Coiling roller with an increased number of interruption gaps

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plug (33) forming part of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising supplying a sheet along the longitudinal axis of the sheet to a set of winding rollers, and forming a wound sheet (8) by winding the sheet, the wound sheet including a plurality of corrugated regions and a plurality of interruption bands (26), wherein in the corrugated regions the wound sheet comprises a plurality of corrugated shapes (16) extending in the longitudinal axis direction, and in the interruption bands the wound sheet either does not include a corrugated shape or includes a corrugated shape having a smaller corrugation amplitude compared to the corrugated shapes within the corrugated regions, the interruption bands and the corrugated regions being arranged alternately, each interruption band of the plurality of interruption bands including a leading portion (27) and a trailing portion (28), the leading portion being arranged at a different position with respect to the longitudinal axis than the trailing portion, forming; collecting the wound sheets to form an assembly (31) of sheets; and forming a plug from the assembly of sheets, wherein in the wound sheet the distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the longitudinal axis direction is smaller than half the length of the plug in the longitudinal axis direction, forming. The present invention further relates to the use of a plug, winding rollers, and interrupted circumferential ridges on the winding rollers for forming part of an aerosol-generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article, a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article, a crimping roller, and the use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller to form a plurality of interrupted crimped waveform shapes on a sheet before forming a plug from the sheet.

Background Art

[0002] WO 2018 / 189325 discloses a crimping roller having a waveform shape with inclined interrupted bands. EP 3214959 discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing a crimped web.

[0003] There is a need to improve the strength, particularly the tensile strength, of the crimped sheet material. There is also a need to prevent the release of loose particles of a substance, particularly an aerosol generating substrate, from an assembly of crimped sheets. There is also a need to control the draw resistance value of the crimped sheet material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article is provided. The sheet is supplied to a set of winding rollers along the longitudinal axis of the sheet. The sheet is wound to form a wound sheet. The wound sheet includes a plurality of corrugated regions and a plurality of interruption bands. In the corrugated regions, the wound sheet includes a plurality of corrugated shapes extending in the longitudinal axis direction. In the interruption bands, the wound sheet either does not include a corrugated shape or includes a corrugated shape with a smaller corrugation amplitude compared to the corrugated shapes within the corrugated regions. The interruption bands and the corrugated regions are arranged alternately. Each interruption band of the plurality of interruption bands includes a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion is arranged at a different position with respect to the longitudinal axis direction than the trailing portion. The leading portion and the trailing portion may be arranged on both sides of the wound sheet with respect to the width of the sheet. The wound sheets are gathered to form an assembly of sheets. The plug is formed from the assembly of sheets. In the wound sheet, the distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the longitudinal axis direction is smaller than half the length of the plug in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0006] The plug may mainly extend in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0007] A wound sheet may be formed, and a surface pattern having a specific distribution of corrugated regions and non-corrugated or less corrugated regions may be created thereon to form a winding pattern. The winding pattern may make it possible to maintain good overall tensile strength of the sheet and may also prevent flyout.

[0008] The plurality of corrugated shapes within the corrugated regions may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis direction.

[0009] The term "sheet" may refer to a thin, layer-like element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. The term "corrugated shape" may refer to a plurality of substantially parallel ridges. The corrugated shape may have a rectangular wave profile, a sine wave profile, a triangular wave profile, a sawtooth wave profile, or any combination thereof. The term "crimped sheet" may refer to a sheet having a plurality of corrugated shapes. The term "assembly" may mean that the sheet is folded or otherwise compressed or shrunk substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] Crimping may be different from embossing. Embossing may refer to forming a depression on the surface of an element by pressing an external object against the surface of the element. In crimping, the sheet material may be pressed against the ridges, or the ridges may be pressed against the sheet material. Pressure may be applied to the sheet material such that the sheet material can bend over the ridges. As a result, the sheet material may break and open on the opposite side of each ridge.

[0011] The corrugation amplitude may refer to the height of the corrugated shape, particularly the distance by which the corrugated shape protrudes from the remainder of the sheet. The corrugation amplitude may refer to the distance between the peak of the corrugated shape and the base of the corrugated shape.

[0012] The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands may be defined as the distance from the edge of the first interrupted band to the edge of the second interrupted band, particularly the distance adjacent to the first interruption.

[0013] The waveform region can define channels within the plug. The channels may extend in the major axis direction. The interruption bands can prevent loose pieces of the aerosol-generating substrate from flying out of the channels during the manufacture of the plug or the transport. By having interruption bands with a distance between two adjacent interruption bands that is less than half of the plug length, fragments of the aerosol-generating substrate on both ends of the plug can be prevented from flying out. By having interruption bands with a distance between two adjacent interruption bands that is less than half of the plug length, the shape of the plug can be improved and the surface of the plug can be made more uniform. The crimped material may be assembled more easily and more uniformly. Also, the strength of the crimped material, particularly the tensile strength, can be increased. This can improve the formation of air passages or air channels within the plug. This can result in an improvement in the draw resistance value of the plug. This can provide a balance between the improved channel formation in the crimped sheet and the plug, as well as the improved tensile strength of the crimped sheet and the plug.

[0014] A continuously coiled sheet without interruption bands may have a relatively low tensile strength because the coiled waveform shape weakens the sheet material. This can cause problems when the coiled sheet is transported from the coiling roller to the wrapping tool or the assembly tool. In the region of the interruption bands, the sheet may not be coiled or may be less coiled, and thus the material becomes weaker, leading to a higher tensile strength compared to the coiled regions. However, the thickness of the sheet material in the region of the interruption bands may be greater because it is not coiled or is less coiled. This can cause problems when the coiled sheets are assembled. For example, when the coiled sheets are assembled, the uncoiled or less coiled regions may interfere with the parallel alignment of the channels formed in the coiled material and may also add randomness to the channel alignment. Such randomness can make the hydrodynamics in the plug unpredictable and thus result in an undesirable draw resistance value. This can also complicate the insertion of the heating element into the plug. Bringing the intervals of the interruption bands closer to each other may create a more uniform distribution between the interruption bands and the coiled regions. Therefore, the tensile strength of the coiled sheet may increase, and the disorder in the channel alignment may be less when the coiled sheets are assembled. This may lead to an improvement in the draw resistance value of the completed plug.

