Internal application of additive during forming sheet into strip

Abstract

A method for producing a strip (3) containing herbaceous material comprises the steps of: providing a sheet material (5) containing herbaceous material; forming the sheet material into a strip shape by conveying the sheet material in a conveying direction (7) through a funnel-shaped converging device (13); and dispensing an additive (21) onto the sheet material within the converging device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Applying additives from the inside during the forming of sheet into strip", with an international filing date of October 8, 2021, international application number PCT / EP2021 / 077886, and national application number 202180065140.5. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to applying additives (particularly liquids) to sheet materials formed as strips. Background Technology

[0003] It is known in practice to supply sheet material to a forming apparatus to form the sheet material into strips. Such strips can be used to produce smoking articles or other aerosol-generating articles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It may be desirable to add one or more substances to the strip. For example, it may be desirable to add aerosol-generating substances or flavoring substances to the strip. An efficient way to alter the properties of the sheet material strip by adding one or more substances is needed.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for producing strips containing herbal materials is provided. The method includes the step of providing a sheet material containing herbal materials. The sheet material is formed into a strip shape by conveying it along a conveying direction through a funnel-shaped converging device. Within the converging device, additives are dispensed onto the sheet material.

[0006] Providing additives in strips containing herbal materials can facilitate heating the additives together with the herbal materials, thereby promoting the release of substances from the additives, such as flavor components.

[0007] Sheet materials containing herbal ingredients can be relatively fragile. In particular, sheet materials containing herbal ingredients may be more fragile than cellulose acetate sheets used to manufacture typical cigarette filters. Because sheet materials containing herbal ingredients are relatively fragile, it is unexpected that additives can be dispensed onto the sheet material within the converging device without adversely affecting the sheet material.

[0008] Distributing additives within the converging unit ensures that a high percentage, or even (almost) all, of the distributed additives are actually applied to the sheet material, thereby reducing additive waste and contamination of the equipment.

[0009] When additives are dispensed onto sheet material within the converging device, they can be dispensed simultaneously with the sheet material being formed into a strip shape. During sheet material forming, the sheet material's structure can be altered, leading to improved additive distribution. Specifically, the additives can reach both sides (top and bottom) of the sheet material. The additives can also enter folds in the sheet material created during sheet material forming in the converging device.

[0010] For example, the desired distribution of additive within the final strip shape can be achieved by appropriately selecting the precise location of additive dispensing within the converging device. Dispensing the additive within the converging device allows for a relatively high additive concentration relative to the radial direction in the inner region of the final strip shape. In contrast, if the additive is applied to the final strip shape, for example, after the strip shape has left the converging device, the additive concentration may tend to be consistently high in the radially outer region of the strip shape and consistently low in the radially inner region. Furthermore, in contrast, if the additive is sprayed onto the sheet material, for example, through a nozzle upstream of the sheet material (which enters the converging device), only one side (upper or lower) of the sheet material will be covered, and there may be waste of additive because some additive does not hit the sheet material.

[0011] The funnel-shaped converging device may include one or more walls that are engaged by the sheet material as it is conveyed through the converging device. The contact between the one or more walls and the sheet material can reshape the sheet material, for example, by bending, folding, or compressing the sheet material.

[0012] The converging device can define a forming space through which sheet material is conveyed. The forming space can be defined or delineated at least in part by one or more walls of the converging device.

[0013] Additives may include aerosol-generating substances, such as one or more of glycerol, glycerol, and propylene glycol. Additives may include one or more flavorings, such as menthol, spearmint, peppermint, eucalyptus, vanilla, cocoa, chocolate, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), fruit flavorings, and combinations thereof. Additives may include nicotine.

[0014] Additives can be dispensed as liquids. Dispensing additives as liquids can facilitate the distribution of the additives. If additives are dispensed as liquids, it can promote the distribution of the additives on the sheet material. Liquids can flow on the sheet material.

[0015] Preferably, the additive includes methanol. The additive may include menthol in a weight percentage of at least 40%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%. The additive may be pure menthol. Adding menthol can introduce a strong and appealing flavor component into the strip. Menthol can act as an aerosol-generating substance when the strip is heated. Menthol has a strong physical consistency and can be applied to sheet materials in a reproducible manner.

