suitable shape, the device body providing a contact surface having a convex profile as observed in the direction of the device in the first path. For example, the device body may be in the shape of a disk with an edge, wherein the convex profile of the contact surface is defined by the edge of the disk.

[0024] In some embodiments, the device body may be in the form of at least a partial disk with an edge, wherein the convex profile is defined by the edge of the at least partial disk. For example, the device body may be in the form of a semi-circular disk, wherein the curved edge of the semi-circular disk defines the convex profile of the contact surface.

[0025] At least a portion of the disk's edge may be curved in only one direction, providing a convex profile to the contact surface. Alternatively, at least a portion of the disk's edge may be rounded. Rounded edges can advantageously aid in guiding the material strip toward and away from the contact surface of the device. This can help increase the degree of interaction between the material strip and the contact surface. Therefore, this can help increase the extent to which the material strip can extend in a curved shape or otherwise unfold around the device as it passes through. Rounded edges can also advantageously aid in any aggregation of the material strip performed downstream of the device. For example, in the case where a funnel is positioned downstream of the device, the rounded edges can provide a surface complementary to the shape of the funnel as the material strip exits the device. This can help guide the material strip along a trajectory that promotes improved aggregation of the material strip at the funnel.

[0026] At least a portion of the edge of the disc may include a groove extending along a curved path. The outlet of each of the one or more nozzles may be disposed within this groove. This arrangement allows the outlet of the one or more nozzles to sink below the contact surface. The groove can advantageously allow a desired amount of additive to reside at the contact surface in preparation for application to the material strip. Thus, as the material strip passes over the groove containing the additive, the additive can be applied to the material strip by smearing. This may be particularly suitable when the additive comprises one or both of liquid and gel. Smearing the additive onto the material strip may be a particularly effective means of ensuring consistent additive application.

[0027] In some embodiments, the device body may include a central element and a plurality of spaced-apart walls extending radially outward from the central element and arranged one after another in the circumferential direction around the central element. A contact surface may include an end face of each of the plurality of spaced-apart walls. The end face of a wall can be considered as the top surface of the wall. The convex profile of the contact surface can therefore be defined by the distribution of the end faces of the plurality of spaced-apart walls around the central element of the device body. Thus, in this embodiment, the contact surface is formed by a plurality of surfaces rather than a single surface.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the material strip reaches the device, it enters contact with the end faces of at least some spaced-apart walls. Because these end faces are distributed within a convex profile surrounding the central element, the material strip can therefore withstand forces similar to those generated when the material strip passes over a single continuous convex surface. That is, the spaced-apart walls, and particularly their end faces, can facilitate the material strip extending in a curved shape or otherwise unfolding around the device as it passes through. Therefore, this embodiment can benefit from one or more of the foregoing advantages associated with extending in a curved shape or otherwise unfolding the material strip around the device as it passes through.

[0029] By providing a plurality of spaced walls extending radially outward from the central element, an empty space can be formed between two adjacent spaced walls. The central element and the plurality of spaced walls can define a substantially star-shaped object.

[0030] The central element can be substantially cylindrical. The central element can be a cylinder. The longitudinal axis of the central element can extend in substantially the same direction as the first path of the material strip at the device. The longitudinal axis of the central element can be the aforementioned first axis. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the central element can be substantially aligned with the direction of the first path of the material strip at the device.

[0031] When the main body of the device includes a plurality of spaced-apart walls extending radially outward from the central element, each wall may have a substantially constant height relative to the central element. That is, the height of each wall may remain substantially constant as the device moves along the longitudinal axis of the central element.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the height of one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart walls may increase as the device moves along the longitudinal axis of the central element from a first side of the device body to the central portion of the device body. Alternatively or additionally, the height of one or more of the plurality of spaced-apart walls may increase as the device moves along the longitudinal axis of the central element from a second side of the device body to the central portion of the device body. Thus, in some embodiments, the height of the one or more walls may peak in the central portion of the device body and decrease as the device moves from the central portion toward one or both of the first and second sides of the device body. Configuring the height of one or more walls in one or more of the above-described manner can advantageously aid in guiding the material strip toward and away from the contact surface of the device, for example, toward one or both of a funnel located downstream of the device. This can help increase the degree to which the material strip interacts with the contact surface during use of the device. Therefore, this can help increase the degree to which the material strip can extend in a curved shape or otherwise unfold around the device as it passes through it.

[0033] The device may include an aperture extending through the device body from a first end to a second end. The aperture may be positioned away from a contact surface. The aperture may be positioned away from one or more nozzles. The aperture may provide space through which another material strip can be transported. That is, the aperture provides space so that another material strip passes through the device without interacting with the contact surface of the device or one or more nozzles. For example, the device may be configured to transport another material strip (e.g., a sensor material strip) through the aperture in the device body.

[0034] The device may further include an additive inlet in fluid communication with one or more nozzles. The additive inlet may include an opening through which additive enters the device and moves to the one or more nozzles. The additive inlet may be formed in the device body. The additive inlet may be defined by a surface of the device body separate from the contact surface.

[0035] The device may further include an additive conduit within the device body for transferring additive from an additive inlet to one or more nozzles. The additive conduit may include one or more channels within the device connecting the additive inlet to one or more nozzles. The additive conduit may be in direct fluid communication with one or more nozzles. Alternatively or additionally, the device may also include an additive chamber within the device body for transferring additive from the additive conduit to one or more nozzles. The additive chamber may define an empty space within the device body for containing a reservoir of additive. This allows the device to contain sufficient additive for extended use.

