Crimping roller with increased number of interruption gaps

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a rod (33) forming part of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising the steps of: feeding a sheet in a longitudinal direction of the sheet to a set of crimping rollers; a crimped sheet (8) is formed by crimping the sheet, where the crimped sheet comprises a plurality of corrugation regions in which the crimped sheet comprises a plurality of corrugations (16) extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of interruption bands (26) in which the corrugations (16) extend in a longitudinal direction. The crimped sheet is free of corrugations or includes corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than corrugations in the corrugation areas, where the disruption zones and the corrugation areas are alternately arranged, where each disruption zone of the plurality of disruption zones includes a leading edge portion (27) and a trailing edge portion (28), wherein the leading edge portion is arranged at a different position with respect to the longitudinal direction than the trailing edge portion, aggregating the curled sheet to form an aggregated sheet (31), and forming a rod from the aggregated sheet wherein in the curled sheet, a distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the longitudinal direction is less than half a length of the rod in the longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a wand for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, a crimping roller and the use of an interrupted circumferential ridge on a crimping roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article, a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article, a crimping roller and the use of interrupted circumferential ridges on the crimping roller for forming a plurality of interrupted curling corrugations on a sheet before forming the rod from the sheet. Background Art

[0002] WO2018189325A1 discloses a curling roller having corrugations with inclined interrupted bands. EP3214959B1 discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing a curled web. Summary of the invention

[0003] There is a need to improve the strength, particularly tensile strength, of curled sheet materials. There is also a need to prevent the release of substances, particularly loose particles of aerosol-generating substrates, from curled and gathered sheets. There is also a need to control the resistance to draw value of curled sheet materials.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a rod forming a part of an aerosol generating article is provided. A sheet is fed to a set of curling rollers along the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The sheet is curled to form a curled sheet. The curled sheet includes a plurality of corrugated areas and a plurality of interrupted bands. In the corrugated areas, the curled sheet includes a plurality of corrugations extending in the longitudinal direction. In the interrupted bands, the curled sheet has no corrugations or includes corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than the corrugations in the corrugated areas. The interrupted bands and the corrugated areas are arranged alternately. Each of the plurality of interrupted bands includes a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion. The leading edge portion is arranged at a different position from the trailing edge portion relative to the longitudinal direction. The leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion may be arranged at opposite sides of the curled sheet relative to the width of the sheet. The curled sheets are gathered to form a gathered sheet. The rod is formed by the gathered sheets. In the curled sheet, the distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0005] The rod may extend primarily in a longitudinal direction.

[0006] A curled sheet can be formed on which a surface pattern with a specific distribution of corrugated areas and non-corrugated or less corrugated areas can be formed to form a curled pattern. The curled pattern can allow good overall tensile strength of the sheet to be maintained and can prevent fly-out.

[0007] A plurality of corrugations in the corrugated region may extend in a direction oblique to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] The term sheet may refer to a laminar element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. The term corrugation may refer to a plurality of substantially parallel ridges. The corrugation may have a square wave profile, a sine wave profile, a triangular profile, a sawtooth profile, or a combination thereof. The term curled sheet may refer to a sheet having a plurality of corrugations. The term gathered may mean that the sheet is rolled substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction or is otherwise compressed or contracted.

[0009] Curling may be different from embossing. Embossing may refer to forming an indentation on the surface of an element by pressing an external object against the surface of the element to form the indentation. In curling, the sheet material may be pushed against a ridge, or a ridge may be pushed against the sheet material. The ridge may apply pressure to the sheet material so that the sheet material may bend over the ridge. This may cause the sheet material to break apart on the opposite side of the corresponding ridge.

[0010] Corrugation amplitude may refer to the height of the corrugation, in particular the distance the corrugation protrudes from the rest of the sheet.Corrugation amplitude may refer to the distance between the peak of the corrugation and the base of the corrugation.

[0011] The distance between two adjacent interruption zones may be defined as the distance from an edge of a first interruption zone to an edge of a second interruption zone, in particular adjacent to the first interruption zone.

[0012] The corrugated area can define a channel in the rod. The channel can extend in the longitudinal direction. The interruption band can prevent loose aerosol-generating substrate blocks from flying out of the channel during the manufacture or transportation of the rod. Making the distance between the interruption band between two adjacent interruption bands less than half of the rod length can prevent aerosol-generating substrate blocks from flying out on both ends of the rod. Making the distance between the interruption band between two adjacent interruption bands less than half of the rod length can improve the shape of the rod and can cause the surface of the rod to be smoother. The curled material can be gathered more easily and more evenly. It can also increase the strength of the curled material, particularly the tensile strength. It can improve the formation of air passages or air channels in the rod. It may lead to a better suction resistance value of the rod. It can provide a balance between the improved channel formation in the curled sheet and the rod and the improved tensile strength of the curled sheet and the rod.