[0016] The sheet material can be a cast material containing a slurry or a paste containing herbal materials. The sheet material can be cast leaf material, particularly tobacco cast leaf material. The slurry or paste may include one or more herbal materials. Casting herbal materials into sheets allows for a continuous supply of herbal materials from, for example, a supply roller into the production process.

[0017] Sheet materials may include cut or ground herbal materials. Cut or ground herbal materials may include, for example, granular herbal materials with a particle size between 40 micrometers and 500 micrometers.

[0018] Herbal materials can include homogenized plant materials.

[0019] Herbal materials may include, for example, tobacco materials, or clove materials, or a mixture of clove materials and tobacco materials. Tobacco materials, clove materials, or a mixture of clove materials and tobacco materials may, but need not, constitute 100% of the herbal materials. Herbal materials may not include tobacco particles and may include 100% clove particles based on the dry weight of the herbal materials. Based on the dry weight of the herbal materials, the herbal materials may include between 10% and 60% by weight clove particles and between 40% and 90% by weight tobacco particles, more preferably between 30% and 40% by weight clove particles and between 70% and 60% by weight tobacco particles. Based on the dry weight of the sheet material, the sheet material may, for example, include between 40% and 90% by weight tobacco particles and between 10% and 60% by weight clove particles.

[0020] The sheet material may include, for example, one or more of eugenol, eugenol-acetate, and β-caryophyllene. Specifically, based on dry weight, the sheet material may include at least 125 micrograms of eugenol per gram of sheet material; at least 125 micrograms of eugenol-acetate per gram of sheet material based on dry weight; and at least 1 microgram of β-caryophyllene per gram of sheet material based on dry weight.

[0021] The sheet material may include at least one of cellulose fibers and glycerol. Cellulose fibers can reinforce the sheet material and make it more resistant to breakage or tearing. Glycerol can promote the generation of aerosols when the sheet material is heated.

[0022] Sheet materials can have a thickness of less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. Sheet materials can also have a thickness of at least 0.001 mm, or at least 0.01 mm, or at least 0.1 mm. Sheet materials with relatively low thickness can be more easily formed into strip shapes. Sheet materials with relatively high thickness are less likely to be torn or damaged when additives are applied to them.

[0023] The sheet material can be cast leaf material, particularly tobacco cast leaf material. Cast leaf material can be manufactured by grinding herbaceous material, particularly tobacco material, into powder. The powder can be mixed with a binder or solvent, or a binder and solvent, to obtain a slurry. The slurry can be formed and dried to obtain the cast leaf material. Methods can include manufacturing the cast leaf material as described. Alternatively, pre-made cast leaf material can be used. Using cast leaf material as a sheet material facilitates strip formation because the cast leaf material can be conveniently supplied to the production process, for example, from a supply roller in a continuous manner. Cast leaf material is easy to manufacture, transport, and store. Due to the relatively high tensile strength of cast leaf material, using cast leaves as a sheet material simplifies the strip formation process. Using tobacco cast leaves ensures effective nicotine delivery during use. Cast leaf material can be manufactured at least partially from broken or physically damaged herbaceous material.

[0024] The method may include curling a sheet material upstream of the converging device. Curling the sheet material can facilitate shaping the sheet material into a strip shape. If the sheet material is curled, it is more likely to form folds during the shaping process. The folds in the sheet material can be used to receive additives dispensed onto the sheet material.

[0025] Forming specific segments of sheet material into strip shapes within the converging device can begin before additives are applied to those segments. Forming specific segments of sheet material into strip shapes within the converging device can also be completed after additives have been applied to those segments. Additives can be applied to specific segments of sheet material simultaneously with the forming process within the converging device. If additives are applied to segments of sheet material currently being formed within the converging device, they can be integrated into the strip shape during its formation. During sheet material forming, the distribution of additives on the sheet material can be facilitated by the movement of the sheet material.

[0026] The additive can be dispensed onto the sheet material at a location within the converging device, where the maximum diameter of the forming strip is at most 400%, 350%, 300%, 250%, 200%, or 150% of the maximum diameter of the final strip shape upon exiting the converging device. If the additive is dispensed onto the sheet material at a location within the converging device where the sheet material has already been shaped or compressed to a certain extent, it can promote effective distribution of the additive on the sheet material.