[0036] The one or more nozzles can be configured to apply an additive to the conveyed material belt as it passes the contact surface. The one or more nozzles can be configured to spray an additive onto the surface of the conveyed material belt as it passes the contact surface. The one or more nozzles can be configured to apply an additive to the surface of the conveyed material belt by smearing as it passes the contact surface.

[0037] One or more nozzles may be integrally formed with the device body. Alternatively or additionally, one or more nozzles may be configured as separate components located within the device body.

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more nozzles are attached to an external portion of the device body. For example, in cases where the device body includes a central element and a plurality of spaced-apart walls extending radially outward from the central element, one or more nozzles may be positioned to attach to an outer surface of the central element and located in a space that may be formed between two adjacent spaced-apart walls. In this way, one or more nozzles may be configured to apply an additive to portions of a strip of material passing between two or more spaced-apart walls of the device body.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, one or more nozzles may be disposed within one or more spaced-apart walls, the outlet of each of the one or more nozzles being defined by the top surface of the one or more spaced-apart walls. For example, at least one of the spaced-apart walls may contain a nozzle, wherein the outlet of the nozzle is defined by the top surface of the at least one spaced-apart wall. In this embodiment, the one or more nozzles may be configured to apply an additive to portions of a material strip that contact a contact surface defined by the top surface of the spaced-apart wall.

[0040] The contact surface may also have a convex profile as observed in the device in a direction perpendicular to the first path. For example, such a convex profile may be provided in embodiments where the device body has rounded edges, as described above. For example, such a convex profile may also be provided in embodiments where the device body has spaced-apart walls of varying heights, as described above.

[0041] The device may further include a funnel located downstream of the apparatus. The funnel may be configured to gather the material strip into a strip after it has passed through the apparatus. The funnel may include a first open end configured to receive the material strip and a second open end providing a departure point for the material strip. The first open end may be located at [location missing]. The first open end may be larger than the second open end. That is, the first open end may have a larger cross-section than the second open end. The first open end may be considered as defining the inlet of the funnel. The first open end, or the inlet of the funnel, may be positioned closer to the apparatus than the second open end. That is, the inlet of the funnel may face the apparatus.

[0042] The first open end of the funnel can be located downstream of the device. Therefore, the second open end of the funnel can also be located downstream of the device. In other words, the entire funnel can be located downstream of the device. The material strip can thus completely pass through the device before reaching the funnel.

[0043] The device can be positioned less than 1 meter from the funnel, more preferably less than 60 centimeters from the funnel, and even more preferably less than 40 centimeters from the funnel. The device can also be positioned at least 5 centimeters from the funnel. In some embodiments, the device is located between 5 centimeters and 20 centimeters from the funnel. Providing the device in such close proximity to the funnel advantageously reduces the amount of time the additive spends on the material strip before it agglomerates into a strip. This can help reduce the amount of additive that may be lost from the material strip during transport within the device. This can also help reduce the space required for the device within the device.

[0044] The apparatus may also include a coiling device located upstream of the apparatus. The coiling device may be configured to coil a strip of material. In particular, the coiled strip of material consists of a plurality of ridges and grooves. The coiling device may be configured to coil the strip of material such that the ridges and grooves formed on the coiled strip of material extend in a direction parallel to its transport direction. Coiling can provide many benefits. For example, coiling can facilitate the formation of strips. As another example, coiling can provide the strip with one or more desired properties. However, coiling may also create difficulties in applying additives to the strip of material, as the coiling process affects one or both of the structure and shape of the strip of material. Applying additives to such a non-flat structure can be challenging. Applying additives to such a non-uniform structure can be challenging. For example, applying additives uniformly to such a structure can be challenging because not all surfaces of the structure are easily accessible. Alternatively or additionally, applying additives to certain portions of the structure that are not easily accessible can be challenging.

[0045] By bringing a curled material strip into contact with the convex contact surface of the device and applying an additive to the curled material strip when it contacts the convex surface, the device of the present invention improves the manner in which additives can be applied to a curled material strip. In particular, the arrangement of the convex contact surface can facilitate pulling or otherwise stretching the curled material strip in a direction perpendicular to its direction of travel. This can reduce the severity of curling or waviness in the material strip and thus help increase the surface area of ​​the curled strip that can be easily used for additive application. In doing so, the device can apply additives to one or more areas of the material strip that might otherwise be difficult to access. This can result in either increased accuracy of additive application to the material strip and improved uniformity of additive application to the material strip.

[0046] The device may also include a pump for pumping additives to one or more nozzles of the device. The pump may be detachable from the device. The pump may be configured to pump additives into the device through an additive inlet.

[0047] The device may also include additives. Additives may be provided in gaseous form. Additives may be provided in aerosol form. Additives may be provided in liquid form. Additives may be provided in gel form.

[0048] The additive may include at least one flavoring agent. The at least one flavoring agent may include at least one or a combination of menthol, linalool, thymol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one flavoring agent may include at least one or a combination of lemon oil, peppermint oil, parsley oil, champignon essence, green tea extract, oolong tea extract, mugwort drawing-extract, apple extract, persimmon extract, and ginger essence.