[0015] Having an interruption band with a leading portion and a trailing portion, when the leading portion is arranged at a different position from the trailing portion with respect to the major axis direction, an inclined interruption band can occur. The inclined interruption band can improve the shape of the plug, and the surface of the plug can become more uniform. The interruption band may be inclined with respect to the major axis direction. The interruption band may be inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the major axis direction.

[0016] The leading portion and the trailing portion may be arranged adjacent to the opposing edges of the rolled sheet with respect to the width of the rolled sheet. The leading portion may be arranged on the first side surface of the rolled sheet. The trailing portion may be arranged on the second side surface of the rolled sheet. The first side surface may be arranged on one end of the extension of the rolled sheet perpendicular to the major axis direction. The first side surface may be arranged on the other end of the extension of the rolled sheet perpendicular to the major axis direction.

[0017] Each interruption band may extend mainly along the main path, which is called the primary extension of the interruption band. The secondary extension of the interruption band may be the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0018] Each main path, also called the main route, may start at a path starting point adjacent to the first side surface. The main path may end at a path ending point adjacent to the second side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface may be arranged on both sides with respect to the width of the rolled sheet. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path starting point to the path ending point. The main path may have a zigzag shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may extend mainly in the same direction.

[0019] The distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands may be less than one-third of the length of the plug in the major axis direction. The distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands may be less than one-fourth or one-fifth of the length of the plug in the major axis direction. Reducing the distance in the major axis direction between adjacent interruption bands can provide better protection against fly-out from the aerosol generating substrate, make the surface of the plug more uniform, and increase the strength, especially the tensile strength, of the rolled material. This can also result in an improvement in the pull-out resistance value of the plug. The rolled sheet may also be assembled more easily and uniformly.

[0020] At least three, at least four, or at least five interrupted bands may be formed in the sheet over a longitudinal distance equal to the length of the longitudinal plug.

[0021] The step of forming a plug from the sheet assembly may include the step of forming a rod from the sheet assembly and the step of cutting the rod to form a plug. It may be more efficient to first form a long rod and then cut the rod into a plurality of plugs. Thereby, the throughput can be increased.

[0022] Cutting the rod to form a plug may include two to five, preferably four cutting steps. The rod may be cut into two to sixteen, preferably four to eight plugs. The rod may be cut into a plurality of substantially uniform plugs. Forming a plurality of plugs from one rod can increase manufacturing efficiency.

[0023] The plug may be a filter for an aerosol generating article. The plug may be used to form or contain an aerosol generating substrate.

[0024] The crimped sheet may be cut to a predetermined length before assembling the crimped sheets to form a sheet assembly. The corrugated shape may be formed on a continuous sheet to form a continuous crimped sheet. The continuous crimped sheet may be cut to a predetermined length before assembling the sheets. Cutting the sheet to a predetermined length may facilitate the assembly of the sheets.

[0025] The plurality of interrupted bands may be evenly spaced from each other. This can provide better protection against flyout from the aerosol generating substrate, make the surface of the rod more uniform, increase the strength, especially the tensile strength, of the crimped material. This can also result in an improvement in the draw resistance value of the rod. The crimped sheets may also be assembled more easily and more uniformly.

[0026] The angle between the extension of the interruption band within the curled sheet and the major axis direction may be from 70 degrees to 90 degrees, particularly from 75 degrees to 85 degrees, and particularly about 84 degrees.

[0027] The interruption band may be inclined with respect to the major axis direction. The inclination of the interruption band may vary along the extension of the interruption band. The interruption band may be inclined in two opposite directions with respect to the major axis direction. The indication of the value of the inclination of the interruption band may vary along the extension of the interruption band. For example, the interruption band may have a chevron shape, a diamond shape, or a triangular shape. This means that the width of the interruption band may vary along the extension of the interruption band. The interruption band may be curved. The interruption band may have a wave shape. The indication of the value of the inclination of the interruption band may vary multiple times along the extension of the interruption band.

[0028] The leading portion of the interruption band may be in front of the subsequent portion of the interruption band with respect to the major axis direction. The interruption band may include two or more leading portions. The interruption band may include two or more subsequent portions.

[0029] The interruption band may extend at an angle greater than 60 degrees with respect to the major axis direction. At least three interruption bands may intersect a straight line across the sheet perpendicular to the major axis direction.

[0030] The interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The channels formed by the waveform shape within the curled sheet may have substantially the same length.

[0031] The extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction may be from 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly from 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, and particularly about 3.5 millimeters. Such values may be sufficient to interrupt the channels inside the curled sheet. Such values may be optimal for improving the pull-out resistance value of the plug. Such values may be optimal for improving the shape of the plug.

[0032] The interruption bandwidth may be an extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands and the interruption bandwidth may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2. Such values may be sufficient to interrupt the channels inside the crimped sheet. Such values may be optimal for improving the pull-out resistance value of the plug. Such values may be optimal for improving the shape of the plug. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands and the interruption bandwidth may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands and the interruption bandwidth may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0033] The interruption bandwidth may be constant within the interruption band. All interruption bands may have the same interruption bandwidth. The interruption bandwidth may vary within the interruption band. The interruption bandwidth may vary between different interruption bands. All interruption bands may have the same shape.