[0013] Since the curling corrugation weakens the sheet material, a continuous curled sheet without any interruption band may have a relatively low tensile strength. This may cause problems when the curled sheet is transported from the curling roller to a packaging or gathering tool. In the area of ​​the interruption band, the sheet may not be curled or less curled, so the material is less weakened, resulting in a higher tensile strength compared to the curling area. However, due to the non-curling or less curling, the thickness of the sheet material in the area of ​​the interruption band may be greater. When the curled sheet is gathered, this may cause problems. For example, when the curled sheet is gathered, the non-curled or less curled area may hinder the parallel alignment of the channel formed in the curled material, and may increase the randomness of the alignment of the channel. This randomness may cause the unpredictability of the fluid dynamics in the rod, and therefore cause an undesirable suction resistance value. This may also complicate the insertion of the heating element into the rod. Spacing the interruption bands closer together can produce a more uniform distribution between the interruption bands and the curling area. Therefore, the tensile strength of the curled sheet can be increased, and less randomness in the channel alignment can be caused when the curled sheet is gathered. This may result in better resistance to draw values ​​for the finished rod.

[0014] Making the interruption band include a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, wherein the leading edge portion may be arranged at a different position relative to the longitudinal direction than the trailing edge portion, may result in an inclined interruption band. An inclined interruption band may improve the shape of the rod and may result in a flatter surface of the rod. The interruption band may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The interruption band may be inclined relative to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion may be arranged adjacent to opposite edges of the curled sheet relative to the width of the curled sheet. The leading edge portion may be arranged at a first side of the curled sheet. The trailing edge portion may be arranged at a second side of the curled sheet. The first side may be arranged at one end of an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The first side may be arranged at the other end of an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0016] Each interruption band may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption band. The secondary extension of the interruption band may be an extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path start point adjacent to a first side. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to a second side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the width of the curled sheet. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend primarily in the same direction.

[0018] The longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands can be less than one-third of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands can be less than one-quarter or one-fifth of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction. Reducing the longitudinal distance between adjacent interrupted bands can lead to better prevention of the flying out of the aerosol generating substrate, can lead to a smoother surface of the rod, and can increase the strength of the curled material, particularly the tensile strength. This can also lead to a better suction resistance value of the rod. The curled sheet can also be gathered more easily and more evenly.

[0019] At least three, at least four or at least five interrupted bands may be formed in the sheet over a longitudinal distance equal to the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The step of forming the rods from the gathered sheets may include the steps of forming strips from the gathered sheets, and cutting the strips to form the rods. It may be more efficient to first form the long strips, and then cut the strips into a plurality of rods. This may increase production.

[0021] Cutting the strip to form a rod may include two to five, preferably three to four, cutting steps. The strip may be cut into two to sixteen, preferably four to eight rods. The strip may be cut into a plurality of substantially uniform rods. Forming a plurality of rods from a strip may improve production efficiency.

[0022] The rod may be a filter for an aerosol-generating article.The rod may be used to form or contain an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0023] The curled sheet may be cut into a predetermined length before the curled sheet is gathered to form the gathered sheet. The corrugations may be formed on a continuous sheet to form a continuous curled sheet. The continuous curled sheet may be cut into a predetermined length before the sheets are gathered. Cutting the sheet into a predetermined length may facilitate the gathering of the sheets.

[0024] A plurality of interrupted bands may be evenly spaced from each other. This may result in better prevention of the aerosol generating substrate from flying out, may result in a smoother surface of the strip, and may increase the strength of the curled material, in particular the tensile strength. This may also result in better suction resistance values ​​for the strip. The curled sheet may also be easier and more evenly gathered.

[0025] The angle between the extension of the interrupted bands in the curled sheet and the longitudinal direction may be between 70 and 90 degrees, in particular between 75 and 85 degrees, in particular about 84 degrees.

[0026] The interruption band may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The inclination of the interruption band may vary along the extension of the interruption band. The interruption band may be inclined in two opposite directions relative to the longitudinal direction. The sign of the value of the inclination of the interruption band may change along the extension of the interruption band. For example, the interruption band may have a herringbone shape, a diamond shape or a triangle shape. This means that the width of the interruption band may change along the extension of the interruption band. The interruption band may be curved. The interruption band may have a wave shape. The sign of the value of the inclination of the interruption band may change multiple times along the extension of the interruption band.

[0027] The leading edge portion of the interrupter band may be in front of the trailing edge portion of the interrupter band relative to the longitudinal direction. The interrupter band may include two or more leading edge portions. The interrupter band may include two or more trailing edge portions.

[0028] The interruption bands may extend at an angle greater than 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction.At least three interruption bands may intersect a straight line on the sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0029] The interrupted bands may be parallel to each other.The channels formed by the corrugations in the curled sheet may have substantially the same length.

[0030] The extension of the interruption strip in the longitudinal direction may be between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 4 mm, in particular about 3.5 mm. This value may be sufficient to interrupt the channel inside the curled sheet. This value may be optimal for improving the suction resistance value of the rod. This value may be optimal for improving the shape of the rod.

[0031] The interruption band width can be an extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width can be between 0.5 and 5, particularly between 1 and 3, particularly about 2. This value can be sufficient to interrupt the channel inside the curled sheet. This value may be optimal for improving the suction resistance value of the rod. This value may be optimal for improving the shape of the rod. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width can be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width can be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0032] The interruption band width may be constant within the interruption band. All interruption bands may have the same interruption band width. The interruption band width may vary within the interruption band. The interruption band width may vary between different interruption bands. All interruption bands may have the same shape.