[0049] The at least one flavoring may include one or more volatile components, such as menthol.

[0050] The at least one flavoring may include a diluent. The diluent may include at least one of palm oil and medium-chain triglycerides.

[0051] Many naturally occurring spices can be obtained through extracts from natural sources or through chemical synthesis (if the structure of the compound is known). Spices can be extracted from a part of a plant or animal by physical means, by enzymes, or by water or organic solvents, and therefore contain any extracts, flavorings, hydrolysates, distillates, or their anhydrous forms. Plants that can be used to provide spices include, but are not limited to, those belonging to the following families: Lamiaceae (e.g., peppermint), Apiaceae (e.g., anise), Lauraceae (e.g., laurel, cinnamon, rosewood), Rutaceae (e.g., citrus fruits), Myrtaceae (e.g., anise myrtle), and Fabaceae (e.g., licorice). Non-limiting examples of spice sources include, for example, peppermint and spearmint, mint, coffee, tea, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cocoa beans, vanilla, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, agave, juniper, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chives, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and parsley. The term "mint" is used to refer to plants of the genus *Mentha*. Suitable types of mint leaves may be selected from plant varieties including, but not limited to, *Mentha piperita*, *Mentha arvensis*, *Mentha niliaca*, *Mentha citrata*, *Mentha spicata*, *Mentha spicata crispa*, *Mentha cordifolia*, *Mentha longifolia*, *Mentha pulegium*, *Mentha suaveolens*, and *Mentha suaveolens variegata*.

[0052] Additives may include components that provide one or more sensory effects other than taste, such as a cooling or warming sensation, a tingling sensation, a numbing sensation, bubbling, increased salivation, cough suppression, and combinations thereof. These sensory effects may be provided by one or more flavorings comprising the flavorings listed above. Alternatively or additionally, additives may include at least one non-flavoring material that provides one or more of these sensory effects without providing a fragrance. For example, suitable compounds that produce a cooling effect and can be used as active substances include, but are not limited to, the formamide family, such as Wilkinson-Sword (WS) compounds WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide), WS-5 [3-(p-menthane-3-formylamino)ethyl acetate], WS-27 (N-ethyl-2,2-diisopropylbutyramide), WS-14 [N-([ethoxycarbonyl]methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide], and WS-116 (N-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2-diethylbutyramide). A suitable compound providing an antitussive effect is benzonatate.

[0053] Additives may include plasticizers. Plasticizers can be components that can be added to fiber filter material belts to adjust the elastic properties of the fiber filter material. Plasticizers may be one or more of triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, and polyethylene glycol.

[0054] The device includes a conveyor for conveying a strip of material through the device along a first path. The conveyor can be any suitable means for conveying or otherwise transporting the strip of material through the device. For example, the conveyor may include one or more rollers configured to rotate to allow the strip of material to pass through the device. One or more rollers may directly contact the strip of material to allow it to pass through the device. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor may include one or more conveyor belts, and one or more rollers may be configured to rotate to convey the one or more conveyor belts. In this embodiment, one or more conveyor belts may be configured to directly contact the strip of material to allow it to pass through the device. As another alternative or additional example, the conveyor may include a pulling mechanism located downstream of the device within the device. The pulling mechanism may be configured to pull the strip of material from an upstream position towards the pulling mechanism and across the device.

[0055] The material strip can be mounted on a first spool. A conveyor for transporting the material strip along a first path through the device can be configured to transport the material strip from the first spool to the device. For example, when the conveyor includes a pulling mechanism located downstream of the device, the pulling mechanism can be configured to pull the material strip from the first spool toward the pulling mechanism and across the device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the conveyor for feeding the material strip along a first path through the device is a first conveyor. In this embodiment, the device may also include a second conveyor for feeding the receptor material strip through the device. The second conveyor may include any of the features described above with respect to the first conveyor, such as one or more rollers and one or more conveyor belts. The second conveyor may be configured to feed the receptor material strip through the device. The second conveyor may be configured to feed the receptor material strip through the device without interacting with the device. The second conveyor may be configured to feed the receptor material strip through an opening extending through the body of the device. The second conveyor may be configured to feed the receptor material strip through a recessed portion of the body of the device. The second conveyor may be configured to feed the receptor material strip such that the receptor material strip is located within an aggregated strip formed by the material strip fed by the first conveyor. The aggregated strip is formed downstream of the device. The receptor material strip may be disposed on a second spool.

[0057] In some embodiments, the means for applying an additive to a conveyed material belt is a first means, and the apparatus further includes a second means for applying the additive to the conveyed material belt. The second means may be located upstream of the first means.

[0058] A first device may be configured to apply a first additive to a conveyed material belt, and a second device may be configured to apply a second additive to the conveyed material belt. The first additive may be different from the second additive.

[0059] A first device may be configured to apply an additive to a first portion of the conveyed material belt. A second device may be configured to apply an additive to a second portion of the conveyed material belt. The first portion of the conveyed material belt may be different from the second portion of the conveyed material belt.

[0060] A first device may be configured to apply an additive to a first side of the conveyed material belt. A second device may be configured to apply an additive to a second side of the conveyed material belt. The first side of the conveyed material belt may be different from the second side of the conveyed material belt, for example, opposite to the second side of the conveyed material belt. In some embodiments, the first side of the conveyed material belt may be the top surface of the conveyed material belt, and the second side of the conveyed material belt may be the bottom surface of the conveyed material belt.

