Splicing device and method for splicing material sheets

Abstract

A splicing device (2) comprises a stamping plate (240) and a counter plate, wherein the stamping plate and the counter plate are movable relative to each other for splicing two sheets of material (4, 3) that can be arranged between the stamping plate (240) and the counter plate (250, 241). The stamping plate (240) comprises an array of splice protrusions (70), and oppositely arranged counter plates (250, 241) comprise an array of splice holes (80). The array of splicing holes comprises a plurality of splicing holes, the array of splicing protrusions comprises a plurality of splicing protrusions, and the number of the splicing holes is at least the same as the number of the splicing protrusions. The positions of the splicing protrusions in the array of the splicing protrusions correspond to the positions of the splicing holes in the array of the splicing holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a splicing apparatus and a method for splicing sheets of material. Background Art

[0002] In the manufacturing process of consumables, such as heat-not-burn products in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated but not burned, the products or elements of these products are manufactured in a continuous process. Typically, a strip of material is unwound from a reel and spliced ​​to a strip of the same material unwound from a new reel. Such a process should be automatic in order to keep the production machine running continuously. Known splicing devices are suitable for splicing specific materials for making specific elements. However, in particular, heat-not-burn products include material elements with different physical and chemical properties, and known splicing devices cannot work properly with such different materials.

[0003] Therefore, a splicing device for splicing different types of material sheets is needed. In particular, a splicing device suitable for splicing tobacco-containing sheet materials and for splicing paper and plastic sheets is needed. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a splicing device, the splicing device comprising a stamping plate and an opposing plate, wherein the stamping plate and the opposing plate are relatively movable relative to each other for splicing two material sheets that can be arranged between the stamping plate and the opposing plate. The stamping plate comprises an array of splicing protrusions, and the opposing plate arranged oppositely comprises an array of splicing holes. The array of splicing holes comprises a plurality of splicing holes, and the array of splicing protrusions comprises a plurality of splicing protrusions, wherein the number of splicing holes is at least the same as the number of splicing protrusions, and wherein the positions of the splicing protrusions in the array of splicing protrusions correspond to the positions of the splicing holes in the array of splicing holes.

[0005] The use of splicing protrusions and corresponding splicing holes allows, in addition to the mechanical deformation of the two material sheets in the region of the splicing protrusions and corresponding splicing holes, the possibility of perforating one or even both material sheets to be spliced. Thus, a very well-defined mutual penetration of the two material sheets is achieved and results in a very strong splice. If the materials to be spliced ​​are susceptible to plastic deformation or partial melting, the splice may be even stronger.

[0006] The splicing device according to the invention can be used for example for conventional paper sheets, plastic sheets, but can also be used in particular for fiber sheets, since the splicing protrusions can penetrate the fibers in the fiber sheet material, or it can also be used for metal sheets which are not easy to fully splice.

[0007] Preferably, the punched plate includes all the splicing protrusions, and the opposing plate includes all the splicing holes.

[0008] However, the splicing protrusions and splicing holes can also be provided on both the stamping plate and the opposing plate. In some embodiments of the splicing device, both the stamping plate and the opposing plate include an array of splicing protrusions and an array of splicing holes. In these embodiments, preferably, the position of each of the splicing protrusions of the stamping plate corresponds to the position of the splicing hole in the opposing plate, and vice versa.

[0009] In the embodiment in which the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes are provided on the punching plate and the opposing plate, preferably, the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes are arranged in an alternating manner on each of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0010] In the splicing device, when the splicing device is in the closed splicing position, the position of the splicing protrusion corresponds to the position of the splicing hole. Preferably, when the splicing device is in the open position, thus when the punching plate and the opposing plate are arranged to be away from each other, the position of the splicing protrusion also corresponds to the position of the splicing hole.

[0011] Preferably, when the punching plate and the opposing plate are closed for splicing the material sheets, the splicing protrusions can be inserted into the splicing holes.

[0012] Preferably, the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes are arranged along a straight line corresponding to a linear movement direction in which the punching plate and the opposing plate move relative to and away from each other.

[0013] Preferably, in the open position and the closed position of the splicing device, the punching plate and the counter plate are arranged parallel to each other.The splicing can then be performed by a linear movement of one or both plates towards the other plate or towards each other.

[0014] The punching plate and the counter plate may have separate shapes and sizes. For example, the counter plate may be an integral part of the conveying surface of the material sheet.

[0015] Preferably, the punching plate and the counter plate have the same dimensions in length and width. The width of the plate may correspond to the conveying direction of the sheet material, while the length of the plate may correspond to the direction in the plane of the sheet material perpendicular to the conveying direction. Identical dimensions in length and width provide the advantage of a symmetrical arrangement of the splicing device. The splicing device is preferably arranged parallel or perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material sheet. Thus, the length or width of the punching plate is arranged parallel or perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material sheet. This makes it possible to keep the splicing section as small as possible. However, the splicing device can also be arranged at a certain angle to the conveying direction of the material sheet.

[0016] The splicing protrusion can have any form that allows at least one of the material sheets arranged on top of each other to be deformed and preferably penetrated and perforated for splicing. Preferably, the splicing protrusion has a shape and size that allows two material sheets arranged on top of each other to be deformed and preferably penetrated and perforated for splicing.

[0017] Preferably, the splicing protrusion has an elongated shape.

[0018] Preferably, when the splicing protrusion is provided at the punching plate, the splicing protrusion has a terminal end which is arranged farthest from the punching plate.

[0019] Preferably, when the splicing protrusion is provided at the opposing plate, the splicing protrusion has a terminal end portion which is disposed farthest from the opposing plate.

[0020] Preferably, the splicing protrusion is a splicing pin.

[0021] Preferably, the splicing projection has a sharp end, a rounded end or an end provided with a cutting edge. Sharp ends and rounded ends are reliable means in the splicing process of a wide variety of material sheets. The use of splicing projections provided with cutting edges, in particular splicing pins, is advantageous for strong materials such as metal sheets or resilient materials such as plastic sheets.

[0022] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "sheet" describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0023] The splicing projections may, for example, have a round, circular, triangular, polygonal, square or star-shaped cross section. The cross section of the splicing projections may be the same over the length of the splicing projections, or may vary over the length of the splicing projections. The length of the splicing projections corresponds to the extension of the splicing projections from the surface of the board on which the splicing projections are provided.

[0024] The corresponding splicing hole may have the same or a different size as the splicing protrusion. In particular, the splicing hole may have the same cross-section as the corresponding splicing protrusion. The cross-section and depth of the splicing hole are at least as large as the corresponding splicing protrusion so that the splicing protrusion fits into the splicing hole. However, the cross-section of the splicing hole does not have to be the same as the cross-section of the splicing protrusion. In particular, the splicing hole can be a circular hole that receives various forms of splicing protrusions.

[0025] Preferably, the splicing hole has a circular, polygonal, triangular or square cross section.

[0026] Preferably, the splicing holes are drilled holes.

[0027] The length of the splicing protrusion can be in the range between 1 mm and 50 mm. Preferably, the length of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 3 mm and 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 4 mm and 10 mm, for example 6 mm.

[0028] The cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing protrusion, such as the diameter, can be, for example, in the range between 0.5 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing protrusion, in particular the diameter, is in the range between 1 mm and 10 mm. More preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing protrusion, in particular the diameter, is in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm, for example 3 mm.

[0029] The cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing hole, in particular the diameter, may be, for example, in the range between 0.5 mm and 20 mm. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing hole, in particular the diameter, is in the range between 1 mm and 10 mm. More preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the splicing hole, in particular the diameter, is in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm, for example 3 mm.

[0030] These ranges of dimensions and sizes provide good splicing results for a wide variety of sheet materials to be spliced, such as fiber sheets, tobacco material sheets, plastic sheets and also metal foils.

[0031] Preferably, all splicing protrusions of the array of splicing protrusions have the same length and cross-sectional area. Preferably, all splicing protrusions on the stamping plate and the opposing plate have the same length and the same cross-sectional area.

