Additive application in an aerosol-generating segmented focusing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment (3) of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus (1) comprises a conveyor device (5) configured to transport a wrapper (11) having an aerosol-generating substrate (21) deposited thereon in a conveying direction, and a converging device (13) configured to converge the wrapper (11) onto the aerosol-generating substrate (21), the converging device (13) comprising a partition (23) that protrudes into the aerosol-generating substrate (21) to at least partially divide the aerosol-generating substrate (21), and the converging device (13) comprises a discharge opening (37) for discharging an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate (21). The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment (3) containing the aerosol-generating substrate (21), and to the use of the partition (23) in the form of a blade to apply an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate (21).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment containing an aerosol-generating substrate, and the use of a divider in the form of a blade. [Background technology]

[0002] US4619276 discloses a method and apparatus for applying a foamable material to tobacco filler. In a first disclosed embodiment, the foamable material is added to the filler in the cigarette making machine chimney, from which the filler is drawn upward onto a perforated vacuum belt. In a second disclosed embodiment, the foamable material is added to the filler before it leaves the vacuum belt. In a third disclosed embodiment, the foamable material is added through the top wall of the compression foot of the rod-forming short tongue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for producing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus comprises a conveyor device configured to convey a wrapper having an aerosol-generating substrate deposited thereon in a conveying direction, and a converging device configured to converge the wrapper onto the aerosol-generating substrate. The converging device comprises a partition that protrudes into the aerosol-generating substrate to at least partially divide the aerosol-generating substrate. The converging device comprises a discharge opening for discharging an additive into the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0004] The aerosol-generating substrate and wrapper are conveyed along the conveying direction from the upstream end of the partition to the downstream end of the partition.

[0005] Discharging the additive through the outlet in the converging device prevents the additive from being applied to equipment handling aerosol-generating substrates in the manufacturing line upstream of the converging device. This reduces the required cleaning operations and improves production line availability. The location of the outlet in the converging device can allow the additive to be injected into the aerosol-generating substrate at a specific location when the formation of the aerosol-generating segment has already begun. Discharging the additive into the converging device occurs at a stage where repositioning of the aerosol-generating substrate is already limited, compared to the stage of transporting the aerosol-generating substrate upstream of the converging device. Therefore, the location within the aerosol-generating substrate where the additive is added can be more precise, and the additive can remain essentially stationary relative to the aerosol-generating substrate during the remainder of the manufacturing process. A partition can create space within the flow of aerosol-generating substrates, allowing the additive to be inserted in a desired amount and surrounded by the aerosol-generating substrates. The additive can then diffuse into the surrounding aerosol-generating substrates. The surrounding aerosol-generating substrates can absorb the additive, store the additive within their structure, or both. The size and position of the space created by the partition within the aerosol-generating substrate can be adapted so that the additive remains within the aerosol-generating substrate without diffusing into the wrapper. The amount of additive can be adapted so that the additive remains within the aerosol-generating substrate without diffusing into the wrapper. Thus, contamination of the wrapper can be prevented.

[0006] The focusing device may be adapted to converge the wrapper onto the aerosol-generating substrate into a rod. The rod may be a cigarette or a "heat-not-burn" (HnB) article for use in combination with an aerosol-generating device, in which the aerosol-generating material is heated to release the aerosol but is not burned. The rod may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 13 millimeters. The rod may be essentially circular-cylindrical in shape, with a central longitudinal axis extending in the conveying direction. Thus, the distance from the central longitudinal axis to the wrapper is essentially the same in all directions. Splitting the aerosol-generating substrate during formation of the rod may provide well-defined spaces and locations for injecting additives into the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0007] The aerosol-generating substrate may be loose cut filler. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-generating substrate may be an alkaloid-containing material. The alkaloid may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco. Instead of, or in addition to, tobacco, other plant-derived materials may be part of the aerosol-generating substrate. The cut filler stream may already be at least partially fixed at a predetermined position within the focusing device, but may still be divided by a partition. Thus, it may be possible to inject additives into the forming aerosol-generation segment at clearly defined positions. The additives may be injected into the forming rod-shaped aerosol-generation segment at clearly defined positions.

[0008] The partition may be essentially planar, with its main extension along the conveying direction within the longitudinal axis of the focusing device and a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate may be sufficiently divided to provide a gap for the discharge port and to inject the additive downstream of the partition. The gap may be less than one-third the flow width of the aerosol-generating substrate. Consequently, closure of the gap downstream of the partition may be facilitated. Furthermore, this design may provide stability to the partition.

[0009] The partition may extend along the conveying direction with a height that gradually increases at least locally along the conveying direction. This may enable the flow of aerosol-generating substrates to be gradually divided into the left and right sides of the partition. This may prevent the aerosol-generating substrates from stagnating at the upstream end of the partition. This may facilitate deflection of the aerosol-generating substrates toward a third side or direction. This third side is the side where the height of the partition gradually increases, i.e., the lower side. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrates may be deflected in three directions: leftward, rightward, and downward. This may reduce compression of the aerosol-generating substrates on one side. This may reduce compression of the aerosol-generating substrates compared to a partition that already has its maximum height at its upstream end.

[0010] The partition may have its maximum height in the last third of its extension along the conveying direction. This may provide sufficient range and time to divide the stream of aerosol-generating substrates without sudden disruption of the flow and without retention of the aerosol-generating substrates in front of the partition. Furthermore, this may provide improved mechanical stability to the partition, since sudden deceleration of the material at the upstream end of the partition may be essentially avoided. Twisting or vibration of the partition or both may be essentially avoided.

[0011] The height of the partitions may increase at least partly continuously along the transport direction, thereby providing a continuous, stepwise division of the flow of aerosol-generating substrates.