[0034] The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction.

[0035] The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be less than 6 millimeters. The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be less than 6 millimeters and less than half of the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0036] The crimped sheet width may be an extension of the crimped sheet orthogonal to the major axis direction. The interruption bands may be discontinuous across the crimped sheet width. The interruption bands may be interrupted by the interruption band interval. The interruption band interval between two adjacent interruption bands may be arranged offset with respect to the direction orthogonal to the major axis direction. This can ensure that interrupted channels are formed in the crimped sheet. A plurality of interruption bands may be discontinuous across the crimped sheet width.

[0037] The length of the plug in the major axis direction may be 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, particularly 7 millimeters to 17 millimeters, and particularly about 12 millimeters. A plug having such a length may be used in a cigarette. A plug having such a length may be used in an aerosol-generating article for an electronic smoking device.

[0038] The sheet width may be an extension of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the major axis direction. The sheet width may be 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters, particularly about 11 centimeters. Such a sheet width can result in a plug of a desired diameter, particularly for use in an aerosol-generating article.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plug for forming a part of an aerosol-generating article is provided. The plug may be formed using the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The plug extends in the major axis direction. The plug includes an assembly of sheets. The assembly of sheets may include a plurality of corrugated lines extending in the major axis direction. At least one of the plurality of corrugated lines is interrupted at least three times in the major axis direction by an interruption band.

[0040] Such a configuration of the interrupted corrugated line provides better protection against the fly-out of the aerosol-generating substrate within the plug, can make the surface of the plug more uniform, and can increase the strength of the plug, particularly the tensile strength. This can also result in an improvement in the pull-out resistance value of the plug. The sheets may also be assembled more easily and more uniformly.

[0041] At least one of the plurality of corrugated lines may be interrupted at least four times in the major axis direction by an interruption band.

[0042] All of the plurality of corrugated lines may be interrupted at least twice or at least three times in the major axis direction by an interruption band.

[0043] The interruption band may be a flat section or a section having a waveform shape with a smaller waveform amplitude compared to the remaining part of the wavy line.

[0044] The wavy line may be a substantially straight waveform shape or a bulge. The interruption band may be a region where the wavy line has a lower waveform amplitude compared to the remaining part of the wavy line. The interruption band may be a non-waveform region.

[0045] The interruption band may be inclined with respect to the major axis direction. The angle between the extension of the interruption band in the sheet assembly and the major axis direction may be 70 degrees to 90 degrees, particularly 75 degrees to 85 degrees, particularly about 84 degrees. The angle may refer to the angle on the curled sheet before the sheets are assembled. The interruption band may be inclined with respect to the direction orthogonal to the major axis direction.

[0046] Each interruption band may include a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion may be arranged at a position different from that of the trailing portion with respect to the major axis direction. Each interruption band may have two or more trailing portions. Each interruption band may have two or more leading portions.

[0047] The leading portion and the trailing portion may be arranged adjacent to the opposing edges of the sheet assembly with respect to the width of the sheet assembly. The leading portion and the trailing portion may be arranged adjacent to the opposing edges of the curled sheet with respect to the width of the curled sheet before the sheets are assembled. The leading portion may be arranged on the first side surface of the curled sheet. The trailing portion may be arranged on the second side surface of the curled sheet. The first side surface may be arranged on one end of the extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the major axis direction. The first side surface may be arranged on the other end of the extension of the curled sheet orthogonal to the major axis direction.

[0048] Each interruption band may mainly extend along the main path, which is called the primary extension of the interruption band. The secondary extension of the interruption band may be the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption bands may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0049] Each main path, also called the main route, may start at a path start point adjacent to the first side. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to the second side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on both sides with respect to the width of the sheet or the assembly of the rolled sheets. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a zigzag shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may mainly extend in the same direction.

[0050] The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction.

[0051] The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands to the interruption band width may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0052] The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be less than 6 millimeters. The distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the major axis direction may be less than 6 millimeters and less than half of the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0053] The extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction may be from 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly from 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, and particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0054] The plug may be a filter for an aerosol-generating article. The plug may be used to form or contain an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a coiling roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending axially is provided. The coiling roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each circumferential ridge has a first ridge amplitude and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The interruption gap width is the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction of the coiling roller. The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps is smaller than the interruption gap width.

[0056] The interruption gaps may extend across the plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may extend across the plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0057] The circumferential ridges may form a pattern of ridges and valleys on the circumferential surface of the coiling roller. On the deployed circumferential surface of the coiling roller, the circumferential ridges may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0058] The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps may be the circumferential distance between the edge of the first interruption gap and the edge of the second interruption gap, and particularly may be adjacent to the first interruption gap.

[0059] Each interruption gap may extend mainly along a main path, which is referred to as the primary extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0060] Each main path, also referred to as the main route, may start at a path start point adjacent to the first side surface of the winding roller. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to the second side surface of the winding roller. The first side surface and the second side surface may be disposed on opposite side surfaces with respect to the axial direction of the winding roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a chevron shape. The main path may have a triangular shape.

[0061] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction.

[0062] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 millimeters.

[0063] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction may be 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0064] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a winding roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction is provided. The winding roller includes a plurality of circumferential ridges, each ridge having a first ridge amplitude, and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps is less than 6 millimeters.

[0066] The circumferential distance between two interruption gaps may be the circumferential distance between the edge of the first interruption gap and the edge of the second interruption gap, and may particularly be adjacent to the first interruption gap.