[0027] When forming sheet material into strip shapes, additives can be dispensed onto the sheet material from within the strip shape. If additives are dispensed from within the strip shape, they can be distributed onto the sheet material from the inner region of the strip shape relative to the radial direction. The concentration of additives can be highest in the inner region of the strip shape and can decrease outwards relative to the radial direction. Dispensing additives from within the strip shape ensures that most or (almost) all dispensed additives actually find their path to the sheet material, thus reducing additive waste.

[0028] The additive can be dispensed within the converging device through an end section of a tube. The tube allows for selection of the location within the converging device where the additive is dispensed, thereby increasing control over the dispensing process. The end section of the tube may include a dispensing opening through which the additive is dispensed. The end section of the tube may protrude into the converging device, particularly into the forming space of the converging device.

[0029] The end section of the tube may extend at least substantially along the conveying direction. Specifically, the angle between the end section of the tube and the conveying direction may be, for example, less than 30 degrees, or less than 20 degrees, or less than 15 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, or less than 3 degrees. If the end section of the tube extends at least substantially along the conveying direction, the sheet material is conveyed substantially parallel to the tube. The sheet material can be conveyed along the end section of the tube within the converging device. If the end section of the tube and the conveying direction are substantially parallel to each other, the risk of damage to the sheet material through contact with the end section of the tube is reduced. The sheet material can slide along the end section of the tube. The sheet material may carry additives dispensed from the end section of the tube, thereby facilitating the application of the additives to the sheet material.

[0030] The sheet material can be compressed against the end section of the tube through the funnel shape of the converging device. If the sheet material is compressed against the end section of the tube, the transfer of additives dispensed from the end section of the tube onto the sheet material can be particularly smooth. Specifically, the sheet material can be compressed against the end section of the tube from its entire circumference through the funnel shape of the converging device. If the sheet material is compressed against the end section of the tube from its entire circumference, all or almost all of the additives dispensed by the end section of the tube can be received by the sheet material.

[0031] The strip shape can be formed around the end section of the tube in an arrangement that is at least substantially coaxial. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the sheet material due to contact with the end section of the tube and ensures that all or most of the additives dispensed from the end section of the tube reach the sheet material.

[0032] Within the converging device and upstream of the end section of the tube, the outer circumferential shape of the tube may differ from that of the end section. The outer circumferential shape of the tube can be varied along the extension of the tube to account for different processing conditions along the tube. The outer circumferential shape of the tube affects the amount of space that sheet material can occupy at a specific location within the converging device along the conveying direction. The outer circumferential shape of the tube can be modified to account for increased compression of the sheet material along the conveying direction.

[0033] The wall thickness of the end section of the tube can vary around its circumference. This variation in wall thickness around the circumference allows for a thicker region of stable end section while simultaneously having a thinner region that occupies less space from the sheet material, thus reducing the risk of damage and still allowing for effective compression of the sheet material. Furthermore, the varying wall thickness around the circumference of the end section allows for arranging the internal channels of the tube closer to the sheet material passing through at the injection site. Therefore, it facilitates the application of additives to the sheet material.

[0034] The outer circumferential surface of the end section of the tube may have one or more flat portions. One or more flat portions on the outer circumferential surface of the end section of the tube may facilitate the provision of one or more portions with reduced wall thickness around the circumference of the end section of the tube. Sheet material may be compressed against one or more flat portions of the end section.

[0035] Upstream of the end section of the pipe, the outer circumferential surface of the pipe may have a circular cross-section. The circular cross-section can stabilize the pipe and reduce its obstruction to the sheet material along its transport path.

[0036] The inner circumferential surface of the end section of the tube can have a circular cross-section. The circular cross-section can stabilize the tube and ensure that the additive flows smoothly and evenly through the tube.

[0037] The outer diameter of the tube can decrease along the conveying direction. If the outer diameter of the tube decreases along the conveying direction, the tube can provide additional space for the sheet material as it moves along the conveying direction. This allows the sheet material to be gradually compressed around the tube along the conveying direction.

[0038] The end section of the tube can be coated. The end section of the tube can be coated with a friction-reducing coating. The coating can form the outermost radial layer of the end section of the tube. When sheet material is conveyed along the end section of the tube, the coating on the end section of the tube can reduce friction between the sheet material and the end section of the tube, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the sheet material.