[0012] At least the upstream half of the partition may be inclined at an angle of less than 20 degrees, particularly 10 to 20 degrees, relative to the conveying direction, thereby preventing abrupt resistance to the flow of the aerosol-generating substrates and providing a smooth increase in the division of the aerosol-generating substrates.

[0013] The partition may have a substantially triangular shape. Thus, a partition of increasing height is provided that can gradually divide the flow of aerosol-generating substrates. The upper downstream angle of the triangular shape may be the maximum angle. The downstream side of the triangular shape may be the shortest side of the triangular shape. Thus, the lower side of the long side may be available to divide the flow of aerosol-generating substrates, and the relatively short downstream side provides sufficient space for disposing the outlet within the gap of the aerosol-generating substrates. The triangular shape may be a rectangular triangle. The upper downstream angle of the triangle may be 90 degrees. This may provide the downstream end of the partition essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction. This may further provide the possibility of guiding a pipe vertically and into the flow of aerosol-generating substrates from adjacent parts of the partition.

[0014] The partition may have a downstream portion that is shorter in height than the upstream portion of the partition. This may provide an outlet at a position offset from the lowest portion of the gap in the aerosol-generating substrate created by the outermost portion of the partition. This may facilitate the ejection of the additive from the outlet into the cavity or gap. This may enable a preferred distribution of the additive within the aerosol-generating substrate. The outlet may be disposed within a recess in the partition. The recess may be disposed at the downstream end of the partition.

[0015] The height of the partition may be constant over at least a portion of the partition. This may provide stability to the partition. Gaps within the aerosol-generating substrate may provide further stability.

[0016] The partition may have a variable width, which may allow the size of the gap in the aerosol-generating substrate to be varied. The width of the partition may vary gradually, which may allow the width of the gap in the aerosol-generating substrate to be varied gradually. This may prevent sudden compression of the aerosol-generating substrate upstream where the partition width increases, or accumulation or vortexing of adjacent aerosol-generating substrates downstream where the partition width decreases. Therefore, disturbances in the flow of the aerosol-generating substrates may be minimized.

[0017] The width of the partition may increase along at least a portion of the partition along the conveying direction. This may allow the flow of aerosol-generating substrates to be gradually divided, from a minimum or zero width at the upstream end of the partition to a width suitable for discharging additives at the downstream end of the partition. This may prevent compression of the aerosol-generating substrates at the upstream end of the partition, and thus maintain an essentially continuous flow of aerosol-generating substrates. The partition may be at least partially wedge-shaped. Furthermore, a portion of the partition where the width decreases may be provided. The portion where the width decreases may be located downstream of the portion of constant width or the portion of increasing width. This may allow the flow of aerosol-generating substrates to be gradually closed off. The discharge opening may be located upstream of the portion of the decreasing width.

[0018] The divider may be integrally formed with the focusing device, which may provide stability and may allow the width of the divider to be reduced.

[0019] The partition may have a height of 2.5 to 4.5 millimeters, so that the partition can reach into the flow of aerosol-generating substrates and create a gap of corresponding height.

[0020] The partition may have a height of 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters. Thus, a stream of aerosol-generating substrate formed into a segment or rod having a diameter of about 7 millimeters may be divided near the middle or slightly beyond. This may allow the additive to be dispensed in a region along the central longitudinal axis of the formed segment.

[0021] The partition may have a height of 40% to 70% of the diameter of the aerosol-generating segment, which may allow the additive to be injected into the interior or center of the aerosol-generating substrate, which may mean that the additive is provided inside or at the center of the aerosol-generating segment being formed.

[0022] The partition may have a width of 1 to 2 millimeters, which allows a gap to be created within the aerosol-generating substrate into which the appropriate amount of additive can be injected.

[0023] The partition may have a width of 1.5 millimeters. A corresponding channel or pipe may be disposed adjacent to or within the partition and may have a corresponding outlet.

[0024] The partition may have a width that is 150% to 400% of the width of the outlet. This may allow for the provision of a channel with stable sidewalls within the partition. This may provide stable sidewalls for the partition when a pipe extends through the partition. The partition provides stability against forces resulting from the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate and from the pressure of the additive. Furthermore, a gap may be provided that is large enough to allow the additive to be injected without substantial interference between the aerosol-generating substrate and the outlet.

[0025] The partition may have a length of 15 to 25 millimeters, which may allow for a gap of a sufficiently long distance to avoid sudden changes in the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate and thus reduce flow turbulence.

[0026] The divider may be at least partially formed of metal, which may provide stability and allow the divider to be easily cleaned.

[0027] The divider may be coated with a friction-reducing material, which may allow the stream of aerosol-generating substrates to flow while being subjected to reduced frictional forces.

[0028] The divider may be disposed along a central lateral position of the focusing device, thereby allowing the additive to be ejected along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment being formed.

[0029] The partition may extend from the wall of the focusing device facing the aerosol-generating substrate for at least one-third of the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may allow the additive to be ejected at a position sufficiently distant within the aerosol-generating segment being formed. This may allow the additive to be ejected into the aerosol-generating substrate without reaching the wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may simultaneously be at least partially in contact with the wall of the focusing device being shaped into the intended shape.

[0030] A divider may be disposed at the inlet end of the converging device, which may allow the additive to be discharged when the aerosol-generating segment has already formed but before compression of the aerosol-generating substrate has reached its final state, thus facilitating flow division.

[0031] The outlet may be located within the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate, allowing the additive to diffuse into the aerosol-generating substrate. The additive may be stored between or immersed by the substrate material. The amount of additive may be selected so that the additive does not reach the wrapper, thus preventing contamination of the wrapper.