[0061] The device body may include: a first portion configured to be held in a fixed position within the device; and a second portion configured to be removable from and attachable to the first portion. The second portion may be interchangeable with other second portions. This allows for easy modification of one or more properties of the device. For example, the second portion may include a contact surface of the device. By arranging the second portion as removable from and attachable to the first portion, the profile of the contact surface of the device can be easily changed by replacing the second portion with another second portion having a contact surface with a different profile. The second portion may include one or more nozzles of the device. In this way, the properties of the nozzles can be easily modified by interchangeably using the second portion with another second portion having nozzles with different properties. This can significantly increase the flexibility of the device's use without requiring complete removal of the device each time its performance needs to be modified. The first portion may include an additive inlet connected to a pump of the device.

[0062] The apparatus may include a heater, such as an electric heater. The heater may be configured to heat one or more parts or components of the apparatus. For example, in the case where the apparatus includes an additive chamber, the heater may be configured to heat the additive chamber. This arrangement allows the additive chamber and any additives contained therein to be heated to a high temperature. This may be advantageous for certain additives, such as those that benefit from being maintained at a high temperature. An example of such an additive is menthol, which benefits from being maintained at a high temperature to reduce the likelihood of menthol crystallization. Example high temperatures may include between about 40 degrees Celsius and about 80 degrees Celsius, more preferably between about 45 degrees Celsius and about 65 degrees Celsius.

[0063] The material strip can be a strip of aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix can include plant material and aerosol-forming agent. The plant material can be plant material including alkaloids, more preferably plant material including nicotine, and even more preferably tobacco-containing material.

[0064] The aerosol forming matrix may include at least 70% by weight of plant material on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least 90% by weight of plant material. The aerosol forming matrix may include less than 95% by weight of plant material on a dry weight basis, such as from 90% to 95% by weight of plant material on a dry weight basis.

[0065] The aerosol forming matrix may contain at least 5% by weight of aerosol forming agent on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least 10% by weight of aerosol forming agent. The aerosol forming matrix may include less than 30% by weight of aerosol forming agent on a dry weight basis, such as from 5% to 30% by weight of aerosol forming agent on a dry weight basis.

[0066] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming matrix comprises plant material and an aerosol-forming agent, wherein the matrix has an aerosol-forming agent content between 5% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The plant material is preferably alkaloid-containing plant material, more preferably nicotine-containing plant material, and even more preferably tobacco-containing material. Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Alkaloids are primarily found in plants, but also in bacteria, fungi, and animals. Examples of alkaloids include, but are not limited to, caffeine, nicotine, theobromine, atropine, and tubocurarine. A preferred alkaloid is nicotine, which is found in tobacco.

[0067] The aerosol forming matrix may include nicotine. The aerosol forming matrix may include tobacco, for example, a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol forming matrix upon heating. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix may include homogeneous tobacco material, such as cast tobacco. The aerosol forming matrix may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol forming matrix may include a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the matrix upon heating. The aerosol forming matrix may include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol forming matrix may also include aerosol forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol forming matrix may comprise a textured sheet of homogeneous tobacco material, wherein the aerosol forming agent content is between 5% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. Using a textured sheet of homogeneous tobacco material can advantageously promote the aggregation of the homogeneous tobacco material sheet to form the aerosol forming matrix.

[0069] As used herein, the term 'aerosol forming agent' is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of aerosols in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0070] Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono, di, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0071] The material tape can be suitable for forming strips of fibrous filter material. The material tape can be a tape of fiber bundles, such as a tape of fibrous cellulose acetate bundles.

[0072] The material strip is suitable for forming an aerosol cooling element for aerosol-generating articles. The material strip can be a sheet selected from materials such as metal foil, polymeric materials, and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the material strip can be a sheet selected from materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil.

[0073] As used herein, the term "curled sheet" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, when strips formed from rolled sheets have been assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip. This advantageously facilitates the aggregation of rolled sheets to form strips.

[0074] As used herein, the term "fragrance" is used to refer to one or more sensory compounds or a composition comprising one or more sensory compounds, which is applied to a matrix or article at least in part to alter the taste or aroma properties of the matrix or article during its consumption. A "liquid fragrance composition" is a fragrance composition in liquid form, or a fragrance composition or an article to which the fragrance composition is to be applied, which can be prepared in liquid form by dissolution, suspension or similar processes under the conditions typically encountered during storage.

[0075] As used herein, the term "sensor" refers to an element comprising materials capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When a sensor is placed in a changing magnetic field, it is heated. Heating of the sensor may result in at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the sensor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the sensor material.

[0076] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative positions of a component or portion of a component of the device with respect to the direction in which the material strip or component passes through the device along its given path.

[0077] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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.

[0078] EX1. An apparatus for manufacturing components of an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor for conveying a material strip through the apparatus along a first path; and a device disposed along the first path, the device comprising: one or more nozzles configured to apply an additive to the material strip as it passes through the device; and a device body including a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material strip as it passes through the device, wherein the contact surface has a convex profile as observed in the direction of the device along the first path.

[0079] EX2. The apparatus according to EX1, wherein each of the one or more nozzles has an outlet defined by the contact surface.