[0039] Friction-reducing coatings can be, for example, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for producing strips from sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a funnel-shaped converging device, a conveyor device, and a tube. The conveyor device is configured to convey the sheet material along a conveying direction through the funnel-shaped converging device. The tube has an end section configured to dispense an additive from the end section within the converging device. The wall thickness of the end section of the tube varies around the circumference of the end section.

[0041] When the additive is dispensed from the end section of the tube within the converging device, the additive can be dispensed onto the sheet material while the sheet material is being formed within the converging device, thereby promoting the distribution of the additive onto the sheet material in a controlled and efficient manner.

[0042] When the wall thickness of the end section of the tube varies around its circumference, the tube comprises a portion with a larger wall thickness and a portion with a smaller wall thickness around its circumference. The portion with the smaller wall thickness allows for increased space for sheet material within the converging device. Furthermore, the portion with the smaller wall thickness allows for particularly close proximity of the sheet material to the additive dispensed from the end section of the tube. The portion with the larger wall thickness ensures the stability and structural integrity of the end section of the tube.

[0043] Additives can be used as liquid dispensing agents.

[0044] The end section of the tube may include a dispensing opening for dispensing additives. The dispensing opening may be located at the end face of the end section.

[0045] The converging device can be configured to form sheet material into strip shape.

[0046] The outer surface of the end section of a pipe can have a non-circular cross-section. For example, the cross-section of the outer surface of the end section of a pipe can be triangular, rectangular, or polygonal. The non-circular outer cross-section of the end section of a pipe can provide a wall thickness for the end section of the pipe that varies around its circumference.

[0047] The outer circumferential surface of the end section of the pipe may have at least one flat portion. The outer circumferential surface of the end section of the pipe may have a curved portion relative to the circumferential direction between adjacent flat portions.

[0048] The angle between the first flat portion and the second flat portion of the end section of the pipe can be, for example, between 50 and 70 degrees, or between 55 and 65 degrees, or between 80 and 100 degrees, or between 85 and 95 degrees. This angle can be measured in a cross-sectional view having a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the pipe. A bend may be present between the first and second flat portions. The bend can support the structural integrity of the end section of the pipe.

[0049] The inner circumferential surface of the end section of the tube may have a circular cross-section.

[0050] The end section of the pipe may extend at least substantially along the conveying direction. In particular, the end section of the pipe may extend at least substantially parallel to the conveying direction. The end section of the pipe may be at least substantially straight.

[0051] The tube may include a base section disposed upstream of an end section within a converging device. The tube may include a curved section connecting the base section and the end section. The curved section allows the tube to enter the converging device in a desired direction, which may differ from the extension direction of the end section. The angle between the extension directions of the base section and the end section may be, for example, between 90 and 180 degrees, or between 120 and 160 degrees, or between 130 and 150 degrees, or between 140 and 150 degrees. The base section or the end section, or both the base section and the end section, may be a straight section of the tube.

[0052] The outer circumferential shape of the end section of the tube can differ from that of the base section. Different outer circumferential shapes can accommodate different functions achieved by the base and end sections of the tube. In particular, the base section can be shaped to be particularly robust, and the end sections can be shaped to be robust enough to allow compression of the sheet material within the converging device without damaging the sheet material.

[0053] The outer circumferential surface of the curved section of the tube may include at least one flat portion. At least one flat portion can facilitate contact between the sheet material and the tube while reducing the risk of damage to the sheet material.

[0054] The outer diameter of the pipe can be reduced along the conveying direction.

[0055] The end sections of the tube can be coated. In particular, the end sections of the tube can be coated with a friction-reducing coating.

[0056] Friction-reducing coatings can be diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings.

[0057] The apparatus may also include a heater disposed outside the converging device at the tube. The heater may be configured to heat the additive. Heating the additive can improve the flow characteristics of the additive and facilitate the distribution of the additive through the end section of the tube. Disposing the heater at the tube allows the additive inside the tube to be heated while the additive is being supplied through the tube.

[0058] The heater can be attached to the converging device.

[0059] According to another aspect of the invention, a coating is provided for use in reducing friction between a sheet material and an end section of a tube. The tube is adapted to dispense an additive onto the sheet material while the sheet material is conveyed along and in contact with the end section of the tube.