[0032] The discharge port may be located laterally centrally of the converging device. Thus, the additive may be injected at a central lateral location. Because gravity may cause the additive to seep downward within the aerosol-generating substrate, it may be beneficial to discharge the additive along the central vertical axis but above the central longitudinal axis of the converging device or segment being formed.

[0033] The outlet may be located in the vertical center of the partition, so that the additive may spread equally from this central point in all directions of the forming aerosol-generating segment, which may allow for the use of diffusion and capillary forces in the already at least partially formed segment of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0034] The outlet orifice is located along the central transverse axis of the segment being formed, so that the additive can spread equally upward and downward within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0035] The discharge port may be located adjacent to the central longitudinal axis of the segment being formed. This may facilitate deposition of the additive near or at the central longitudinal axis. This may prevent the additive from contacting and contaminating the wrapper. To deposit the additive adjacent to the central longitudinal axis, it may be taken into consideration that the additive may spread within the aerosol-generating substrate due to gravity, diffusion, or both. Thus, the additive may be discharged slightly above the central longitudinal axis.

[0036] The additive ejection direction relative to the transport direction can be at an angle of -45 to 45 degrees, preferably -10 to 10 degrees, and ideally 0 degrees. The angle is measured from the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment and is formed in an upward or downward direction, respectively. This prevents the ejection orifice from being blocked by the aerosol-generating substrate, as the ejection orifice faces at least partially downstream.

[0037] The outlet may be adapted to eject the additive primarily in the conveying direction. This may prevent the outlet from being blocked by the aerosol-generating substrate. This may further ensure that the additive is ejected at a well-defined position that is essentially maintained during further manufacturing processes. The outlet may face the downstream direction.

[0038] The outlet can be adapted to eject the additive primarily perpendicular to the transport direction. This can favor the additive being carried by the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate. This can be beneficial when small amounts of additive are to be ejected. It can be even more beneficial when the additive is to be ejected as timely, separated droplets. Furthermore, the pipe or channel leading to the outlet can be more easily manufactured.

[0039] The ejection direction of the additive relative to the transport direction may be greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees, which may favor the additive being carried along by the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0040] The outlet diameter can be 0.7 to 1.3 millimeters. This range allows for a wide range of additive fluid viscosities and machine speeds. When using additives with higher fluid viscosities, a larger diameter can be selected to allow for a reduction in the pressure applied by the pump system. When setting a higher machine speed, a larger diameter can also be selected to allow for a reduction in the pressure applied by the pump system.

[0041] The outlet may have a diameter of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters, which may be wide enough to dispense the additive and accommodate the width of the partition and gap in the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0042] An outlet may be provided at the downstream end of the partition, which may allow the additive to be discharged into a gap in the stream of aerosol-generating substrates separated by the partition, after which the stream containing the additive may close again.

[0043] The discharge port may be provided on the underside of the partition. This may allow the additive to be discharged directly onto the aerosol-generating substrate below the gap created by the partition. The underside of the partition may be disposed adjacent to or coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the segment to be formed. This may support accelerated uptake of the additive by the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0044] The outlet may be integrated with the partition. This may allow a pipe or channel to be integrally formed within the partition. This may simplify the manufacture of the device. Furthermore, it may be easier to provide the outlet flush with the side of the partition.

[0045] The outlet may be located adjacent to the downstream end of the partition. This may allow the additive to be discharged into the already formed gap in the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate. The outlet may be the end of a pipe separate from the partition, adjacent to the partition and leading to the downstream end of the partition. However, the outlet may also be disposed below the partition, adjacent to the vertical downstream end of the partition.

[0046] The discharge port may be located at the same lateral position as the partition. This may allow the additive to be discharged at a central position. Furthermore, this may allow the additive to be discharged at the center of the gap in the aerosol-generating substrate. The discharge port may be at the end of a pipe located adjacent to the downstream end of the partition.

[0047] The discharge opening may be flush with the underside of the partition. This may allow the additive to be discharged onto the aerosol-generating substrate below the gap formed by the partition. The underside of the partition may be adjacent to the central longitudinal axis of the segment of the aerosol-generating substrate being formed. Thus, the discharge opening may be the end of a pipe extending from the top of the focusing device to the underside of the partition.

[0048] The discharge port may be flush with the downstream end of the partition. This may facilitate the manufacture of the partition, as the discharge port may be formed as a hole in the partition. The additive may be discharged directly at the downstream end, extending to the full extent of the die gap of the segmented aerosol-generating substrate.

[0049] The underside of the partition may be essentially horizontal, which may provide the possibility of arranging a discharge port on the underside and discharging the additive directly onto the flow of aerosol-generating substrates passing by, thereby reducing the risk of blocking the discharge port. The underside of the partition may be parallel to the conveying direction. The underside of the partition may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0050] The outlet may be offset relative to the underside of the partition. This may allow the additive to be ejected at a distance to the passing aerosol-generating substrate. Thus, the additive may be ejected into droplets. Furthermore, direct contact of the aerosol-generating substrate with the outlet may be prevented, reducing the risk of clogging the outlet.

[0051] The outlet may be located adjacent to the underside of the partition, which may allow the additive to be discharged near the underside of the gap created in the aerosol-generating substrate, but without bringing the aerosol-generating substrate into direct contact with the outlet.

[0052] The outlet may be positioned with an offset of 0.4 to 0.6 mm from the underside of the partition, which can prevent the outlet from being blocked by the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0053] The center of the outlet may be positioned at a distance of 0.6 to 1.0 millimeters from the lateral side of the partition, which may allow for correspondingly thin partition and outlet lateral sidewalls.

