Web conveying guide

Abstract

A method of applying an additive to a web of crimped material for use in an aerosol-generating article is disclosed, wherein: the web of crimped material has a width and a length; the web of crimped material travels along a path that is substantially parallel to the length of the web of crimped material at any given point along the path; the web of crimped material is deformed from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration across a width of the web of crimped material over at least a portion of the path; and applying an additive to the concave surface of the web of crimped material in a curved configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for shaping a material web, such as a coiled material web unwound from a roll. The shaped material web can then be assembled into a strip form for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating articles are known to be provided in the form of a strip-shaped consumable, comprising multiple parts and components. The main components are typically a tobacco stick or aerosol generating matrix wrapped in multiple layers of paper to provide the strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating article, one or more filter segments, and optionally one or more cooling elements. Such aerosol generating articles are typically used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, in which the aerosol generating article is at least partially inserted. The aerosol generating device is controllably configured to heat the aerosol generating matrix of the aerosol generating article, thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by a consumer.

[0003] To date, filter components in such products have been formed into continuous filter strips using cellulose acetate tows combined with triacetyl ester plasticizers under heat and pressure. Cellulose acetate filters are plastic and not easily biodegradable, thus posing a challenge to sustainability goals, particularly with the implementation of bans on single-use plastics.

[0004] The production process of cellulose acetate tow involves a series of four key steps:

[0005] Step 1: Preparation of spinning solution

[0006] To begin the process, cellulose acetate sheets are carefully mixed with acetone. A precise amount of titanium dioxide is introduced as a matting agent for the final product. The mixture is thoroughly blended, followed by an enhanced filtration step to remove any particles that may clog the spinneret.

[0007] Step 2: Spinning

[0008] The spinning stage begins when the spinning solution passes through the spinneret of the spinning unit. As the spinning solution is expelled, acetone begins to gradually evaporate. As a result, the monofilaments solidify and intertwine, while most of the acetone is removed and recycled.

[0009] Step 3: Curl

[0010] Cured filaments from multiple spinnerets are combined to form a thread comprising tens of thousands of filaments. This thread undergoes crimping in a packing box to impart unique structural properties to the cigarette filter tow.

[0011] Step 4: Drying and Processing

[0012] After curling, the newly formed structure is dried to stabilize its shape and properties. Subsequently, the cigarette filter tow is compressed using a packing press to form a filter tow pack, ready for further processing and use.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic overview of the production of cellulose acetate cigarette filters is shown. Cellulose acetate filter forming equipment 400 produces continuous filter strips 401, which are subsequently cut to length and combined with other components of the strip consumable.

[0014] Cellulose acetate tow 409 is drawn from tow bundle 412 and fed toward first spreading roller 407 via belt injector 410. First spreading roller 407 and second spreading roller 408 operate to widen tow 409 into a flat sheet. The widened flat sheet of tow 409 then travels through plasticizer chamber 405, and plasticizer is applied to tow 409 via plasticizer applicator 406. Cross-sectional view 'b' of tow 409 is shown in... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. The filament bundle 409 then travels through... Figure 2 The forming funnel 404 shown subsequently forms a bundle 411 which is passed to a garniture region for wrapping in a paper wrapping region 403 using a wrapping material 414, such as a stick package. In the garniture region, an annular forming belt 416 passes over a drive forming roller 415. The forming belt 416 passes along a progressively deeper groove in a forming bed 417 at the top of the garniture region. The wrapping material 414, in the form of a strip, is unwound from a spool 413 and travels along the forming bed 417 on top of the forming belt 416, with the formed bundle 411 on top of the wrapping material strip 414. As the forming belt 416 travels along the progressively deeper groove, the forming belt 416 and the wrapping material strip 414 are longitudinally wrapped around the formed bundle 411. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view “a” is shown in the figure. The adhesive used for each end of the connecting rod package is cured in the heating block 402 to provide a continuous filter strip 401.

[0015] Cooling elements made of plastic materials, such as rolled polylactic acid (PLA) films, are also known to be found in strip-shaped consumables. Cooling elements incorporating such materials are not easily biodegradable, thus posing a challenge to sustainability goals.

[0016] Figure 5A schematic diagram of an apparatus and manufacturing method for a continuous strip 200 of a curled material web is shown. The apparatus and method for forming the continuous strip 200 of the curled material web can be used to form strips from web materials such as PLA, tobacco, and paper-based materials supplied from a continuous web material roll 141. The continuously curled tobacco strip can be formed from tobacco sheets (cast leaf sheets or reconstituted tobacco sheets) or paper-based filter elements made of paper-based materials or other nonwoven materials. Therefore, it should be understood that the aforementioned material web 140 can be selected from the various materials mentioned above.

[0017] Material web 140 is supplied from material web spool 141 toward the first winding roller 502 and the second winding roller 503, which also in Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. The crimping roller is designed such that the teeth from one roller engage with the grooves on the other roller. For example... Figure 7 As shown, passing the material web 140 between the winding rollers 502 and 503 provides the winding material web 145.

[0018] Now for reference Figure 8 and 9 These figures show the material web before and after being wound by winding rollers 502 and 503. Figure 8 The material web 140 is shown as entering the gap between the corresponding winding rollers. Figure 9 The image shows the web of coiled material 145 exiting the coiling rollers 502 and 503.

[0019] Return to reference Figure 5 The curled material web 145 is then optionally supplied with additives, such as flavorings, from the additive applicator 121 in the post-cutting chamber 120. Because the additives are sprayed onto the substantially planar curled material web, the distribution of the additives across the width of the material web can be highly variable. Furthermore, over-spraying may occur in an attempt to distribute the additives more evenly towards the edges of the material web, resulting in additive waste. Figure 10 and 11 As shown in more detail, the curled material web is then formed into a continuous, substantially cylindrical shape via star-shaped and annular tools 510. Before passing through the forming funnel 404 toward the forming belt 416, the curled and formed material web 150 can be wrapped in a bar package in the same manner as the continuous strips previously described for forming cellulose acetate filters to provide a continuous strip 200 of the curled material web, which can then be cut to length and combined with other components of the strip consumable. (Cross-sectional view 'c' is shown in...) Figure 5 The above is marked, and view 'c' is in Figure 12 Provided by China.