[0060] Using a coating to reduce friction can lower the risk of damaging sheet material when conveying sheet material that comes into contact with the end section of the tube.

[0061] The sheet material can be pressed circumferentially against the end section of the tube.

[0062] The coating can be a friction-reducing coating. The coating can be a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

[0063] As noted, according to various aspects, the present invention provides a method for producing strips containing herbal materials, an apparatus for producing strips from sheet materials, and the use of a coating. The apparatus may be adapted, suited, or configured to perform the method or achieve the intended use. Features described in one aspect may be transferred to any of the other aspects, or combined with any of the other aspects.

[0064] The term "funnel-shaped" for a converging device refers to the fact that the cross-sectional area of ​​the space forming the converging device in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction decreases along the conveying direction. This decrease can be continuous, gradual, or both.

[0065] The space in which the converging device is formed can, but does not necessarily, be completely surrounded by the walls of the converging device in the direction of transport.

[0066] The term "herbal material" is used to refer to materials derived from herbaceous plants. "Herbal plants" are aromatic plants in which the leaves or other parts are used for medicinal, culinary, or aromatic purposes and are capable of releasing flavor into aerosols produced by aerosol-generating articles.

[0067] The diameter of a strip shape at a specific location along the conveying direction, or the diameter of a strip in formation, refers to the maximum extension of the strip shape at that specific location in any direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0068] The outer diameter of a pipe at a specific location along its length refers to the maximum extension of the pipe at that specific location in any direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the pipe at that specific location.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Example Ex1: A method for producing strips containing herbal materials, comprising the following steps:

[0071] Provide sheet materials containing herbal ingredients;

[0072] The sheet material is formed into a strip shape by conveying it along the conveying direction through a funnel-shaped converging device; and

[0073] The additive is dispensed onto the sheet material within the converging device.

[0074] Example Ex2: According to the method described in Example EX1, the sheet material is a cast material containing a slurry or a paste containing a herbal material.

[0075] Example Ex3: The method described in Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the sheet material comprises cut or ground herbal material.

[0076] Example Ex4: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX3, wherein the sheet material comprises at least one of cellulose fibers and glycerol.

[0077] Example Ex5: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX4, wherein the sheet material has a thickness of less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm.

[0078] Example Ex6: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX5, wherein forming a specific segment of the sheet material into a strip shape within the converging device begins before the additive is dispensed onto the specific segment and ends after the additive has been dispensed onto the specific segment.

[0079] Example Ex7: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX6, wherein the additive is dispensed onto the sheet material at a location within the converging device, at which the maximum diameter of the strip being formed is at most 400%, or at most 350%, or at most 300%, or at most 250%, or at most 200%, or at most 150% of the maximum diameter of the final strip shape when leaving the converging device.

[0080] Example Ex8: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX7, wherein the additive is dispensed from within the strip shape onto the sheet material when the sheet material is formed into the strip shape.

[0081] Example Ex9: The method according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX8, wherein the additive is dispensed within the converging device through the end section of the tube.

[0082] Example Ex10: According to the method described in Example Ex9, the end section of the tube extends at least substantially along the conveying direction.

[0083] Example Ex11: According to the method described in Example Ex9 or Ex10, the sheet material is compressed by the funnel shape of the converging device, particularly by abutting the end section of the tube from the entire circumference of the end section.

[0084] Example Ex12: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex11, wherein the strip shape is formed around the end segment of the tube in an arrangement that is at least substantially coaxial between the strip and the end segment of the tube.

[0085] Example Ex13: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex12, wherein the outer circumferential shape of the tube within the converging device and upstream of the end segment of the tube is different from the outer circumferential shape of the end segment of the tube.

[0086] Example Ex14: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex13, wherein the wall thickness of the end segment of the tube varies around the circumference of the end segment of the tube.

[0087] Example Ex15: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex14, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the end segment of the tube has one or more flat portions.

[0088] Example Ex16: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex14, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the end segment of the tube has a circular cross-section.

[0089] Example Ex17: The method according to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex15, wherein the outer diameter of the tube decreases along the conveying direction.

[0090] Example Ex18: According to any one of Examples Ex9 to Ex17, the end section of the tube is coated, in particular, with a friction-reducing coating.