[0054] Two or more outlets may be disposed on the partition. There may be outlets disposed on two or more of the downstream end, upstream end, and underside of the partition. This may allow for an increased amount of additive absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide an increased time frame during which the additive can be absorbed by the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0055] The outlet may be provided on a pipe, which allows the outlet to be positioned separately from the partition. Furthermore, the pipe may be interchangeable, allowing pipes with different diameters to be selected.

[0056] The center of the outlet may be offset below the partition by 200% to 400% of the diameter of the aerosol-generation segment, which may prevent deformation or damage to the outlet or associated piping, or both.

[0057] The pipe may be integrally formed or embedded within the partition, which may provide a space-saving method for directing the additive into the aerosol-generating substrate stream. Additionally, the outlet location may be separate from the partition.

[0058] The pipe may have an end that extends downstream of the partition. This may allow the additive to be discharged in intimate contact with the stream of aerosol-generating substrates. The discharge opening may therefore be positioned where the stream of aerosol-generating substrates closes again.

[0059] The pipe may be disposed adjacent the downstream end of the partition, which may be a space-saving location and may prevent the pipe from interfering with the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0060] The pipe may have an end that is inclined relative to the conveying direction, which may enhance entrainment of the additive by the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate while preventing the discharge opening from being blocked by the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0061] The pipe may have ends that are essentially parallel to the conveying direction, which may prevent the outlet from being blocked.

[0062] The end of the pipe may be arranged separately from the partition, which may allow for further selection of the position of the outlet, and the end may have a length such that the outlet is located at a position where the flow of aerosol-generating substrates again partially converges.

[0063] The end of the pipe may extend into the longitudinally elongated portion of the partition, which may provide additional stability to the pipe while allowing the outlet to be positioned a distance to the remaining main portion of the partition.

[0064] The outer diameter of the pipe may be equal to the width of the partition, which may prevent further interference between the pipe and the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate. The width of the pipe and the width of the partition may be aligned and selected depending on the amount of additive to be inserted.

[0065] The wall of the focusing device facing the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least partially concave. This shape may be imposed on the aerosol-generating substrate to form rod-shaped aerosol-generating segments. The partition may be at least partially disposed in the concave portion of the wall. Thus, flow splitting and rod formation at the aerosol-generating substrate may occur simultaneously.

[0066] The width of the focusing device may at least partially decrease in the conveying direction, which may support the formation of segments and converge the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0067] The height of the side walls of the focusing device may at least partially decrease in the conveying direction, which may support the convergence of the aerosol-generating substrate in the upstream part of the focusing device and make it possible to impose a curvature in the further downstream part.

[0068] The apparatus may further include a vacuum conveyor for conveying the aerosol-generating substrate from the reservoir onto the wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be cut filler. The cut filler may include tobacco material. At the downstream end of the vacuum conveyor, or at a point where the vacuum is no longer applied, the cut filler may be conveyed onto the wrapper on a conveying device that conveys the wrapper through a converging device. The cut filler may be conveyed below the belt of the vacuum conveyor and fall onto the wrapper where the vacuum is not applied.

[0069] The apparatus may further comprise a supply of wrappers. The wrappers may be supplied in a continuous manner from a bobbin.

[0070] The device may further comprise an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive onto the free end of the wrapper, which may allow the aerosol-generation segment to be closed by overlapping the free end of the wrapper with another portion of the wrapper of the aerosol-generation segment.

[0071] The apparatus may further include a wrapping device for wrapping the wrapper to form the aerosol-generation segment. The wrapping device may close the aerosol-generation segment. The wrapping device may press a free end of the wrapper onto another portion of the aerosol-generation segment. An additive may have been previously applied to the free end.

[0072] The device may further include a heating element for creating an adhesive bond on the overlapping area of ​​the wrapper. The heating may dry or cure the adhesive, or both, thereby establishing a seam that holds the aerosol-generating substrate enclosed by the wrapper. The adhesive bond may be waterproof.

[0073] The apparatus may further comprise a cutting device for cutting the aerosol-generation segment, which may provide an aerosol-generation segment of a specified length from the continuous aerosol-generation segment formed by the focusing device.

[0074] The apparatus may further comprise a heating unit for heating a heated portion of the apparatus, which may be in contact with the additive. This may improve processing of the additive. This may reduce the viscosity of the additive. This may change the agglomerate state of the additive. The heated portion may be a converging device. The heated portion may be a partition. The heated portion may be a pipe or channel leading to the outlet. The heating unit may heat the additive.

[0075] The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated portion to any temperature between 15°C and 70°C, particularly between 25°C and 70°C. The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated portion to any temperature between 15°C and 45°C, or between 25°C and 45°C. The heating unit may be adapted to heat the heated portion to any temperature between 45°C and 75°C. This may improve additive processing capabilities. Additives that are in a crystalline aggregate state at ambient temperatures of about 20°C may change to a liquid aggregate state at elevated temperatures. This may facilitate flavor processing. This may facilitate processing of additives such as menthol, which are in a crystalline aggregate state at room temperature.

[0076] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing an aerosol-generating segment containing an aerosol-generating substrate, the method comprising the steps of conveying a wrapper having an aerosol-generating substrate disposed thereon along a conveying direction through a converging device, at least partially dividing the aerosol-generating substrate with a partition within the converging device, and dispensing an additive into the at least partially divided aerosol-generating substrate.