[0020] Now for reference Figure 10 and 11 These figures illustrate a star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510 used to form a coiled material web 145 into a semi-cylindrical shape. The star-shaped and ring-shaped tool is formed by a ring 511 adjacent to a star-shaped member 512 and positioned in a straight line with the forming belt, forming funnel, and coiling roller. The star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510 is designed such that the coiled material web encloses the upper portion of the star-shaped member 512 and the ring 511, forming a semi-cylinder around the star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510, wherein the material web... Figure 11 The marked direction of travel is continuously pulled.

[0021] Given the background information above and the current use of plastic-based components in strip consumables, it is desirable to replace these components with more sustainable materials, such as paper-based materials.

[0022] In addition, when using Figure 5 When the equipment forms a continuous strip of curled web material, the efficiency of additive application via applicator 121 is limited because the distribution of additive across the material web must be limited to prevent over-spraying. Additives can provide additional sensory, mechanical, or filtering properties to the continuous strip of curled web material. The desired properties imparted by applying additives depend on the material web used and the desired component to be produced. For example, when producing curled tobacco strips using tobacco-based material webs, it may be desirable to enhance sensory properties by applying flavoring agents. When producing a continuous strip of curled paper-based filters, it may be desirable to apply suitable additives to provide the desired mechanical and filtering properties of the finished paper-based filter component.

[0023] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, problems arise when additive 205 is sprayed from applicator 121 onto the convex curled material web 145. Due to the convex profile of the curled material web 145, additive 205 tends to be applied at a higher concentration at the central portion of the top of the convex profile of the curled material web 145, and at a lower concentration towards the edges of the curled material web 145. Over-spraying may also occur, where additive 205 does not contact the curled material web at all and is wasted. Over-spraying may also result in additive 205 being applied to mechanical parts where the presence of additive 205 is undesirable.

[0024] Figure 15 Another problem with known methods for applying additive 205 is illustrated. Because additive 205 is applied to the convex surface of the coiled material web 145, a higher concentration of additive 205 tends to be present on the outer surface of the aggregated and shaped coiled material web 150 after passing through the forming funnel 404 and the forming region. Figure 15The resulting strip consumable 200, shown in cross-section, comprises a strip core of aggregated and shaped coiled material 150 within a circumferential package 414, wherein the outer ring 151 has a high concentration of additive 205 and the inner core 152 has a low concentration of additive 205. The high concentration of additive 205 in the outer ring 151 can migrate through the circumferential package 414, resulting in undesirable staining. Summary of the Invention

[0025] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for applying an additive to a web of rolled material for use in an aerosol-generating article, wherein:

[0026] The coiled material web has a width and a length;

[0027] The curled material web travels along a path that is substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path;

[0028] The curled material web deforms from a substantially flat structure to a curved structure across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; and

[0029] The additive is applied to the concave surface of the coiled material web having the aforementioned curved structure.

[0030] Many advantages are gained by deforming the rolled material web into a curved structure and applying additives to the concave surface of the rolled material web.

[0031] First, the additive can be applied more evenly. For example, if the additive is sprayed from an applicator located at or near the center of curvature of the concave surface, the distance from the applicator to each portion of the concave surface will be substantially the same, and the fan-shaped spraying of the additive allows for a more uniform distribution of the additive across the concave surface of the rolled material web. This contrasts with spraying the additive onto a substantially flat, planar rolled material web, where the additive may tend to concentrate in the center portion of the rolled material web because the central portion is closer to the applicator than the edge portions.

[0032] Secondly, by applying the additive to the concave surface of the coiled material web, the additive is applied to the surface of the inner portion of the coiled material web that will later form a strip or cylinder after the coiled material web has been assembled and wrapped in the packaging. Therefore, the possibility of excessive additive contacting the inner surface of the packaging and potentially migrating through the packaging is smaller.

[0033] Third, by applying the additive to a concave surface rather than a substantially flat or convex surface, the risk of overspraying (where excessive additive is applied beyond the edge of the rolled material web, potentially leading to additive waste or undesirable application of additive to other machine parts) is lower.

[0034] The additive can be sprayed onto the concave surface. The additive can be coated onto the concave surface. The additive can be brushed onto the concave surface. The additive can be applied to the concave surface. The additive can be poured onto the concave surface.

[0035] Additives can be liquids. Additives can be powders. Additives can be slurries. Additives can be gels. Additives can be droplets or mists.

[0036] The additive may consist of or may include flavoring additives. For example, the additive may contain one or more of the following: menthol, tobacco flavor extract, other plant-based flavor extracts, and synthetic flavoring agents.

[0037] The concave surface of the rolled material web can face upwards, and additives can be applied from above. This helps to contain the additives within the bends of the concave surface of the rolled material web.

[0038] Alternatively, the concave surface of the rolled material web can face downwards, and the additive can be applied from below. This helps reduce the over-application of additive to the rolled material web, where excess additive falls off the rolled material web under gravity. A drip tray or similar receiving part can be positioned below the additive applicator to capture excess additive that falls off the rolled material web.

[0039] After the addition of additives, the coiled material web can be further deformed into strips or cylinders, with the concave surface facing inward. The coiled material web can be further deformed by means of an agglomeration operation. For example, the coiled material web can be passed through a funnel to agglomerate the coiled material web into strips or cylinders.

[0040] A strip or cylinder can be circumferentially wrapped around the package. Wrapping can be done by conveying the strip or cylinder along a forming belt, which gradually wraps the longitudinal package around the strip or cylinder circumferentially.

[0041] As previously discussed, applying additives to the concave surface of the inner portion of the web of rolled material that subsequently forms a wrapping strip or cylinder reduces the likelihood of undesirable migration of the additives through the packaging. For example, if such migration occurs, liquid additives may cause undesirable staining of the outer surface of the packaging.

[0042] The wrapping strip or cylinder can then be cut into individual wrapping elements across its length.

[0043] The curled material web may include reconstituted tobacco. The curled material web may include tobacco cast leaves. This is useful when the curled material web is used to form an aerosol-generating matrix.

[0044] The web of the crimped material may include paper. The web of the crimped material may include cellulose acetate tow. The web of the crimped material may include polylactic acid (PLA).

[0045] This is useful when rolled material webs are used to form filter elements or aerosol cooling elements.

[0046] A coiled material web can be fed through a guide device comprising a main body having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface, a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface. The main body includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls. The main body also includes a front surface that slopes downwards from the top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end. The front surface and the side surfaces flare outwards from the top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guide surface. The coiled material web, as it passes through the guide device from the front end and through the partially cylindrical opening to the rear end, transitions from a substantially flat configuration at the bottom edge of the guide surface to a curved configuration conforming to the longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

[0047] The guiding device is used to shape the web of rolled material in order to obtain the desired curved structure.