[0033] The distance between two adjacent interruption strips in the longitudinal direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption strips in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction may be less than 6 mm. The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction may be less than 6 mm and less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] The curled sheet width may be an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The interruption band may be discontinuous over the curled sheet width. The interruption band may be interrupted by an interruption band gap. The interruption band gaps of two adjacent interruption bands may be arranged offset relative to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. This may ensure that an interrupted channel is formed in the curled sheet. Multiple interruption bands may be discontinuous over the curled sheet width.

[0036] The length of the rod in the longitudinal direction may be between 5 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 17 mm, in particular about 12 mm. A rod having this length may be used in a cigarette. A rod having this length may be used in an aerosol generating article for an electronic smoking device.

[0037] The sheet width may be the extension of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The sheet width may be 5 cm to 20 cm, in particular about 11 cm. Such a sheet width may result in a rod of a desired diameter, in particular for use in an aerosol generating article.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a rod for forming a part of an aerosol generating article. The rod may be formed by a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The rod extends in a longitudinal direction. The rod comprises a gathered sheet. The gathered sheet may comprise a plurality of corrugations extending in the longitudinal direction. At least one of the plurality of corrugations is interrupted at least three times in the longitudinal direction by an interruption band.

[0039] This configuration of interrupted corrugated lines can lead to better prevention of the aerosol-generating substrate in the stick from flying out, can lead to a smoother surface of the stick, and can increase the strength of the stick, in particular the tensile strength. This can also lead to better suction resistance values ​​for the stick. The sheet can also be gathered more easily and more evenly.

[0040] At least one corrugation line of the plurality of corrugation lines may be interrupted at least four times in the longitudinal direction by interruption bands.

[0041] All corrugation lines in the plurality of corrugation lines may be interrupted at least twice or at least three times in the longitudinal direction by interruption bands.

[0042] The interruption band may be a flat section or a section with corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than the rest of the corrugation line.

[0043] The corrugation line may be a substantially straight corrugation or ridge. The interruption zone may be a region of the corrugation line having a lower corrugation amplitude than the rest of the corrugation line. The interruption zone may be a non-corrugation region.

[0044] The interruption bands may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The angle between the extension of the interruption bands in the gathered sheet and the longitudinal direction may be between 70 and 90 degrees, in particular between 75 and 85 degrees, in particular about 84 degrees. The angle may refer to the angle on the curled sheet before the sheets are gathered. The interruption bands may be inclined relative to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Each interruption band may include a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion. The leading edge portion may be arranged at a different position than the trailing edge portion relative to the longitudinal direction. Each interruption band may have two or more trailing edge portions. Each interruption band may have two or more leading edge portions.

[0046] The leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion may be arranged adjacent to opposite edges of the gathered sheet relative to the width of the gathered sheet. Before the gathered sheet, the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion may be arranged adjacent to opposite edges of the curled sheet relative to the width of the curled sheet. The leading edge portion may be arranged at a first side of the curled sheet. The trailing edge portion may be arranged at a second side of the curled sheet. The first side may be arranged at one end of an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The first side may be arranged at the other end of an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0047] Each interruption band may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption band. The secondary extension of the interruption band may be an extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path start point adjacent to a first side. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to a second side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the width of the gathered sheet or curled sheet. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend primarily in the same direction.

[0049] The distance between two adjacent interruption strips in the longitudinal direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption strips in the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0051] The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction may be less than 6 mm. The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction may be less than 6 mm and less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] The extension of the interrupter strip in the longitudinal direction may be between 2 and 5 millimeters, in particular between 3 and 4 millimeters, in particular approximately 3.5 millimeters.

[0053] The rod may be a filter for an aerosol-generating article.The rod may be used to form or contain an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0054] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a winding roller is provided, which is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction. The winding roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each circumferential ridge has a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The interruption gap width is an extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction of the winding roller. The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps is smaller than the interruption gap width.

[0055] The interrupted gap may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interrupted gaps may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0056] The circumferential ridges may form a ridge-groove pattern on the circumferential surface of the take-up roller.On the unrolled circumferential surface of the take-up roller, the circumferential ridges may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0057] The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps may be the circumferential distance between an edge of a first interruption gap and an edge of a second interruption gap, in particular adjacent to the first interruption gap.

[0058] Each interruption gap may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be an extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path start point adjacent to a first side of the curling roller. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to a second side of the curling roller. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the axial direction of the curling roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape.

[0060] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gaps in the circumferential direction.

[0061] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 mm.

[0062] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction can be between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 4 mm, in particular approximately 3.5 mm.

[0063] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0064] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a winding roller adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction. The winding roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges, each ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps is less than 6 mm.

[0065] The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps may be the circumferential distance between an edge of a first interruption gap and an edge of a second interruption gap, in particular adjacent to the first interruption gap.

[0066] The interrupted gap may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interrupted gaps may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0067] The circumferential ridges may form a ridge and groove pattern on the circumferential surface of the take-up roller.