[0077] This may allow the additive to be deposited in the aerosol-generating substrate at a clearly defined location. The division of the aerosol-generating substrate may occur when the aerosol-generating substrate has already at least partially assumed the shape of the aerosol-generating segment to be formed. The aerosol-generating segment to be formed may be rod-shaped. However, the wrapper may still be open on one side, preferably the upper side, so that the partition can reach into the stream or into the aerosol-generating substrate. However, the aerosol-generating substrate only has very limited space to escape to the side when the partition is present in the stream. Thus, the additive may also be ejected into the stream of aerosol-generating substrates when the aerosol-generating substrate is no longer free to move. Therefore, migration of the additive into the wrapper may be prevented.

[0078] The dividing and dispensing steps may be performed simultaneously with the conveying step, which may allow for continuous production flow. Additionally, the additive may be dispensed into an aerosol-generating substrate currently being conveyed along the partition, forming a gap downstream of the partition.

[0079] The conveying step may include converging the aerosol-generating substrate, which may form at least part of the final shape of the aerosol-generating segment, which may provide a half cylinder that the divider reaches and separates from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0080] The conveying step may include wrapping the wrapper at least partially around the aerosol-generating substrate, which may form the lower half of the final shape of the aerosol-generation segment, which may form the lower half of a circular cylinder if the aerosol-generation segment is rod-shaped in its final shape.

[0081] The wrapper may be wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate at an angle of at least 90 degrees, preferably at least 140 degrees, which may provide the lower half of the shape of the final aerosol-generating segment.

[0082] The dividing step may be carried out when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate, which may provide an outer boundary for the aerosol-generating substrate and prevent the aerosol-generating substrate from escaping sideways when the divider divides the flow.

[0083] The discharging step may be carried out in a converging device, which may provide at least a portion of the outer shape of the formed aerosol-generation segment so that the additive may be added at a well-defined location within the stream.

[0084] The additive may be emitted primarily around and at the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating substrate, and thus may be spread equally throughout the aerosol-generating substrate from a central point depending on the amount of additive added.

[0085] The aerosol-generating substrate may be transported onto the wrapper by a vacuum conveyor. The aerosol-generating substrate may fall from the vacuum conveyor onto the wrapper at the end of the vacuum conveyor or in an area where no vacuum is applied.

[0086] An adhesive may be applied to the free end of the wrapper, which may enable the wrapper to remain closed when completely wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0087] The wrapper may be wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate to form a rod, which keeps the aerosol-generating substrate stable within the wrapper and provides a shape that is preferred by consumers.

[0088] The overlapping region of the wrapper can be heated by a heating element to form an adhesive bond, which can provide a stable cover for the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0089] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a partition in the form of a blade for applying an additive into an aerosol-generating substrate. The blade may have a relatively small width compared to the width of the aerosol-generating substrate stream. However, the blade may create a gap wide enough to insert the additive centrally into the aerosol-generating substrate stream.

[0090] The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in any embodiment may be used according to the method of the second aspect of the invention in any embodiment. The method according to the second aspect of the invention may be carried out in any embodiment by using the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in any embodiment. The use of a partition in the form of a blade according to the third aspect of the invention may be carried out in the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in any embodiment or using method steps from the method according to the second aspect of the invention in any embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0091] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus for producing an aerosol-generation segment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the focusing device in a perspective view from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of the focusing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the focusing device from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the focusing device as shown in FIG. 5 taken along the medial axis. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the first embodiment of FIGS. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the divider of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0093] Example 1: 1. An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a conveyor device configured to convey the wrapper having the aerosol-generating substrate deposited thereon in a conveying direction; a focusing device configured to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate; the focusing device comprises a partition, the partition protruding into the aerosol-generating substrate to at least partially divide the aerosol-generating substrate; The apparatus wherein the focusing device comprises an outlet for discharging the additive into the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0094] Example 2: The apparatus of example 1, wherein the focusing device is adapted to converge the wrapper with the aerosol-generating substrate into a rod.

[0095] Example 3: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is a loose-cut filler.

[0096] Example 4: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the partition is essentially planar and has its main extension along the longitudinal axis of the converging device along the conveying direction and on a vertical axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0097] Example 5: 5. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the partition extends along the conveying direction with a height that increases at least locally along the conveying direction.

[0098] Example 6: 6. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the partition has its maximum height in the last third of its extension along the conveying direction.

[0099] Example 7: 7. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the height of the partitions increases at least partially continuously along the conveying direction.

[0100] Example 8: 8. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the upstream half of the partition is inclined at an angle of less than 20 degrees relative to the conveying direction.

[0101] Example 9: 9. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the divider has a substantially triangular shape.

[0102] Example 10: 10. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-9, wherein the partition comprises a downstream portion having a lower height than an upstream portion of the partition.

[0103] Example 11: 11. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the height of the partition is constant over at least a portion of the partition.

[0104] Example 12: 12. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the partitions have varying widths.

[0105] Example 13: 13. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the width of the partition increases along the conveying direction at least in a portion of the partition.

[0106] Example 14: 14. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the divider is integrally formed with the focusing device.

[0107] Example 15: 15. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the partition has a height of 2.5 millimeters to 4.5 millimeters.

[0108] Example 16: 16. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the partition has a height of 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters.

[0109] Example 17: 17. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the partition has a height of 40% to 70% of the diameter of the aerosol-generation segment.

[0110] Example 18: 18. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the partition has a width of 1.0 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters.

[0111] Example 19: 19. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the partition has a width of 1.5 millimeters.

[0112] Example 20: 20. The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the partition has a width that is 150% to 400% of the width of the discharge opening.

[0113] Example 21: 21. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the partition has a length of 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

[0114] Example 22: 22. The device of any one of Examples 1-21, wherein the partition is formed at least partially of metal.

[0115] Example 23: 23. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-22, wherein the partition is coated with a friction-reducing material.

[0116] Example 24: 24. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the partition is disposed along a central lateral position of the focusing device.