[0048] The guiding surface of the guiding device is shaped and configured to allow the coiled material web to smoothly transition from a substantially flat configuration (i.e., upon unwinding from the spool) to a curved configuration generally around a longitudinal axis in a partially cylindrical opening. The curved configuration of the coiled material web can be a partially cylindrical curved configuration. The curved configuration of the coiled material web can also be a substantially semi-cylindrical curved configuration.

[0049] Before passing through the guide device, the web of material is curled, for example, by passing between a set of curling rollers.

[0050] Forming the curled material web into a curved configuration as it passes through the guide means that additives can be applied to the concave surface of the curled material web in its curved configuration. This allows for more uniform and efficient application of the additives.

[0051] The guide surface may have a triangular shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top. This shape can help guide the curled material web into the partially cylindrical opening.

[0052] The bottom edge of the guide surface may have a downwardly curved tongue portion, and the coiled material web may pass over the tongue portion before passing over the guide surface. The tongue portion facilitates a smooth transition of the coiled material web onto the guide surface.

[0053] The upper surface of the tongue portion may be provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the coiled material web and the tongue portion as the coiled material web passes over the tongue portion.

[0054] The guide surface may be provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the coiled material web and the guide surface as the coiled material web passes over the guide surface.

[0055] Some cylindrical openings can have a diameter that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis.

[0056] Alternatively, the partially cylindrical openings can have a diameter that gradually decreases from the front to the rear end along the longitudinal axis. In this way, the radius of curvature of the concave surface of the rolled material web can decrease from the front to the rear end along the longitudinal axis. This facilitates subsequent wrapping of the rolled material web.

[0057] The partially open top surface can slope downwards along the longitudinal axis from the rear end toward the front end. The partially open top surface can slope downwards from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downwards from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0058] The partially open top surface may have an elongated open slot extending from the rear end to the front end. The elongated open slot may have a width that gradually increases from the rear end toward the front end.

[0059] The additive can be applied to a web of rolled material using an applicator. The applicator may include at least one spray nozzle disposed at an open portion of a partially open top surface. The applicator may also include at least one spray nozzle disposed at the front end of a guide device, where the guide surface transitions into a partially cylindrical opening.

[0060] The crimped material web can pass over rollers positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the guide surface, and the rollers guide the crimped material web onto the guide surface. This helps to reduce unwanted gathering of the crimped material web.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for applying an additive to a web of rolled material for use in an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising:

[0062] A plurality of guides are provided for guiding the curled material web along a path having a width and a length, and the path being substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path.

[0063] At least one deforming element, the at least one deforming element being configured to deform the curled material web from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; and

[0064] An applicator configured to apply an additive to a concave surface of the coiled material web having the curved configuration.

[0065] Many advantages are gained by deforming the rolled material web into a curved structure and applying additives to the concave surface of the rolled material web.

[0066] First, the additive can be applied more evenly. For example, if the additive is sprayed from an applicator located at or near the center of curvature of the concave surface, the distance from the applicator to each portion of the concave surface will be substantially the same, and the fan-shaped spraying of the additive allows for a more uniform distribution of the additive across the concave surface of the rolled material web. This contrasts with spraying the additive onto a substantially flat, planar rolled material web, where the additive may tend to concentrate in the center portion of the rolled material web because the central portion is closer to the applicator than the edge portions.

[0067] Secondly, by applying the additive to the concave surface of the coiled material web, the additive is applied to the surface of the inner portion of the coiled material web that will later form a strip or cylinder after the coiled material web has been assembled and wrapped in the packaging. Therefore, the possibility of excessive additive contacting the inner surface of the packaging and potentially migrating through the packaging is smaller.

[0068] Third, by applying the additive to a concave surface rather than a substantially flat or convex surface, the risk of overspraying (where excessive additive is applied beyond the edge of the rolled material web, potentially leading to additive waste or undesirable application of additive to other machine parts) is lower.

[0069] The applicator can be a spray applicator. The applicator can be a liquid applicator. The applicator can be a powder applicator. The applicator can be a solid applicator.

[0070] Additives can be liquids. Additives can be powders. Additives can be slurries. Additives can be gels. Additives can be droplets or mists.

[0071] The additive may consist of or may include flavoring additives. For example, the additive may contain one or more of the following: menthol, tobacco flavor extract, other plant-based flavor extracts, and synthetic flavoring agents.

[0072] At least one deformation element may be configured to deform the coiled material web such that the concave surface of the coiled material web faces upward, and the applicator may be configured to apply the additive from above. This may help to contain the additive within the bend of the concave surface of the coiled material web.

[0073] Alternatively, at least one deformation element may be configured to deform the coiled material web such that the concave surface of the coiled material web faces downward, and the applicator may be configured to apply the additive from below. This can help reduce the over-application of additive to the coiled material web, where excess additive falls off the coiled material web under gravity. A drip tray or similar receiving portion may be disposed below the additive applicator to capture excess additive that falls off the coiled material web.

[0074] The device may also include an agglomerating component configured to agglomerate the rolled material web after the additive is applied and further deform it into a strip or cylinder, wherein the concave surface faces inward. The agglomerating component may be a funnel.

[0075] The device may also include a wrapping component configured to circumferentially wrap a strip or cylinder of packaging material. The wrapping component may include a shaped belt.

[0076] The device may also include a cutting component configured to cut a wrapping strip or cylinder across its length into individual wrapping elements. The cutting component may include a cutting tool.

[0077] The curled material web may include reconstituted tobacco. The curled material web may include tobacco cast leaves. This is useful when the curled material web is used to form an aerosol-generating matrix.

[0078] The web of the crimped material may include paper. The web of the crimped material may include cellulose acetate tow. The web of the crimped material may include polylactic acid (PLA).

[0079] This is useful when rolled material webs are used to form filter elements or aerosol cooling elements.

[0080] According to a third aspect of the invention, a guiding device for shaping a web of coiled material is provided, the guiding device comprising a main body portion having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface and a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface, wherein the main body portion includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls; and the main body portion includes a front surface that slopes downward from the partially open top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end, the front surface and the side surfaces opening outward from the partially open top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guiding surface, the guiding surface being configured to smoothly feed the web of coiled material into the partially cylindrical opening such that as the web of coiled material passes through the guiding device from the front end to the rear end, the web of coiled material transitions from a substantially flat construction to a curved construction conforming to the curved longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

[0081] The guiding device is used to shape the web of rolled material in order to obtain the desired curved structure.