[0080] EX3. The device according to EX1 or EX2, wherein one or more nozzles are disposed within the device body.

[0081] EX4. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the one or more nozzles are a plurality of nozzles having outlets distributed along a convex profile of the contact surface.

[0082] EX5. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the apparatus body is in the form of at least a partial disk having an edge, and wherein the convex profile is defined by the edge of the at least partial disk.

[0083] EX6. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the apparatus body includes a central element and a plurality of spaced-apart walls that extend radially outward from the central element and are arranged one after another around the central element in a circumferential direction, and wherein the contact surface includes an end face of each of the plurality of spaced-apart walls.

[0084] EX7. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the apparatus body has one or two of the following: a hole extending through the apparatus body from a first end to a second end of the apparatus body; and a recessed portion in the apparatus body.

[0085] EX8. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX6 further includes an additive inlet in fluid communication with one or more nozzles.

[0086] EX9. The device according to EX8 further includes an additive conduit within the device body for transferring an additive from an additive inlet to one or more nozzles.

[0087] EX10. The apparatus according to EX9 further includes an additive chamber within the apparatus body for transferring additives from an additive conduit to one or more nozzles.

[0088] EX11. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX10, wherein the one or more nozzles are configured to apply an additive to the conveyed material belt as the conveyed belt passes a contact surface.

[0089] EX12. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX11, wherein the one or more nozzles are integrally formed with the apparatus body.

[0090] EX13. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX11, wherein the one or more nozzles are attached to an external portion of the device body.

[0091] EX14. A device according to any one of EX1 to EX13, wherein the contact surface also has a convex profile as observed in a direction perpendicular to a first axis of the body of the device.

[0092] EX15. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX14, wherein the apparatus body comprises: a first portion configured to be held in a fixed position in the apparatus; and a second portion configured to be attachable to and removable from the first portion.

[0093] EX16. The device according to EX15, wherein the second part of the device body includes one or both of the following: a contact surface; and one or more nozzles.

[0094] EX17. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the apparatus further comprises a heater configured to heat one or more portions of the apparatus.

[0095] EX18. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX17 further includes a funnel located downstream of the device, and optionally, said funnel has a first open end configured to receive a strip of material and a second open end providing a departure point for the strip of material, the first open end being located downstream of the device.

[0096] EX19. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX18, wherein the inlet of the funnel faces the device.

[0097] EX20. The device according to EX18 or EX19, wherein the device is located within about 1 meter of the funnel.

[0098] EX21. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX20 further includes a winding device located upstream of the apparatus, the winding device being configured to wind the material strip.

[0099] EX22. According to the device of EX21, the winding device is configured to wind the material strip such that the ridges and grooves generated on the wound material strip extend in a direction parallel to its conveying direction.

[0100] EX23. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX22 further includes a pump for pumping the additive to one or more nozzles of the apparatus.

[0101] EX24. The device according to EX23, wherein the pump is separate from the device.

[0102] EX25. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the conveyor for conveying a material strip through the apparatus along a first path is a first conveyor.

[0103] EX26. The device according to EX25, wherein the first conveyor includes one or both of the following: one or more rollers; and one or more conveyor belts.

[0104] EX27. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX26 further includes a second conveyor for conveying the sensor material strip through the device.

[0105] EX28. The device according to EX27, wherein the second conveyor is configured to convey a strip of sensor material through an opening extending through the body of the device.

[0106] EX29. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX28, wherein the means for applying an additive to a conveyed material belt is a first means, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second means for applying an additive to a conveyed material belt.

[0107] EX30. The device according to EX29, wherein the second device is located upstream of the first device.

[0108] EX31. The device according to EX29 or EX30, wherein the first device is configured to apply a first additive to the conveyed material belt, and the second device is configured to apply a second additive to the conveyed material belt, wherein the first additive is different from the second additive.

[0109] EX32. An apparatus according to any one of EX29 to EX31, wherein the first device is configured to apply an additive to a first portion of a conveyed material belt, and wherein the second device is configured to apply an additive to a second portion of a conveyed material belt, and wherein the first portion is different from the second portion.

[0110] EX33. A method of applying an additive to a conveyed material strip in an apparatus for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: providing means including one or more nozzles for applying the additive to the material strip; conveying the material strip through the apparatus and past the means such that the material strip contacts a convex contact surface of the means; and transferring the additive from one or more nozzles of the means to the material strip as the material strip is conveyed past the means.

[0111] EX34. The method according to EX33, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: providing a funnel having a first open end configured to receive a strip of material and a second open end providing a departure point for the strip of material, the first open end being located downstream of the device; and conveying the strip of material with transferred additives through the first open end of the funnel and out from the second open end of the funnel.

[0112] EX35. An apparatus for applying an additive to a conveyed material strip in an apparatus for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: an apparatus body having a first axis extending therethrough among: a first side of the apparatus body configured to face a downstream direction of the conveyed material strip; and an opposing second side of the apparatus body configured to face an upstream direction of the conveyed material strip; a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material strip as it passes through the apparatus, the contact surface being located between the first side and the second side of the apparatus body; and one or more nozzles for applying the additive to the conveyed material strip as it passes through the contact surface, wherein the contact surface has a convex profile as observed along the first axis of the apparatus body.