[0117] Example 25: 25. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the partition extends from at least the wall of the focusing device facing the aerosol-generating substrate through one-third of the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0118] Example 26: 26. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the divider is disposed at the inlet end of the focusing device.

[0119] Example 27: 27. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the outlet is located within the flow of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0120] Example 28: 28. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the outlet is laterally centrally located within the converging device.

[0121] Example 29: 29. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the outlet is located on the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment being formed.

[0122] Example 30: 30. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the outlet is located at the vertical center of the partition.

[0123] Example 31: 31. The device of any one of Examples 1-30, wherein the outlet is located adjacent to the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment being formed.

[0124] Example 32: The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the extrusion direction of the additive is at an angle of −45° to 45°, preferably −10° to 10°, relative to the conveyance direction.

[0125] Example 33: 33. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the outlet is adapted to primarily discharge the additive in the conveying direction.

[0126] Example 34: 34. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the discharge opening is adapted to discharge the additive primarily perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0127] Example 35: The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the extrusion direction of the additive is at an angle of more than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to the conveying direction.

[0128] Example 36: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the outlet has a diameter of 0.7 millimeters to 1.3 millimeters.

[0129] Example 37: A device described in any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the outlet has a diameter of 0.7 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0130] Example 38: The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the outlet is provided at the downstream end of the partition.

[0131] Example 39: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the outlet is provided on the underside of the partition.

[0132] Example 40: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the outlet is integrated with the partition.

[0133] Example 41: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the outlet is located adjacent to the downstream end of the partition.

[0134] Example 42: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the outlet is located at the same lateral position as the partition.

[0135] Example 43: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the outlet is flush with the underside of the partition.

[0136] Example 44: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the outlet is flush with the downstream end of the partition.

[0137] Example 45: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, wherein the underside of the partition is essentially horizontal.

[0138] Example 46: The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the outlet is offset and positioned below the partition.

[0139] Example 47: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the outlet is located adjacent to the underside of the partition.

[0140] Example 48: A device described in any one of Examples 1 to 47, wherein the outlet is offset from the underside of the partition by 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters.

[0141] Example 49: A device described in any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the center of the outlet is positioned at a distance of 0.6 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters from the lateral side of the partition.

[0142] Example 50: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein two or more outlets are disposed in the partition.

[0143] Example 51: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 50, wherein the outlet is provided in a pipe.

[0144] Example 52: A device described in any one of Examples 1 to 51, wherein the center of the outlet is offset to the underside of the partition by 200% to 400% of the diameter of the aerosol-generation segment.

[0145] Example 53: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein the pipe is integrally formed or embedded within the partition.

[0146] Example 54: An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein the pipe has an end extending downstream of the partition.

[0147] Example 55: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the pipe is disposed adjacent to the downstream end of the partition.

[0148] Example 56: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein the pipe has an end portion that is inclined relative to the conveying direction.

[0149] Example 57: 57. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 56, wherein the pipe has ends that are essentially parallel to the conveying direction.

[0150] Example 58: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 57, wherein the end of the pipe is disposed separately from the partition.

[0151] Example 59: The device of any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the end of the pipe extends longitudinally within the elongated portion of the partition.

[0152] Example 60: 60. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 59, wherein the outer diameter of the pipe is equal to the width of the partition.

[0153] Example 61: 61. The device of any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein the wall of the focusing device facing the aerosol-generating substrate is at least partially concave.

[0154] Example 62: 62. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the width of the converging device at least partially decreases in the conveying direction.

[0155] Example 63: 63. The device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the height of the sidewall of the converging device at least partially decreases in the conveying direction.

[0156] Example 64: 64. The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 63, further comprising a vacuum conveyor for transporting the aerosol-generating substrate from the reservoir onto the wrapper.

[0157] Example 65: The device of any one of Examples 1-64, wherein the device further comprises a source of wrapper.

[0158] Example 66: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-65, wherein the apparatus further comprises an adhesive applicator for placing adhesive on the free end of the wrapper.

[0159] Example 67: The device of any one of Examples 1-66, wherein the device further comprises a wrapping device for wrapping the wrapper to form the aerosol-generation segment.

[0160] Example 68: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-67, wherein the apparatus further comprises a heating element for forming an adhesive bond on the overlap area of ​​the wrapper.

[0161] Example 69: The device of any one of Examples 1-68, wherein the device further comprises a cutting device for cutting the aerosol-generation segment.

[0162] Example 70: 1. A method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing an aerosol-generating substrate, comprising: conveying the wrapper having the aerosol-generating substrate disposed thereon along a conveying direction through a focusing device; dividing the aerosol-generating substrate at least partially by a partition within a focusing device; and dispensing the additive onto the at least partially segmented aerosol-generating substrate.

[0163] Example 71: 71. The method of example 70, wherein the dividing and dispensing steps are performed simultaneously with the conveying step.

[0164] Example 72: 72. The method of any one of Examples 70-71, wherein the conveying step comprises focusing the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0165] Example 73: 73. The method of any one of Examples 70-72, wherein the conveying step comprises wrapping the wrapper at least partially around the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0166] Example 74: The method of any one of Examples 70 to 74, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate at an angle of at least 90 degrees, preferably at least 140 degrees.

[0167] Example 75: The method of any one of Examples 70 to 74, wherein the dividing step is performed when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0168] Example 76: The method of any one of Examples 70 to 75, wherein the discharging step is carried out in a converging device.

[0169] Example 77: 77. The method of any one of Examples 70 to 76, wherein the additive is emitted primarily around and at the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0170] Example 78: 78. The method of any one of Examples 70 to 77, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is conveyed onto the wrapper by a vacuum conveyor.