[0067] The interruption gaps may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may extend across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0068] The circumferential ridges may form a pattern of ridges and valleys on the circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0069] On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the circumferential ridges may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the circumferential ridges may be inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0070] On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the interruption gaps may be inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface, each interruption gap may mainly extend along a main path, which is also called the primary extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be an extension of the circumferential interruption gap. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0071] Each main path, also called the main route, may start at a path start point adjacent to the first side surface of the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to the second side surface of the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller. The first side surface and the second side surface may be arranged on the side surfaces facing each other with respect to the axial direction of the winding roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a mountain shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All the main paths may be parallel to each other. All the main paths may mainly extend in the same direction.

[0072] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction.

[0073] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 millimeters.

[0074] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction may be 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0075] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0076] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a winding roller adapted to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction is provided. The winding roller includes a plurality of circumferential ridges, each ridge having a first ridge amplitude and a plurality of interruption gaps. In the interruption gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude. The second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The interruption gaps extend at an angle of less than 30 degrees, particularly 1 degree to 30 degrees, with respect to the axial direction. At least three interruption gaps intersect a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0077] The angle of the interruption gap with respect to the axial direction may be measured on the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0078] At least four interruption gaps may intersect a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0079] The interruption gaps may extend across the plurality of circumferential ridges. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may extend across the plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0080] Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may extend across the circumferential surface of the winding roller. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may extend axially across the entire circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0081] Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined with respect to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined with respect to the axial direction. Each of the plurality of interruption gaps may be inclined at an angle of 1 degree to 20 degrees, particularly 5 degrees to 15 degrees, particularly about 6 degrees with respect to the axial direction.

[0082] The angle between the interruption gap and the axial direction may be 1 degree to 20 degrees, particularly 5 degrees to 15 degrees, particularly about 6 degrees.

[0083] The angle may be measured on the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0084] The inclination of the interruption gap with respect to the axial direction may vary along the extension of the interruption gap. The inclination of the interruption gap with respect to the axial direction may change the direction along the extension of the interruption gap. For example, the interruption gap may be in a chevron shape. The interruption gap may be in a diamond shape or a triangular shape. This means that the width of the interruption gap may vary along the extension of the interruption gap. The interruption gap may be curved. The interruption gap may have a wave shape.

[0085] Each interruption gap may mainly extend along the main path, which is called the primary extension of the interruption gap. The secondary extension of the interruption gap may be the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interruption gaps may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0086] Each main path, also called the main route, may start at a path start point adjacent to the first side surface of the winding roller. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to the second side surface of the winding roller. The first side surface and the second side surface may be disposed on opposite side surfaces with respect to the axial direction of the winding roller. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a chevron shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may mainly extend in the same direction.

[0087] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be greater than the extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction.

[0088] The distance between two adjacent interruption gaps in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 millimeters.

[0089] The extension of the interruption gap in the circumferential direction may be 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0090] The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the circumferential distance between two adjacent interruption gaps to the interruption gap width may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0091] The circumferential ridge may form a pattern of ridges and valleys on the circumferential surface of the winding roller.

[0092] The ridge may extend substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the winding roller. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the circumferential ridge may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. On the unfolded circumferential surface of the winding roller, the circumferential ridge may be inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0093] The crimping roller may have 45 to 65 interruption gaps, particularly 50 to 60 interruption gaps, and particularly about 54 interruption gaps.

[0094] The interruption bands may be substantially equidistant around the circumferential surface of the crimping roller with gaps therebetween. The interruption gaps may be parallel to each other.

[0095] The difference between the first bulge amplitude and the second bulge amplitude may be 0.3 millimeter to 1 millimeter, particularly about 0.3 millimeter. The first bulge amplitude may be 0.5 millimeter to 1.5 millimeter, particularly about 1 millimeter. The second bulge amplitude may be 0 millimeter to 1.2 millimeter, particularly about 0.7 millimeter.

[0096] The apparatus for crimping a sheet may include a first crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention and a second crimping roller adapted to rotate about a second axis of rotation. The second crimping roller may have a plurality of circumferential bulges.

[0097] The first crimping roller and the second crimping roller may rotate or may be configured to rotate at different rotations. The axis of rotation of the first crimping roller and the second axis of rotation may be parallel to each other.

[0098] The circumferential bulges of the second crimping roller may extend continuously around the second crimping roller. The second crimping roller may not have interruption gaps.

[0099] The circumferential bulges of the first crimping roller may form a pattern of bulges and valleys. The circumferential bulges of the second crimping roller may form a pattern of bulges and valleys. The pattern of bulges and valleys of the second crimping roller may be axially offset from the pattern of bulges and valleys of the first crimping roller such that the bulges of the first crimping roller may be aligned with the valleys of the second crimping roller, and vice versa.

[0100] The circumferential ridges of the first crimping roller and the circumferential ridges of the second crimping roller may overlap each other by 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeter, particularly about 0.2 millimeter, in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the first crimping roller. Therefore, a difference of 0.2 millimeter, preferably 0.3 millimeter, between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude may be sufficient to not form a corrugated shape on the sheet in the region of the interruption gap. The difference between the first ridge amplitude and the second ridge amplitude may be selected based on the overlap of the circumferential ridges of the first crimping roller and the circumferential ridges of the second crimping roller.

[0101] The sheet may be moved through the gap between the first crimping roller and the second crimping roller. The sheet may be bent over the circumferential ridges of the first crimping roller and the circumferential ridges of the second crimping roller. Thereby, the sheet may crack on the opposite side of each circumferential ridge to form a corrugated shape. In the region of the interruption gap, the circumferential ridge of the first crimping roller may not overlap the circumferential ridge of the second crimping roller so that the sheet does not bend within this region. Therefore, the sheet may not crack open and may remain without a corrugated shape in this region.