[0032] Preferably, all the stitching holes of the array of stitching holes have the same cross-sectional area.

[0033] Preferably, all the splicing holes have the same shape.

[0034] An array or a total of the same form of splicing projections and the same form of splicing holes can provide a uniform splicing section. However, parts of the array of splicing projections and corresponding splicing holes can have a different form or size than other parts of the same array in order to change the splicing. For example, a stronger splicing or a weaker splicing can be made in some areas of the splicing section than in other areas of the splicing section.

[0035] The total number of splicing protrusions and corresponding splicing holes may be selected according to the size of the splicing part or parts to be manufactured, the size of the materials to be spliced, or may be adapted to the materials to be spliced.

[0036] The total number of splicing protrusions may be, for example, between 2 and 250. Preferably, the total number of splicing protrusions is between 10 and 200. More preferably, the total number of splicing protrusions is between 20 and 100, for example 70.

[0037] The total number of the splicing holes is at least the same as the total number of the splicing protrusions. Preferably, the total number of the splicing holes corresponds to the total number of the splicing protrusions.

[0038] The splicing projections may be formed integrally with the plate, or may be attached to the plate.The splicing projections may comprise or may be made of the same material as the plate from which the projections extend.

[0039] The splicing projections may comprise, for example, steel, preferably stainless steel, polycarbonate, ceramic, thermosetting materials such as Or silicone.

[0040] The splicing projections may be made, for example, of steel, preferably stainless steel, polycarbonate, ceramic, thermosetting materials such as Or made of silicone.

[0041] The splicing means, in particular the punched plates and the counter plates, and more particularly the splicing protrusions, may be specially treated, for example to enhance durability or to prevent sheet material from adhering to the spliced ​​portions.

[0042] For example, the splicing protrusions may be coated or thermochemically treated.

[0043] The splicing device may comprise a liquid supply device for supplying a liquid to the material sheets to be spliced. In order to increase the strength of the splice, a liquid may be applied to one or both material sheets.

[0044] Some materials are sticky, so, for example, a rolled leaf containing tobacco, which becomes sticky or more sticky when provided with a liquid.

[0045] Preferably, the liquid is a liquid as used in the food industry.

[0046] Preferably, the liquid is water or a liquid natural binder such as isinglass or egg white.

[0047] Preferably, the liquid supply means is adapted to supply water or a liquid natural binder, such as isinglass or egg white.

[0048] Some materials become sticky or more easily deformed when heated. For example, some plastic materials have a low melting temperature or a low glass temperature, such as polylactic acid. Polylactic acid sheets are used, for example, to make filters for smoking articles or heat-not-burn articles.

[0049] Heating the sheets of material as they are spliced ​​can increase the strength of the splice.

[0050] The splicing device may include a heater for heating portions of at least one of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0051] Preferably, the heater is adapted to heat at least some of the splicing protrusions, which are arranged on either the stamping plate and the opposing plate of the splicing device. More preferably, the heater is adapted to heat all the splicing protrusions. The heater may be an electric heater arranged in the splicing device. The heater may also be an infrared heater or any other suitable heater inside or outside the splicing device.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the splicing device, the splicing device comprises a stripper for stripping the material sheet from the punch plate or from the counter plate.The stripper allows stripping the material sheet, in particular the spliced ​​portion, from the splicing device.

[0053] Preferably, the stripper is adapted to strip the sheet of material from the splicing tab.

[0054] By providing a stripper, it is also possible, preferably automatically, to release sticky materials or materials which tend to stick to surfaces before or after splicing from the splicing device. This allows an in-line splicing process without having to interrupt a product manufacturing machine or process which is arranged further downstream of the splicing device. In addition, by means of a stripper, materials which were originally inaccessible to known splicing devices can be spliced ​​with the splicing device according to the invention. This applies to the above-mentioned sticky materials, but also to sheets of material which are hardly splicable without additional materials, such as adhesives or adhesive tapes, for example. For example, metal sheets cannot be securely spliced ​​by simply providing an array of indentations in the sheets. Therefore, by providing interlocking portions formed in the metal sheets, these metal sheets can be spliced. However, spliced ​​metal sheets also tend to rest on the splicing protrusions.

[0055] Thus, by providing a stripper, the splicing device according to the invention is essentially a universal splicing device that can be used for all different kinds of material sheets.

[0056] Preferably, the stripper is provided at least at one of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0057] Preferably, the stripper is arranged at the punching plate, because the punching plate is always provided with a splicing protrusion. The stripper arranged at the punching plate preferably releases the spliced ​​material sheets from the splicing protrusion arranged at the punching plate.

[0058] The stripper can be arranged at the punching plate and at the counter plate. This is particularly advantageous if the punching plate and the counter plate are provided with splicing projections. However, if the counter plate is not provided with splicing projections, a stripper arranged at the counter plate may also be advantageous. The splicing process presses the sheet material firmly against the counter plate and usually also into the splicing hole. The stripper arranged at the counter plate can safely strip the sheet material from the splicing hole and from the counter plate.

[0059] Preferably, the stripper is elastically mounted and thus actuated by elastic means (e.g., spring means such as leaf springs or helical springs). Other elastic means suitable as actuation of the stripper are, for example, reversibly compressible materials arranged between the stamping plate (or possibly also the counterplate) and the stripper.

[0060] Preferably, the stripper comprises a resiliently mounted stripper plate. The stripper plate is preferably arranged parallel to the punch plate. The stripper plate may be connected to the punch plate and may be spring biased against the punch plate.

[0061] The stripper may comprise a single plate or several slats arranged parallel to each other and adjacent to each other, preferably in one plane.

[0062] Preferably, the stripper plate is a spring-biased stripper plate, for example, spring-biased with one or more leaf springs or one or more helical springs. For example, the springs may be arranged at the two longitudinal ends of the stripper plate, or alternatively at each of the four corners of the stripper plate. In the open position of the splicing device, the punching plate and the opposing plate are separated and spaced apart from each other, and the elastic means, in particular the spring, are relaxed. The stripper plate is arranged to be spaced apart from the punching plate so that two material sheets can be arranged between the punching plate and the opposing plate for splicing. When splicing, the punching plate and the opposing plate move toward each other to the closed state of the splicing device. The elastic means is compressed, and the material sheets in the splicing device are spliced. When releasing the punching plate and the opposing plate, the elastic force of the elastic means, in particular the spring force, pushes the stripper plate away from the punching plate. Thus, the splicing sheet material is pushed away from the punching plate and is therefore released from the splicing protrusions arranged on the punching plate.

[0063] Preferably, in the open position of the splicing device, the stripper plate is moved away from the punch plate to the terminal end of the splicing projection. Preferably, the stripper plate in the open position of the splicing device is arranged flush with the terminal end of the splicing projection, or even beyond the terminal end. This has the advantage that a complete release of the material sheet or spliced ​​portion from the splicing projection can be achieved after splicing. The spliced ​​sheet material can then be conveyed out of the splicing device unhindered and preferably without the sheet material being damaged by still being caught in the splicing projection.

[0064] In some embodiments of the splicing device, a first resiliently mounted stripper plate is connected to the punch plate and a second resiliently mounted stripper plate is connected to the counter plate. These embodiments are particularly advantageous when both the punch plate and the counter plate are provided with splicing protrusions. The provision of a separate stripper plate for each of the plates of the splicing device improves the production of a clean spliced ​​portion and the safe delivery of the spliced ​​material sheets from the splicing device.

[0065] Preferably, the stripper plate comprises an array of through holes. The array of through holes corresponds respectively to an array of splicing projections provided in a corresponding plate with which the stripper plate operates or to which it is mounted. Thus, the array of through holes corresponds in particular to the array of splicing projections of the stamped plate. In particular, the array of through holes in the stripper plate corresponds in position, number and size to the array of splicing projections in the stamped plate and optionally also to the array of splicing projections of the counter plate (if the counter plate is also provided with splicing projections).

[0066] When the stripper comprises several slats arranged in one plane, the slats are preferably full slats and do not comprise holes. The manufacture of such full slats is very cost-effective.