[0171] Example 79: The method of any one of Examples 70 to 78, wherein the adhesive is applied to the free end of the wrapper.

[0172] Example 80: 80. The method of any one of Examples 70 to 79, wherein the wrapper is wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate to form a rod.

[0173] Example 81: 81. The method of any one of Examples 70-80, wherein the overlap region of the wrapper is heated by a heating element to form an adhesive connection.

[0174] Example 82: Use of a partition in the form of a blade to apply an additive within an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0175] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0176] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating segment 3. The apparatus 1 includes a conveyor apparatus 5 having an upper belt surface 7 of a belt 9. The upper belt surface 7 conveys a wrapper 11 along a conveying direction 100 through a converging apparatus 13. The wrapper 11 is supplied by a wrapper supply 15 in the form of a bobbin. A vacuum conveyor 17 conveys an aerosol-generating substrate 21 on its lower run 19 onto the wrapper 11 supported by the conveyor apparatus 5 by negative pressure from a reservoir. The aerosol-generating substrate 21 drops onto the wrapper 11 at the downstream end of the vacuum conveyor 17, and the vacuum is removed. The wrapper 11, with the aerosol-generating substrate 21 deposited thereon, is conveyed through the converging apparatus 13 to form a rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment 3. The converging device 13 includes a partition 23 that protrudes into the flow of the aerosol-generating substrates 21 to divide the aerosol-generating substrates 21 and allow the additive to be ejected into the interior of the aerosol-generating substrates 21. The converging device 13, together with the conveyor device 5, forms at least partially rod-shaped aerosol-generating segments 3. The apparatus 1 further includes an adhesive applicator 25 for placing adhesive on the free end of the wrapper 11. The adhesive may also be applied to the wrapper 11 before it reaches the conveyor device 5. The apparatus 1 further includes a wrapping device 27 for completely wrapping the wrapper 11 to form the aerosol-generating segment 3. This may include pressing the free end of the adhesive-containing wrapper 11 against the aerosol-generating segment 3. The apparatus 1 further includes a heating element 29 for forming an adhesive connection on the overlapping region of the wrapper 11. This may include curing the adhesive in the form of an adhesive to establish a stable seam. The apparatus 1 further includes a cutting device 31 for cutting the aerosol-generating segments 3 into rods of predetermined lengths. The aerosol-generation segment 3 has a diameter 601 at the end of this manufacturing process.

[0177] FIG. 2 shows the converging device 13 in a perspective view from below. The partition 23 is disposed on the lower wall 33 of the converging device 13. The wall 33 faces the aerosol-generating substrates 21. The partition 23 has a downstream end 35 at which an outlet 37 is located. The additive is discharged through the outlet 37 into the flow of aerosol-generating substrates 21. The additive is passed through an outer pipe 39 into a pipe or channel that extends at least partially through the converging device 13 to the outlet 37. The aerosol-generating substrates 21 flow in the conveying direction 100 and are divided by the partition 23, resulting in a gap in the aerosol-generating substrates 21 downstream of the downstream end 35 of the partition. The wall 33 of the converging device 13 facing the aerosol-generating substrates 21 is at least partially concave and decreases in width along the conveying direction 100 to impose a rod-like shape on the aerosol-generating substrates 21. Furthermore, the conveyor 5 provides a rod shape corresponding to the wrapper 11 and the aerosol-generating substrate 21 from below, as illustrated in Figure 3. The side walls 41 of the converging device 13 guide the aerosol-generating substrate 21, decreasing in height along the conveying direction 100.

[0178] The partition 23 further comprises an upstream end 43 and a lower side 45. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the lower side 45 of the partition 23 has a first portion 47 that is inclined relative to the conveying direction 100 or the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment 3 being formed. Additionally, the lower side 45 of the partition 23 has a second portion 49 that remains parallel to the conveying direction 100, such that the partition 23 has a constant height along the second portion 49.

[0179] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. The partition 23 divides the flow of aerosol-generating substrates 21. At the same time, the converging device 13 shapes the aerosol-generating substrates 21 from the upper side into a rod shape having an inner wall 33 and inner surfaces of side walls 41. The upper belt surface 7 of the conveyor device 5 shapes the wrapper 11 and aerosol-generating substrates 21 into a corresponding lower half of a cylinder or rod. The wrapping device 27 closes the rod-shaped aerosol-generating segment 3 downstream of the converging device 13 by overlapping the free ends 51 of the wrappers 11, at least one of which is provided with adhesive. The aerosol-generating substrates 21 have a height or thickness 602 measured from the inner wall 33 of the upper converging device 13 to the wrapper 11 on the upper belt surface 7 of the lower conveyor device 5.

[0180] 4 shows a perspective side view of the focusing device 13. The partition 23 is essentially planar and has its main extension along the longitudinal axis 200 of the focusing device 13 and along the vertical axis 300 of the focusing device 13. The longitudinal axis 200 is parallel to the conveying direction 100. The vertical axis 300 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200. The width of the partition 23 extends along a transverse axis 400 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200 and the vertical axis 300. The longitudinal axis 200 may be the central longitudinal axis of the focusing device 13, the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation segment 3 being formed, or the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation substrate 21.

[0181] 5 shows the converging device 13 from below. The partition 23 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 200 of the converging device 13 from the partition's upstream end 43 to the partition's downstream end 35. The partition has a length 701 along the longitudinal axis 200 and a width 702 along the transverse axis 400. The upstream end 43 of the partition 23 coincides with the upstream end 53 of the converging device 13. The upstream end 53 is the inlet end of the converging device 13. The concave wall 33 of the converging device 13 extends to the downstream end 55 of the converging device 13.