[0068] On the unfolded circumferential surface of the take-up roller, the circumferential ridges may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the take-up roller, the circumferential ridges may be inclined relative to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0069] On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the interruption gap may be inclined relative to a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface, each interruption gap may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be an extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path starting point on a first side of the unfolded circumferential surface adjacent to the winding roller. The main path may end at a path ending point on a second side of the unfolded circumferential surface adjacent to the winding roller. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the axial direction of the winding roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path starting point to the path ending point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend primarily in the same direction.

[0071] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gaps in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 mm.

[0073] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction can be between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 4 mm, in particular approximately 3.5 mm.

[0074] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0075] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a winding roller is provided, which is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction. The winding roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges, each ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The interruption gaps extend at an angle of less than 30 degrees, in particular between 1 degree and 30 degrees, relative to the axial direction. At least three interruption gaps intersect a straight line on the circumferential surface of the winding roller in the axial direction.

[0076] The angle of the interruption gap relative to the axial direction can be measured on the unrolled circumferential surface of the take-up roller.

[0077] At least four interruption gaps may intersect a straight line in the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the take-up roller.

[0078] The interrupted gap may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interrupted gaps may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0079] Each of the plurality of interrupted gaps may extend across the circumferential surface of the take-up roller. Each of the plurality of interrupted gaps may extend across the entire circumferential surface of the take-up roller in the axial direction.

[0080] Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined relative to the axial direction. On the unrolled circumferential surface of the winding roller, each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined relative to the axial direction. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined relative to the axial direction at an angle of 1 to 20 degrees, in particular 5 to 15 degrees, in particular about 6 degrees.

[0081] The angle between the interruption gap and the axial direction may be between 1 and 20 degrees, in particular between 5 and 15 degrees, in particular about 6 degrees.

[0082] This angle can be measured on the unrolled circumferential surface of the take-up roller.

[0083] The inclination of the interruption gap relative to the axial direction may vary along the extension of the interruption gap. The inclination of the interruption gap relative to the axial direction may change direction along the extension of the interruption gap. For example, the interruption gap may be herringbone-shaped. The interruption gap may be diamond-shaped or triangular. This means that the width of the interruption gap may vary along the extension of the interruption gap. The interruption gap may be curved. The interruption gap may have the shape of a wave.

[0084] Each interruption gap may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be an extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path start point adjacent to a first side of the winding roller. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to a second side of the winding roller. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the axial direction of the winding roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend primarily in the same direction.

[0086] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gaps in the circumferential direction.

[0087] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 mm.

[0088] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction can be between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 4 mm, in particular approximately 3.5 mm.

[0089] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0090] The circumferential ridges may form a ridge and groove pattern on the circumferential surface of the take-up roller.

[0091] The ridges may extend substantially orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the take-up roller. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the take-up roller, the circumferential ridges may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the take-up roller, the circumferential ridges may be inclined relative to the direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0092] The take-up roller may comprise 45 interruption gaps to 65 interruption gaps, in particular 50 interruption gaps to 60 interruption gaps, in particular about 54 interruption gaps.

[0093] The interruption bands may be substantially equally spaced around the circumferential surface of the take-up roller.The interruption gaps may be parallel to each other.

[0094] The difference between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude may be between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, in particular about 0.3 mm. The first ridge amplitude may be between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular about 1 mm. The second ridge amplitude may be between 0 mm and 1.2 mm, in particular about 0.7 mm.

[0095] An apparatus for crimping a sheet of material may comprise a first crimping roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention and a second crimping roller adapted to rotate about a second axis of rotation. The second crimping roller may comprise a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0096] The first crimping roller and the second crimping roller may rotate or may be configured to rotate with different rotations. The rotation axis of the first crimping roller and the second rotation axis may be parallel to each other.

[0097] The circumferential ridge of the second crimping roller may extend continuously around the second crimping roller.The second crimping roller may have no interrupting gap.

[0098] The circumferential ridges of the first take-up roller may form a ridge groove pattern. The circumferential ridges of the second take-up roller may form a ridge groove pattern. The ridge groove pattern of the second take-up roller may deviate from the ridge groove pattern of the first take-up roller in the axial direction, so that the ridges of the first take-up roller may be aligned with the grooves of the second take-up roller, and vice versa.

[0099] The circumferential ridges of the first take-up roller and the circumferential ridges of the second take-up roller may overlap each other by 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular by about 0.2 mm, relative to a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the first take-up roller. Thus, a difference of 0.2 mm, preferably 0.3 mm, between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude may not be sufficient to form corrugations on the sheet in the region of the interruption gap. The difference between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude may be selected based on the overlap of the circumferential ridges of the first take-up roller and the circumferential ridges of the second take-up roller.

[0100] The sheet may be transferred through the gap between the first and second take-up rollers. The sheet may bend over the circumferential ridges of the first take-up roller and the circumferential ridges of the second take-up roller. This may cause the sheet to splay on opposite sides of the respective circumferential ridges to form corrugations. In the region of the interrupted gap, the circumferential ridges of the first take-up roller may not overlap the circumferential ridges of the second take-up roller, so that the sheet may not bend in this region. Therefore, the sheet may not splay and may remain free of corrugations in this region.