[0067] Providing a stripper plate with a through hole corresponding to the splicing protrusion of the punch plate allows the splicing sheet to be completely and accurately stripped from the splicing protrusion when the splicing sheet is guided along the splicing protrusion by the through hole of the stripper plate and leaves the splicing protrusion. Of course, this also applies if the opposing plate is provided with a splicing protrusion.

[0068] Preferably, the stripper plate has the same dimensions in length and width as the punching plate.If the stripper plate is provided at the counter plate, preferably, the stripper plate has the same dimensions in length and width as the counter plate.

[0069] The thickness of the stripper plate is preferably as small as possible to reduce material cost and weight and to minimize the force required to move the stripper plate.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of splicing sheets of material using an apparatus according to the present invention and as described herein. The method comprises:

[0071] providing a first sheet of material from a first reel and providing a second sheet of material from a second reel;

[0072] positioning the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material in a spliced ​​position and overlapping the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material in the spliced ​​position;

[0073] The first material sheet and the second material sheet are spliced ​​at the splicing position by allowing the first material sheet and the second material sheet to penetrate each other through an array of splicing protrusions and an array of corresponding splicing holes, so that the array of splicing protrusions and the array of splicing holes move relative to each other, and at least one of the two material sheets is pressed into the array of splicing holes through the array of splicing protrusions, thereby forming a spliced ​​portion of the first material sheet and the second material sheet.

[0074] With the method according to the invention, the two material sheets to be spliced ​​are made to interpenetrate each other at the splicing position by allowing the splicing projection to deform and by forcing and allowing at least one of the sheets, preferably both sheets, to be pushed into the splicing hole with the splicing projection, perpendicularly to the sheet plane, out of the conveying plane of the sheets. Thus, the mutual penetration of the two sheets extends over a longer length than, for example, the splicing performed by pressing the two sheets together by pushing against opposing plates using an embossing device as is known in the art. Thus, the spliced ​​portion can be made stronger and the risk of the spliced ​​portion breaking is therefore minimized. In addition, the splicing of sheets that are difficult to splice can be achieved with the method according to the invention.

[0075] Preferably, the method comprises moving the splicing protrusion and the corresponding splicing hole along the same straight line for splicing the material sheets. Although the method can be implemented, for example, by using a punching roller and a corresponding opposing plate, preferably, a punching plate and a corresponding opposing plate arranged parallel to each other are used to splice the material sheets.

[0076] The method may comprise applying a pressure in the range between 0.1 bar and 30 bar to form the spliced ​​portion. Variations of the splicing pressure within these ranges have been shown to provide good results for a variety of materials and thicknesses of material sheets to be spliced.

[0077] Preferably, the sheets of material are held stationary for splicing.

[0078] The method may include slightly moving the punching plate and the counter plate in opposite directions and perpendicular to the splicing direction. Thereby, the strength of the spliced ​​portion may be increased. The splicing direction corresponds to a preferably linear movement of the punching plate and the counter plate towards each other. By slightly moving the plates in opposite directions and perpendicular to the splicing direction, the material sheet is substantially pressed further into the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes with the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes.

[0079] The first material sheet or the second material sheet can be essentially any material sheet that needs to be spliced. In particular, the material sheet is a material used in the tobacco industry, in particular for making heat-not-burn products (thus products in which tobacco material or another aerosol-generating material is heated but not burned).

[0080] Thus, the first or second material sheet may be, for example, any of a cellulose-containing sheet material, a tobacco-containing sheet material, an aerosol-generating sheet material, a polylactic acid sheet or a metal sheet, such as an aluminium sheet or a susceptor sheet, in particular a sheet material comprising a magnetic material.

[0081] Preferably, the first or second sheet of material is any of a paper sheet, a laminated paper sheet, a sheet containing homogenised tobacco material, a cast leaf containing tobacco material or a susceptor sheet.

[0082] Examples of paper or plastic sheets to be spliced ​​are wrappers used to surround aerosol-generating rods or elements of such rods. These may be paper wrappers or non-paper wrappers. Paper wrappers include, but are not limited to, cigarette papers, tipping papers and filter segment wrappers.

[0083] Non-paper wrappers include, but are not limited to, sheets of homogenised tobacco material.

[0084] The paper wrapper may have a grammage of 15 to 35 gsm, preferably 20 to 30 gsm.

[0085] The paper wrapper may have a thickness of 25 to 55 microns, preferably 30 to 50 microns, more preferably 35 to 45 microns.

[0086] The wrapper may be formed from a single layer or a laminate comprising multiple layers. The wrapper may be formed from an aluminium co-laminate sheet.

[0087] The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a grammage of 35 gsm to 55 gsm, preferably 40 gsm to 50 gsm.

[0088] The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 50 to 80 microns, preferably 55 to 75 microns, more preferably 60 to 70 microns.

[0089] The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a grammage of 12 gsm to 25 gsm, preferably 15 gsm to 20 gsm.

[0090] The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 2 to 15 microns, preferably 3 to 12 microns, more preferably 5 to 10 microns.

[0091] The paper packaging material may include PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicone resin (or polysiloxane) (or polysiloxane). Adding PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicone resin (or polysiloxane) can improve the grease barrier properties of the packaging material.

[0092] The paper packaging material including PVOH or silicone resin (or polysiloxane) may have a grammage of 20 gsm to 50 gsm, preferably 25 gsm to 45 gsm, more preferably 30 gsm to 40 gsm.

[0093] The paper packaging material including PVOH or silicone resin (or polysiloxane) may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 50 micrometers, preferably 30 micrometers to 45 micrometers, more preferably 35 micrometers to 40 micrometers.

[0094] Paper sheets, but particularly plastic sheets, are often used in filters or cooling sections of aerosol-generating articles, such as articles used in electronic heating devices.

[0095] The filter may be formed from a bioplastic material, preferably a starch-based bioplastic material. The filter may be formed from a polylactic acid-based material.

[0096] Other examples of sheet materials such as those used in heat not burn articles are coated paper layers, in particular polymer coated paper layers.Polymer coated paper can be particularly useful in the cooling section of heat not burn articles.

[0097] The polymer-coated paper comprises paper and a polymer layer containing a polymer and disposed on the paper.

[0098] The polymer layer may be provided on only either surface of the polymer-coated paper, or may be provided on both surfaces of the polymer-coated paper.

[0099] The polymer coated paper has better formability than the polymer sheet. Specifically, unlike the polymer sheet (film), since the polymer layer is formed on the paper base having a predetermined hardness and thickness, even a small amount of polymer coated paper can be folded into a desired shape. In addition, even a material that is excellent in heat absorption but cannot be formed into a sheet (film) by itself can be used by thinly applying the polymer to the paper.

[0100] There is no particular limitation on the paper as long as the paper functions as a support member. However, in view of the feasibility of filter packaging, the basis weight of the paper is preferably 35 g / m <2> or more, and more preferably 35 to 70 g / m <2> Furthermore, the paper preferably has a low air permeability, and more preferably has a zero air permeability. The thickness of the paper is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 30 to 70 μm.

[0101] The polymer layer contains a polymer. The type of polymer is not particularly limited, but preferably a biodegradable polymer or an edible polymer. From the viewpoint of allowing the polymer to undergo a phase change and absorb heat at a temperature inside the cooling section, the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of preferably 400°C or lower, more preferably 200°C or lower, and also preferably 100°C or lower. For example, the lower limit of the Tg of the polymer is not particularly limited, and may be 40°C or higher. In this article, the Tg of the polymer is specifically a value measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (trade name: "DSC7000" from Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation). Specific examples of polymers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate, trehalose, maltose, sucrose, maltitol, glucose, wax, and hardened oil. These may be used alone or in combination. Among them, in view of the satisfactory coating properties of paper, PVA or polyvinyl alcohol-acrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (POVACOAT) is preferably a polymer. In particular, with PVA, due to its low Tg, it is easy to obtain a heat absorption effect through phase change. In addition, due to the high affinity of the aerosol for water, it is also easy to obtain a cooling effect by adsorbing water vapor in the aerosol.