[0091] Example Ex19: The method described in Example Ex18, wherein the friction-reducing coating is a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

[0092] Example Ex20: An apparatus for producing strips from sheet material, comprising:

[0093] Funnel-shaped converging device;

[0094] A conveyor device configured to convey sheet material along a conveying direction through the funnel-shaped converging device; and

[0095] A tube having end sections configured for dispensing additives within the converging device.

[0096] The wall thickness of the end section of the tube varies around the circumference of the end section of the tube.

[0097] Example Ex21: The apparatus according to Example Ex20, wherein the outer surface of the end segment of the tube has a non-circular cross-section.

[0098] Example Ex22: The apparatus according to Example Ex20 or Ex21, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the end segment of the tube has at least one flat portion.

[0099] Example Ex23: The apparatus according to Example Ex22, wherein the angle between the first flat portion of the end segment of the tube and the second flat portion of the end segment of the tube is between 50 degrees and 70 degrees, or between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, or between 85 degrees and 95 degrees.

[0100] Example Ex24: The device according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex23, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the end segment of the tube has a circular cross-section.

[0101] Example Ex25: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex24, wherein the end section of the tube extends at least substantially along the conveying direction.

[0102] Example Ex26: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex25, wherein the tube includes a base section disposed upstream of the end section within the converging device and a curved section connecting the base section to the end section.

[0103] Example Ex27: The apparatus according to Example Ex26, wherein the outer circumferential shape of the end segment of the tube is different from the outer circumferential shape of the base segment of the tube.

[0104] Example Ex28: The apparatus according to Example Ex26 or Ex27, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the curved section of the tube includes at least one flat portion.

[0105] Example Ex29: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex28, wherein the outer diameter of the tube decreases along the conveying direction.

[0106] Example Ex30: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex29, wherein the end section of the tube is coated, in particular, with a friction-reducing coating.

[0107] Example Ex31: The apparatus according to Example Ex30, wherein the friction-reducing coating is a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

[0108] Example Ex32: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex31 further includes a heater disposed outside the converging device at the tube.

[0109] Example Ex33: The apparatus according to Example Ex32, wherein the heater is attached to the converging device.

[0110] Example Ex34: Use of a coating for reducing friction between a sheet material and an end section of a tube, the tube being adapted to dispense an additive onto the sheet material while the sheet material is conveyed along and in contact with the end section of the tube.

[0111] Example Ex35: According to the application described in Example Ex34, the sheet material is pressed circumferentially against the end portion of the tube.

[0112] Example Ex36: According to the application described in Example Ex34 or Ex35, the coating is a friction-reducing coating, particularly a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

[0113] Example Ex37: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the additive is menthol.

[0114] Example Ex38: An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco cast leaf strips, comprising the means according to any one of Examples Ex20 to Ex33. Attached Figure Description

[0115] Examples and embodiments will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0116] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to an embodiment is shown;

[0117] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a converging device and an additive dispensing tube for an apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to an embodiment is shown.

[0118] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of an additive dispensing tube according to two different embodiments is shown; and

[0119] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of a converging device for an apparatus for producing strips from sheet material, according to an embodiment, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0120] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 1 for producing strips 3 from sheet material 5 according to an embodiment is shown. Preferably, the sheet material 5 contains herbal material, such as tobacco material. The sheet material 5 may include, for example, recycled tobacco material. The sheet material may be cast leaf material, particularly tobacco cast leaf material.

[0121] Sheet material 5 through Figure 1 The conveyor device 9, schematically shown, conveys material along the conveying direction 7. Along the conveying direction 7, sheet material 5 is first supplied to a crimping roller 11, which crimps the sheet material 5 to facilitate its formation into a strip 3 in a converging device 13 downstream of the crimping roller 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor device 9 is at least partially located downstream of the converging device 13 and configured to convey the sheet material 5 through the converging device 13 along the conveying direction 7. Specifically, the conveyor device 9 can pull the sheet material 5 through the converging device 13.