[0102] The aerosol generating article manufacturing machine may comprise a crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention, or a device for crimping a sheet according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0103] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller is provided to form a plurality of interrupted crimped corrugated shapes on a sheet before forming a plug from the sheet. The crimped corrugated shapes extend in the longitudinal axis direction of the sheet. The distance between two interruptions in the longitudinally crimped corrugated shape is less than half the length of the rod in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0104] The plug may be cut from a rod formed from a sheet having a plurality of interrupted crimped corrugated shapes.

[0105] The distance between two interruptions in the crimped waveform shape in the major axis direction may be less than one-third of the length of the rod in the major axis direction.

[0106] Interrupt bands may be formed by the interruptions of adjacent crimped waveform shapes. The interrupt bands may extend across the entire width of the sheet.

[0107] The interrupt bands may be inclined with respect to the major axis direction. The angle between the extension of the interrupt band and the major axis direction may be 70 degrees to 90 degrees, particularly 75 degrees to 85 degrees, particularly about 84 degrees. The interrupt bands may be inclined with respect to the direction orthogonal to the major axis direction.

[0108] Each interrupt band may mainly extend along the main path, which is called the primary extension of the interrupt band. The secondary extension of the interrupt band may be the extension of the interrupt band in the major axis direction. The direction of the primary extension may be different from the direction of the secondary extension. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interrupt bands may be parallel to each other. The corresponding main paths of adjacent interrupt bands may be offset by a distance in the major axis direction.

[0109] Each main path, also called the main route, may start at a path start point adjacent to the first side. The main path may end at a path end point adjacent to the second side. The first side and the second side may be arranged on both sides with respect to the width of the crimped sheet. The direction of the main path may change along its extension from the path start point to the path end point. The main path may have a mountain shape. The main path may have a triangular shape. All main paths may be parallel to each other. All main paths may mainly extend in the same direction.

[0110] The distance between two adjacent interrupt bands in the major axis direction may be greater than the extension of the interrupt band in the major axis direction.

[0111] The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the circumferential direction may be less than 6 millimeters. The distance between two adjacent interrupted bands in the major axis direction is less than 6 millimeters, and may be less than half, of the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0112] The extension of the interrupted band in the circumferential direction may be 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, and particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0113] The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interrupted bands to the interrupted band width may be 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, and particularly about 2. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interrupted bands to the interrupted band width may be 0.5 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3 to 5. The ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interrupted bands to the interrupted band width may be 0.5 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, or 4 to 5.

[0114] The method of the first aspect of the present invention can be carried out using a crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention. The method of the first aspect of the present invention can be used to manufacture a plug according to the second aspect of the present invention. The plug according to the second aspect of the present invention can be manufactured using a crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention, or by using the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention can be used using the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention. The crimping roller according to the third, fourth, or fifth aspect of the present invention can be used to manufacture a plug according to the second aspect of the present invention. The use of the interrupted circumferential ridges of the crimping roller according to the sixth aspect of the present invention can be implemented using a crimping roller according to the third, fifth, and fourth aspects of the present invention, or by using the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0115]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0116] [Examples] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0117] Example 1: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising supplying a sheet to a set of winding rollers along the longitudinal axis of the sheet and forming a wound sheet by winding the sheet, the wound sheet including a plurality of corrugated regions and a plurality of interruption bands, in the corrugated regions, the wound sheet includes a plurality of corrugated shapes extending in the longitudinal axis direction, and in the interruption bands, the wound sheet either does not include a corrugated shape or includes a corrugated shape having a smaller corrugation amplitude compared to the corrugated shapes in the corrugated regions, the interruption bands and the corrugated regions are arranged alternately, each interruption band of the plurality of interruption bands includes a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion is arranged at a position different from the trailing portion with respect to the longitudinal axis direction, collecting the wound sheets to form an assembly of sheets, forming a plug from the assembly of sheets, and in the wound sheet, the distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the longitudinal axis direction is smaller than half the length of the plug in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0118] Example 2: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to Example 1, wherein the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interrupted bands is less than one third of the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0119] Example 3: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to Example 1, wherein the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interrupted bands is less than one quarter or one fifth of the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0120] Example 4: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein at least three, at least four, or at least five interrupted bands are formed in the sheet over a distance in the major axis direction equal to the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0121] Example 5: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the step of forming a plug from an assembly of sheets includes the step of forming a rod from the assembly of sheets and the step of cutting the rod to form a plug.

[0122] Example 6: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to Example 5, wherein cutting the rod to form a plug includes two to five, preferably three to four cuts, particularly including a cutting step.

[0123] Example 7: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the rod is cut into 2 to 16 plugs, preferably 4 to 8 plugs.

[0124] Example 8: A method for manufacturing a plug forming part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the rod is cut into a plurality of substantially uniform plugs.

[0125] Example 9: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the crimped sheet is cut to a predetermined length before the crimped sheets are assembled to form an assembly of sheets.

[0126] Example 10: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of interrupted bands are evenly spaced from each other.

[0127] Example 11: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the angle between the extension of the interrupted band in the crimped sheet and the major axis direction is 70 degrees to 90 degrees, particularly 75 degrees to 85 degrees, particularly about 84 degrees.

[0128] Example 12: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the interrupted band is inclined with respect to the major axis direction and the inclination of the interrupted band varies along the extension of the interrupted band.

[0129] Example 13: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the interrupted band is inclined with respect to the major axis direction and the interrupted band is inclined in two opposite directions with respect to the major axis direction.

[0130] Example 14: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the interrupted band has a chevron shape.

[0131] Example 15: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the interrupted band has a diamond shape.

[0132] Example 16: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the break band is triangular in shape.

[0133] Example 17: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the break band is curved.

[0134] Example 18: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the break band has a wave shape.