[0102] When the polymer is PVA, the PVA preferably has an average degree of polymerization of 1,500 or less. When the PVA has an average degree of polymerization of 1,500 or less, it is possible to improve the coating properties of the paper and uniformly form a polymer layer on the paper. The average degree of polymerization of PVA is more preferably 100 or more and 1,300 or less, more preferably 300 or more and 1,200 or less, and particularly preferably 500 or more and 1,000 or less. Herein, the average degree of polymerization of PVA is a value measured according to the test method for polyvinyl alcohol in JIS K6726-1994.

[0103] In addition, when the polymer is PVA, the PVA preferably has a saponification degree of 70 mol % or more and 99 mol % or less. As described below, when the polymer layer contains a volatile component, a PVA having a saponification degree of 99 mol % or less improves solubility in water, thereby enhancing the release performance of the volatile component. The saponification degree of PVA is more preferably 75 mol % or more and 99 mol % or less, and is also more preferably 80 mol % or more and 99 mol % or less. In this article, the saponification degree of PVA is a value measured according to the test method for polyvinyl alcohol in JIS K 6726-1994.

[0104] Aerosol-generating articles generally include an aerosol-generating element, which includes or is made of an aerosol-generating sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet is an aerosol-generating substrate, which refers to a substrate that can release volatile compounds to generate an aerosol after heating.

[0105] The aerosol-generating sheet material typically includes an aerosol-forming agent. Suitable aerosol-forming agents for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

[0106] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

[0107] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenised plant material, preferably homogenised tobacco material.

[0108] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" includes any plant material formed by the agglomeration of plant particles. For example, sheets or webs of homogenized tobacco material used for aerosol-generating substrates of the present invention can be formed by agglomerating particles of tobacco material, which are obtained by pulverizing, grinding or grinding plant material and one or more of optional tobacco leaves and tobacco stems. Homogenized plant material can be produced by casting, extruding, papermaking technology or other any suitable process known in the art.

[0109] The sheet of homogenised plant material may be produced by a casting process. Alternatively, the sheet of homogenised plant material may be produced by a papermaking process.

[0110] The sheet comprising homogenised plant material, in particular homogenised tobacco material, may have a thickness of between 100 and 600 microns, preferably between 150 and 300 microns, and most preferably between 200 and 250 microns.

[0111] The sheet of homogenised plant material may have a grammage of between 100 g / m2 and 600 g / m2.

[0112] The sheet of homogenised plant material may have a density of 0.3 g / cm3 to 1.3 g / cm3, and preferably 0.7 g / cm3 to 1.0 g / cm3.

[0113] The homogenized plant material may comprise between 2.5 wt% and 95 wt% plant particles, or between 5 wt% and 90 wt% plant particles, or between 10 wt% and 80 wt% plant particles, or between 15 wt% and 70 wt% plant particles, or between 20 wt% and 60 wt% plant particles, or between 30 wt% and 50 wt% plant particles on a dry weight basis.

[0114] In some instances, the homogenized plant material is a homogenized tobacco material comprising tobacco particles. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can have a tobacco content of at least about 40% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 50% by weight on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 70% by weight on a dry weight basis and most preferably at least about 90% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0115] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulose-based film-forming agent, such as nicotine, and preferably further comprising an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulose-based reinforcing agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water, preferably 30 wt% or less of water.

[0116] As used herein, the term "film" is used to describe a solid laminar element whose thickness is less than its width or length. The film may be self-supporting. In other words, the film may have cohesive and mechanical properties such that the film may be separated from the supporting surface even if it is obtained by casting a film formulation on the supporting surface. Alternatively, the film may be disposed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This may enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0117] The aerosol-forming agent content of the aerosol-generating film is within the range defined above for the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0118] In the context of the present invention, the term "cellulose-based film former" is used to describe a cellulosic polymer that is capable of forming a continuous film, either alone or in the presence of an auxiliary thickener.

[0119] Preferably, the cellulose-based film former is selected from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and combinations thereof.

[0120] More preferably, the cellulose-based film former is selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC) and combinations thereof.

[0121] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cellulose-based film former is HPMC.

[0122] The aerosol-generating film has a cellulose-based film-forming agent content of between 10 wt% and 40 wt%, alternatively between 15 wt% and 35 wt%, alternatively between 20 wt% and 30 wt%, based on dry weight.

[0123] Preferably, the aerosol-generating film further comprises a cellulose-based strengthening agent.Preferably, the cellulose-based strengthening agent is selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose powder and combinations thereof.

[0124] The aerosol-generating film may have a cellulose-based strengthening agent content of between 0.5 wt% and 40 wt% on a dry basis, or between 5 wt% and 30 wt% on a dry basis, or between 10 wt% and 25 wt% on a dry basis.

[0125] The aerosol-forming film may further comprise carboxymethylcellulose, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

[0126] The aerosol-generating film may have a carboxymethylcellulose content of between 1 wt% and 15 wt%, alternatively between 2 wt% and 12 wt%, alternatively between 5 wt% and 10 wt%, based on dry weight.

[0127] The aerosol-generating film preferably comprises nicotine.

[0128] The aerosol-generating film may be a substantially tobacco-free aerosol-generating film.

[0129] The aerosol-forming film may comprise an acid. The aerosol-forming film may comprise one or more organic acids. The aerosol-forming film may comprise one or more carboxylic acids. The acid may be, for example, lactic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid or levulinic acid.

[0130] Preferably, the aerosol-forming film comprises between 0.25 wt% and 3.5 wt% acid, or between 0.5 wt% and 3 wt% acid, or between 1 wt% and 2.5 wt% acid on a dry weight basis.

[0131] The aerosol-forming film may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.75 mm, even more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a layer of the film-forming composition having a thickness of about 50 microns to 400 microns, more preferably about 100 microns to 200 microns, is formed.

[0132] The material sheets to be joined and preferably used for heating the non-combustible product may also be metal sheets, such as heat-conducting metal sheets or inductively heatable metal sheets, such as susceptor sheets.

[0133] In this document, the term "susceptor" refers to a material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor element lead to heating of the susceptor element. In magnetic materials, heating can also be caused by hysteresis losses.

[0134] The susceptor sheet may generally have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, such as 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the susceptor sheet preferably has a thickness of 10 microns to 500 microns, more preferably 10 microns to 100 microns.

[0135] Preferred susceptor sheets may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel.A suitable susceptor sheet or thermally conductive layer may be or comprise aluminium.

[0136] The method according to the invention may further comprise applying a liquid to at least one of the first material sheet and the second material sheet before splicing the material sheets. The liquid may be a natural liquid. The liquid may be, for example, water, egg white or fish glue. In particular, the viscosity of the cast leaf may be improved by applying water to the area of ​​the cast leaf sheet to be spliced.

[0137] The method may include applying up to 25 ml / cm2 (ml / cm <2> ) amount of liquid.

[0138] The method may further comprise heating the stamping plate or the counter plate. Preferably, the method comprises heating the stamping plate or the counter plate to a temperature of up to 300 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the method comprises heating the stamping plate or the counter plate to a temperature between 50 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius. Both plates may be heated. In particular, preferably, the splicing protrusions provided on the stamping plate are heated. If the counter plate is provided with splicing protrusions, preferably, the splicing protrusions of the counter plate are heated.

[0139] The method may further comprise peeling the spliced ​​portions of the two sheets of material from the array of splicing protrusions by lifting the spliced ​​portions away from the splicing protrusions.

[0140] Preferably, the method comprises arranging a stripper plate parallel to the punching plate and moving the stripper plate away from the punching plate parallel to the longitudinal extension of the splicing projection. As a result, one or two material sheets, in particular the spliced ​​portion of two material sheets, are lifted away from the splicing projection. Typically, the longitudinal extension of the splicing projection corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the plane of the punching plate, or in other words, the longitudinal extension of the splicing projection is parallel to the direction of movement of the punching plate and / or the counter plate for splicing.