[0113] It should be understood that the features described with respect to one instance or embodiment may also be applicable to other instances and embodiments. For example, it should be understood that the features described so far with respect to the device, the use of the device, and one or more components of the device configured to perform a particular function are also equivalent to the disclosure of a method of operating the device. For example, the disclosure of a winding device configured to wind a material strip is also equivalent to the disclosure of method steps for winding a material strip with a winding device. Attached Figure Description

[0114] The invention will now be further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0115] Figure 1 A perspective view of the apparatus used in the device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0116] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic comparison diagram of the apparatus and an apparatus not based on the invention;

[0117] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0118] Figure 4 A schematic side view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0119] Figure 5 A perspective view of the apparatus used in the device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0120] Figure 6 A perspective view of the apparatus used in the device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0121] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A side view of the second part of the device;

[0122] Figure 8 Show Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second part of the device;

[0123] Figure 9 A front perspective view of the apparatus used in the device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0124] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Rear perspective view of the device;

[0125] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 Front view of the device; and

[0126] Figure 12 It shows Figure 9 Rear view of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0127] Figure 1 A device 1 is shown used in an apparatus for manufacturing components of aerosol-generating articles. In particular, as discussed in more detail below, the device is configured to contact a conveyed material belt in the apparatus and apply an additive to the conveyed material belt.

[0128] The device 1 includes a generally disc-shaped device body 10. The device body has a first side 11 configured to face downstream of the conveyed material strip in the device. The device also has an opposing second side (not shown) configured to face upstream of the conveyed material strip in the device. The device body 10 also includes a contact surface 15 located between the first side 11 and the second side of the device body 10. The contact surface extends around at least a portion of the edge of the disc-shaped body 10. The contact surface 15 is configured to contact the conveyed material strip as it passes through the device 1 in the device. Because the contact surface 15 is the edge of the generally disc-shaped body 10, it forms a convex profile when the device is positioned in the device, as observed in the conveying direction of the material strip.

[0129] The contact surface 15 includes a plurality of holes, which form the outlets 22 of a plurality of nozzles of the device 1. The plurality of nozzles are disposed within the device body 10 and... Figure 1 The nozzle is not visible. The nozzle is configured to spray the additive from the device body 10 through the outlet 22, such that the additive can be applied to the conveyed material belt as it passes through and contacts the contact surface 15 of the device 1.

[0130] Figure 1 The device also has an additive inlet 24, which allows additives to be pumped into the device body 10. Although in Figure 1 It is not visible in the middle, but the additive can be transferred from the additive inlet 24 to the nozzle and then leave from the outlet 22.

[0131] Figure 1 The device also has a hole 55 in the device body 10. The hole 55 extends through the device body 10 from a first side 11 to a second side of the device body 10. See below for reference. Figure 3 As will be described in more detail, the aperture allows the sensor material strip to pass through the device body 10 without interacting with the contact surface 15 of the device 1 or one or more nozzles.

[0132] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic comparison diagram of device 1 and device 200 not according to the invention. Device 200 not according to the invention is cubical and provides a flat contact surface 215 for engaging with the conveyed material belt. Figure 2 As shown, the conveyed material strip is a coiled material sheet 40. The coiled sheet has multiple substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that extend in the conveying direction of the coiled sheet 40.

[0133] In the device 200 not according to the invention, the coiled sheet 40 is not affected by the flat contact surface 215 of the device. Therefore, the ridges or corrugations of the coiled sheet 40 are reasonably noticeable. This results in certain portions of the coiled sheet not being readily available for receiving additives from the nozzle 220 of the device 200.

[0134] In contrast, when the rolled sheet 40 contacts the convex contact surface 15, Figure 2 The convex contact surface 15 of the device 1 applies a reaction force to the coiled sheet 40. As the coiled sheet 40 passes through the device 1, this force is used to unfold the coiled sheet 40 in the lateral direction around the device 1. This has the effect of reducing the severity of curling or corrugation in the coiled sheet 40, and thus helps to increase the surface area of ​​the coiled sheet 40 that can be easily used for additive application.

[0135] Figure 3 A schematic side view of device 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 Arrows are used to indicate the movement of components of the device. The device includes... Figure 1 Device 1. Device 2 also includes a coiled aerosol forming matrix sheet 40, which is conveyed through device 2 along a first path 42 by a first conveyor including a first rotating roller 54. Device 2 also includes a receptor material strip 50, which is conveyed through device 2 along a second path 52 by a second conveyor including a second rotating roller 54. The device also includes a funnel 60 disposed downstream of the first device 1. Funnel 60 includes an open upstream end 62 and an open downstream end 64 through which the coiled aerosol forming matrix sheet 40 and the receptor material strip 50 are supplied. The open upstream end 62 is the larger end of funnel 60 such that when the coiled aerosol forming matrix sheet 40 and the receptor material strip 50 are supplied through funnel 60, they aggregate into a strip 70, which is conveyed out of funnel 60 and conveyed downstream in device 2. The open upstream end 62 of funnel 1 is located downstream of the first device 1, such that the entire funnel 60 is located downstream of device 1.