[0122] Figure 2A more detailed view of the converging device 13 is shown. The converging device 13 is funnel-shaped and has a wall 15 defining a forming space 17. Sheet material 5 is conveyed along the conveying direction 7 through the forming space 17. The cross-sectional area of ​​the forming space 17 in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction 7 decreases along the conveying direction 7. As the sheet material 5 is conveyed along the conveying direction 7 through the converging device 13, the sheet material 5 engages with the wall 15 of the converging device 13 from the inside and is thereby formed into a strip 3. Forming the sheet material 5 into a strip 3 may include one or more of folded sheet material 5, bent sheet material, and compressed sheet material.

[0123] like Figure 2 As shown, it is not required that the converging device 13, and in particular the wall 15 of the converging device 13, be completely closed circumferentially around the conveying direction 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the converging device 13 is open at its lower side. Preferably, a support member may be provided below the converging device 13, for example in the form of a decorative strip that is driven along the conveying direction 7 and can support the sheet material 5. However, it is also conceivable that the converging device 13 be completely closed circumferentially around the conveying direction 7.

[0124] like Figure 2 As shown, a tube 19 is provided to supply additive 21 into the interior of the convergence device 13, particularly into the forming space 17. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 19 enters the forming space 17 from above through the wall 15 of the convergence device 13. The tube 19 may be connected to an additive reservoir 23 disposed outside the convergence device 13. A pump 25 may be provided to pump additive 21 from the reservoir 23 into the tube 19. Additive 23 may be supplied as a liquid. Additive 21 may include one or more substances to be added to the sheet material 5, such as flavoring substances, particularly menthol, nicotine, or glycerin.

[0125] The tube 19 includes a straight base section 27 and a straight end section 29. The base section 27 and the end section 29 are connected by a curved section 31. At the distal end of the end section 29, a dispensing opening 33 for dispensing additive 21 is provided. Preferably, additive 21 is dispensed as a liquid through the dispensing opening 33. The dispensing opening 33 is provided at the end face of the tube 19. The end section 29 of the tube 19 extends parallel to the conveying direction 7. Therefore, the sheet material 5 is conveyed along and parallel to the end section 29 of the tube 19. As the diameter of the converging device 13 narrows along the conveying direction 7, the sheet material 5 is compressed against the outer surface of the end section 29 of the tube 19. Preferably, the end section 29 of the tube 19 is positioned such that the sheet material 5 circumferentially surrounds the end section 29 of the tube 19 during forming and compression in the converging device 13.

[0126] Additive 21 can be continuously dispensed through dispensing opening 33. When a specific section of sheet material 5 passes through dispensing opening 33 along conveying direction 7, additive 21 can be dispensed onto the specific section of sheet material 5 and can be carried away together with sheet material 5.

[0127] According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the tube 19 has a circular cross-section. The base segment 27 of the tube 19 within the converging device 13 has an outer circumferential surface, which also has a circular cross-section. The external shape of the tube 19 changes at the curved segment 31.

[0128] Figure 3 Two alternative forms of the tube 19 are shown, which differ from each other due to their external shapes in the end section 29 and the curved section 31. Figure 3 The embodiments shown in part A are substantially corresponding to Figure 2 The embodiment shown. In Figure 3 In embodiment A, the outer circumferential surface of the tube 19 includes three flat portions 35 extending along the end segment 29 of the tube 19 and into the curved segment 31 of the tube 19. The flat portions 35 are arranged one after another along the circumferential direction of the tube 19. Each flat portion 35 extends from the free end of the tube 19 (which is part of the end segment 29) against the conveying direction 7 and enters into the curved segment 31 of the tube 19. Figure 3 In embodiment A, the flat portions 35 are directly adjacent to each other along the circumference of the tube 19 (sharing a common boundary). However, it is also conceivable, for example, to have additional curved or flat portions between adjacent flat portions 35. Figure 3 In the embodiment of part A, the angle 37 between adjacent flat portions 35 is 60 degrees. The flat portions 35 can be obtained, for example, by removing a portion of the cylindrical tube.

[0129] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in part B, with Figure 3 Compared to the three flat portions 35 shown in part A, the outer circumferential surface of the end segment 29 of the tube 19 has four flat portions 35. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in Part B, the curved portion of the outer circumferential shape of the tube 19 is located between adjacent flat portions 35 relative to the circumferential direction of the tube 19. Alternatively, the flat portions 35 may be directly adjacent to each other along the circumferential direction of the tube 19. Figure 3 In part B, the angle 37 between two adjacent flat portions 35 is 19 degrees. Figure 3 The same as in part A, Figure 3 The flat portion 35 shown in part B extends against the conveying direction 7 over the entire end section 29 of the tube 19 and enters the curved section 31 of the tube 19.