[0141] Preferably, the method comprises moving the stripper plate until a terminal end of the splicing projection is reached. Typically, the terminal end of the splicing projection corresponds to a longitudinal end of the splicing projection.

[0142] Preferably, the method comprises providing the stripper plate with an array of through holes corresponding to the array of splicing protrusions.

[0143] Preferably, the method comprises peeling off the spliced ​​portion by means of a spring.

[0144] Advantages and other features of methods associated with splicing devices have been described.

[0145] 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.

[0146] Example Ex1: A splicing device, comprising a punching plate and an opposing plate, wherein the punching plate and the opposing plate are relatively movable relative to each other for splicing two material sheets that can be arranged between the punching plate and the opposing plate,

[0147] wherein the stamping plate comprises an array of splicing protrusions, and the oppositely arranged opposing plate comprises an array of splicing holes,

[0148] wherein the array of stitching holes comprises a plurality of stitching holes, and the array of stitching protrusions comprises a plurality of stitching protrusions, wherein the number of the stitching holes is at least the same as the number of the stitching protrusions,

[0149] And wherein the positions of the splicing protrusions in the array of splicing protrusions correspond to the positions of the splicing holes in the array of splicing holes.

[0150] Example Ex2: The splicing device according to Example Ex1, wherein both the punching plate and the opposing plate include an array of splicing protrusions and an array of splicing holes.

[0151] Example Ex3: The splicing device according to Example Ex2, wherein the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes are arranged in an alternating manner on each of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0152] Example Ex4: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the punching plate and the opposing plate are arranged parallel to each other.

[0153] Example Ex5: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the punched plate and the opposing plate have the same dimensions in length and width.

[0154] Example Ex6: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing protrusion is a splicing pin.

[0155] Example Ex7: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing protrusion has a sharp end, a rounded end, or an end provided with a cutting edge.

[0156] Example Ex8: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing protrusion has a round, circular, triangular, polygonal, square or star-shaped cross-section.

[0157] Example Ex9: A splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing hole has a circular, polygonal, triangular or square cross-section.

[0158] Example Ex10: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing hole is a drilled hole.

[0159] Example Ex11: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 1 mm and 50 mm.

[0160] Example Ex12: The splicing device according to example Ex11, wherein the length of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0161] Example Ex13: The splicing device according to Example Ex12, wherein the length of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 4 mm and 10 mm.

[0162] Example Ex14: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the diameter of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0163] Example Ex15: The splicing device according to Example Ex14, wherein the diameter of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0164] Example Ex16: The splicing device according to Example Ex15, wherein the diameter of the splicing protrusion is in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0165] Example Ex17: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the diameter of the splicing hole is in the range between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0166] Example Ex18: The splicing device according to Example Ex17, wherein the diameter of the splicing hole is in the range between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0167] Example Ex19: The splicing device according to Example Ex18, wherein the diameter of the splicing hole is in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0168] Example Ex20: The splicing device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein all splicing protrusions of the array of splicing protrusions have the same length and the same cross-sectional area.

[0169] Example Ex21: A splicing device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein all splicing holes of the array of splicing holes have the same cross-sectional area.

[0170] Example Ex22: A splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein all splicing holes have the same shape.

[0171] Example Ex23: The splicing device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the total number of splicing protrusions is between 2 and 250.

[0172] Example Ex24: A splicing device according to example Ex23, wherein the total number of splicing protrusions is between 10 and 200.

[0173] Example Ex25: A splicing device according to Example Ex24, wherein the total number of splicing protrusions is between 20 and 100.

[0174] Example Ex26: A splicing device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the splicing protrusion comprises steel, polycarbonate, ceramic, a thermosetting material such as Or silicone.

[0175] Example Ex27: A splicing device according to Example Ex26, wherein the splicing protrusion is made of steel, polycarbonate, ceramic, thermosetting material such as Or made of silicone.

[0176] Example Ex28: The splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex26 to Ex27, wherein the splicing protrusions are coated or thermochemically treated.

[0177] Example Ex29: A splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a liquid supply device for supplying liquid to the material sheets to be spliced.

[0178] Example Ex30: A splicing device according to Example Ex29, wherein the liquid supply device is suitable for supplying water or a liquid natural adhesive, such as fish glue or egg white.

[0179] Example Ex31: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a heater for heating portions of at least one of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0180] Example Ex32: The splicing device according to example Ex31, wherein the heater is adapted to heat at least some of the splicing protrusions.

[0181] Example Ex33: The splicing device according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a stripper for stripping a sheet of material from the punching plate or from the opposing plate.

[0182] Example Ex34: A splicing device according to example Ex33, wherein the stripper is adapted to strip the material sheet from the splicing protrusion.

[0183] Example Ex35: The splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex34, wherein the stripper is provided at least at one of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0184] Example Ex36: A splicing device according to Example Ex35, wherein the stripper is provided at the punching plate and the opposing plate.

[0185] Example Ex37: A splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex36, wherein the stripper comprises a resiliently mounted stripper plate.

[0186] Example Ex38: A splicing device according to example Ex37, wherein the stripper plate is a spring biased stripper plate.

[0187] Example Ex39: The splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex38, wherein a first resiliently mounted stripper plate is connected to the punch plate, and a second resiliently mounted stripper plate is connected to the opposing plate.

[0188] Example Ex40: The splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex39, wherein the stripper plate comprises an array of through holes corresponding to the array of splicing protrusions.

[0189] Example Ex41: The splicing device according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex40, wherein the stripper plate has the same dimensions in length and width as the punch plate.

[0190] Example Ex42: A method for splicing sheets of material using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

[0191] providing a first sheet of material from a first reel and providing a second sheet of material from a second reel;

[0192] positioning the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material in a spliced ​​position and overlapping the first sheet and the second sheet in the spliced ​​position;

[0193] The first material sheet and the second material sheet are spliced ​​at the splicing position by allowing the first material sheet and the second material sheet to penetrate each other through an array of splicing protrusions and an array of corresponding splicing holes, so that the array of splicing protrusions and the array of splicing holes move relative to each other, and at least one of the two material sheets is pressed into the array of splicing holes through the array of splicing protrusions, thereby forming a spliced ​​portion of the first material sheet and the second material sheet.

[0194] Example Ex43: The method according to example Ex42, wherein the splicing protrusions and the corresponding splicing holes are moved along the same straight line for splicing the material sheets.

[0195] Example Ex44: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex43, wherein a pressure in the range between 0.1 bar and 30 bar is applied to form the spliced ​​portion.

[0196] Example Ex45: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex44, wherein the punching plate and the opposing plate are moved in opposite directions and perpendicular to the splicing direction, thereby enhancing the strength of the spliced ​​portion.

[0197] Example Ex46: A method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex45, wherein the sheet of material is kept stationary for splicing.

[0198] Example Ex47: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex46, wherein the first material sheet or the second material sheet is any one of a cellulose-containing sheet material, a tobacco-containing sheet material, an aerosol-generating sheet material, a polylactic acid sheet or a metal sheet.

[0199] Example Ex48: The method according to example Ex47, wherein the first material sheet or the second material sheet is any one of a paper sheet, a laminated paper sheet, a cast leaf containing tobacco material, or a metal sheet.

[0200] Example Ex49: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex48, wherein a liquid is applied to at least one of the first material sheet and the second material sheet before splicing the material sheets.

[0201] Example Ex50: The method according to example Ex49, wherein the liquid is a natural liquid.

[0202] Example Ex51: The method according to example Ex49 or Ex50, wherein the liquid is water, egg white or isinglass.

[0203] Example Ex52: A method according to Example Ex49 or Ex51, wherein up to 25 ml / m2 (ml / cm <2> ) amount of liquid.

[0204] Example Ex53: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex52, wherein the stamping plate or the counter plate is heated.

[0205] Example Ex54: The method according to example Ex53, wherein the stamping plate or the counter plate is heated to a temperature up to 300 degrees Celsius.