[0082] The guiding surface of the guiding device is shaped and configured to allow the coiled material web to smoothly transition from a substantially flat configuration (i.e., upon unwinding from the spool) to a curved configuration generally around a longitudinal axis in a partially cylindrical opening. The curved configuration of the coiled material web can be a partially cylindrical curved configuration. The curved configuration of the coiled material web can also be a substantially semi-cylindrical curved configuration.

[0083] Before passing through the guide device, the web of material is curled, for example, by passing between a set of curling rollers.

[0084] Forming the curled material web into a curved configuration as it passes through the guide means that additives can be applied to the concave surface of the curled material web in its curved configuration. This allows for more uniform and efficient application of the additives.

[0085] The guide surface may have a triangular shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top. This shape can help guide the curled material web into the partially cylindrical opening.

[0086] The bottom edge of the guide surface may have a downward-curving tongue portion. The coiled material web can pass over the tongue portion before passing over the guide surface. The tongue portion facilitates a smooth transition of the coiled material web onto the guide surface.

[0087] The upper surface of the tongue portion may be provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the rolled material web and the tongue portion.

[0088] The guide surface may be knurled or patterned to reduce friction between the rolled material web and the guide surface.

[0089] Some cylindrical openings can have a diameter that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis.

[0090] Alternatively, the partially cylindrical openings can have a diameter that gradually decreases from the front to the rear end along the longitudinal axis. In this way, the radius of curvature of the concave surface of the rolled material web can decrease from the front to the rear end along the longitudinal axis. This facilitates subsequent wrapping of the rolled material web.

[0091] The partially open top surface can slope downwards along the longitudinal axis from the rear end toward the front end. The partially open top surface can slope downwards from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downwards from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0092] The partially open top surface may have an elongated open slot extending from the rear end to the front end. The elongated open slot may have a width that gradually increases from the rear end toward the front end.

[0093] The guide device can be made of metal. The guide device can be made of steel. The guide device can be made of stainless steel.

[0094] The guiding device can be combined with an applicator configured to apply additives to the web of rolled material.

[0095] The applicator may include at least one spray nozzle disposed at an open portion of a partially open top surface. The applicator may also include at least one spray nozzle disposed at a front end of a guide device, where a guide surface transitions into a partially cylindrical opening. The applicator may be configured to spray additives onto a coiled material web when the web is in a bent configuration.

[0096] The guiding device can be combined with rollers positioned adjacent to and substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the guiding surface, and the rollers can be configured to guide the curled material web onto the guiding surface. This can help reduce unwanted coalescence of the curled material web.

[0097] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an apparatus according to the second aspect is provided, wherein the at least one deformable element includes a guide device according to the third aspect.

[0098] Embodiments of the present invention offer several advantages over the prior art. Costs can be saved by reducing additive overspraying and waste, as application to concave surfaces helps control additive spraying and reduces runoff. Efficiency can be improved by reducing unwanted fouling of machine parts due to oversprayed additives. The resulting consumables will tend to have a higher concentration of additive closer to the core of the consumable (rather than the outer surface), thus reducing the risk of additive migration through the consumable's packaging.

[0099] In the context of this disclosure, the term "additive" is intended to mean a substance applied to a coiled material web by an applicator. Additives can be one or more of liquids, powders, slurries, gels, or droplets. Additives may consist of or may include flavoring additives. For example, an additive may contain one or more of the following: menthol, tobacco flavor extracts, other plant-based flavor extracts, and synthetic flavorings.

[0100] In the context of this disclosure, the term "aerosol-generating article" is intended to refer to an article comprising an aerosol-generating matrix configured for use with an aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating matrix may include a nicotine-containing substance (e.g., tobacco). The article may include additional components (such as a mouthpiece, aerosol mixing section, a filter section, a flavoring section, etc.). The aerosol-generating article preferably has a strip-shaped or cylindrical profile. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a constant cross-section along its length, which may be circular, elliptical, or oval, but may also have other shapes, including polygonal ones.

[0101] In the context of this disclosure, the term "aerosol-generating matrix" is intended to mean a matrix capable of generating aerosols when heated. Examples of aerosol-generating matrices include tobacco cast leaves formed from pulp of ground tobacco leaves and a suitable binder, and also include mixtures of nicotine with one or more of glycerin, guar gum, menthol, cloves, other flavorings, other agricultural products, or high-retention materials with nicotine content.

[0102] In the context of this disclosure, the term "curled" is used to describe processing a sheet of material to form a rolled sheet of material comprising multiple corrugations or ridges and grooves.

[0103] In the context of this disclosure, the term "material web" describes a layered element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. Preferably, the material web has a width of 60 mm to 300 mm, more preferably 80 mm to 200 mm, and most preferably 100 mm to 150 mm. Preferably, the material web has a thickness of 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers, optionally 100 micrometers to 400 micrometers, optionally 150 micrometers to 350 micrometers, optionally 175 micrometers to 275 micrometers, optionally 200 micrometers to 250 micrometers, and optionally about 215 micrometers. In the context of this disclosure, the length of the material web is not particularly important. Generally, the material web is unwound from a roll and can have lengths of tens or hundreds of meters.

[0104] In the context of this disclosure, the term "curled material web" refers to the material web as defined above after it has been curled, for example, by passing between a pair of curling rollers.

[0105] In the context of this disclosure, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components of an apparatus or steps of a method with reference to the direction of travel of the coiled material web.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Example Ex1: A method for applying an additive to a web of rolled material used in an aerosol-generating article, wherein:

[0108] The coiled material web has a width and a length;

[0109] The curled material web travels along a path that is substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path;

[0110] The curled material web deforms from a substantially flat structure to a curved structure across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; and

[0111] The additive is applied to the concave surface of the coiled material web having the aforementioned curved structure.

[0112] Example Ex2: The method of Example Ex1, wherein the additive is sprayed onto the concave surface.

[0113] Example Ex3: The method of Example Ex1, wherein the additive is coated onto the concave surface.

[0114] Example Ex4: The method of Example Ex1, wherein the additive is applied to the concave surface.

[0115] Example Ex5: The method of Example Ex1, wherein the additive is applied to the concave surface.