[0135] Example 19: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the sign of the value of the inclination of the break band can change a plurality of times, particularly two, three, or four times, along the extension of the break band.

[0136] Example 20: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the leading portion is in front of the subsequent portion in the major axis direction.

[0137] Example 21: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the break band extends at an angle of more than 60 degrees with respect to the major axis direction, and at least three break bands intersect a straight line across a sheet orthogonal to the major axis direction.

[0138] Example 22: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the break bands are parallel to each other.

[0139] Example 23: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction is 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters, particularly about 3.5 millimeters.

[0140] Example 24: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the interruption band width is the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction, and the ratio of the distance in the major axis direction between two adjacent interruption bands and the interruption band width is 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2.

[0141] Example 25: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the interruption band width is the extension of the interruption band in the major axis direction, and the interruption band width is constant within the interruption band.

[0142] Example 26: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the crimped sheet width is the extension of the crimped sheet orthogonal to the major axis direction, and the interruption band is discontinuous across the crimped sheet width.

[0143] Example 27: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to Example 26, wherein a plurality of interruption bands are discontinuous across the crimped sheet width.

[0144] Example 28: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the length of the plug in the major axis direction is 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, particularly 7 millimeters to 17 millimeters, particularly about 12 millimeters.

[0145] Example 29: A method for manufacturing a plug that forms part of an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the sheet width is an extension of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to the major axis direction, and the sheet width is 5 centimeters to 20 centimeters, particularly about 11 centimeters.

[0146] Example 30: A plug, particularly formed according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the plug extends in the major axis direction, the plug includes an assembly of sheets, the assembly of sheets includes a plurality of corrugated lines extending in the major axis direction, and at least one of the plurality of corrugated lines is interrupted at least three times in the major axis direction by interruption bands, for example, a plug for forming part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0147] Example 31: A plug according to Example 30, for example, a plug for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein at least one of the plurality of corrugated lines is interrupted at least four times in the major axis direction by interruption bands.

[0148] Example 32: A plug according to Example 30 or 31, for example, a plug for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein all of the plurality of corrugated lines are interrupted at least twice or at least three times in the major axis direction by interruption bands.

[0149] Example 33: A plug according to any one of Examples 30 to 32, for example, a plug for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the interruption band is a flat section or a section having a waveform shape with a smaller waveform amplitude compared to the remaining corrugated lines.

[0150] Example 34: A plug according to any one of Examples 30 to 33, for example, a plug for forming part of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the interruption band may be inclined with respect to the major axis direction.

[0151] Example 35: A plug according to any one of Examples 30 to 34, wherein each interrupt band comprises a leading portion and a trailing portion, and the leading portion is arranged at a position different from that of the trailing portion with respect to the major axis direction, for example, a plug for forming a part of an aerosol generating article.

[0152] Example 36: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft, each circumferential ridge comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges having a first ridge amplitude and a plurality of interrupt gaps, in the interrupt gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges having a second ridge amplitude, the second ridge amplitude being smaller than the first ridge amplitude, the interrupt gap width being an extension of the interrupt gap in the circumferential direction of the crimping roller, and the circumferential distance between two interrupt gaps being smaller than the interrupt gap width.

[0153] Example 37: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft, each circumferential ridge comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges having a first ridge amplitude and a plurality of interrupt gaps, in the interrupt gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges having a second ridge amplitude, the second ridge amplitude being smaller than the first ridge amplitude, and the circumferential distance between two interrupt gaps being smaller than 6 millimeters.

[0154] Example 38: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft, each circumferential ridge comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges having a first ridge amplitude and a plurality of interrupt gaps, in the interrupt gaps, the plurality of circumferential ridges having a second ridge amplitude, the second ridge amplitude being smaller than the first ridge amplitude, the interrupt gap extending at an angle of less than 30 degrees, particularly 1 degree to 30 degrees, with respect to the axial direction, and at least three interrupt gaps intersecting a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

[0155] Example 39: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 38, wherein at least four interrupt gaps intersect a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

[0156] Example 40: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 39, wherein the interruption gap extends across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0157] Example 41: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 40, wherein each of the plurality of interruption gaps extends across a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0158] Example 42: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 41, wherein each of the plurality of interruption gaps is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

[0159] Example 43: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 42, wherein the angle between the interruption gap and the axial direction is from 1 degree to 20 degrees, particularly from 5 degrees to 15 degrees, particularly about 6 degrees.

[0160] Example 44: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in Example 42 or 43, wherein the inclination of the interruption gap with respect to the axial direction varies along the extension of the interruption gap.

[0161] Example 45: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 42 to 44, wherein the inclination of the interruption gap with respect to the axial direction changes the direction along the extension of the interruption gap.

[0162] Example 46: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 45, wherein the interruption gap has a chevron shape.

[0163] Example 47: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 46, wherein the interrupted gap is diamond-shaped.

[0164] Example 48: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 47, wherein the interrupted gap is triangular in shape.

[0165] Example 49: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 48, wherein the interrupted gap is curved.

[0166] Example 50: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 49, wherein the interrupted gap has a wave shape.

[0167] Example 51: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 50, the crimping roller including 45 interrupted gaps to 65 interrupted gaps, particularly 50 interrupted gaps to 60 interrupted gaps, particularly about 54 interrupted gaps.

[0168] Example 52: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 51, wherein the interrupted gaps are substantially equidistantly spaced around the circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

[0169] Example 53: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft according to any one of Examples 36 to 52, wherein the interrupted gaps are parallel to each other.

[0170] Example 54: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 53, wherein the difference between the first crimping amplitude and the second crimping amplitude is from 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, particularly about 0.3 millimeters.

[0171] Example 55: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 54, wherein the first crimping amplitude is from 0.5 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, particularly about 1 millimeter.