[0206] Example Ex55: The method according to any one of Examples Ex53 to Ex54, wherein the stamping plate or the counter plate is heated to a temperature between 50 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius.

[0207] Example Ex56: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex55, wherein the splicing portion is peeled off the array of splicing protrusions by lifting the splicing portion away from the splicing protrusions.

[0208] Example Ex57: The method according to any one of Examples Ex42 to Ex56, comprising arranging a stripper plate parallel to the punching plate, and moving the stripper plate away from the punching plate parallel to the longitudinal extension of the splicing protrusion.

[0209] Example Ex58: The method according to example Ex57, wherein the stripper plate is moved until reaching the terminal end of the splicing protrusion.

[0210] Example Ex59: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex58, the stripper plate is provided with an array of through holes corresponding to the array of splicing protrusions.

[0211] Example Ex60: The method according to any one of Examples Ex56 to Ex59, wherein the spliced ​​portion is peeled off with the aid of a spring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0212] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0213] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a system for splicing a first sheet and a second sheet;

[0214] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side view of a detail of an embodiment of a system;

[0215] Figure 3 A perspective view of a stamped plate is shown;

[0216] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The longitudinal section of the stamping plate;

[0217] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 Top view of the stamping plate;

[0218] Figure 6 A perspective view of the opposing plate is shown;

[0219] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 The longitudinal section of the opposing plate;

[0220] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 A top view of the opposing plate;

[0221] Fig. 9 A splicing device with a stripper is shown;

[0222] Fig.10 A perspective view of a stripper plate is shown;

[0223] Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 A longitudinal section of a stripper plate;

[0224] Fig.12 Shows Fig.10 A top view of a stripper plate;

[0225] Fig.13 Another embodiment of a splicing device having a stripper is shown; and

[0226] Fig.14 Two side views and a front view of the splicing protrusion are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0227] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an exemplary system for splicing a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material is indicated globally by reference numeral 1. The system 1 is described as being particularly suitable for splicing sheet materials, which are sheets containing tobacco material, especially sheets containing homogenized tobacco material, such as cast leaf, but the system is also suitable for splicing fiber paper sheets.

[0228] The system 1 comprises a first shaft 41 and a second shaft 31, onto which a first reel 40 and a second reel 30 are inserted. The first shaft 41 and the second shaft 31 are rotatable about their respective axes. The first reel 40 supplies a first material sheet 4, and the second reel 30 supplies a second material sheet 3. Preferably, the first sheet 4 and the second sheet 3 are homogenized tobacco sheets.

[0229] The system 1 also includes a splicing device 2, which Figure 1The first sheet 4 (in Figure 1 The first sheet 4 is unwound from the first reel 40 and supplied to the splicing device 2 via the guide pulley 22. The first sheet 4 is transported toward the splicing device 2 along the transport direction indicated by the arrow 50 and enters a further processing stage.

[0230] Downstream of the splicing device 2, the system 1 comprises, for example, in the form of two accelerating rollers ( Figure 1 The acceleration unit (not shown) can speed up or slow down the speed of the first sheet and the second sheet passing through the splicing device 2. The first sheet 4 or the second sheet 3 can be continuously accelerated when passing through the acceleration unit to ensure a continuous speed of the sheets. Preferably, for the splicing process, the sheets are stopped by the acceleration unit. After the splicing process, the spliced ​​sheets can be accelerated again to the processing speed.

[0231] Downstream of this acceleration unit, the system 1 comprises a buffer system 6. The buffer system 6 comprises a plurality of rollers 7, such as a series of idlers, around which the first sheet 4 or the second sheet 3 is guided and forms a loop. Some of the idlers 7 are arranged in a movable manner so as to expand or shorten the sheet loop, thereby being able to provide further sheets in the downstream direction even when the supply from the splicing device 2 or from the first reel 40 or the second reel 30 is interrupted or reduced.

[0232] Downstream of the buffer system 6 , a pulling unit may be provided to pull the first sheet 4 or the second sheet 3 out of the buffer system 6 so that the sheets are transferred to a sheet handling unit (not visible) arranged further downstream, preferably at a constant speed.

[0233] The system 1 may also include other elements and units, such as a crimper and a strip former (not shown), both of which are located downstream of the buffer system 6 .

[0234] At least a first sheet material sensor 9 is positioned in the system 1 between the first shaft 41 and the splicing device 2, along the path taken by the first sheet material 4 in the conveying direction 50. The sensor 9 is positioned at Figure 1 Schematically depicted as a rectangle in FIG. 1 . The sensor 9 may be a thickness sensor. The sensor 9 may be a width sensor. The sensor 9 may be a moisture sensor. The sensor 9 may be a viscosity sensor. The sensor 9 may be a detector of the presence or absence of a hole or tear in the first sheet 4.

[0235] Between the second axis 31 and the splicing device 2, along the path taken by the second sheet 3, at least a second sheet sensor 10 is positioned in the system 1, which Figure 1Schematically shown as a rectangle in FIG. 1 . The sensor 10 may be a thickness sensor. The sensor 10 may be a width sensor. The sensor 10 may be a moisture sensor. The sensor 10 may be a viscosity sensor. The sensor 10 may be a detector of the presence or absence of a hole or tear in the second sheet 3. The first sheet sensor 9 and the second sheet sensor 10 may be sensors of the same type. The first sheet sensor 9 and the second sheet sensor 10 may measure the same integrity parameter of the first sheet 4 and the second sheet 3, respectively.

[0236] The system 1 further comprises a control unit 100. The control unit 100 is connected to the first sheet material sensor 9, the second sheet material sensor 10 and the splicing device 2. Preferably, the control unit 100 is also connected to a roll holder (not shown), a buffer system 6 and an acceleration unit to issue instructions thereto. Some connections are visible in the figure with dotted lines. Not all connections are depicted to keep the figure simple.

[0237] exist Figure 2 , the splicing device 2 is shown in more detail. Some parts of the system 1 (such as the optional buffer system 6) are not shown. Figure 2 . The splicing device 2 includes a cutting knife 20 to cut the first sheet 4 or the second sheet 3 or both. The splicing device 2 also includes a distribution unit 23, which is suitable for distributing water to the first sheet 4 or the second sheet 3. The splicing device 2 also includes a splicer head 24, which includes a stamping plate 240 and an opposing plate 250 arranged oppositely to perform the actual splicing of the first sheet 4 and the second sheet 3. The splicing device 2 preferably also includes a heater integrally formed into the splicer head 24 for heating the stamping plate 240 or the opposing plate 241 or both. Another heating unit 25 (such as a hot air source or a heat radiation source) is arranged downstream adjacent to the splicer head 24.

[0238] System 1 functions as follows.

[0239] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first tobacco sheet 4 unwound from the first reel 40 is in use and passes through the splicing device 2 in a substantially straight direction. No processing takes place in the splicing device. The first sheet 4 is then buffered for a given length in the buffer system 6, and it is further conveyed to a sheet processing unit (not shown) arranged further downstream. Such a processing unit may be, for example, a crimping unit or a rod forming unit.

[0240] When travelling towards the splicing device 2, the sensor 9 evaluates one or more integrity parameters of the first sheet 4 at a given frequency in order to inspect the surface of the first sheet 4 as it travels along the conveying direction 50. Signals representing the integrity parameters are sent to the control unit 100, where they are described in detail, for example compared with threshold values.

[0241] In this case, the buffer system 6 buffers the length of the first sheet 4 when the rollers 7 are at a maximum distance from each other. This distance can be along the Figure 1 The horizontal direction is shown in FIG, but it can also be in the vertical direction.

[0242] For example, the sensor 9 is a thickness sensor. The sensor 9 measures the thickness of the first sheet 4 at a given frequency. Then, the control unit 100 compares the thickness with a threshold value. For example, it is found that the result is not within an acceptable range. This is considered to be an unacceptable defect of the first sheet 4, and the control unit 100 commands the splicing device 2 to start splicing. Typically, the control unit 100 receives a signal from a diameter sensor (not shown) indicating that the first roll will soon be exhausted in order to start the splicing process.