[0101] An aerosol-generating article production machine may comprise a crimping roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention or an apparatus for crimping a sheet material according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0102] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of an interrupted circumferential ridge on a crimping roller for forming a plurality of interrupted crimping corrugations on a sheet before forming a rod from the sheet. The crimping corrugations extend in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. The distance between two interruptions of the crimping corrugations in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the strip in the longitudinal direction.

[0103] The rods may be cut from strips formed from a sheet having a plurality of interrupted crimped corrugations.

[0104] The distance between two interruptions of the curling corrugation in the longitudinal direction may be less than one third of the length of the strip in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] The interruption of adjacent curling corrugations can form an interruption band. The interruption band can extend over the entire width of the sheet.

[0106] The interruption band may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. The angle between the extension of the interruption band and the longitudinal direction may be between 70 and 90 degrees, in particular between 75 and 85 degrees, in particular about 84 degrees. The interruption band may be inclined relative to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0107] Each interruption band may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as a main extension of the interruption band. The secondary extension of the interruption band may be an extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction. The direction of the main extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be offset by a certain distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] Each main path, also referred to as a main path, may start at a path start point adjacent to a first side. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to a second side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on opposite sides relative to the width of the curled sheet. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a herringbone shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend primarily in the same direction.

[0109] The distance between two adjacent interruption strips in the longitudinal direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption strips in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 mm. The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction may be less than 6 mm and less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0111] The extension of the interruption strip in the circumferential direction can be between 2 and 5 millimeters, in particular between 3 and 4 millimeters, in particular approximately 3.5 millimeters.

[0112] The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 2, between 1 and 3, between 2 and 4, or between 3 and 5. The ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted bands may be between 0.5 and 1, between 1 and 2, between 2 and 3, between 3 and 4, or between 4 and 5.

[0113] The method of the first aspect of the invention may be performed using a winding roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention. The method of the first aspect of the invention may be used to manufacture a rod according to the second aspect of the invention. The rod according to the second aspect of the invention may be manufactured using a winding roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention or using the method steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. The winding roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention may be used using the method steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention. The winding roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention may be used to manufacture a rod according to the second aspect of the invention. The use of the interrupted circumferential ridges on the winding roller according to the sixth aspect of the invention may be achieved by using a winding roller according to the third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention or using the method steps of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0114] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0115] Example Ex1: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article, the method comprising the steps of: feeding a sheet material to a set of crimping rollers along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material, forming a crimped sheet material by crimping the sheet material, wherein the crimped sheet material comprises a plurality of corrugated regions and a plurality of interrupted bands,

[0116] wherein in the corrugated area, the curled sheet includes a plurality of corrugations extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein in the interrupted bands, the curled sheet has no corrugations or includes corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than the corrugations in the corrugated area, wherein the interrupted bands and the corrugated area are alternately arranged, wherein each of the plurality of interrupted bands includes a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, wherein the leading edge portion is arranged at a position different from that of the trailing edge portion relative to the longitudinal direction, the curled sheets are gathered to form a gathered sheet, and a rod is formed by the gathered sheets, wherein in the curled sheet, a distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0117] Example Ex2: Method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to example Ex1, wherein the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands is less than one third of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0118] Example Ex3: Method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to example Ex1, wherein the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands is less than one quarter or one fifth of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0119] Example Ex4: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least three, at least four or at least five interruption bands are formed in the sheet over a longitudinal distance equal to the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0120] Example Ex5: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the step of forming the rod from the gathered sheet comprises the steps of forming strips from the gathered sheet, and cutting the strips to form the rod.

[0121] Example Ex6: Method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to example Ex5, wherein cutting the strip to form a rod comprises two to five, preferably three to four cutting, in particular cutting steps.

[0122] Example Ex7: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the strip is cut into two to sixteen, preferably four to eight, rods.

[0123] Example Ex8: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the strip is cut into a plurality of substantially uniform rods.

[0124] Example Ex9: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the curled sheet is cut into predetermined lengths before gathering the curled sheet to form a gathered sheet.

[0125] Example Ex10: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of interrupted bands are evenly spaced from one another.

[0126] Example Ex11: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the angle between the extension of the interrupted band in the curled sheet and the longitudinal direction is between 70 degrees and 90 degrees, in particular between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, in particular about 84 degrees.

[0127] Example Ex12: A method for producing a rod forming a part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the inclination of the interrupted band varies along the extension of the interrupted band.

[0128] Example Ex13: A method for producing a rod forming a part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interruption bands are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction, wherein the interruption bands are inclined in two opposite directions relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0129] Example Ex 14: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band is chevron-shaped.

[0130] Example Ex 15: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band is diamond-shaped.

[0131] Example Ex16: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band is triangular.

[0132] Example Ex 17: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band is curved.

[0133] Example Ex 18: A method for producing a rod forming a part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted band has a wave shape.

[0134] Example Ex19: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the sign of the value of the inclination of the interruption band may change several times, in particular two, three or four times, along the extension of the interruption band.

[0135] Example Ex20: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the leading edge portion is in front of the trailing edge portion with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0136] Example Ex21: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interruption bands extend at an angle greater than 60 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction, and wherein at least three interruption bands intersect a straight line on the sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0137] Example Ex22: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interrupted bands are parallel to each other.