[0116] Example Ex6: The method of Example Ex1, wherein the additive is poured onto the concave surface.

[0117] Example Ex7: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the concave surface of the coiled material web faces upward, and wherein the additive is applied from above.

[0118] Example Ex8: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the concave surface of the web of the rolled material faces downward, and wherein the additive is applied from below.

[0119] Example Ex9: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein after the additive is applied, the coiled material web is further deformed into a strip or cylinder, wherein the concave surface faces inward.

[0120] Example Ex10: The method of Example Ex9, wherein the strip or cylinder is circumferentially wrapped by the packaging.

[0121] Example Ex11: The method of Example Ex10, wherein the wrapping strip or cylinder is then cut into individual wrapping elements across its length.

[0122] Example Ex12: The method of any of the preceding examples, wherein the curled material web comprises reconstituted tobacco.

[0123] Example Ex13: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the curled material web comprises a tobacco cast leaf.

[0124] Example Ex14: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the web of the curled material includes paper.

[0125] Example Ex15: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the crimped material web comprises cellulose acetate tow.

[0126] Example Ex16: The method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the web of the curled material comprises polylactic acid (PLA).

[0127] Example Ex17: A method of any of the preceding examples, wherein the coiled material web is fed through a guide device comprising a body portion having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface and a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface, wherein the body portion includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls; and the body portion includes a front surface that slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end, the front surface and the side surfaces opening outward from the top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guide surface, and wherein the coiled material web, as it passes through the guide device from the front end and through the partially cylindrical opening to the rear end, transitions from a substantially flat configuration at the bottom edge of the guide surface to a curved configuration conforming to the longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

[0128] Example Ex18: The method of Example Ex17, wherein the guiding surface has a triangular shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top.

[0129] Example Ex19: The method of Example Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the bottom edge of the guide surface is provided with a downwardly curved tongue portion, and wherein the curled material web passes over the tongue portion before passing over the guide surface.

[0130] Example Ex20: The method of Example Ex19, wherein the upper surface of the tongue portion is provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the curled material web and the tongue portion as the curled material web passes over the tongue portion.

[0131] Example Ex21: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex20, wherein the guide surface is provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the curled material web and the guide surface as the curled material web passes over the guide surface.

[0132] Example Ex22: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex21, wherein the partially cylindrical opening has a diameter that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis.

[0133] Example Ex23: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex21, wherein the partial cylindrical opening has a diameter that gradually decreases along the longitudinal axis from the front end to the rear end.

[0134] Example Ex24: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex23, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward along the longitudinal axis from the rear end toward the front end.

[0135] Example Ex25: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex23, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0136] Example Ex26: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex25, wherein the partially open top surface has an elongated open slot extending from the rear end to the front end.

[0137] Example Ex27: A method of Example Ex26 which is subordinate to Example Ex24 or Example Ex25, wherein the elongated open slot has a width that gradually increases from the rear end toward the front end.

[0138] Example Ex28: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex27, wherein the additive is applied to the web of the rolled material using an applicator.

[0139] Example Ex29: The method of Example Ex28, wherein the applicator includes at least one spray nozzle disposed at an open portion of the partially open top surface.

[0140] Example Ex30: The method of Example Ex28, wherein the applicator includes at least one spray nozzle disposed at the front end of the guide device, wherein the guide surface transitions into the partially cylindrical opening at the front end of the guide device.

[0141] Example Ex31: The method of any one of Examples Ex17 to Ex30, wherein the curled material web passes over a roller disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the guide surface, and wherein the roller guides the curled material web onto the guide surface.

[0142] Example Ex32: An apparatus for applying additives to a web of rolled material for use in aerosol-generating articles, the apparatus comprising:

[0143] A plurality of guides are provided for guiding the curled material web along a path having a width and a length, and the path being substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path.

[0144] At least one deforming element, the at least one deforming element being configured to deform the curled material web from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; and

[0145] An applicator configured to apply an additive to a concave surface of the coiled material web having the curved configuration.

[0146] Example Ex33: The device of Example Ex32, wherein the applicator is a spray applicator.

[0147] Example Ex34: The device of Example Ex32, wherein the applicator is a liquid applicator.

[0148] Example Ex35: The device of Example Ex32, wherein the applicator is a powder applicator.

[0149] Example Ex36: The device of Example Ex32, wherein the applicator is a solid applicator.

[0150] Example Ex37: An apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex36, wherein the at least one deformation element is configured to deform the coiled material web such that the concave surface of the coiled material web faces upward, and wherein the applicator is configured to apply the additive from above.

[0151] Example Ex38: An apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex36, wherein the at least one deformation element is configured to deform the coiled material web such that the concave surface of the coiled material web faces downward, and wherein the applicator is configured to apply the additive from below.

[0152] Example Ex39: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex38 further includes an aggregating member configured to aggregate the coiled material web and further deform it into a strip or cylinder after the additive is applied, wherein the concave surface faces inward.

[0153] Example Ex40: The device of Example Ex39 further includes a wrapping component configured to circumferentially wrap the strip or cylinder with a packaging material.

[0154] Example Ex41: The device of Example Ex40 also includes a cutting component configured to cut a wrapping strip or cylinder across its length into individual wrapping elements.

[0155] Example Ex42: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex41, wherein the curled material web comprises reconstituted tobacco.

[0156] Example Ex43: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex41, wherein the curled material web comprises tobacco cast leaves.

[0157] Example Ex44: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex41, wherein the web of the rolled material comprises paper.

[0158] Example Ex45: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex41, wherein the crimped material web comprises cellulose acetate tow.

[0159] Example Ex46: The apparatus of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex41, wherein the web of the rolled material comprises polylactic acid (PLA).

[0160] Example Ex47: A guiding device for shaping a web of coiled material, the guiding device comprising a main body having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface and a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface, wherein the main body includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls; and the main body includes a front surface that slopes downward from the partially open top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end, the front surface and the side surfaces opening outward from the partially open top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guiding surface configured to smoothly feed the web of coiled material into the partially cylindrical opening such that as the web of coiled material passes through the guiding device from the front end to the rear end, the web of coiled material transitions from a substantially flat construction to a curved construction conforming to the curved longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

[0161] Example Ex48: The guide device of Example Ex47, wherein the guide surface has a triangular shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top.