[0136] like Figure 3 As shown, when the rolled-up aerosol forming matrix sheet 40 passes through the device 1 along the first path 42, the rolled-up aerosol forming matrix sheet 40 contacts the contact surface 15 of the first device 1. Due to the shape and position of the first device 1 and its convex contact surface 15, during this transport, the rolled-up aerosol forming matrix sheet 40 is pulled and unfolded on the convex contact surface 15. This... Figure 3The first device 1 is indicated by two dashed lines. Furthermore, as the sheet 40 passes over and contacts the contact surface 15, a nozzle in the body of device 1 applies an additive to the surface of the sheet 40. Shortly thereafter, the shaped, additive-containing rolled sheet 40 of the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​fed into a funnel 60, in which its binding receptor material strips 50 aggregate into strips 70.

[0137] Providing the device 1 with this shape, position, and orientation in the device 2 has at least two significant effects on the function of the device 2. First, when in the device 1, by reducing the severity of the curling of the sheet 40, the device 1 shapes the curled aerosol-forming matrix sheet 40 into a form more suitable for receiving additives. Second, by pre-forming the sheet 40 into a convex curved profile, the device 1 shapes the curled aerosol-forming matrix sheet 40 into a form more suitable for being received by the downstream funnel 60. In doing so, the sheet 40 may be more suitable for being received into the funnel 60. This can reduce the possibility of blockage when the sheet 40 is supplied into the funnel 60. Furthermore, by using additives in… Figure 3 The additive is applied to the underside of the sheet 40 in the manner shown, ensuring that the additive is not on the surface of the sheet 40 that will directly contact the inner surface of the funnel 60. This reduces the likelihood that the funnel 60 will affect either the amount or location of the additive carried by the sheet 40. It also reduces the likelihood that the additive will affect the performance of the funnel 60.

[0138] Figure 4 A schematic side view of a device 402 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 Device 402 is similar to Figure 3 Device 2 is characterized in that it also includes a rolled sheet 40 of an aerosol forming matrix, a sensor material strip 50, an aggregated strip 70, a funnel 60, device 1, a first roller 44, and a second roller 54. However, in Figure 4 In the device 402, device 1 is a first device 1, and device 402 also includes a second device 401. Figure 4 The device 402 further includes: a first pump 91 for supplying additives to the first device 1; and a second pump 92 for supplying additives to the second device 401.

[0139] The second device 401 is located upstream of the first device 1. The second device 401 includes a contact surface 415 that contacts the coiled sheet 40 as it passes through the second device 415. The contact surface 415 of the second device 401 has a convex profile, as seen in the direction of the first path 42 at the second device 415. Therefore, as the coiled sheet 40 is conveyed through the second device 401, it unfolds in a curved shape around the second device 401. Although... Figure 4 Not shown in the schematic diagram, but the second device 401 also includes a plurality of nozzles that apply an additive to the rolled sheet 40 as it passes through the second device 401. The additive applied by the second device 401 may be an additive of a different type than the additive applied by the first device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the additive applied by the second device 401 may be applied to one or more portions of the rolled sheet 40 that are different from one or more portions on which the additive from the first device 1 is applied.

[0140] Figure 5 A perspective view of a device 501 used in a apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Device 501 is similar to... Figure 1 The device 1 is characterized by having a generally disc-shaped device body 510. However, in Figure 5 In this configuration, the device body 510 only forms a partial disk shape. That is, the curved edges of the device body 510 do not extend around the entire periphery of the disk. Furthermore, the device body 510 does not include a hole 55 extending through it for the passage of the receptor material strip. Instead, the device body includes a recessed portion 555 spaced apart from the contact surface 15 and nozzle outlet 22 of the device body 510. When the device 501 is placed in a device, for example... Figure 3 In the device of or 4, the recessed portion 555 allows the sensor material strip to pass through the device 501 without interacting with the contact surface 15 of the device 501 or one or more nozzles.

[0141] Figure 6 A perspective view of a device 601 used in a device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6 The device 601 is similar to Figure 5 The device 501 is characterized by having a partially disc-shaped device body 610. However, in Figure 6 In this device, the main body 610 is formed of two parts. Specifically, the main body 610 includes: a first part 611 configured to be held in a fixed position within the device; and a second part 612 configured to be removable from and attachable to the first part 611. The second part 612 is interchangeable with other second parts. This allows for easy modification of one or more properties of the device 601. The second part 612 includes a contact surface 15 of the device 601 and a curved groove 16 extending along the edge 17 of the main body 610. The outlets of a plurality of nozzles of the device are disposed within the groove 16. Figure 6 (Not visible in the middle). The groove 16 is defined by the contact surface 15.

[0142] Figure 7 Shown in partial cross-section Figure 6A side view of the second part 612 of the device. Figure 8 Show Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second part 612 of the device. (See from...) Figure 7 and 8 As can be seen, the second portion 612 of the device body 610 includes a plurality of recesses 613 for receiving complementary attachment pins from the first portion 611 of the device body 610. These provide attachment mechanisms for allowing the second portion 612 to be attached to and removed from the first portion 611. The second portion 612 also includes an internal additive chamber 626 for receiving additives, wherein a plurality of nozzles 620 are in fluid communication with the additive chamber 626. The plurality of nozzles 620 are evenly spaced along the edge 17 of the second portion 612, wherein the outlet 622 of each nozzle is disposed in the base of a recess 16, which also extends along the edge 17 of the second portion 612.

[0143] As from Figure 7 Ideally, the edge 17 of the second portion 612 of the device body is rounded. Specifically, the edge curves as it moves in the direction from the first side 11 of the device body 610 to the second side 612 of the device body 610. This results in the contact surface also having a convex profile, as viewed from the device in a direction perpendicular to the first path. Figure 7 The view shown.