[0138] Example Ex23: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction is between 2 mm and 5 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 4 mm, in particular about 3.5 mm.

[0139] Example Ex24: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the width of the interrupted band is the extension of the interrupted band in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interrupted bands to the width of the interrupted band is between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2.

[0140] Example Ex25: A method for producing a rod forming a part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interruption band width is the extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction, wherein the interruption band width is constant within the interruption band.

[0141] Example Ex26: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the curled sheet width is an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, wherein the interruption band is discontinuous over the curled sheet width.

[0142] Example Ex27: A method for producing a rod forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex26, wherein the plurality of interrupted bands are discontinuous across the width of the curled sheet.

[0143] Example Ex28: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction is between 5 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 17 mm, in particular about 12 mm.

[0144] Example Ex29: A method for producing a rod forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the sheet width is the extension of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, wherein the sheet width is 5 cm to 20 cm, in particular about 11 cm.

[0145] Example Ex30: A rod, for example a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article, wherein the rod is particularly formed according to the method of any of the preceding examples, wherein the rod extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the rod comprises a gathered sheet, wherein the gathered sheet comprises a plurality of corrugated lines extending in the longitudinal direction, and wherein at least one of the plurality of corrugated lines is interrupted at least three times by an interruption band in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] Example Ex31: A rod according to example Ex30, such as a rod for forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article, wherein at least one corrugation line of the plurality of corrugation lines is interrupted at least four times by interruption bands in the longitudinal direction.

[0147] Example Ex32: A rod according to example Ex30 or Ex31, such as a rod for forming a part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein all corrugation lines of the plurality of corrugation lines are interrupted at least two times or at least three times in the longitudinal direction by an interruption band.

[0148] Example Ex33: A rod according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex32, such as a rod for forming a part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the interrupted band is a flat section or a section having corrugations with a smaller corrugation amplitude than the rest of the corrugation line.

[0149] Example Ex34: A rod according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex33, such as a rod for forming a part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the interruption band may be inclined relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0150] Example Ex35: A rod according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex34, such as a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article, wherein each interrupted band comprises a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, wherein the leading edge portion is arranged at a different position relative to the longitudinal direction than the trailing edge portion.

[0151] Example Ex36: A curling roller, which is suitable for rotating around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges, each circumferential ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps, wherein in the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude, wherein the second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude, wherein the interruption gap width is an extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction of the curling roller, wherein the circumferential distance between two interruption gaps is smaller than the interruption gap width.

[0152] Example Ex37: A curling roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges, each circumferential ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interrupted gaps, wherein in the interrupted gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude, wherein the second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude, and wherein the circumferential distance between two interrupted gaps is less than 6 mm.

[0153] Example Ex38: A curling roller, which is suitable for rotating around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges, each circumferential ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps, wherein in the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude, wherein the second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude, wherein the interruption gaps extend at an angle less than 30 degrees, in particular between 1 degree and 30 degrees, relative to the axial direction, wherein at least three interruption gaps intersect with a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the curling roller.

[0154] Example Ex39: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex38, wherein at least four interruption gaps intersect a straight line along the axial direction on a circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

[0155] Example Ex40: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the interrupted gap extends across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0156] Example Ex41: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex40, wherein each of the plurality of interrupted gaps extends across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0157] Example Ex42: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex41, wherein each of the plurality of interrupted gaps is inclined relative to the axial direction.

[0158] Example Ex43: A curling roller suitable for rotating around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex42, wherein the angle between the interruption gap and the axial direction is between 1 degree and 20 degrees, in particular between 5 degrees and 15 degrees, in particular about 6 degrees.

[0159] Example Ex44: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction according to example Ex42 or Ex43, wherein the inclination of the interruption gap relative to said axial direction varies along the extension of said interruption gap.

[0160] Example Ex45: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex44, wherein the inclination of the interruption gap relative to the axial direction changes direction along the extension of the interruption gap.

[0161] Example Ex46: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex45, wherein the interrupted gap is herringbone-shaped.

[0162] Example Ex47: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex46, wherein the interruption gap is diamond-shaped.

[0163] Example Ex48: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex47, wherein the interruption gap is triangular.

[0164] Example Ex49: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex48, wherein the interrupted gap is curved.

[0165] Example Ex50: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex49, wherein the interrupted gap has a wave shape.

[0166] Example Ex51: A winding roller suitable for rotating around a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex50, wherein the winding roller comprises 45 to 65 interruption gaps, in particular 50 to 60 interruption gaps, in particular about 54 interruption gaps.

[0167] Example Ex52: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex51, wherein the interruption gaps are substantially equidistantly spaced around a circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

[0168] Example Ex53: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex52, wherein the interruption gaps are parallel to each other.

[0169] Example Ex54: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any of Examples Ex36 to Ex53, wherein the difference between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, in particular about 0.3 mm.

[0170] Example Ex55: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex54, wherein the first ridge amplitude is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular about 1 mm.

[0171] Example Ex56: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex55, wherein the ridge extends substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the crimping roller.