[0162] Example Ex49: The guide device of Example Ex47 or Ex48, wherein the bottom edge of the guide surface is provided with a downwardly curved tongue portion.

[0163] Example Ex50: The guide device of Example Ex49, wherein the upper surface of the tongue portion is provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the coiled material web and the tongue portion.

[0164] Example Ex51: A guide device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex50, wherein the guide surface is provided with a knurled or patterned surface to reduce friction between the rolled material web and the guide surface.

[0165] Example Ex52: A guide device of any of Examples Ex47 to Ex51, wherein the partially cylindrical opening has a substantially constant diameter along the longitudinal axis.

[0166] Example Ex53: A guide device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex51, wherein the partial cylindrical opening has a diameter that gradually decreases along the longitudinal axis from the front end to the rear end.

[0167] Example Ex54: A guide device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex53, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward along the longitudinal axis from the rear end toward the front end.

[0168] Example Ex55: The guiding device of Example Ex54, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface.

[0169] Example Ex56: A guide device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex55, wherein the partially open top surface has an elongated open slot extending from the rear end to the front end.

[0170] Example Ex57: A guide device for Example Ex56, which is subordinate to Example Ex54 or Ex55, wherein the elongated open slot has a width that gradually increases from the rear end toward the front end.

[0171] Example Ex58: A guide device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex57, wherein the guide device is made of metal, preferably of steel, and more preferably of stainless steel.

[0172] Example Ex59: A guiding device of any of Examples Ex47 to Ex58, which is combined with an applicator configured to apply an additive to the web of the rolled material.

[0173] Example Ex60: The guiding device of Example Ex59, wherein the applicator includes at least one spray nozzle disposed at an open portion of the partially open top surface.

[0174] Example Ex61: A guide device for Example Ex59, wherein the applicator includes at least one spray nozzle disposed at the front end of the guide device, wherein the guide surface transitions into the partially cylindrical opening at the front end of the guide device.

[0175] Example Ex62: A guiding device of any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex61, wherein the applicator is configured to spray the additive onto the curled material web when the curled material web is in the bending configuration.

[0176] Example Ex63: A guiding device of any of Examples Ex47 to Ex62, which is combined with a roller disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the guiding surface, wherein the roller is configured to guide the coiled material web onto the guiding surface.

[0177] Example Ex64: The device of any one of Examples Ex32 to Ex46, wherein the at least one deformable element includes the guiding device of any one of Examples Ex47 to Ex63. Attached Figure Description

[0178] The examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0179] Figure 1 A known device for forming filter strips from cellulose acetate tow is shown in schematic form;

[0180] Figure 2 It is shown in schematic form Figure 1 The forming funnel of the equipment;

[0181] Figure 3 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 1 The cross section “a”;

[0182] Figure 4 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 1 The cross section “b”;

[0183] Figure 5 A known apparatus for applying additives to a web of rolled material and wrapping the web of rolled material to form a strip is shown in schematic form;

[0184] Figure 6 It is shown in schematic form Figure 5 A pair of winding rollers of the equipment;

[0185] Figure 7 It is shown in schematic form by Figure 6 The web of curled material formed by the curling roller;

[0186] Figure 8 It is shown in schematic form in Figure 6 Uncurled material webs fed between the curling rollers;

[0187] Figure 9 It is shown in schematic form from Figure 6The web of curled material output between the curling rollers;

[0188] Figure 10 It is shown in schematic form Figure 5 Star-shaped and ring-shaped tools for equipment;

[0189] Figure 11 It is shown in schematic form Figure 10 The star-shaped and ring-shaped tools, in which the coiled material web passes over the star-shaped and ring-shaped tools;

[0190] Figures 12 to 14 It is shown in schematic form in Figure 5 The additive is applied to the convex surface of the material web in the equipment;

[0191] Figure 15 It is illustrated in schematic form by... Figure 5 The cross-section of the wrapping strip of the coiled material web manufactured by the equipment;

[0192] Figure 16 An apparatus for applying an additive to a web of rolled material and wrapping the web of rolled material to form a strip, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown in schematic form.

[0193] Figure 17 A web conveying guide according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in schematic form;

[0194] Figures 18 to 23 A web conveying guide according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in schematic form;

[0195] Figure 24 The combination with the additive applicator is shown in schematic form. Figures 18 to 23 Web material conveying guide;

[0196] Figure 25 The spray pattern of the additive applicator is shown schematically;

[0197] Figure 26 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 24 The cross section “d”;

[0198] Figure 27 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 24 The cross section “e”;

[0199] Figure 28 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 24 The cross section “f”;

[0200] Figure 29 The passage is shown schematically. Figure 24 The cross section “g”;

[0201] Figure 30 It is shown in schematic form Figure 16 Star-shaped and ring-shaped tools for equipment;

[0202] Figure 31 and 32 The additives are shown in schematic form. Figures 18 to 29 The material is applied to the concave upper surface of the material web in any of the devices shown in the figure.

[0203] Figure 33 It shows, in schematic form, the passage through by Figures 18 to 29 The cross-section of the wrapping strip of the rolled material web manufactured by the equipment in any of the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0204] Now for reference Figure 16 This illustrates an apparatus for applying additive 205 to a coiled material web 145 and wrapping the coiled material web to form a strip 200. The apparatus is generally similar to... Figure 5 The apparatus shown is modified, but with significant alterations, to allow for the proper distribution and convenient addition of additives to the web of coiled material 145 prior to the formation of the continuous strip 200. (See also...) Figure 5As shown, a material web 140 (which may be reconstituted tobacco, tobacco cast leaf, paper, cellulose acetate tow, PLA, or another suitable material) is unwound from a spool 141 and passes between a pair of crimping rollers 502, 503 to form a crimped material web 145. The material web 140 may have a width of 60 mm to 300 mm, preferably 80 mm to 200 mm, and most preferably 100 mm to 150 mm. The crimping rollers 502, 503 preferably have a width greater than that of the material web 140 (measured along their axis of rotation). The circumferential surfaces of the crimping rollers 502, 503 at their point of closure may be spaced apart from each other by 0.1 to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 to 0.9 mm, and most preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm. The crimped material web 145 may then pass over guide rollers 123, 124 and across the guide surface of the guide device 100, which will be described in more detail below. Guide rollers 123 and 124 facilitate the smooth guidance of the curled material web 145 onto the guide surface of the guide device 100. Guide rollers 123 and 124 may have a circumferential surface formed of an abrasion-resistant material, such as carbon fiber. Guide rollers 123 and 124 may have a vertical spacing between each other of 100 mm to 300 mm, preferably 150 mm to 250 mm, and most preferably 180 mm to 220 mm. Through the guide device 100, the curled material web 145 is deformed from a substantially flat planar configuration across its width into a curved concave configuration across its width, and additive 205 is applied by the applicator 121, for example, by spraying, onto the concave surface of the curled material web 145. Due to the concave curvature of the curled material web 145, the applicator 121 can be positioned closer to the curled material web 145 on the guide device 100, for example, at a spacing of approximately 100 mm, compared to prior art devices. This can help reduce overspraying and promote more uniform application of additive 205 on the surface of the coiled material web 145. The back cut chamber 120 may be provided with a base forming a drip tray, and a discharge port 122 may be provided in the base to allow removal of any excess or oversprayed additive 205 from the back cut chamber 120, thus preventing undesirable accumulation of additive 205 in the back cut chamber 120.