[0130] exist Figure 3 In parts A and B, the diameter of the tube 19 is reduced at the flat section 35 compared to the diameter at the base section 27. This results in less obstruction to the sheet material 5 at the end section 29 of the tube 19 when it is conveyed through the converging device 19. Due to the flat section 35, the sheet material 5 can be compressed more tightly along the end section 29 of the tube 19. Since the flat section 35 extends into the curved section 31 of the tube 19, the sheet material 5 can be smoothly separated around the tube 19 and moved along the end section 29 of the tube 19.

[0131] from Figure 3 It can be seen that the wall thickness of the end section 29 of the tube 19 varies around the circumference of the end section 29. When viewed in the circumferential direction, the wall of the end section 29 becomes relatively thin in the middle of the flat portion 35 and relatively thick near the end of the flat portion 35 relative to the circumferential direction. The relatively thick portion of the wall provides stability to the end section 29 of the tube 19. The relatively thin wall section allows the sheet material 5 to pass through the dispensing opening 33 at close range.

[0132] The angle 39 defined between the end section 29 and the base section 27 of the tube 19 can be, for example, between 140 degrees and 150 degrees.

[0133] The end section 29 of the tube 19 may be completely or partially coated with a friction-reducing coating, such as a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

[0134] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates how the tube 19 can be mounted to the converging device 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the converging device 13 includes two portions 41, 43 arranged one after the other along the conveying direction 7. Alternatively, the converging device 13 may include only one portion or more than two portions. Figure 4 A connecting section 45 of the tube 19 is shown, extending outward from the wall 15 of the converging device 13. The connecting section 45 of the tube 19 is configured to connect to a fluid line 47, which connects the tube 19 to the pump 25 and the reservoir 23. A heater 49 is disposed at the connecting section 45 of the tube 19 to heat the additive 21 within the tube 19. The heater 49 is attached to the converging device 13 via the connecting section 45 of the tube 19. Alternatively, the heater 49 may be directly connected to the converging device 13, for example.

[0135] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 10% A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some examples as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not significantly affect the fundamental and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A method for producing strips containing herbal materials, comprising the following steps: Provide sheet materials containing herbal ingredients; The sheet material is formed into a strip shape by conveying it along the conveying direction through a funnel-shaped converging device; as well as The additive is dispensed onto the sheet material within the converging device; The sheet material is a cast material containing herbal material or a paste containing herbal material; The additive is dispensed as a liquid; and The liquid flows on the sheet material.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sheet material comprises cut or ground herbal material.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet material comprises at least one of cellulose fibers and glycerol.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet material has a thickness of less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additive is dispensed within the converging device through the end section of the tube.

6. An apparatus for producing strips from sheet material, comprising: Funnel-shaped converging device; A conveyor device configured to convey sheet material along a conveying direction through the funnel-shaped converging device; A tube having end sections configured to dispense an additive, as a liquid, onto the sheet material within the converging apparatus when the sheet material is formed within the converging apparatus. The wall thickness of the end section of the tube varies around the circumference of the end section of the tube.

7. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the end section of the tube has a non-circular cross-section.

8. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the end section of the tube has at least one flat portion.

9. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to claim 8, wherein the angle between the first flat portion of the end segment of the tube and the second flat portion of the end segment of the tube is between 50 degrees and 70 degrees, or between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, or between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, or between 85 degrees and 95 degrees.

10. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the tube includes a base section disposed upstream of the end section within the converging device and a curved section connecting the base section to the end section.

11. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to claim 10, wherein the outer circumferential shape of the end section of the tube is different from the outer circumferential shape of the base section of the tube.

12. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the curved section of the tube includes at least one flat portion.

13. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the outer diameter of the tube decreases along the conveying direction.

14. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the end portion of the tube is coated, in particular, with a friction-reducing coating.

15. The apparatus for producing strips from sheet material according to any one of claims 6 to 14, further comprising: An additive reservoir is disposed outside the converging device, wherein the tube is connected to the additive reservoir; and A pump configured to pump the additive from the additive reservoir into the pipe.

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