[0243] When starting splicing, the second sheet 3 from the second reel 30 is guided via the guide pulley 22 and supplied to the splicing device 2 (at Figure 2 The two sheets 3, 4 are arranged on top of each other and aligned on the support surface 21 of the splicing device 2. They are then cut by the cutting knife 20. The first sheet 4 and the second sheet 3 travelling in the conveying direction 50 are cut along the same or different cutting lines. When the first sheet overlaps the second sheet, the cutting lines may coincide. By the cutting lines, a well-defined end portion of the first sheet 4, a waste portion of the first sheet and a well-defined waste portion of the second sheet 3 and a head portion of the second sheet 3 are defined.

[0244] After cutting the sheets 3, 4, the waste portion can be removed. Although it is not necessary to perform cutting with aligned sheets, the splicing process does require this. The cut sheets 4, 3 are positioned so that the end portion of the first sheet 4 and the head portion of the second sheet 3 overlap each other and form an overlapping portion. In the overlapping portion, two surfaces belonging to the first sheet 4 and the second sheet, respectively, are in contact with each other. Water is only distributed by the distribution unit 23 to the sheet 3 located below, preferably distributed in the overlapping portion. By applying a thin layer of water to only one sheet, such as the second sheet 3, the water can soften the material of the sheets 3, 4 at least in the overlapping portion to support the splicing of the sheets 3, 4. However, the amount of water is small enough that the sheets cannot be decomposed. Alternatively, a liquid adhesive, particularly a liquid natural glue, can be applied to one or both sheets.

[0245] The sheets 3 , 4 thus laid on and moistened are then guided through the splice 24 .

[0246] The sheets are spliced ​​when they pass between the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241, which firmly splice the two sheets 3, 4 to each other. For the splicing, the two sheets 4, 3 remain stationary. The direction of the pressure applied by the splicing head 24 and the direction of movement of the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 are indicated by arrows 51. A short but firm connection is formed when the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 are moved toward each other. For the splicing, only one plate or both plates 240, 241 can be moved.

[0247] When splicing has occurred, the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 move away from each other and the spliced ​​sheet can continue to move along the conveying direction 50. A stripper ( Figure 2 ) to support the release of the spliced ​​parts from the stamping plate 240 and optionally also from the opposing plate 241.

[0248] A heating unit 25 is provided, which heats the spliced ​​sheets. By heating, the joints are dried quickly, so that the spliced ​​tobacco sheets can continue to be provided to further downstream processing units.

[0249] When splicing, since the first sheet needs to be stopped for splicing, the first sheet 4 buffered in the buffer system 6 is used for further processing steps. Figure 1 As shown, during splicing, the first sheet 4 in the buffer system 6 is used and the rollers 7 are brought closer to each other, reaching a minimum distance.

[0250] When splicing is ordered, the second tobacco sheet 3 from the second reel 30 is guided into the splicing device 2. After cutting in the splicing device, the subsequently cut first tobacco sheet 4 can be removed from the first shaft 41 together with the first reel 40. It can be replaced by a new reel. Once the second reel 30 is finished, the process can be started again.

[0251] By this process, new reels are provided and tobacco sheets on the new reels are prepared for splicing with tobacco sheets in use, while tobacco sheets are continuously provided to the tobacco processing line.

[0252] exist Figures 3 to 5 In FIG. 2 , a stamped plate 240 is shown provided with an array of splicing protrusions in the form of splicing pins 70 .

[0253] The stamped plate 240 is a rectangular plate having a length 52, a width 53, and a thickness 54. The length 52 of the plate is several times its width 53. The stamped plate 240 is similar to the following Figures 6 to 8 The opposing plates 241 described in the drawings cooperate to create a small splicing area along the length of the material sheets to be spliced ​​and over the entire width or a major part of the width of the material sheets to be spliced.

[0254] The splicing pins 70 are round tubular pins with sharp tips. The splicing pins 70 are arranged in three equally spaced rows arranged along the length 52 of the stamping plate 240. The splicing pins 70 are arranged in rows equally spaced at a pin distance 73. The pins 70 in adjacent rows are displaced relative to the length of the stamping plate.

[0255] Figures 3 to 5 All pins 70 in the illustrated embodiment have the same shape and the same size, in particular all pins 70 on the punch plate 240 have the same diameter 76 and the same height 71 .

[0256] The punch plate 240 includes a through hole 75 at each of its longitudinal ends. The through holes 75 serve as attachments for a stripper plate (see below).

[0257] Exemplary values ​​of the stamping plate 240 are: length 52: 255 mm, width 53: 20 mm and thickness 54: 10 mm; diameter of the through hole 75: 6 mm;

[0258] Exemplary values ​​for the splicing pin 70 are: height 71: 5 mm, diameter (or extension of the cross section) 3 mm;

[0259] Exemplary values ​​of the distance 72 between the first row of pins 70 and the third row of pins (or the lateral extension of the array of splicing pins 70 ): 10 mm;

[0260] Exemplary values ​​of the distance 73 between adjacent pins 70 in a row: 10 mm;

[0261] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the opposing plate 241 forming a splice joint with the stamping plate 240 is Figures 6 to 8 The opposing plate 241 is a rectangular plate having a length 62, a width 63 and a thickness 64. The length 62 of the plate is several times its width 63.

[0262] The opposing plate 241 is provided as follows Figure 7 The array of stitching holes 80 in the form of through holes can be best seen in FIG.

[0263] The splicing holes 80 are circular drilled holes. The splicing holes 80 are arranged in three equally spaced rows arranged along the length 62 of the opposing plate 241. The splicing holes 80 are arranged in rows equidistantly at a hole distance 83. The splicing holes 80 in adjacent rows are shifted relative to the length 62 of the opposing plate 241.

[0264] Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, all the splicing holes 80 have the same shape and the same size. In particular, all the splicing holes 80 in the opposing plate 241 are circular holes and have the same diameter 86 .

[0265] Exemplary values ​​of the counter plate 241 are: length 52: 255 mm, width 53: 20 mm and thickness 54: 10 mm; the diameter of the splicing hole (or the extension of the cross section) is 3 mm;

[0266] Exemplary values ​​of the distance 82 between the first and third rows of stitching holes 80 (or the lateral extension of the array 80 of stitching holes): 10 mm;

[0267] Exemplary values ​​of the distance 83 between adjacent stitching holes 80 in a row: 10 mm;

[0268] exist Figures 3 to 8 In the embodiment shown, the stamping plate 240 and the counter plate 241 have the same length 52, 62, width 53, 63 and thickness 54, 64. These dimensions may also be different, as long as the array of splicing pins 70 in the stamping plate 240 corresponds to the array of splicing holes 80 in the counter plate 241.

[0269] Fig. 9 A splice having a lower punch plate 240 and an upper opposing plate 241 is shown, for example Figures 3 to 8 As described in.

[0270] like Fig. 9 As shown, the punch plate 240 and the opposing plate 241 are arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the open position.

[0271] The splicing hole 80 is provided only in the opposing plate 241. The splicing pin 70 is provided only in the punching plate 240.

[0272] The stripper plate 90 is arranged parallel to the punching plate 240. The stripper plate 90 is connected to the punching plate via springs 91. The coil springs 91 are each arranged at opposite ends of the opposing plate 90 and the punching plate 240. Preferably, the springs 91 are connected to the punching plate 240 via the through holes 75 (see above). Figure 3 ) is attached to the punching plate 240. When a splicing action is to be performed, the counter plate 241 and the punching plate 240 are moved toward each other. The stripper plate 90 is pushed toward the punching plate 240, and the spring 91 is compressed. When the splicing has been performed, for example when the clamp is released, the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 are moved away from each other again to the open position. The spring 91 expands and pushes the stripper plate 90 away from the punching plate 240. Therefore, the splicing sheet (which may not have been stripped from any part of the splicing joint when the splicing joint is opened) Fig. 9 The stripper plate 90 (not shown) is now stripped from the punch plate 240, in particular from the splicing pin 70, by the stripper plate 90. Preferably, the movement of the stripper plate 90 away from the punch plate 240 is equal to the length of the splicing pin 70. This ensures that the splicing material sheet is completely stripped from the splicing pin 70.