[0205] The curled material web 145 then passes under the star-shaped and annular tool 510 and through the forming funnel 404. The forming funnel 404 gathers the curled material web 145 into a clustered curled material web 150. Because the additive 205 has been applied to the concave surface of the curled material web 145, the additive will tend to concentrate more on the inside rather than the outside of the clustered curled material web 150 exiting from the forming funnel 404. The clustered curled material web 150 then travels through the forming region, where the annular forming belt 416 is driven by the forming roller 415 to travel through the upper surface of the forming bed 417. The forming belt 416 travels along a gradually deepening longitudinal groove in the forming bed 417 at the top of the forming region. The wrapping material 414, in the form of a strip, is unwound from the roll 413 and travels along the forming bed 417 on top of the forming belt 416, with the clustered curled material web 145 on top of the wrapping material belt 414. As the forming strip 416 travels along the gradually deepening groove toward the heating block 202, the forming strip 416 and the wrapping material strip 414 longitudinally wrap around the assembled coiled material web 145, wherein the wrapping material 414 seals around the assembled coiled material web 145 to form a continuous wrapping strip 200. The continuous wrapping strip 200 can then be cut into sections as needed.

[0206] Figure 17 An alternative simplified arrangement is shown, in which the curled material web 145 is deformed into a curved configuration across its width by passing through a first ring 600. The first ring 600 may be circular. The first ring 600 may be elliptical. The first ring 600 may be oval. The first ring 600 may have a track or stadium shape. The radius of curvature of the curled material web 145 can be controlled by adjusting the angle of the first ring 600 relative to the direction of travel of the curled material web 145. The applicator 121 is configured to apply additives ( Figure 17 (not shown) applied to the concave surface of the web 145 of the rolled material ( Figure 17 (Middle, upper surface). Optionally, a second ring 601 similar to the first ring 600 may be disposed downstream of the first ring 600, and this may help stabilize the coiled material web 145 before it enters the forming funnel 404.

[0207] Figures 18 to 23 It shows the applicability in Figure 16 Different views of the guide device 100 implemented in the device.

[0208] The guiding device 100 includes a main body portion having a front end 111, a rear end 112, a solid bottom surface 113, a first solid side surface 114, a second solid side surface 116, and a partially open top surface 117. The main body portion includes a partially cylindrical opening 105 having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end 112 to the front end 111. The partially cylindrical opening 105 has curved longitudinal walls. The main body portion also includes a front surface that slopes downward from the partially open top surface 117 to the bottom surface 113 in a direction toward the front end 111. The front surface and side surfaces 114, 116 flare outward from the partially open top surface 117 toward the bottom surface 113 to define a guiding surface 110. The guiding surface 110 is configured to guide a coiled material web 145 (… Figures 18 to 23 (Not shown) The material is smoothly fed into the partially cylindrical opening 105, such that as the coiled material web 145 passes through the guide device 100 from the front end 111 to the rear end 112, the coiled material web 145 transitions from a substantially flat construction to a curved construction conforming to the curved longitudinal wall of the partially cylindrical opening 105. In this way, as the coiled material web 145 passes through the guide device 100, the coiled material web 145 transitions from a substantially flat planar construction to a substantially semi-cylindrical construction, so that the additive can be effectively applied to the concave surface of the coiled material web 145 by the applicator 121.

[0209] The guide surface 110 has a triangular shape that is wider at the bottom than at the top. The bottom edge of the guide surface 110 may be provided with a downwardly curved tongue portion 115.

[0210] The upper surface of the tongue portion 115 can be provided with, for example, Figure 20 The knurled or patterned surface shown is used to reduce friction between the rolled material web 145 and the tongue portion 115. The guide surface 110 may be provided with, for example... Figure 20 The knurled or patterned surface shown is used to reduce friction between the rolled material web 145 and the guide surface 110. This can help increase production speed by allowing the rolled material web 145 to travel across the guide surface 110 at speeds ranging from 50 m / min to 500 m / min, preferably from 80 m / min to 120 m / min.

[0211] The partially cylindrical opening 105 may have a diameter that is substantially constant along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the partially cylindrical opening 105 may have a diameter that gradually decreases along the longitudinal axis from the front end 111 to the rear end 112.

[0212] The partially open top surface 117 can slope downwards along the longitudinal axis from the rear end 112 toward the front end 111. The partially open top surface 117 can slope downwards from the rear end 112 toward the front end 111 at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downwards from the top surface 117 toward the bottom surface 113.

[0213] like Figure 20 As shown, the partially open top surface 117 may have an elongated open slot 118 extending from the rear end 112 to the front end 111. The elongated open slot 118 may have a width that gradually increases from the rear end 112 toward the front end 111.

[0214] The guide device 100 may be made of metal, preferably steel, more preferably stainless steel.

[0215] Figure 23 A plan view of an exemplary guide device 100 with indicated dimensions is shown.

[0216] The width L5 of the elongated open groove 118 at its widest point can be 25 mm to 200 mm, preferably 50 mm to 150 mm, and most preferably 75 mm to 85 mm.

[0217] The length L6 of the partially open top surface 117 from the rear end 112 to the top of the guide surface 110 can be 100 mm to 400 mm, preferably 150 mm to 300 mm, and most preferably 175 mm to 225 mm.

[0218] The total length L7 of the guide device 100 from the rear end 112 to the front end 111 can be 200 mm to 700 mm, preferably 400 mm to 500 mm, and most preferably 425 mm to 475 mm.