[0182] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the concentrating device 13 in the orientation of Figure 1, taken along the intermediate axis VI-VI as shown in Figure 5. The inner pipe 57 is connected to the outer pipe 39 as visible in Figure 4 and passes the additive to the discharge port 37. The outer superstructure of the concentrating device 13 adjacent to the outer pipe 39 has been omitted in this view. The inner pipe 57 passes through the partition 23, and the discharge port 37 is disposed in the downstream end 35 of the partition 23 facing in the downstream direction.

[0183] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the enclosed area in FIG. 6, i.e., an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the partition 23 of the first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6. The partition 23 has a length 701 along the conveying direction 100 and a height 703 measured at the downstream end 35 of the partition 23. The underside 45 of the partition 23 has a first portion 47 that is inclined with respect to the conveying direction 100, thus increasing the height 703 along the conveying direction 100. The underside 45 of the partition 23 also has a second portion 49 that is parallel to the conveying direction 100 and thus has a constant height 703. The inclined first portion 47 of the underside 45 is inclined at an angle 901 with respect to the conveying direction 100 or the longitudinal axis 200 of the converging device 13, which may be horizontal. The end 59 of the inner pipe 57 is parallel to the conveying direction 100, and the discharge opening 37 faces downstream. The outlet 37 is offset relative to the second portion 49 of the underside 45 .

[0184] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the partition 23 of the second embodiment. The pipe 57 and its end 59 extend into the partition 23 to the discharge opening 37, which is located on the underside 45 of the partition. The pipe 57 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the conveying direction 100. The additive 61 is discharged perpendicular to the conveying direction 100. Thus, the additive 61 is discharged in a discharge direction 800, which is inclined at an angle 902 of essentially 90 degrees relative to the conveying direction 100. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 9-11, the angle 902 is essentially zero degrees. The underside 45 of the partition 23 comprises an inclined first portion 47 and a horizontal second portion 49. Furthermore, the downstream portion 63 of the partition 23 forms the third portion of the underside 45 of the partition 23. The downstream portion 63 has a height 703 that is lower than the second portion 49 of the underside 45, which represents a further upstream portion.

[0185] 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the partition 23 of the third embodiment. The partition 23 includes a lower side 45 having a first inclined portion 47, a second horizontal portion 49, and a downstream portion 63 representing the third portion 63. The pipe 57 has an elongated end 59 in the downstream direction 100. The end 59 is surrounded by the downstream portion 63 of the partition 23. The downstream portion 63 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the partition 23. The downstream portion 63 has a reduced height compared to the height 703 of the downstream end 35.

[0186] 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the partition 23 of the fourth embodiment. The pipe 57 is disposed adjacent to the downstream end 35 of the partition 23 and has an end 59 extending downstream of the partition 23. A portion of the pipe 57 extends vertically within the converging device 13. The end 59 extends horizontally, parallel to the conveying direction 100. The discharge opening 37 faces downstream.

[0187] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the partition 23 of the fifth embodiment. The pipe 57 extends at least partially within the partition 23 or is at least partially integrally formed with the partition 23. Furthermore, the pipe 57 has an end 59 extending downstream of the partition 23. The end 59 extends parallel to the conveying direction 100. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the end 59 of the pipe 57 is not surrounded by the downstream portion 63 of the partition 23. As with the third embodiment of FIG. 9, the outlet 37, or the underside of the end 59, is vertically offset from the lower edge of the second portion 49 of the underside 45. The outlet 37 has a diameter 801. The diameter 801 of the outlet 37 may correspond to the inner diameter of the end 59 of the pipe 57. The outlet 37 has a center 802, which is its central axis. The partition has left and right sides 65, each facing in opposite directions of the transverse axis 400. The center 802 of the outlet 37 is positioned at a distance from one lateral side 65, as seen in FIG. 2. This distance may be between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm. The end 59 of the pipe 57 has an outer diameter 803. The outer diameter 803, measured horizontally, may be equal to the width 702 of the partition 23. The outer diameter 803 may be equal to the end 59 and further portions of the pipe 57.

[0188] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating segment of an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a conveyor device configured to convey the wrapper having the aerosol-generating substrate deposited thereon in a conveying direction; a focusing device configured to focus the wrapper onto the aerosol-generating substrate; the focusing device comprises a partition, the partition protruding into the aerosol-generating substrate to at least partially divide the aerosol-generating substrate; the focusing device has an outlet for discharging the additive into the aerosol-generating substrate; The apparatus wherein the discharge outlet is provided at a downstream end of the partition.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the partition has a length between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the outlet has a diameter of between 0.7 millimeters and 1.3 millimeters.

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the partition extends along the conveying direction with a height that increases at least locally along the conveying direction.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the partition comprises a downstream portion having a lower height than an upstream portion of the partition.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outlet is integral with the partition.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet is provided on the underside of the partition.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet is positioned offset relative to the underside of the partition.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outlet is provided on a pipe.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe has an end that extends downstream of the partition.

11. 1. A method for producing an aerosol-generating segment containing an aerosol-generating substrate, comprising: conveying the wrapper having the aerosol-generating substrate disposed thereon along a conveying direction through a focusing device; dividing the aerosol-generating substrate at least partially by a partition within the focusing device; and discharging the additive into the at least partially divided aerosol-generating substrate through a discharge port provided at the downstream end of the partition.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the dividing and dispensing steps are performed simultaneously with the conveying step.

13. The method of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the discharging step is carried out when the wrapper is at least partially wrapped around the aerosol-generating substrate.

14. The use of a blade-shaped partition for applying an additive into an aerosol-generating substrate by means of an outlet provided at the downstream end of said partition.

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