[0144] Figure 9 A front perspective view of a device 900 used in a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Alternative devices 1 and 401, or other than the aforementioned devices, are shown in... Figure 3 equipment and Figure 4 One or both of the devices can be used Figure 9 Device 900.

[0145] like Figure 9 As shown, device 900 includes a device body comprising a central element 982 and a plurality of spaced-apart walls 984 extending radially outward from the central element 982 and arranged one after another in the circumferential direction around the central element 982. In this embodiment, a contact surface 915 includes an end face of each of the plurality of spaced-apart walls 984, wherein an outlet 922 is disposed on the end face of each wall 984. Therefore, the convex profile of the contact surface 915 is defined by the manner in which the end faces of the plurality of spaced-apart walls 984 are distributed around the central element 982 of the device body. Therefore, in Figure 9In this embodiment, the contact surface 915 is formed by multiple surfaces rather than a single surface. In such an embodiment, when the material strip reaches the device, the material strip enters into contact with the end faces of at least some spaced-apart walls. Because these end faces are distributed in a convex profile around the central element, the material strip can therefore withstand forces similar to those that would be generated if the material strip passed over a single continuous convex surface. That is, the spaced-apart walls 984, and in particular their end faces 915, can help the material strip to extend in a curved shape or otherwise unfold around the device 900 as it passes through the device 900.

[0146] By providing a plurality of spaced-apart walls 984 extending radially outward from the central element 982, an empty space is formed between two adjacent spaced-apart walls 984.

[0147] exist Figure 9 In this device, the central element 982 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The longitudinal axis of the central element 982 is arranged to extend in substantially the same direction as the first path of the material strip at the device 900. The longitudinal axis of the central element 982 is thus substantially aligned with the direction of the first path of the material strip at the device 900.

[0148] Figure 9 A front perspective view of the device 900 is depicted, thus showing the front or downstream end face 911 of the device 900. Figure 10 A rear perspective view of the device 900 is depicted, thus showing the rear or upstream end face 914 of the device 900. A hole 955 is also provided in the central element 982. The hole 955 extends through the central element 982 from the downstream end face 911 of the central element 982 to the upstream end face 914 of the device body 10. (The image shows a front view and a rear view of the device 900, respectively.) Figure 11 and 12 These characteristics can also be understood.

[0149] For ease of observation, Figures 9 to 12 Not all walls of the device 900 are marked with reference numeral 984. Similarly, not all end faces of these walls are marked with reference numeral 915. It should be understood that the contact surface 915 may be formed by any combination of the walls 984 of the device 900, as long as they form a convex profile as observed in the direction of the device 900 in the first path.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing components of aerosol-generating articles, the apparatus comprising: A conveyor for conveying a material belt through the device along a first path; and The device arranged along the first path includes: One or more nozzles, the one or more nozzles being configured to apply an additive to the material belt as it passes through the device; and The device body includes a contact surface for contacting the conveyed material belt as it passes through the device. Furthermore, the contact surface has a convex profile as observed in the direction of the first path at the device, the convex profile being designed to cause the material strip to extend or unfold in a curved shape around the device as it passes through the device. And the device said therein also includes: A funnel having a first open end configured to receive the material strip and a second open end providing a departure point for the material strip, the first open end being located downstream of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more nozzles has an outlet defined by the contact surface.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more nozzles are a plurality of nozzles having outlets distributed along the convex profile of the contact surface.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device body is in the form of at least a partial disk having an edge, and wherein the convex profile is defined by the edge of the at least partial disk.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device body comprises a central element and a plurality of spaced-apart walls extending radially outward from the central element and one after another around the central element in a circumferential direction, and wherein the contact surface comprises an end face of each of the plurality of spaced-apart walls.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device body has one or both of the following: A hole, the hole extending through the device body from a first end to a second end of the device body; and The recessed portion in the main body of the device.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the one or more nozzles are attached to an external portion of the device body.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the contact surface also has a convex profile as observed in a direction perpendicular to a first axis of the body of the device.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the device body comprises: The first part is configured to be held in a fixed position within the device; The second part is configured to be attachable to and removable from the first part.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a winding device located upstream of the apparatus, the winding device being configured to wind the material strip.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a second conveyor for conveying the sensor material strip through the device.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the means for applying the additive to the conveyed material strip is a first means, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second means for applying the additive to the conveyed material strip.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first means is configured to apply an additive to a first portion of the conveyed material strip, and wherein the second means is configured to apply an additive to a second portion of the conveyed material strip, and wherein the first portion is different from the second portion.

14. A method of applying an additive to a conveyed material belt in an apparatus for manufacturing a component of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: The device includes one or more nozzles for applying additives to a strip of material. A funnel is provided having a first open end configured to receive the material strip and a second open end configured to provide a departure point for the material strip, the first open end being located downstream of the device; The material strip is conveyed through the equipment and through the device such that the material strip comes into contact with the convex contact surface of the device, the convex contact surface being used to cause the material strip to extend or unfold in a curved shape around the device as it passes through the device; As the material belt is conveyed through the device, the additive is transferred from one or more nozzles of the device to the material belt; as well as The material belt containing the transferred additive is conveyed through the first open end of the funnel and discharged from the second open end of the funnel.

Images