[0219] The width L8 of the bottom edge of the guide surface 110 can be 75 mm to 350 mm, preferably 190 mm to 270 mm, and most preferably 210 mm to 250 mm.

[0220] Figure 24 A plan view of the guide device 100 combined with the applicator 121 is shown. The applicator 121 is positioned above or within the elongated open slot 118 toward the front end 111 of the guide device. In this position, the applicator 121 is able to apply additive to the concave surface of the coiled material web 145 as it enters the longitudinal opening 105 of the guide device 100. The material web 140 is also shown unwound from the material web roll 141 and passes between the coiling rollers 502 to form the coiled material web 145. The coiled material web 145 enters the rear cutting chamber 120 and passes over the roller 123 before sliding through the tongue portion 115 and the guide surface 110 of the guide device 100.

[0221] Figure 25 An exemplary spray pattern is shown for an applicator 121 configured to spray additive 205 onto a concave curved surface of a rolled material web 145. The spray pattern extends across the concave curved surface of the rolled material web 145 in both the width and length directions. In the illustrated example, the spray pattern has a star-shaped configuration, sprayed along eight rays from a central point. In other examples, the spray pattern may have four, six, ten, or twelve rays, or any number of rays, depending on the situation. Other spray patterns may be used.

[0222] Figures 26 to 29 They are respectively along Figure 24 The cross-sectional views taken by lines “d”, “e”, “f” and “g” show the gradually increasing concave curvature of the coiled material web 145 as it passes over and through the guide device 100. Figure 28 It shows in Figure 24 The additive 205 is sprayed onto the concave surface of the coiled material web 145 at the line "f" using the applicator 121.

[0223] Figure 30 Showing more details Figure 16 The star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510. The star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510, including the star-shaped portion 512 and the ring-shaped portion 511, is similar to... Figure 10 and 11 The star-shaped and ring-shaped tool 510 is shown. However, in Figure 16 In the device, the coiled material web 145 passes below rather than above the star and ring tools 510 in its curved configuration.

[0224] Figure 31 and 32 The additive 205 is shown in schematic form being applied by the applicator 121 to the concave surface of the coiled material web 145. Figure 31 and 32 Can be with Figure 13 and 14 This contrasts with the prior art arrangement shown. Besides reducing the risk of over-spraying, applying additive 205 to the concave surface of the coiled material web 145 means that the surface of the coiled material web 145 with additive 205 will form the internal portion of the resulting strip consumable 200 after aggregation and wrapping, as... Figure 33As shown in the diagram, because additive 205 is applied to the concave surface of the coiled material web 145, a relatively high concentration of additive 205 tends to be present on the inner surface of the aggregated and shaped coiled material web 150 after passing through the forming funnel 404 and the forming area. Therefore, the resulting strip consumable 200 will comprise a strip core of aggregated and shaped coiled material 150 within a circumferential package 414, wherein the outer ring 153 has a low or essentially no concentration of additive 205 and the inner core 154 has a higher concentration of additive 205. The lower concentration of additive 205 in the outer ring 153 means a lower risk of additive migration through the circumferential package 414 and reduces or eliminates undesirable staining.

[0225] 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 that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be 5% of A ± A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for 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 percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. A method for applying an additive to a web of rolled material for use in aerosol-generating articles, wherein: The coiled material web has a width and a length; The curled material web travels along a path that is substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path; The curled material web deforms from a substantially flat structure to a curved structure across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; and The additive is applied to the concave surface of the coiled material web having the aforementioned curved structure.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the concave surface of the web of the coiled material faces upward, and wherein the additive is applied from above.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after the additive is applied, the coiled material web is further deformed into a strip or cylinder, wherein the concave surface faces inward.

4. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the coiled material web is fed through a guiding device comprising a main body having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface and a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface, wherein the main body includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls; and the main body includes a front surface that slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end, the front surface and the side surfaces opening outward from the top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guiding surface, and wherein the coiled material web, as it passes through the guiding device from the front end and through the partially cylindrical opening to the rear end, transitions from a substantially flat configuration at the bottom edge of the guiding surface to a curved configuration conforming to the longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the partially open top surface has an elongated open groove extending from the rear end to the front end.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the additive is applied to the web of the rolled material by an applicator, and wherein the applicator comprises at least one spray nozzle disposed at the front end of the guide device, wherein at the front end of the guide device, the guide surface transitions into the partially cylindrical opening.

8. An apparatus for applying an additive to a web of rolled material for use in an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: A plurality of guides are provided for guiding the curled material web along a path having a width and a length, and the path being substantially parallel to the length of the curled material web at any given point along the path. At least one deforming element, the at least one deforming element being configured to deform the curled material web from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration across the width of the curled material web at least a portion of the path; as well as An applicator configured to apply an additive to a concave surface of the coiled material web having the curved configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one deformation element is configured to deform the coiled material web such that the concave surface of the coiled material web faces upward, and wherein the applicator is configured to apply the additive from above.

10. A guiding device for shaping a web of coiled material, the guiding device comprising a main body having a front end, a rear end, a solid bottom surface, a first solid side surface and a second solid side surface, and a partially open top surface, wherein the main body includes a partially cylindrical opening having a longitudinal axis extending from the rear end to the front end, the partially cylindrical opening having curved longitudinal walls; and the main body includes a front surface that slopes downward from the partially open top surface to the bottom surface in a direction toward the front end, the front surface and the side surfaces opening outward from the partially open top surface toward the bottom surface to define a guiding surface configured to smoothly feed the web of coiled material into the partially cylindrical opening such that as the web of coiled material passes through the guiding device from the front end to the rear end, the web of coiled material transitions from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration conforming to the curved longitudinal walls of the partially cylindrical opening.

11. The guiding device of claim 10, wherein the partially open top surface slopes downward along the longitudinal axis from the rear end toward the front end at an angle smaller than the angle at which the front surface slopes downward from the top surface to the bottom surface.

12. The guiding device according to claim 10 or 11, which is combined with an applicator configured to apply an additive to the web of the coiled material.

13. The guiding device of claim 12, wherein the applicator includes at least one spray nozzle disposed at a front end of the guiding device, wherein at the front end of the guiding device, the guiding surface transitions into the partially cylindrical opening.

14. The guiding device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the applicator is configured to spray the additive onto the curled material web when the curled material web is in the bending configuration.

15. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one deformable element comprises a guiding device according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

Images