[0172] Example Ex57: An apparatus, for example for curling a sheet, comprising a first curling roller according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex56 and a second curling roller adapted to rotate about a second rotation axis, wherein the second curling roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0173] Example Ex58: An apparatus for curling a sheet material according to example Ex57, wherein the first curling roller and the second curling roller rotate in different directions.

[0174] Example Ex59: An apparatus for curling a sheet, for example, according to example Ex57 or Ex58, wherein the rotation axis of the first curling roller and the second rotation axis are parallel to each other.

[0175] Example Ex60: An apparatus for curling a sheet, for example, according to any one of Examples Ex57 or Ex59, wherein the circumferential ridge of the second curling roller extends continuously around the second curling roller.

[0176] Example Ex61: An apparatus for curling a sheet, for example, according to any one of Examples Ex57 or Ex60, wherein the circumferential ridges form a ridge groove pattern, and the ridge groove pattern of the second curling roller deviates from the ridge groove pattern of the first curling roller in the axial direction so that the ridges of the first curling roller are aligned with the grooves of the second curling roller, and vice versa.

[0177] Example Ex62: An apparatus for curling a sheet, for example, according to any one of Examples Ex57 or Ex61, wherein the ridges of the first curling roller and the ridges of the second curling roller overlap each other by 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular about 0.2 mm, relative to a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first curling roller.

[0178] Example Ex63: A machine, such as an aerosol-generating article production machine, comprising a take-up roller according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex56 or an apparatus for taking up a sheet according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex62.

[0179] Example Ex64: The use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a curling roller for forming a plurality of interrupted curling corrugations on a sheet before forming a rod from the sheet, wherein the curling corrugations extend in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, wherein the distance between two interruptions in the curling corrugations in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

[0180] Example Ex65: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller according to example Ex64, wherein the rod is cut from a strip formed from a sheet having the plurality of interrupted crimping corrugations.

[0181] Example Ex66: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller according to example Ex64 or Ex65, wherein the distance between two interruptions in the crimping corrugation in the longitudinal direction is less than one third of the length of the strip in the longitudinal direction.

[0182] Example Ex67: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller according to any one of Examples Ex64 to Ex66, wherein the interruption of adjacent crimping corrugations forms an interrupted band, wherein the interrupted band is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0183] Examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0184] Figure 1 A front view of a production machine according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0185] Figure 2 A perspective view of a set of crimping rollers according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0186] Figure 3 A top view of a take-up roller according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0187] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the take-up roller.

[0188] Figure 5 A schematic overview is shown of how a rod for an aerosol-generating article may be produced according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0189] Figure 1 A production machine 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The production machine 1 comprises a reel 2 with a sheet 3. The sheet 3 is unwound from the reel 2 and transferred to a curling device 4. The curling device 4 comprises a set of curling rollers 5. The set of curling rollers 5 comprises a first curling roller 6 and a second curling roller 7. The curling rollers 6, 7 are configured to form a curled sheet 8 from the sheet 3. The production machine 1 further comprises a gathering tool 9 to gather the curled sheet 8.

[0190] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A set of curling rollers 5 of a production machine 1. A first curling roller 6 rotates about a rotation axis 10. A second curling roller 7 rotates about a second rotation axis 11. The rotation axes 10, 11 are parallel to each other and extend in an axial direction 200. The first curling roller 6 and the second curling roller 7 rotate in opposite directions. The first curling roller 6 has a plurality of circumferential ridges 12 formed on its circumferential surface 13. The second curling roller 7 also has a plurality of circumferential ridges 14 formed on its circumferential surface 15. The sheet 3 is transferred through the set of curling rollers 5 along the longitudinal direction 100 of the sheet 3 to form a curled sheet 8. The longitudinal direction 100 of the sheet 3 is orthogonal to the axial direction 200. The curled sheet 8 includes a plurality of corrugations 16 extending in the longitudinal direction 100 of the curled sheet 8. The curled sheet width 17 is an extension of the curled sheet 8 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 100.

[0191] The first crimping roller 6 Figure 3 Circumferential ridge 12 ( Figure 3 The first take-up roller 6 (not shown) forms a ridge pattern 18 on the circumferential surface 13 of the first take-up roller 6. The ridge pattern 18 and thus the circumferential ridges 13 are interrupted by interruption gaps 19. The interruption gaps 19 extend across the circumferential surface 13 of the first take-up roller 6. The interruption gaps 19 extend at an angle 20 relative to the rotation axis 10 extending in the axial direction 200. The second take-up roller 7 also includes a ridge pattern 18, but without interruption gaps 19.

[0192] Figure 4 A close up view of a set of crimping rollers 5 is shown, in particular the circumferential ridges 12 of the first crimping roller 6 and the circumferential ridges 14 of the second crimping roller 7. The ridge and groove pattern 18 of the first crimping roller 6 is axially offset relative to the ridge and groove pattern 18 of the second crimping roller 7, so that the circumferential ridges 12 of the first crimping roller 6 are aligned with the grooves 21 of the second crimping roller 7 and vice versa.