[0273] Figures 10 to 12 It shows that Figures 3 to 5The stamped plate shown and described as Fig. 9 A stripper plate 90 may be used in the illustrated embodiment of the splice.

[0274] The stripper plate 90 is a rectangular plate having a length 92, a width 93 and a thickness 94. The length 92 of the plate is a multiple of its width 93.

[0275] The stripper plate 90 is provided with an array of stripper holes 95 in the form of through holes (eg drilled holes).

[0276] The stripper hole 95 is a circular hole. The stripper hole 95 is arranged with Figures 3 to 5 90. The stripper holes 95 are arranged in three equally spaced rows arranged along the length 92 of the stripper plate 90. The stripper holes 95 are arranged in rows equally spaced at a hole distance 96. The stripper holes 95 in adjacent rows are displaced relative to the length of the stripper plate 90.

[0277] Figures 10 to 12 All stripper holes 95 in the illustrated embodiment have the same shape and the same size, and in particular, all stripper holes 95 in the stripper plate 90 are circular holes and have the same diameter 97 .

[0278] Springs 91 , such as coil springs, are provided at both longitudinal ends of the stripper plate 90 .

[0279] Exemplary values ​​for the stripper plate 90 are: length 92: 255 mm, width 93: 20 mm and thickness 94: 2 mm; diameter 97 of the stripper hole 95: 3 mm;

[0280] Exemplary values ​​for the distance 98 between the first and third rows of stripper holes 95 (or the lateral extension of the array of stripper holes 95 ): 10 mm;

[0281] Exemplary values ​​of the distance 96 between adjacent stripper holes 95 in a row: 10 mm;

[0282] Exemplary values ​​for the diameter of the spring 91: 6 mm; height 99 of the spring 98 in the released position: 10 mm.

[0283] exist Figures 10 to 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the stripper plate 90 has the same length 92 and width 93 as the stamped plate 240. These dimensions may also be different as long as the array of stripper holes 95 corresponds in position to the array of correspondingly arranged splicing pins 70 in the stamped plate 240.

[0284] exist Fig.13In the embodiment, both the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 are implemented as male and female parts at the same time. Therefore, both the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 are provided with the splicing pins 70 and the splicing holes 80.

[0285] The splice is shown in its open position and the first 3 and second 4 material sheets are arranged between the punching plate 240 and the counter plate 241 .

[0286] Each of the splicing pins 70 of the opposing plate 241 has a corresponding splicing hole 80 in the stamped plate 240 , and vice versa.

[0287] exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the splicing pins 70 and the splicing holes 80 are arranged in alternating rows along the lengths 52, 62 of the punch plate 240 and the counter plate 241, respectively.

[0288] The stripper plates 90 are assigned to each of the counter plate 241 and the punch plate 240. The stripper plates 90 are each provided with an array of stripper holes 95 corresponding to a combination of the splicing holes 80 in the counter plate 241 and the splicing holes 80 in the punch plate 240, or more precisely, stripper holes 80 corresponding to an array of splicing pins 70 in the punch plate 240 and the counter plate 241.

[0289] The springs 91 are each arranged between a longitudinal end of the opposing plate 241 and the corresponding stripper plate 90 .

[0290] The springs 91 are each arranged between a longitudinal end of the punch plate 240 and the corresponding stripper plate 90 .

[0291] exist Fig.13 Indicated by arrows 55 in the figure is the longitudinal movement of the counter plate 240 and the punch plate 240 in opposite directions in the length direction of the counter plate 240 and the punch plate 240. This slight lateral movement relative to the (vertical) splicing direction can strengthen the splicing.

[0292] exist Fig.14 , various shapes of splicing pins 770-775 are shown. The vertical rows 77, 78, 79 show the splicing pins in respective longitudinal side views 77 (when viewed from the length side of the stamping plate 240), front views (78, a view looking toward the end of the pin), and width side views 79 (when viewed from the width of the stamping plate 240; the view 79 looking toward the side of the pin is rotated 90 degrees compared to the side view 77).

[0293] The examples show pins having sharp ends 770 , 772 - 774 , rounded ends 771 , or flat ends 775 .

[0294] The pin is shown having a triangular cross section 770, circular cross sections 771, 772, 775 and a square cross section 773 at the base of the pin.

[0295] Some pins are provided with cutting edges 770, 772, 773, 774, for example four cutting edges.

[0296] Depending on the type of sheets to be spliced ​​and the desired splice to be achieved (eg weak splice or strong splice, splice by deformation of material or by perforation), the pin shape and pin size may be selected.

[0297] Different forms of pins can be provided for the splicing of two sheet materials. In particular, different forms of splicing pins can be provided on the punching plate 240 and the corresponding opposing plate 241. In particular, different forms of splicing pins can be provided to form an array of splicing pins on the punching plate 240 or on the opposing plate, respectively.

[0298] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article. Therefore, in this article, the number A is understood to be ± 10% of A. In this article, the number A may be considered to be included in the numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation will not substantially affect the basic characteristics and novel features of the invention claimed for protection. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed in this article.

Claims

1. A splicing device, comprising a punching plate and an opposing plate, wherein the punching plate and the opposing plate are relatively movable relative to each other for splicing two material sheets that can be arranged between the punching plate and the opposing plate, wherein the stamping plate comprises an array of splicing protrusions, and the oppositely arranged opposing plate comprises an array of splicing holes, wherein the array of stitching holes comprises a plurality of stitching holes, and the array of stitching protrusions comprises a plurality of stitching protrusions, wherein the number of the stitching holes is at least the same as the number of the stitching protrusions, And wherein the positions of the splicing protrusions in the array of splicing protrusions correspond to the positions of the splicing holes in the array of splicing holes.

2. The splicing device according to claim 1, wherein both the punch plate and the opposing plate include an array of splicing protrusions and an array of splicing holes. 3 . The splicing device according to claim 2 , wherein the splicing protrusions and the splicing holes are arranged in an alternating manner on each of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

4. A splicing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the punching plate and the counter plate are arranged parallel to each other.

5. A splicing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the splicing projection is a splicing pin.

6. The splicing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the splicing protrusion has a round, circular, triangular, polygonal, square or star-shaped cross-section.

7. A splicing device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stripper for stripping a sheet of material from the punched plate or from the counter plate. 8 . The splicing device according to claim 7 , wherein the stripper is provided at least at one of the punching plate and the opposing plate.

9. A splicing device according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the stripper comprises a stripper plate, and wherein the stripper plate is a spring biased stripper plate.

10. The splicing device of claim 9, wherein a first resiliently mounted stripper plate of the stripper is connected to the punch plate and a second resiliently mounted stripper plate of the stripper is connected to the opposing plate.

11. A splicing device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the stripper plate comprises an array of through holes corresponding to the array of splicing protrusions.

12. A method for splicing sheets of material using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: providing a first sheet of material from a first reel and providing a second sheet of material from a second reel; positioning the first sheet of material and the second sheet of material in a spliced ​​position and overlapping the first sheet and the second sheet in the spliced ​​position; The first material sheet and the second material sheet are spliced ​​at the splicing position by allowing the first material sheet and the second material sheet to penetrate each other through an array of splicing protrusions and an array of corresponding splicing holes, so that the array of splicing protrusions and the array of splicing holes move relative to each other, and at least one of the two material sheets is pressed into the array of splicing holes through the array of splicing protrusions, thereby forming a spliced ​​portion of the first material sheet and the second material sheet.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a splicing protrusion and a corresponding splicing hole are moved along the same straight line for splicing the material sheets.

14. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the punching plate and the opposing plate are moved in opposite directions and perpendicular to the splicing direction, thereby enhancing the strength of the spliced ​​portion.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the splicing portion is peeled from the array of splicing projections by lifting the splicing portion away from the splicing projections.

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