[0172] Example 56: A crimping roller adapted to rotate about an axially extending rotating shaft as described in any of Examples 36 to 55, wherein the ridges extend substantially perpendicular to the rotating shaft of the crimping roller.

[0173] Example 57: An apparatus for crimping, for example, a sheet, comprising a first crimping roller as described in any of Examples 36 to 56 and a second crimping roller adapted to rotate about a second rotating shaft, the second crimping roller comprising a plurality of circumferential ridges.

[0174] Example 58: An apparatus for crimping, for example, a sheet as described in Example 57, wherein the first crimping roller and the second crimping roller rotate in different directions.

[0175] Example 59: An apparatus for crimping, for example, a sheet as described in Example 57 or 58, wherein the rotating shafts of the first crimping roller and the second rotating shaft are parallel to each other.

[0176] Example 60: An apparatus for crimping, for example, a sheet as described in any of Examples 57 or 59, wherein the circumferential ridges of the second crimping roller extend continuously around the second crimping roller.

[0177] Example 61: An apparatus for winding, for example, a sheet as described in any of Examples 57 or 60, wherein the circumferential ridges form a pattern of ridges and valleys such that the ridges of the first winding roller align with the valleys of the second winding roller, and the pattern of ridges and valleys of the second winding roller is axially offset from the pattern of ridges and valleys of the first winding roller, and vice versa.

[0178] Example 62: An apparatus for winding, for example, a sheet as described in any of Examples 57 or 61, wherein the ridges of the first winding roller and the ridges of the second winding roller overlap each other by 0.1 millimeter to 0.5 millimeter, particularly about 0.2 millimeter, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first winding roller.

[0179] Example 63: A machine, for example, an aerosol generating article manufacturing machine, comprising a winding roller as described in any one of Examples 36 to 56 or an apparatus for winding a sheet as described in any of Examples 57 to 62.

[0180] Example 64: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a winding roller to form a plurality of interrupted, wound waveform shapes on a sheet before forming a plug from the sheet, wherein the wound waveform shapes extend in the major axis direction of the sheet, and the distance between two interruptions of the wound waveform shapes in the major axis direction is less than half the length of the plug in the major axis direction.

[0181] Example 65: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a winding roller as described in Example 64, wherein the plug is cut from a rod formed from a sheet having a plurality of interrupted, wound waveform shapes.

[0182] Example 66: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a winding roller as described in Example 64 or 65, wherein the distance between two interruptions of the wound waveform shapes in the major axis direction is less than one-third the length of the rod in the major axis direction.

[0183] Example 67: Use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller according to any of Examples 64 to 66, wherein interruptions in adjacent crimped waveform shapes form an interruption band that is inclined with respect to the major axis direction.

[0184] Hereinafter, the examples will be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0185] A manufacturing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The manufacturing machine 1 includes a bobbin 2 having a sheet 3. The sheet 3 is unwound from the bobbin 2 and moved to a crimping device 4. The crimping device 4 includes a set of crimping rollers 5. The set of crimping rollers 5 includes a first crimping roller 6 and a second crimping roller 7. The crimping rollers 6, 7 are configured to form a crimped sheet 8 from the sheet 3. The manufacturing machine 1 further includes a gathering tool 9 for gathering the crimped sheet 8.

[0186] FIG. 2 shows a set of crimping rollers 5 of the manufacturing machine 1 of FIG. 1. The first crimping roller 6 rotates around a rotation axis 10. The second crimping roller 7 rotates around a second rotation axis 11. The rotation axes 10, 11 are parallel to each other and extend in the axial direction 200. The first crimping roller 6 and the second crimping roller 7 rotate in opposite directions. The first crimping roller 6 has a plurality of circumferential ridges 12 formed on its circumferential surface 13. The second crimping roller 7 also has a plurality of circumferential ridges 14 formed on its circumferential surface 15. The sheet 3 is moved through the set of crimping rollers 5 along the major axis direction 100 of the sheet 3 to form a crimped sheet 8. The major axis direction 100 of the sheet 3 is orthogonal to the axial direction 200. The crimped sheet 8 includes a plurality of waveform shapes 16 extending in the major axis direction 100 of the crimped sheet 8. The crimped sheet width 17 is an extension in a direction orthogonal to the major axis direction 100 of the crimped sheet 8.

[0187] The first crimping roller 6 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. Circumferential ridges 12 (not shown in FIG. 3) form a pattern 18 of ridges and valleys on the circumferential surface 13 of the first crimping roller 6. The pattern 18 of ridges and valleys, and thus the circumferential ridges 13, are interrupted by interruption gaps 19. The interruption gaps 19 extend across the circumferential surface 13 of the first crimping roller 6. The interruption gaps 19 extend at an angle of 20° with respect to the axis of rotation 10 extending in the axial direction 200. The second crimping roller 7 also has a pattern 18 of ridges and valleys, but does not have interruption gaps 19.

[0188] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of the circumferential ridges 12 of a set of crimping rollers 5, particularly the first crimping roller 6, and the circumferential ridges 14 of the second crimping roller 7. The pattern 18 of ridges and valleys of the first crimping roller 6 is axially offset with respect to the pattern 18 of ridges and valleys of the second crimping roller 7 such that the circumferential ridges 12 of the first crimping roller 6 are aligned with the valleys 21 of the second crimping roller 7, and vice versa.

[0189] The first crimping roller 6 and the second crimping roller 7 are arranged in proximity to each other such that there is an overlap 22 between the circumferential ridges 12 of the first crimping roller 6 and the circumferential ridges 14 of the second crimping roller 7. The circumferential ridges 12 have a first ridge amplitude 23. The first ridge amplitude 23 is the distance in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction 200 from the peak of the circumferential ridge portion 23 to the adjacent valley portion 21. In the interruption gaps 19, the circumferential ridges 12 have a second ridge amplitude 24 that is smaller than the first ridge amplitude 23. FIG. 4 also shows the axial distance 25 between two interruption gaps 19.