[0193] The first and second winding rollers 6, 7 are arranged close to each other so that there is an overlap 22 between the circumferential ridges 12 of the first winding roller 6 and the circumferential ridges 14 of the second winding roller 7. The circumferential ridges 12 have a first ridge amplitude 23. The first ridge amplitude 23 is the distance from the peak of the circumferential ridge 23 to the adjacent groove 21 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction 200. In the interruption gap 19, the circumferential ridges 12 have a second ridge amplitude 24, which is smaller than the first ridge amplitude 23. Figure 4 Also shown is the axial distance 25 between two interruption gaps 19 .

[0194] Figure 51 shows a curled sheet 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The curled sheet 8 comprises a plurality of corrugations 16 extending in the longitudinal direction 100. The corrugations 16 are interrupted by interruption bands 26. In the region of the interruption bands 26, the curled sheet 8 has no corrugations 16. The interruption bands 26 are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction 100. Each interruption band 26 has a leading edge portion 27 and a trailing edge portion 28. The leading edge portion 27 and the trailing edge portion 28 are arranged at different positions relative to the longitudinal direction 100. Each interruption band 26 has an interruption band width 29, which is an extension of the interruption band 26 in the longitudinal direction 100. The interruption bands 26 are spaced a constant distance 30 from each other in the longitudinal direction 100.

[0195] The curled sheet 8 is gathered to form a gathered sheet 31, in particular a strip 32. The strip 32 is cut into a plurality of parts to form a rod 33 having a rod length 34. The distance 30 between two adjacent interrupted bands 26 in the longitudinal direction 100 is less than half of the rod length 34, in particular less than one third of the rod length 34. The rod 33 can be used in an aerosol generating article.

Claims

1. A method for producing a rod for forming a part of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising the steps of: - feeding the sheet along the longitudinal direction of said sheet to a set of take-up rollers, - forming a curled sheet by curling the sheet, wherein the curled sheet comprises a plurality of corrugated areas and a plurality of interrupted bands, wherein in the corrugated region, the curled sheet comprises a plurality of corrugations extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein in the interrupted band, the curled sheet has no corrugations or comprises corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than the corrugations in the corrugated area, wherein the interrupted bands and the corrugated areas are arranged alternately, Each of the plurality of interruption zones comprises a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, wherein the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion are arranged on opposite sides of the curled sheet relative to a width of the curled sheet, wherein the width of the curled sheet is an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, wherein the leading edge portion is arranged at a different position than the trailing edge portion with respect to the longitudinal direction, - gathering the curled sheets to form a gathered sheet, and - forming a rod from said gathered sheets, In the curled sheet, a distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the longitudinal direction is less than half of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

2. A method for producing a rod for forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands is less than one third of the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction.

3. A method for producing a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of forming the rod from the gathered sheet material comprises the steps of: Strips are formed from the gathered sheets, and the strips are cut to form the rods.

4. A method for producing a rod for forming a portion of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of interrupted bands are evenly spaced from one another.

5. A method for producing a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the angle between the extension of the interrupted band in the curled sheet and the longitudinal direction is between 70 degrees and 90 degrees, in particular between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, in particular about 84 degrees.

6. A method for producing a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interruption band width is the extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width is between 0.5 and 5, in particular between 1 and 3, in particular about 2.

7. A method for producing a rod for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction is between 5 mm and 20 mm, in particular between 7 mm and 17 mm, in particular about 12 mm.

8. A rod for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the rod is formed in particular according to the method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rod extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the rod comprises a gathered sheet, wherein said gathered sheet comprises a plurality of corrugation lines extending in said longitudinal direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of corrugation lines is interrupted at least three times by interruption bands in the longitudinal direction, wherein each interruption strip comprises a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, wherein the leading edge portion is arranged at a different position than the trailing edge portion relative to the longitudinal direction, and The leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion are arranged on opposite sides of the curled sheet relative to a width of the curled sheet, wherein the width of the curled sheet is an extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

9. A rod for forming part of an aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein the interrupted band is a flat section or a section having corrugations having a smaller corrugation amplitude than the rest of the corrugation line.

10. A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation extending in an axial direction, comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges, each circumferential ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and Multiple interrupt gaps, wherein in the interrupted gap, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude, wherein the second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude, wherein the interruption gap extends at an angle of less than 30 degrees relative to the axial direction, At least three of the interruption gaps intersect with a straight line on the circumferential surface of the crimping roller along the axial direction. 11 . The take-up roller according to claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of interrupted gaps is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

12. Crimping roller according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the difference between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude is between 0.3 mm and 1 mm, in particular about 0.3 mm.

13. Apparatus for crimping a sheet material, the apparatus comprising a first crimping roller according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12 and a second crimping roller adapted to rotate about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second crimping roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges.

14. An aerosol-generating article production machine comprising a crimping roller according to any one of claims 10 to 12 or an apparatus for crimping a sheet material according to claim 13.

15. The use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a curling roller for forming a plurality of interrupted curling corrugations on a sheet before forming a rod from the sheet, wherein the curling corrugations extend in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, wherein the distance between two interruptions in the curling corrugations in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal direction, wherein the interruptions of adjacent curling corrugations form interrupted bands, wherein the interrupted bands are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction.

Images