[0190] The crimped sheet 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. The crimped sheet 8 includes a plurality of waveform shapes 16 extending in the major axis direction 100. The waveform shape 16 is interrupted by an interruption band 26. In the region of the interruption band 26, the crimped sheet 8 does not include the waveform shape 16. The interruption band 26 is inclined with respect to the major axis direction 100. Each interruption band 26 has a leading portion 27 and a trailing portion 28. The leading portion 27 and the trailing portion 28 are arranged at different positions with respect to the major axis direction 100. Each interruption band 26 has an interruption band width 29 which is an extension of the interruption band 26 in the major axis direction 100. The interruption bands 26 are spaced apart from each other in the major axis direction 100 by a certain distance 30.

[0191] The crimped sheets 8 are assembled to form a sheet assembly 31, particularly a rod 32. The rod 32 is cut into a plurality of parts to form a plug 33 having a plug length 34. The distance 30 in the major axis direction 100 between two adjacent interruption bands 26 is smaller than half of the plug length 34, particularly smaller than one-third of the plug length 34. The plug 33 can be used in an aerosol-generating article.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article, wherein the method is - A step of supplying the sheet to a set of crimping rollers along the long axis of the sheet, - A step of forming a crimped sheet by crimping the aforementioned sheet, The crumpled sheet includes multiple waveform regions and multiple interruption bands, In the aforementioned waveform region, the crumpled sheet includes a plurality of waveform shapes extending in the longitudinal direction, In the interrupted band, the crumpled sheet either does not contain a waveform shape or contains a waveform shape having a smaller waveform amplitude compared to the waveform shape in the waveform region. The interruption band and the waveform region are arranged alternately. Each of the aforementioned plurality of interruption bands includes a leading portion and a following portion, The leading portion and the trailing portion are arranged on both sides of the rolled sheet with respect to the width of the rolled sheet, and the width of the rolled sheet is an extension of the rolled sheet perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The process of forming the leading portion, wherein the leading portion is positioned at a different location from the trailing portion with respect to the longitudinal axis, - A step of assembling the crumpled sheets to form an aggregate of sheets, - A step of forming a plug from the assembly of sheets, A method comprising the step of forming the crimped sheet such that the distance between two adjacent interruption bands in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the plug in the longitudinal direction.

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

3. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the step of forming a plug from the assembly of sheets includes the steps of forming a rod from the assembly of sheets and cutting the rod to form the plug.

4. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of interruption bands are uniformly spaced apart from one another.

5. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the angle between the extension of the interrupt band in the crumpled sheet and the longitudinal axis is 70 to 90 degrees, particularly 75 to 85 degrees, particularly about 84 degrees.

6. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the interruption band width is the extension of the interruption band in the longitudinal direction, and the ratio of the longitudinal distance between two adjacent interruption bands and the interruption band width is 0.5 to 5, particularly 1 to 3, particularly about 2.

7. A method for manufacturing a plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the length of the plug in the longitudinal direction is 5 mm to 20 mm, particularly 7 mm to 17 mm, particularly about 12 mm.

8. A plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article, The plug is formed in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The plug extends in the longitudinal direction, The plug includes an assembly of sheets, The assembly of the sheets includes a plurality of corrugated lines extending in the direction of the long axis, At least one of the plurality of waveform lines is interrupted at least three times in the longitudinal direction by an interruption band. Each interruption band comprises a leading portion and a trailing portion, wherein the leading portion is positioned differently from the trailing portion with respect to the longitudinal axis. A plug in which the leading portion and the trailing portion are arranged on both sides of the crumpled sheet with respect to the width of the crumpled sheet, and the width of the crumpled sheet is an extension of the crumpled sheet perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

9. A plug for forming part of an aerosol generating article according to claim 8, wherein the interrupted band is a flat section or a section having a waveform shape having a smaller waveform amplitude compared to the rest of the waveform line.

10. A machine for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, comprising a crimp roller adapted to rotate around a rotating shaft extending in the axial direction, wherein the crimp roller is Multiple circumferential ridges, each having a first ridge amplitude, Including multiple interruption gaps, In the interrupted gap, the plurality of circumferential ridges have a second ridge amplitude, and the second ridge amplitude is smaller than the first ridge amplitude. The interrupted gap extends at an angle of less than 30 degrees with respect to the axial direction. A machine for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, wherein at least three interruption gaps intersect a straight line along the axial direction on the circumferential surface of the crimping roller.

11. The aerosol generating article manufacturing machine according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of interrupted gaps is inclined with respect to the axial direction.

12. The aerosol generating article manufacturing machine according to claim 10, wherein the difference between the first elevation amplitude and the second elevation amplitude is 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter, particularly about 0.3 millimeters.

13. The aerosol generating article manufacturing machine according to claim 10, further comprising a second crimping roller adapted to rotate around a second rotation axis, wherein the second crimping roller comprises a plurality of circumferential ridges.

14. The use of interrupted circumferential ridges on a crimping roller in a method for manufacturing a plug to form a plurality of interrupted crimped corrugated shapes on a sheet before forming the plug from the sheet, The rod is formed from the plurality of sheets having the interrupted, crimped, corrugated shape, The plug is cut off from the rod, The crumpled corrugated shape extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, the distance between two interruptions in the crumpled corrugated shape in the longitudinal direction is less than half the length of the plug in the longitudinal direction, and the interruptions of adjacent crumpled corrugated shapes form an interruption band, the interruption band being inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction.

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